Nature Education Foundation Invites Educators to “FOR THE BIRDS!” Nature Education Resource Forum

Advance Registration Required - No Day-of-Event Registrations

Registration: TNEFForTheBirds.eventbrite.com

One-day forum at the Santa Rosa Plateau brings educators together for bird education, hands-on resources, field experiences and a special presentation by Friends of Big Bear Valley

MURRIETA, Calif. — September 2026 — Teachers, environmental educators and providers of outdoor and nature-based education programs are invited to spread their wings at “For the Birds!”, the Nature Education Foundation’s 2026 Nature Education Resource Forum (NERF), on Saturday, September 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve in Murrieta.

Designed as a day to connect, learn and inspire outdoors, the annual Nature Education Resource Forum brings together educators and organizations interested in giving young people meaningful opportunities to learn about the natural world.

This year’s bird-themed program will feature a special keynote presentation by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the nonprofit organization known for the popular live Bald Eagle nest cameras in Big Bear Valley and its work in eagle protection, advocacy and education. Participants will hear the latest about Shadow and the Big Bear Valley Bald Eagles following the loss of his longtime mate, Jackie, while learning how wildlife observation and technology can help engage students in conservation and environmental education.

Throughout the day, educators will participate in workshops and activities that provide ideas they can take directly back to their students and programs. Topics will include bird education and habitat, regulations surrounding the collection of bird feathers and natural materials, classroom nature-study resources, citizen science and outdoor field experiences.

The forum will conclude by taking learning into the field at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, where participants will have an opportunity to explore bird habitat and observe some of the many resident and migratory bird species found on the Plateau. Binoculars will be provided for the field experience.

“For the Birds!” is intended for teachers, outdoor educators, nature and environmental education providers, and others who work to connect young people with the natural world.

The event is hosted by the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District. Support is provided by Frontwave Credit Union and Owen & Virginia Hyde, with special thanks to Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Registration is just $15, and space is limited. 

Registration: TNEFForTheBirds.eventbrite.com

About The Nature Education Foundation

The Nature Education Foundation works to educate and empower youth to appreciate, preserve and protect nature. Through outdoor education, environmental science, citizen science and stewardship programs, the Foundation helps connect thousands of Southern California students each year with meaningful experiences in the natural world.

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