Living with the Land

Teacher Workshop

Please keep in mind that this program requires all teachers new to the program to attend a teacher workshop prior to class participation. Please check back for updates on the date and additional details.

 

Currently not accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year.

 

 

Students plant native plants at the new Quartermaster Reach restored wetland, part of the Ramaytush Ohlone ancestral homeland.

NPS

Overview

Grade 6

ONLY BEING OFFERED IN THE SPRING AND AS A SELF-GUIDED PROGRAM

How does culture influence our relationship with the environment?

Living with the Land allows students to explore human relationship with the natural world from the perspective of Ohlone Indigenous knowledge and contrasting western science approaches. By observing the wetland’s past and present, students learn about what wetlands provide and how humans impact this habitat. The area called Crissy Field has changed greatly over time, reflecting the differing values of the people who have managed the land. Today, the restored wetland offers a rich habitat and an abundance of learning opportunities.

Living with the Land uses the Understanding by Design framework, incorporates Common Core Standards and Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies. The program is framed by the essential question- "How does culture influence our relationship with the environment?"

 

Soap Root

Linda Yamane

Program Structure

The Living with the Land Self-Guided Program follows a more flexible three-touch model with optional components and more Teacher-Led instruction:

1. Classroom Preparation – Teacher leads optional lessons to prepare students for the park field session. The lessons will introduce students to Ramaytush Ohlone values, pre-contact California history, and different land uses of the Crissy Marsh area throughout time.

2. Field Session – Students investigate Crissy Marsh to understand human relationship to the land and the health of the ecosystem. Students engage in an investigation of traditional uses of Indigenous Plants, cultural and ecological values of the Olympia Oyster, and the role Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Science play in restoration. Teachers are responsible for developing their group's experience after 30 minute Ranger introduction.

3. Classroom Assessment – Teacher will lead students on an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned through writing or illustration.

 

Students investigate the tidal marsh shoreline.

NPS

How to Apply

Currently not accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year.

 

Duration:

1 minute, 28 seconds

Gregg Castro acknowledges Crissy Marsh as part of the Ohlone ancestral homeland, Yelamu.

 

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  Ohlone Values

  Gregg Castro describes Ohlone values that have been passed down through generations.

  Duration:

  2 minutes, 9 seconds

 

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  The Fog Song

  Gregg Castro shares a Rumsien Ohlone song.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 58 seconds

 

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  Real California History

  Gregg Castro explains the history of California that is often not taught: the treatment of Indigenous tribes, and the lasting impacts.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 15 seconds