Muir Woods National Monument - Plan A Field Trip (U.S. National Park Service)

Educational Opportunities

Into the Redwood Forest (grades 3-5)

This is a curriculum based educational program that matches California State educational standards. The student discovers the magic of Muir Woods National Monument by exploring the plant and animal communities and their interdependence within the forest. Lessons are organized so students can build on the knowledge they have already gained. Into the Redwood Forest utilizes a cooperative learning model.

Pre-visit activities begin with a biography of John Muir and his use of journals. Students construct a personal journal that is used throughout the program. All activities are designed to build on one another so the student may record and follow their individual progression in understanding the components of the ecosystem.
A classroom visit from National Park Service staff helps students develop and understanding of Muir Woods’s ecology and the National Park Service mission. Park staff facilitates fun learning activities to prepare students for their visit.
A science field experience in Muir Woods brings students to study, experiment, record, and draw the interdependent communities of a redwood forest.
Post-visit activities engage students in the exchange of information accumulated in their personal journals. They are encouraged to design a park brochure, write a story, poem, or letter about their experience.

To participate in this program click on Learn More...

Educational Field Trips

Muir Woods encourage teachers and educators to utilize this incredible

out-door classroom. Due to the high demand, we do require reservations for school groups. Please make your reservation at least 2 weeks in advance. In order to give the class and our other visitors the best experience possible, we limit group size to 60 including chaperons and only one group per hour. We recommend that you plan at least 1 ½ hours for you visit at Muir Woods. The interpreter will spend approximately 30 minutes with your group, leaving one hour for you to explore the park on your own. It is important that the group splits into smaller groups and all students stay with their chaperons at all times. Educational fee waivers are granted only to educational institutions that are incorporating redwood or forest ecology and/or park management into their academic curricula.

K-5 Nature’s Classroom

You can receive a CD-ROM with pre-visit learning activities including a power point presentation that can be used to familiarize your class with the Muir Woods’ ecosystem. A limited amount of 30-minute videos also are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. The video follows a ranger and group of students as they assume the role of “nature detectives” in the redwood forest. The video must be returned on the day of the visit.

National Park Service staff will greet you and your class when you arrive at Muir Woods. Staff will conduct a talk on the ecosystem that is grade appropriate, or include in the talk information you request, in a special outdoor classroom area. After the talk, the group is welcomed to explore Muir Woods on their own. We suggest you utilize the information on the CD-ROM.

Grade 6 and above

There is a PowerPoint presentation on Muir Woods that is available for your group. Staff will conduct a talk on the ecosystem based on the information obtained when you make your reservation. After the talk, the group is welcomed to explore Muir Woods on their own. We would be more than happy to suggest hikes that may be appropriate for your group.

Things you should know

· The roads leading to Muir Woods are steep and windy. The California Highway Patrol suggests for the safety of the passengers that all buses be no more than 35 feet in length.

· The redwood forest is a very shading and cool environment. It is suggested that everyone dress in layers and wear rain gear when needed.

· There are no picnic facilities in the park. Please allow time for your group to eat prior to or after your visit. We suggest you picnic at Muir Beach (3 miles/6 min), Muir Beach Overlook (3.6 miles/8 min), or Stinson Beach (9.3 miles/20 min).