At a time when students often feel overwhelmed by screens, stress, and disconnected learning, the Sly Park Environmental Education Center is a reminder of what education can be. More than a field trip destination, Sly Park is a vital force for hands-on learning, teaching mental wellness and environmental stewardship. Its recent induction into the “Hall of Honor” by the Partnership for Quality Living isn’t just a recognition of past excellence—it’s a powerful call to invest in experiences that reconnect young people to nature, to each other, and to the joy of discovery.
Located in the serene Sierra Nevada foothills about 60 miles east of Sacramento, Sly Park offers far more than academics. It provides immersive, life-changing experiences where students explore science, teamwork, and personal growth in nature. Whether testing water quality, identifying animal tracks, or building shelters, students leave with a deeper understanding of the environment and essential life skills.
Statewide Recognition
At a banquet hosted by the partnership—which recognizes and promotes contributions to the fields of recreation, parks, wellness, and leisure services in California—Sly Park was formally inducted into the “Regional Treasure” category. The accolade recognizes its decades-long impact on outdoor education and student well-being. The evening brought together community leaders, educators, and past honorees to celebrate the campus’s legacy and future promise.
Presenters reflected on Sly Park’s 1970 founding mission: to give urban students first-hand experiences in the natural world, instilling conservation values and a deep understanding of ecological systems. That mission is alive and thriving today, powered by credentialed teachers who deliver standards-aligned lessons that integrate science, environmental literacy, and social-emotional growth. As the event program noted, students at Sly Park don’t just learn about ecosystems; they learn how to care for them—and for one another.
Among those in attendance were Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon, Sacramento County Board of Education President Al Brown and Trustee Heather Davis, and the dedicated Sly Park staff, including Sly Park Director Jeremy Myers. The recognition lit up the room. Photos from the evening captured pride and joy on every face. The framed Hall of Honor plaque symbolizes more than an award—it’s a reminder that when education meets nature, transformation happens. As one speaker raved, “Sly Park is more than a program—it’s a gift to generations.”
Engaging Sly Park Team Fosters Curiosity
What sets Sly Park apart is its team. Unlike many outdoor programs, it’s staffed entirely by certificated teachers. This ensures engaging and rigorous instruction, rooted in California teaching standards and directly connected to the lessons students are learning in school. Parents and educators can rest assured: this is fun with a purpose.
Students don’t just hear about science, they practice it. From studying plant adaptations to journaling about their surroundings, Sly Park fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong sense of wonder. Sly Park also provides something students desperately need: peace. In a world of digital overload and constant pressure, the campus offers a quiet place to reflect, reconnect, and reset. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is woven into every part of the experience, from campfire storytelling to collaborative hikes. These nature-based moments help students build confidence, empathy, and resilience—tools they take back to their classrooms and communities.
An Unforgettable Treasure for All
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) operates the Sly Park Environmental Education Center, bringing almost 8,000 fifth- and sixth-grade students into the forest each year to learn about the outdoors and science in a residential school setting. For educators, Sly Park is an extension of the classroom, delivered by experts who understand how to teach the whole child. For parents, it’s a safe and meaningful experience that strengthens their child’s learning and well-being. And for students, Sly Park is simply unforgettable—a place where adventure, growth, and healing come together under the trees.
As Sly Park celebrates its Hall of Honor induction, it does so not by looking back, but by leaning forward—ready to welcome the next generation of explorers, scientists, and stewards to a program that truly is a Regional Treasure.