Ranger Programs
The Ranger Division is responsible for visitor safety and education
around Lake Berryessa. Park Rangers regularly patrol the day use parks
and dispersed access sites around the lake.
They share helpful resource information with visitors and help ensure that both visitors and the resources are protected. The following are just some of the programs that Rangers provide for our visitors.
Roving Ranger Programs
Rangers regularly patrol Oak Shores Day Use Park to share natural and cultural history, water safety, and other valuable information with summer visitors. When you visit the park on summer weekends, look for a Ranger to find fun, hands-on information and activities available for the whole family!
Junior Ranger Program
Our creative Park Ranger staff developed a Junior Ranger program for kids to learn about the natural wonders of Lake Berryessa and the importance of safety in and around the water. A Junior Ranger is someone who helps keep Lake Berryessa clean, safe, and fun for all to enjoy! This program is geared for families and kids from ages 5-12. To start your Junior Ranger Book or get your badge, find a Ranger at the Visitor Center or Water Education and Info Station on summer weekends, or stop by Reclamation’s Field Office Administration Building during regular office hours.
- Jr. Ranger Activity Book (pdf - 20 MB)
Park Ranger Picnic
Have a Park Ranger at your next birthday party or special event! Park
Rangers can bring fun activities and interesting information to your
family or group when you reserve a shade shelter.
They will introduce information and activities on the Junior Ranger Program, wildlife, birds of prey, wildflowers, local history, water safety, water conservation, or aquatic life, depending on your interests. Programs must be scheduled in advance. When you make reservations for the Oak Shores Shade Shelters, be sure to ask if a Ranger is available and schedule this fun activity.
Rangers in the Community
Park Rangers attend a variety of fairs and events in surrounding communities
throughout the year. They share information on recreational opportunities
around Lake Berryessa and bring fun water-related activities for the
whole family.
See our Calendar for more information about events where you can talk with a Park Ranger. Contact the Lead Park Ranger for more information.
Water Education and Information Station
Reclamation Park Rangers created a Water Education and Information
Station to provide fun family activities and relay water safety
and conservation messages to visitors.
We also provide a free lifejacket “loaner” service in Oak Shores during the Station hours of operation.
The Water Education and Information Station is located inside Oak Shores Day Use Park at 5550 Knoxville Road, Napa CA 94558. Water Education and Information Station hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., on summer weekends and holidays only. More
Visitor Center
Front of the Visitor Center Visitor Center Trail
The Visitor Center offers both natural and cultural information on Lake Berryessa and the surrounding area, along with a variety of free brochures and maps. The Visitor Center is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable Park Rangers who can provide additional information about exhibits, points of interest, and assist with any other questions you may have.
The Visitor Center is a good place for first time visitors to stop in and acquire a free map and brochure of the lake. Brochures and maps can also be downloaded from our Visitor Information page. The Visitor Center is located at
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LAKE BERRYESSA WATER EDUCATION FIELD PROGRAM
Lake Berryessa: Protecting Your Future, One Drop at a Time!
Is this just another Field Trip?
No. The education program is an interdisciplinary learning experience for students in grades 4-6. The program integrates the natural resources of Lake Berryessa and California State standards. The thematic program was developed in cooperation with educators from our local communities including Napa, Winters, Sacramento, and the Bay Area.
WILL Park rangers help me teach my students?
Your class will join a Park Ranger to learn about living water resources at a Federal reservoir in your area-Lake Berryessa. The program utilizes Park Rangers as the subject experts and primary instructors, with assistance from the classroom teachers. The park outdoor “classroom” becomes the primary teaching resource. In addition to the on-site learning experience, the teacher packet includes pre-visit materials including logistical information, a pre/post test for comprehension, and pre and post-site activities that will help teachers supplement the on-site experience. Rangers are available for classroom visits to conduct water education lesson (i.e. pre-site visit).
What will MY students do?
The program is correlated to 5th grade curriculum standards, and is appropriate for grades 4-6. Students will explore Lake Berryessa resources found around the Oak Shores Day Use Park. They will see, hear, and learn first hand about:
- The value of water resources in our community
- Lake biology and chemistry
- Water conservation practices at home and in the community
- The complex water delivery system of this area
How Can my class participate?
Three to four hour programs (including lunch time) are offered Monday through Friday, September – May. Classes typically arrive by 10:00 and leave by 1:00, but times are flexible depending on your drive time and field trip constraints. Class size: minimum 10; maximum 60. School groups are required to be accompanied by teachers and chaperones, with at least one adult per 10 students. Teachers and chaperones are responsible for all discipline and must remain with the group during the program. Programs are conducted rain or shine, but may be re-scheduled due to extreme weather.
Contact the Lead Interpretive Park Ranger at 707-966-2111 ext. 112 or email Lead Park Ranger for more information. There is NO CHARGE to participate.
For more information or to schedule your class for a program, contact the Lead Park Ranger
916-989-7200 |
916-989-7212 |
2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento CA 95825-1898
Main (916) 978-5100 | FAX (916) 978-5114 | TDD (916) 978-5608
Reclamation Officials' Telephone Numbers
