PORTS

Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students


Students experience virtual fields trips to parks

Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) is a free distance learning program that uses the power of interactive videoconferencing to help K-12 schools teach common core state standards in the context of California State Parks. The green-screen PORTS studio is located at Seacliff State Beach with in-the-field mobile programs offered from Año Nuevo State Park and Natural Bridges State Beach. Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks proudly provides full funding for the Santa Cruz District’s PORTS program, which has served tens of thousands of students across California since 2005. Learn more.

In addition to Seacliff, PORTS programs are based at several State Parks and Beaches throughout California, including Anza Borrego, Crystal Cove, California State Capitol, Columbia, Hearst Castle and North Coast Redwoods. Each program features live, interactive videoconference presentations on science, history, language arts and other academic topics. The programs also include units of study to prepare and assess learning, and the service is free for schools to use. Make sure to check out recordings of previous broadcasts on the PORTS YouTube Channel!

PORTS Home Learning Programs

PORTScasts (previously Home Learning Programs) were created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and are still going strong! These free, live public broadcasts empower students, teachers, and families to explore California State Parks from wherever you are. Learn more.