Del Norte County Office of Education
Greater Outdoor Access and Learning
Discover the Nature of CommUNITY
The Greater Outdoor Access and Learning (GOAL) Program connects Del Norte County residents with the extraordinary natural places right outside our doors. Through outdoor adventures, environmental education, cultural learning, and community partnerships, GOAL helps children, families, students, and community members experience our local parks, rivers, beaches, forests, and other outdoor spaces.
Administered by the Del Norte County Office of Education, GOAL works with Redwood National and State Parks, Redwood Parks Conservancy, Tribal partners, local outdoor professionals, and community organizations to make outdoor experiences more accessible to the people of Del Norte County. The program is supported through the California State Parks Outdoor Equity Grants Program.
Get Outside and Explore
Living among ancient redwoods, wild rivers, rugged coastline, and state and national parks gives Del Norte County residents access to an incredible outdoor classroom.
GOAL helps remove barriers that can prevent people from experiencing those places by creating free, guided opportunities to explore, learn, and build confidence outdoors.
Depending on the season, GOAL experiences have included:
- Family camping
- Whitewater rafting and river kayaking
- Hiking and redwood ecology walks
- Biking
- Tide pooling and coastal exploration
- Canoeing and sea kayaking
- Fishing
- Junior Lifeguards
- Outdoor skills and camping workshops
- Art in the Park
- Coastal cleanup and environmental stewardship
- Cultural and natural history experiences
- Howland Hill Outdoor School
- Family-focused outdoor activities
Recent GOAL programming has continued to include guided redwood hikes, kayaking, camping-skills workshops, and culturally focused outdoor experiences with local Tribal partners.
More Than Outdoor Recreation
GOAL is about more than getting outside. The program uses Del Norte County’s natural environment to support outdoor learning, family connection, environmental stewardship, cultural understanding, and career exploration.
Engage Families
GOAL creates opportunities for parents, caregivers, and children to experience local parks, beaches, forests, and waterways together while developing the knowledge and confidence to continue exploring on their own.
Bring the Outdoors In
Not everyone can easily access outdoor spaces. GOAL also brings nature-based learning into the community, helping people of different ages and abilities connect with the natural environment.
Connect Students With Outdoor Careers
GOAL introduces students to career pathways connected to parks, conservation, environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and natural-resource management.
Experience Nature Through Culture and History
Outdoor learning provides opportunities to better understand the cultural and environmental history of Del Norte County, including the continuing stewardship, knowledge, and traditions of local Tribal communities.
Outdoor Experiences for the Whole Community
GOAL was created to expand access to outdoor experiences throughout Del Norte County — not only for students.
Programs have been designed to serve youth, families, parents and caregivers, older adults, and community members, creating opportunities for people across generations to experience the outdoors together.
Stay Connected With GOAL
GOAL offers outdoor experiences and learning opportunities throughout the year. Visit the GOAL website to learn more about the program, and follow GOAL Del Norte on Facebook for current activities, event announcements, photos, and updates.
GOAL Website
Learn more about the Greater Outdoor Access and Learning Program, its purpose, partnerships, and the outdoor experiences it brings to Del Norte County.
GOAL Del Norte on Facebook
Find current GOAL events, program updates, photos, and links to enrollment and registration opportunities.