SCICON, located in the foothills of Tulare County, CA, is an outdoor school that focuses on science and conservation education. Operated by the Tulare County Office of Education, SCICON welcomes over 8,000 fifth and sixth graders each year to learn about nature and their impact on the environment.
Director Dianne Shew describes SCICON as a magical place where students can experience the beauty of the outdoors and gain a deeper understanding of their impact on the planet. The 1,170-acre campus offers a range of activities such as hiking, learning about aquatic life, and exploring a museum featuring local items and animals.
In early 2023, SCICON was heavily damaged by historic flooding in the area, which affected the habitat of native salamanders. To support efforts in restoring the salamander habitat, Friends of SCICON received a grant from the Disney Conservation Fund. Disney “VoluntEARS” also joined in the restoration efforts by helping to clear debris and revitalize the habitat.
The grant and volunteer efforts will not only help to restore the salamander habitat but also educate students on the importance of environmental conservation. Director Shew believes that by inspiring each child who visits SCICON to take action and spread the message of conservation, great strides can be made in protecting the Earth. With support from community efforts like these, SCICON continues its mission of empowering students to make a positive impact on our planet.