1 person found this review helpful
Placer Nature Center
December 8, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I have been a docent at Placer Nature Center since 1994 and have seen thousands of school children enjoy all that the center has to offer. This is a little jewel of a place tucked into a corner of Auburn that needs to be brought to the attention of everyone in our community. It may be the only place in our areas where children are taught to appreciate and care about our natural environment.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
December 22, 2010
Placer Nature Center is the local environmental education equivalent of the "little engine that could". With an enthusiastic group of volunteers and a tiny, but very energetic staff, PNC provides outdoor education to thousands of school children each year. In addition, Placer Nature Center delivers programs for families on weekend days, and provides a wonderful science/sustainability/nature lecture series to the Placer County community each year. As a board member and volunteer docent, I have met many good people who not only want a healthy natural and social environment in our community, but who are helping to build it!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen families experience a sense of wonder at the natural world and its features which they didn't even know were part of their community.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would like to help Placer Nature Center grow in membership and public presence. Even though they are doing much with so little funding, it would be nice to see the organization have the resources needed to offer more programs to the community and to bring more students to the Nature Center
November 22, 2010
The Placer Nature Center provides children and their families with the opportunity to enjoy, learn about and appreciate nature through the self-guided exploration of a wonderful nature center, as well as through guided school tours, special discovery days, summer camps and outreach activities. Tens of thousands of children have been touched by the nature center since it opened twenty years ago. When I first moved to the area five years ago, I quickly realized that the Placer Nature Center is THE leader in environmental education within the region. My family has participated in many of the excellent programs and activities and now I proudly serve on the Board of Directors. The Placer Nature Center is critical to ensuring the health, well being and sustainability of Placer County's residents -- human and wild -- for generations to come. Please support our efforts and join us to celebrate 20 years of success.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As a local resident and now a board member, I have observed the talented staff and volunteers teach many people about the natural world. their work is outstanding and critical to the well being of our community and region.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
find a way to expand their reach far beyond their current capabilities. Limited financial resources limit their ability to provide programs to every school group that would like to visit.
August 13, 2010
I've only helped with the summer camp, but that was enough to realize that the Placer Nature Center is a great place for kids and adults alike to get a close experience with nature. The kids have so much fun at the summer camp, they look up to their counselors and meet new friends! I even enjoyed the activities! They're utilities are a great example of how to green your home fairly easy, such as: the compost bins, the garden, and the pond. I specifically like watching to birds wash themselves near the pond in the clay pan that (I'm assuming) was set out for them every morning. I definitely think it was worth the drive from Roseville, and I'm hoping to take every opportunity to help as I can.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I am even more passionate about the environment and nature, and would like to get more involved in the Placer Nature Center.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The summer camp was extremely fun, but sometimes we had a lack of organization which is to be expected. We had kids range from the ages of 8 to 12, and they got rambunctious at times, especially if you have a few in particular that spur that behavior.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The support and the overall happiness and gratitude that I was there. And of coarse gaining new relationships and having fun with the kids.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Kinds, well of coarse all different kinds. Some were shy, which proves you don't have to be extremely outgoing to take part in a puppet show! There were some that you become friends with instantly! And of coarse Linda :)
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Possibly expand to other branches in different areas around Placer County.
Ways to make it better...
I had started volunteering with them sooner! As it is, I'm almost to the age where I can't be a counselor anymore, though there is always a docent volunteer.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
More outreach. It's kind of hard to find (it was for me anyway) and hidden back behind the CCC camp.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I made so many friends and had so much fun, I hope more people want to volunteer. The puppet shows are the funnest I think, or maybe the songs? It was all fantastic!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 11, 2010
Volunteering at the Placer Nature Center was a life changing experience for me. I stared helping out office staff and getting a chance to work with the volunteer docents and seeing how they worked with the school field trips. Seeing the expressions on the kids faces and watching how the interacting with the docents I soon became a docent myself. I love how fun the schools groups are and how the kids come alive with each activity. Placer Nature Center is now my 2nd home for not only me but my 2 year old who just enjoys the hikes, garden, and the live bee hive. Thanks to Placer Nature Center I've been able to bond with my daughter doing outdoor activities and realized where my heart truly lyes.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My own life as far as being able to connect with my daughter. The weekend family days have opened the doors to us being outside, looking for bugs, planting trees, and digging for worms. As a docent I see the results in the children everyday!
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
That every time I'm hear I learn something new and I LOVE working with the kids.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Outgoing, fun, creative, dedicated, understanding,informed, and all very unique in all the best ways.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Have more exhibits, better parking for all the guest they get,do a better outreach for more volunteers, get some paid staff, offer more field trips, update field trip materials, make their handicap trials and garden bigger and am overall face lift.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 7, 2010
I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started redesigning the nature center's website. What was originally a simple site with maybe 10 pages, now has over 75 (and growing with the thanks of other volunteers). I didn't realize all the different programs the nature center offered - with a tiny staff and an equally tiny budget. The more I researched the more surprised I was. This little nature center is truly a community supported, community run and a community based organization!
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
seeing the impact the programs have on the children. I grew up around and in nature, so I always took those experiences for granted. When I see the look and hear the wonder when a child takes their first trail hike - it's incredible!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very, very passionate!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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