Loma Mar Program Overview

Exploring New Horizons Outdoor Schools at Loma Mar takes a hands-on, experiential approach to science education, and focuses on adventure, self-discovery and environmental stewardship. Located in the Pescadero Creek watershed near Memorial and Pescadero Creek County Parks, students learn about how they are connected to the natural world while exploring the Oak and Redwood Forest. Each evening activity finishes with songs and stories around the campfire.

The Exploring New Horizons curriculum, aligned with the California State Standards, focuses on three strands:

  1. Nature Appreciation and Understanding
  2. Cooperation and Teamwork
  3. Citizenship and Empowerment

These themes are taught through a variety of activities and lessons. Daytime activities include:

  • Exploring Pescadero Marsh and the tidepools along the Central Coast’s beautiful rocky shore
  • Learning about the old growth redwoods while hiking through our beautiful site as well as Pescadero and Memorial County Parks
  • Exploring and working with the plants, chickens and ducks in the organic garden
  • Hikes and lessons in a mixed Oak/Madrone/Douglas fir forest
  • Working together to complete safe and exciting team challenges
  • Singing songs about decomposition, adaptations, and the food chain

Night time activities include:

  • The Town Hall Meeting, in which students debate and vote on a development issue
  • The Barnyard Boogie, where students learn dances with our live band
  • The Night Hike, in which students go for a hike at night and learn about astronomy
  • Skit Night, where students perform skits about an outdoor education related theme
  • Each evening ends with a campfire where naturalists sing songs and tell stories