WHO WE ARE

The Grassland Environmental Education Center connects youth to wildlife and wetlands

GEECe’s motto remains “Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

The Grassland Environmental Education Center (GEECe) is a no-fee field trip facility that was established in 1995, by the Grassland Water District (GWD) as an opportunity for school students to learn about the ecologically significant wildlife habitats located in the San Joaquin Valley’s Grassland Ecological Area (GEA).

Children that understand the ecological importance of our wetland resources will become adults that make informed decisions regarding habitat conservation.

GEECe’s mission is to depict the many significant contributions that wildlife managers, the agricultural community, sportsmen and environmentalists all make in conserving our San Joaquin Valley (SJV) wetland and farmland resources. Since 2008, more than 40,000 students, teachers and adults have attended fieldtrips, in-class presentations and exhibits sponsored by GWD and GEECe’s education coordinator.

The CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife became a partner with GWD in 2000, providing a biologist to operate GEECe. In 2007 the Grassland Environmental Education Center and the Van Atta Interpretive Marsh moved from its original location at Liberty Packing in Volta, CA to the Los Banos Wildlife Area. GEECe’s on-site activities incorporate Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for science, math and social studies, as well as, the Environment in Education Initiative (EEI) concepts in a fun and informal setting. Participation from area schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, home-school groups and university students has steadily increased in the last few years. GEECe provides on-site activities, in-class presentations and has substantially increased exhibits at public nature-themed venues.

In 2010 GEECe, along with other GEA organizations, participated in the Merced County Fair’s Water, Wetlands and Wildlife, exhibit receiving an award from the International Fair Association. In 2011 and 2012 GEECe, and other GEA organizations, worked with new partners from Stanislaus County to provide entertaining and informative displays for the Stanislaus County Fair.

DIRECTIONS TO THE CENTER

HEADING NORTH (INTERSTATE 5)

Follow I-5 N to CA-165 N/Mercey Springs Rd in Merced County. Take exit 391 from I-5 N 45 min

Follow CA-165 N/Mercey Springs Rd to Henry Miller Ave

HEADING SOUTH (INTERSTATE 5)

Follow I-5 S to Merced County. Take exit 407 from I-5 S

Drive to Henry Miller Ave

Grassland Environmental Education Center

18110 Henry Miller Road Los Banos, CA 93635

GRASSLAND TV:
GRASSLAND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

WATCH GRASSLAND TV

VIEW CHANNEL  

VISIT THE CENTER

The Grassland Environmental Education Center is available for tours by appointment with limited seasonal closures. Visiting school groups hike into the wetlands maintained by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at the Los Banos Wildlife Area. Students share this unique opportunity in the exploration and investigation of our valley wetland’s native plants and wildlife. Our intrepid explorers continue their research indoors with a series of grade-level activities based on Common Core, the Next Generation Science Standards and Education in the Environment Initiative. GEECe’s activities serve to inform our students of the valuable natural resources of people, water, land and wildlife that is a part of our history and heritage.

SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS

Would you like to reinforce something your students are studying in class, but the district budget doesn’t have the funds for your students to come to GEECe? GEECe can come to you!
Email our (Education Coordinator and Click Here) if you have any questions.
SCHEDULE A VISIT