VISION:
Bear Yuba Land Trust’s (BYLT’s) Connecting with Nature program focuses on creating opportunities for our community and beyond to connect with nature through engagement with BYLT held lands and trails. BYLT offers many opportunities for recreation, education, and participation, including placed-based learning, community partnerships, and volunteer work.
Connecting with Nature is for everyone! We welcome schools, teachers, youth-centered organizations, non-profits, professional organizations, volunteer groups, and individuals looking for service work. Connecting with Nature programming can be customized to meet the needs and desired outcomes of a particular organization or group, with self-guided options along with BYLT led activities.
CORE VALUES:
- Proximity – Work on Urban Core Trails and Preserves near organizations or schools to allow ease and accessibility.
- Individuality – We understand that each school or organization is different so our program is flexible to accommodate individual needs.
- Growing Connection – Providing experiences for people to be outside and feel the value of Vitamin D, joy, inspiration, and wonder will build their relationship with the natural world. With strong connection and appreciation, there is value and a seed of desire for further integration.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:
Option 1: Self-guided
BYLT maintains 50+ miles of trails and has conserved over 26,000 acres of land in the Bear and Yuba Watershed. We encourage organizations and groups to connect with nature through self-guided hikes and outings on our public trails and preserves. Explore our TRAILS PORTAL and our PUBLIC PRESERVES to start planning your excursion.
Your organization must add BYLT to their insurance when taking groups out frequently. Please contact Engagement Manager, Brendan Allen, at brendan@bylt.org with your interest.
Option 2: BYLT-guided
As a steward of the land, BYLT collects data and actively manages the places we protect. For groups and organizations interested in fulfilling volunteer hours and/or gaining conservation and stewardship knowledge, we offer focused projects. In addition to hands-on work, we can provide such things as nature walks, nature journaling, and learning opportunities on native plants, land history, and the essentials of conservation in our community. There are also opportunities to build relationships with our community partners such as local Native American Tribes or California Native Plant Society.
If you are interested in a BYLT-guided opportunity, please complete the Third Party Request Form. Depending on the level of involvement, there may be a fee requested to cover costs.
Option 3: For School Groups & Youth Programs
Let the Land Be Your Lesson Plan!
Looking for fun, hands-on ways to get your class outside and engaged with nature!? Bear Yuba Land Trust invites you to participate in exciting outdoor programs designed to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and a lifelong love of the land! Perfect for student groups, clubs & classes.
Habitat Restoration Workdays: Dig in, do good, and make a difference!
Tuesdays & Thursdays, or select weekend Projects on the Preserve
Join us on the land to help remove invasive species, plant natives, and care for local ecosystems. A perfect blend of science, sunshine and service!
“Walk & Talk” Nature Outings: Observe. Reflect. Connect.
4 seasonal opportunities each year
Bring your journals and explore the trails with us! We’ll lead you on a guided hike and experience nature together— some of the best moments happen when you slow down and observe 🙂
Adopt a Monarch Meadow: More Milkweed, More Monarchs
February – March
We need your help to increase the Monarch Butterfly population in Nevada County! Plant native milkweed — the monarchs’ main food source — at one of our meadow sites to encourage their migration from the coast inland.
To schedule your school’s adventure! Contact BYLT Engagement Manager Brendan Allen at brendan@bylt.org.
LEAVE NO TRACE GUIDELINES:
Plan and Prepare
Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
Repackage food to minimize waste.
Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Stay on the Trail
Protect riparian areas by straying on the existing trails.
Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Leave What You Find
Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
Do not build structures, rock formations, furniture, or dig trenches.
No Campfires
Absolutely no campfires.
Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.