Curriculum Materials

The Nature Neighbor Project prioritizes reducing conflicts between humans and wildlife so that they can coexist and share available habitat. Ecologists have learned that coyotes are opportunistic eaters, and they will scavenge through trash as well as feed on traditional foods such as rodents, birds, insects, and grass. Coyote and human conflicts can often be eliminated when human-related food is not available.

The night skies division of the National Park Service promotes 6 practices that everyone can adopt and make a difference in reducing light pollution: light only where needed, light only when needed, use less light, use warm colored light, use energy efficient lamps, shield and direct lights downward.

Coexisting with wildlife requires that actions be taken to reduce conflicts and minimize impacts from human activity so that a healthy appreciation of wildlife can be fostered. Specifically addressed in this lesson are efforts SMMNRA is making to encourage residents to clean up unintentional food resources such as pet food, and secure trash cans so that unwanted wildlife do not seek food on personal property.

The Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area is the world’s largest urban park with 153,075 acres and 5 area codes and 26 zip codes surrounding the park. It was established as a National Park Service Recreation Area in 1978 but Santa Monica Mountains NRA did not own any public land until 1980. The Recreation Area is surrounded by many neighborhoods, resulting in many challenges for rangers and wildlife, including the effects of rodenticide.

SMMNRA Nature Neighbor Project suggests native plant options for landscapes near natural areas. Native plants can generally resist weather challenges, require no fertilizer or pesticide and attract wildlife. Most importantly, plants native to Southern California are adapted to drought conditions and water is California’s most prized natural resource.

This lesson plan, designed for grades 2 and 3 uses common core and ngss standards to teach students that some National Parks were established to protect specific plant species. In doing so, students will learn the importance of plants within their ecosystems.

The National Park Legacy aims to introduce students to the work of the National Park Service. This lesson describes the kind of features preserved by the park service, including natural, cultural, and historical resources.