The Rescue Union School District has proudly announced that two of its dedicated staff members, Amy Hadden and Julie Carruth, have successfully earned the title of Certified California Naturalists.
This certification was awarded by the prestigious University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources program, which is committed to fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of California’s unique and varied natural environment, according to the Rescue Union School District.
Both Hadden and Carruth have been instrumental in expanding the environmental education curriculum at Jackson Elementary School in El Dorado Hills, where they teach. Their certification journey was facilitated by the American River Conservancy, a community partner organization. ARC hosted the program, providing an invaluable platform for the teachers to engage deeply with the natural world.
Upon completing the certification course, Hadden and Carruth collaborated closely with ARC to create an enriching series of educational lessons tailored to field trips at ARC’s historic Wakamatsu Farm site. These lessons aim to enhance students’ learning experiences and foster a lifelong appreciation for nature and conservation.
“The knowledge and experiences provided by the California Naturalist Program have been impactful in my classroom,” said Hadden. “Working with the American River Conservancy allowed us to bring practical, hands-on learning to our students, connecting classroom lessons to the natural world.”
“It’s a privilege to be able to pass on our learning to the next generation,” Carrith added. “These field trips not only enrich our curriculum but also help students develop a meaningful connection with their environment.”
Rescue USD and Jackson Elementary officials are excited to support Hadden and Carruth in their continued efforts to integrate these valuable naturalist insights into the educational experiences of their students, further enriching the district’s commitment to comprehensive environmental education.
Photo: Jackson Elementary teachers Amy Hadden, left, and Julie Carruth display their California Naturalists certificates.
Source: Rescue Union School District
