Discovering the Joy of Conservation: A Journey at SCICON

Nestled in the heart of Tulare County, CA, SCICON is a school dedicated to teaching children about science and conservation. Run by the Tulare County Office of Education, SCICON welcomes over 8,000 fifth and sixth graders every year. The school’s director, Dianne Shew, stresses the importance of instilling a love and respect for nature in the younger generation.

Spanning 1,170 acres and bordering National Forest land, SCICON provides an unparalleled outdoor learning experience. Students can embark on hikes of varying difficulty levels, explore aquatic environments, and visit a museum showcasing local wildlife. The goal is to inspire a sense of wonder and responsibility towards the environment in children.

For students like Gavin, the experience at SCICON has been life-changing. Despite facing challenges like flooding that damaged the school’s fragile habitat, SCICON has received support from the Friends of SCICON organization and a grant from the Disney Conservation Fund. This grant will help restore the habitat and continue educating children about the importance of conservation efforts.

With the help of volunteers from Disney, the salamander habitat at SCICON is being revitalized. Dianne Shew believes that through education and community effort, future generations can learn to appreciate and protect the environment. The overarching message is that everyone has a role to play in preserving our planet for the future.