www.sdnhm.org

Organization Type:
Non-Profit

Mission:
To interpret the natural world through research, education, and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California; to inspire in all people respect for the environment

Contact:
San Diego Natural History Museum
P.O. Box 121390
San Diego, CA 92112-1390
Phone: (619) 232-3821
Fax: (619) 232-0248
education@sdnhm.org

Museum is located in Balboa Park, near the intersection of Park Boulevard and Village Place, just south of the Zoo.

Geographical Focus:
Regional

Counties Served:
San Diego

Activities:
Research, Education, Advocacy, Conservation, Tourism, Recreation, Water Pollution Prevention

Topic:
Wetlands, Open Ocean/Oceanography, Cultural History, Islands, Beaches, Rocky Intertidal, Wildlife, Watersheds/Hydrology, Habitat Restoration, Endangered Species, Water Quality/Storm Water Runoff, Bay & Estuary Habitats, Marine/Estuary Reserves & Sanctuaries, Development Mitigation Services (Paleo Services)

Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Activity/Learning Kit, Outreach Programs, On-site Programs, Guided Walks, Field Trips, Publications, Newsletter, Brochures, Guidebooks, Exhibits/Displays, Multimedia, Website, Library/Lending Materials

Speaker/Lecture Series:
We have staff and volunteers who speak at community organizations about the Museum and the work we do. We also have research staff who speak on their specific topics of expertise to community and school groups. We also bring in speakers from all over the world who are experts in their fields, which relate to specific exhibits we are featuring.

Education Programs:
Please see our website. We offer over 300 public programs a year ranging from summer camps to international travel to nature crafts. We write custom Teacher’s Guides for every traveling exhibit we feature. Our Field Notes newsletter is published two times per year and our Education Programs catalogue is published two times per year. Our scientists all publish papers yearly. We also publish “Wrenderings” for those who work on or want to keep up to date on our Bird Atlas project.

Target Audiences:
K-6th Grades, Adult, Teacher, Non-Formal Educator, General Public

Group Size Accommodated:
From 20-200 children, depending on program.
The Museum can hold about 2,000 people for a stand-up party. We have four new huge classrooms with a total capacity of 150+ students.

Other Languages:
Our giant-screen film, Ocean Oasis, is available in nine languages and our Teacher’s Guide for the film is in English and Spanish.

In-Service Training:
Teachers, Docents/Volunteers, Naturalists, Students/Interns:
Naturalists go through an intense “Canyoneer” training to take the public on guided nature walks throughout the county. Docents and Volunteers are trained to take lessons to on-site classes and to lead guided tours through permanent and traveling exhibits. Teachers learn earth and life sciences. Teachers in Baja California are trained in how to teach environmental studies related to watershed issues.

Volunteer Opportunities
We have over 1100 volunteers working at the Museum in various capacities. Community service documentation is given.
Contact Janet Morris, (619) 232-3821 x245, jmorris@sdnhm.org

Internship Opportunities
Internships can be attained through the Volunteer Coordinator (above) or through each department individually. Anyone interested should work it both ways.

Videos:
For purchase
Many sold through Museum Store

CD-Rom:
For purchase
Many sold through Museum Store

Audio Tapes:
For purchase
Many sold through Museum Store

Service Fee:
Varies from $3 to thousands of dollars

General Services:
Restrooms, Bookstore/Gift Shop

Parking Availability:
General free parking in Balboa Park area

Public Transit Access:
From downtown: Take any outbound #7 bus. The bus will travel north on Park Blvd. The nearest stop to the museum is at the pedestrian overpass which crosses over Park Blvd. But the earlier stop at the Rose Garden is also close.
From East San Diego and farther east: Take any inbound (Downtown) #7 bus. The bus will travel west on University Avenue and turn south onto Park Blvd. The nearest stop to the museum is the one immediately after the Zoo, at the pedestrian overpass which crosses over Park Blvd.