Education Program...

The WFVZ has expanded its education outreach over the past five years. Currently, school tours are given on a by-appointment basis for students from 4th grade through college. (Click here for a printable school tour flier.) We also give tours to civic groups and the general public. Information presented on tours dovetails with California Science Standards so that teachers can make it fit with their education requirements. Subjects such as bird biology, biodiversity, and ecology are covered, as well as fun facts about the birds of the world. The collection materials are always popular with students and the general public, and are key to being able to teach about natural science. All tours are conducted free of charge, although we do suggest a $3 donation per person. Donations enable us to continue offering tours, since all of our services are provided for free. If you are interested in having a special tour of the Foundation, please contact us at least 3 months in advance.

Public Tours are generally held the last Friday of every month at 3 pm. Public tours are limited to 20 people; please call at least 1 day in advance to get on the waiting list. A $3 donation per person is also suggested for these tours.

The Foundation makes teaching material loans, for free, to local educators
(4th grade and up), and has lesson plans to accompany them (see the teaching materials page for details.). The WFVZ also offers training in study skin preparation and has internships for upper-division college undergraduate and graduate students. Starting in 2007, Foundation staff will be offering classes in ornithology, oology, and museum curation techniques to professional biologists, students, and the general public. Please contact us by e-mail at or by phone (805/388-9944) if you are interested in any of these courses.