Building bridges to nature

Splash programs create bridges between Sacramento's urban population and the natural world that surrounds them. Nature provides a limitless resource for play, exploration, and discovery, yet few urban children enjoy regular excursions in nature.

Many city-dwelling families have lost the connection to the outdoors that was common in previous generations.  This leaves most of the children in urbanized Sacramento County with little direct access to nature and its associated physical and mental health benefits.

Centrally located in Sacramento County, Mather Field offers an oasis of vernal pools, grasslands, lakes and streams to explore, just 20 minutes from downtown Sacramento. Every year, the Splash Elementary Program brings over 2,000 elementary students to explore and investigate the wildlands at Mather Field.  Public events like Nature in the Neighborhood help Sacramento area families and individuals to rediscover their rich natural heritage less than a half-hour from home. 

Splash Club (hosted at the Splash Education Center) and Splash Club After School (hosted by teachers at their elementary schools) provide opportunities for children to continue on a path of scientific investigation and outdoor exploration.  Splash is also collaborating with other local providers to build a network of programs designed to get kids outside.  Through collaboration and creative programming, Splash connects children with nature, thereby enriching their lives, fostering environmental stewardship, and inspiring young scientists.