CNI programs include:

Outreach Discovery Program: Created in 1992, the program offers our services to low-income children and children with physical and learning disabilities, along with their parents and teachers, at no cost to the participants. Each year, CNI transports thousands of children to natural habitats where trained volunteers use nature as a tool to help children practice important academic skills (e.g. active listening, observation and problem solving) as they discover the wonders of nature. For most of these children, CNI Field Trips are their first introduction to nature, and their first time away from their urban environments. Without this program, many would grow up without ever discovering nature’s playground within their reach.

CNI Wonder Mobile: CNI expanded the Outreach Discovery Program in 2000 to include our traveling classroom, which visits underprivileged children four days a week with exciting educational workshops. Engaging children with stories, playful discussions, live animals and educational artifacts they can touch and explore, children learn about nature in the comfort of their own classroom. Based on California State education standards, our curriculum leads students in multi-sensory and verbal exercises that help them with science, reading, and math. Each class also receives a copy of our award-winning curriculum manual, Trails, Tails and Tidepools in Pails, and when appropriate, the Spanish version, Cantos, Caminos y Juegos para Niños. Since its debut, the CNI Wonder Mobile has served nearly 50,000 under-served children, parents and teachers.

Family Nature Walks: These walks provide a regular opportunity for families from throughout the community to explore their local natural habitats with their children. Our trained walk leaders engage young children in activities that develop early learning skills (listening, sorting, shape recognition) and model age-appropriate techniques for the parents. Children and parents interact with nature in gentle ways. CNI offers Family Nature Walks at more than 30 sites throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Volunteer Walk Leader Training Course: The course educates volunteers about the natural ecosystems of our local mountains, and teaches how to make the outdoor classroom accessible to young children. During our multi-day training course, professional naturalists demonstrate a hands-on approach to teach a range of natural science subjects including mammals, birds, insects, plants and Native American customs. Trainees range from six-year-old children (Kids Leading Kids) to grandparents; all share a love of nature and a desire to pass on their new knowledge and enthusiasm.

CNI has received recognition for excellence from the following organizations:

CNI is proud to work in collaboration with school districts, political representatives and park systems throughout the state.

At Los Angeles Unified School District:

Board Member David Tokofsky
School Volunteer Program Director Joan Suter (retired)
Adult Education Division Administrator Lupe Reyes
Early Childhood Division Administrator Carmen Schroeder


Additional supporters include:


U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein
U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman
U.S. Congressman Henry Waxman
State Senator Sheila Kuehl
State Assembly Member Fran Pavley