School Resources
Raising environmental awareness and educating the next generation of conservationists and biologists is crucial to protecting habitats and species. As a community, we can learn how to preserve vital habitats, protect threatened and endangered species, and have fun doing it. The Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan protects 146 animal and plant species by preserving 500,000 acres of sensitive habitat in western Riverside County.
With the resources below, you can teach your students about species that are being protected in western Riverside County, find a nature center, and access other resources to supplement biology, habitat conservation, and wildlife curricula. We hope you will inspire your students to learn more about their local environment and help conserve and protect habitat for future generations.
If you would like more information, you can contact us at info@wrcrca.org.
146 Project
The 146 Project is an interactive and fun educational opportunity catered to students in grades K-8. The 146 Project encourages students to spend time outdoors while learning about the 146 different plant and animal species protected by the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. The project was developed by the RCA in partnership with local Girl Scout, Katie, to help students learn about protecting open space, conserving plant and animal species, and preserving natural habitats.
The 146 Project features several easy and fun opportunities for students in grades K-8 to earn a 146 Project fun patch that can be worn on a jacket, vest, or backpack.
Click here to learn more or to get started.
Featured Species of the Month
| Name | Scientific Name |
Type | Status | Resource |
| Arroyo Chub | Gila orcuttii | Fish | State Special Concern | Presentation Article |
| Arroyo Toad | Anaxyrus californicus | Amphibian | Federal Endangered/State Special Concern | Presentation |
| Bell’s Sage Sparrow | Artemisiospiza belli | Bird | Not Listed | Presentation |
| Black Swift | Cypseloides niger | Bird | State Special Concern | Presentation |
| Bobcat | Lynx rufus | Mammal | Not Listed | Presentation |
| California Black Walnut | Juglans californica |
Plant | Not Listed | Article Video |
| California Orcutt Grass | Orcuttia californica | Plant | Federal Endangered/State Endangered | Presentation |
| California Range Newt | Taricha torosa torosa | Amphibian | State Special Concern | Presentation Article Video |
| Downy Woodpecker | Picoides pubescens | Bird | Not Listed | Article Video |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Phalacrocorax auratus | Bird | Not Listed | Presentation Article Video |
| Ferruginous Hawk | Buteo regalis | Bird | Not Listed | Presentation Article Video |
| Golden Eagle | Aquila chrysaetos | Bird | State Protected | Presentation |
| Granite Night Lizard | Xantusia henshawi henshawi | Reptile | Not Listed | Presentation Article Video |
| Granite Spiny Lizard | Sceloporus orcutti | Reptile | Not Listed | Presentation |
| Great Blue Heron | Ardea herodias | Bird | Not Listed | Presentation |
| Lemon Lily | Lilium parryi | Plant | Not Listed | Presentation |
| Little Mousetail | Myosurus minimus | Plant | Not Listed | Presentation |
| Long Tailed Weasel | Mustela frenata | Mammal | Not Listed | Presentation |
| Los Angeles Pocket Mouse | Perognathus longimembris brevinasus | Mammal | State Special Concern | Presentation |
| Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog | Rana muscosa | Amphibian | Federal Endangered/State Special Concern | Presentation |
| Mud Nama | Nama stenocarpum | Plant | Not Listed | Presentation |
| Osprey | Pandion haliaetus | Bird | Not Listed | Presentation |
| Palomar Monkey Flower | Mimulus diffusus | Plant | Not Listed | Presentation |
| Plummer’s Mariposa Lily | Calochortus spp | Plant | Not Listed | Article Video |
| Rainbow Manzanita | Arctostaphylos rainbowensis | Plant | Not Listed | Presentation |
| Red-Diamond Rattlesnake | Croctalus ruber ruber | Reptile | State Special Concern | Presentation |
| Riverside Fairy Shrimp | Streptocephalus woottoni | Invertebrate | Federal Endangered | Presentation |
| San Diego Desert Woodrat | Neotoma lepida intermedia | Mammal | Not Listed | Presentation |
| San Miguel Savory | Clinopodium chandleri | Plant | Not Listed | Presentation |
| Southern Rubber Boa | Charina bottae umbratica | Reptile | State Threatened | Article |
| Southern Western Pond Turtle | Actinemys pallida | Reptile | State Special Concern | Presentation |
| Turkey Vulture | Cathartes aura | Bird | Not Listed | Presentation |
| Woolly Star | Eriastrum densifolium spp. sanctorum | Plant | Federal Endangered/State Endangered | Presentation |
Western Riverside County Nature Centers
Here are a few nature reserves in Western Riverside County that offer student-friendly trails, educational programs, and tours:
- Hidden Valley Nature Center
- Sycamore Canyon Ameal Moore Nature Center
- Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
- Diamond Valley Wildflower Trail (Spring)
External Resources
- Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
- California Department Fish and Wildlife Learn
- California Invasive Plant Council Plants A to Z
- California Native Plant Society Calscape Garden Planner
- Conservation Corridor
- National Geographic Kids
- National Wildlife Federation
- San Diego Zoo Kids
- Wild Futures
- World Wildlife Fund Teaching Resources