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LandPaths has an In Our Own Back Yard (IOOBY) education program that works in partnership with the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District to develop a connection between Sonoma County students and a preserved open space property.

The IOOBY program includes four theme-based visits to the property throughout the year. Each visit focuses on one of the following natural history topics: Discovery and Exploration, Watersheds, Habitat, and Stewardship. Classroom visits prior to each outing help establish good trail and safety practices, as well as orientation to tool use and stewardship techniques.

Many of the IOOBY themes and activities correlate to the California State Science Standards, with all age-appropriate activities striking a balance between hands-on learning and time for reflection.

LandPaths seeks to cultivate a level of comfort in, connection to, and informed appreciation of the outdoors within IOOBY participants. Students develop a connection with the outdoors that they will remember and carry with them for years. Ideally, this connection will be a foundation for them to draw upon in the future, to seek out outdoor experiences for many reasons.

Participating in the IOOBY program is a great way to enjoy nature while volunteering.  It can be a real rewarding experience.

In May, the IOOBY program will be at Ranchero Mark West working with 3rd graders from Lincoln School.