Science Learning Center

Scientists from the National Park Service, US Geologic Survey, and universities examine a park meteorological station in Sequoia National Park.

NPS photo

Vision

The Science and Learning Center without Walls (SLC) is a set of services and facilities that provide a critical link between park staff and managers and academic researchers, scientists, and students. The SLC builds park capacity to address science and education needs by leveraging park staff and resources to engage academic and non-profit partners.

 

This hydrologic benchmark network station is on the Upper Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, Sequoia National Park.

NPS Photo

Existing Support

The Science Learning Center already serves managers, scientists, and educators and has the potential to grow. Access to the following accommodations and services is limited to scientists with a current research permit.

Accommodations

• Wolverton Field Station Cabin (operated by the University of California, Merced)
• Wolverton Service Campground
• Ash Mountain dormitory near park headquarters
• Additional housing units, if available

Field Infrastructure

Research support infrastructure includes stream gages, meteorological stations, air quality stations, and more.

Work Space

• Wolverton Field Station (operated by UC Merced)
• NPS work or lab space may be available

Additional Information

For more information about research support and facilities, contact the parks' Science Coordinator Koren Nydick.

 

Volunteers at the Foothills Visitor Center, Sequoia National Park.

NPS Photo

Education Programs and Volunteer Opportunities

Following are links to existing education programs, volunteer opportunities, and citizen science opportunities.

• Education Program: Invite a ranger to your classroom, plan a field trip, and more.
• Volunteer Program: You are invited to become a steward of these parks.

Community Science Opportunities

Join us as we inventory, monitor, and study these parks!

• Foothills Stream Monitoring: Learn and take part in both traditional and cutting-edge wildlife monitoring techniques along with collecting water samples and measuring stream characteristics.
• Studying Oak Mortality: Learn to identify and measure trees as well as examine potential causes of death.
• iNaturalist: Use your phone or tablet to make a wildlife observation for any of the species in these parks.
• Christmas Bird Count: An annual event at Sequoia National Park in December, coordinated through the National Audubon Society and hosted by the Sequoia Parks Conservancy.
• California National Phenology Network and Sequoia National Park

2016 BioBlitz, Biodiversity Discoveries:

• BioBlitz in Sequoia National Park
• BioBlitz and NPS