Shady Creek Outdoor School is owned and operated by Sutter County Superintendent of Schools.
We are an environmental science school that offers residential and day programs for grades one through six. Shady Creek Outdoor School is located in the mountains of Nevada County, California. Every year thousands of 5th and 6th graders from several surrounding counties attend a week long, in residence, outdoor education program focused on environmental education.
06/24/2026
Friends supporting Friends! 💫
This Friday, June 26th, the Friends of Shady Creek are holding a fundraiser at Costa Vida in Yuba City. Enjoy a meal out, mention Shady Creek at checkout, and a portion of your total will be donated to the Friends. All money raised will support the scholarship fund to help send students to outdoor school. Everyone wins! 🌮🌮🌮
06/01/2026
Shout out to the greatest team in the whole universe! This year we had the privilege of serving 34 weeks of the most extreme outdoor education adventures to the coolest teachers, administrators, kids and cabin leaders in all land…. And this is the team that survived.
This team is the reason why the year was so special. This team is a team who would give it all for the person next to them. They are champions. They have my heart forever. Love you all.
04/18/2026
03/04/2026
Shady Creek Outdoor School and the Friends of Shady Creek are proud to host our 3rd Annual Concert in the Quad, a free family celebration of music, nature, and community! Join us on Saturday, April 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the lawn behind Boyd Hall in Yuba City. Enjoy live music from The Shady Creek Band, performances by talented local youth, interactive bird and reptile meet-and-greets, plus food, crafts, and family fun. This is more than a concert….. It’s a way to experience the magic of Shady Creek in the valley. We hope to see you there!
Learn more at: www.friendsofshadycreek.org
02/14/2026
We are excited to announce the newest member of our team, TúkTúk, the Great Horned Owl. She got her name from the sharp clacking sound she makes, to establish her space.
TúkTúk came to us from the lovely folks at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, who cared for her until she could find her permanent home. When she first arrived at the zoo last year, she had been surrendered by Fish and Wildlife from her previous program.
Upon arrival the zoo's skilled vet team removed cable ties off her anklets, trimmed her overgrown talons/beak, and noted clear damage to her feathers which could have been a sign she was kept on the ground or in a position she was unable to fully preen.Throughout her year with Big Bear Alpine Zoo, TúkTúk's feathers have fully recovered, as she rested in the recovery ward until she could find her true home. Their staff reported she was most grumpy when she had to live across from a recovering snow leopard!
At Shady Creek Outdoor School, she will teach students about her species, her story, and what they can do to keep wildlife wild. Our staff is working diligently to ensure she is comfortable, and we are looking forward to all the students and guests that will make connections with her. Please give a raptor wave hello, to TúkTúk!
01/18/2026
Yesterday’s Families in the Forest was a HUGE success!!
With 350+ guests, and over 100 vehicles on campus…. It was officially the largest event ever held on our Shady Creek campus.
Massive thank-you to everyone who came out and to every single staff member who helped create such a magical day. Special shout-out to our kitchen team for serving the largest meal we’ve ever done…… absolute legends.
We couldn’t have pulled this off without the support of The Friends of Shady Creek, Sutter Health and the FitQuest program…… and of course, Sutter County Superintendent of Schools.
I’m beyond grateful… and also completely exhausted in the best way possible.
What an incredible day!
01/16/2026
Families in the Forest is Tomorrow!
No preregistration required — just show up!
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
We’re so excited to open the gates of Shady Creek and welcome everyone to campus! Bring your families, bring your friends, and come play outside with us.
Here’s the flow of the day:
11:00 a.m.
• Welcome to camp
• Snacks available in the Dining Hall (snacks available all day and free of charge)
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Lunch served (also free of charge!)
Arts & Crafts
• 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Facility Tours
• Start at 11:15 a.m.
• Run every 30 minutes
• No tour at 1:15 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
Shady Creek Music, Fun and Camp Experience!
• Amphitheater at Raptor Ridge
• All are invited!
Raptor Center
• Open 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Closed briefly during the 1:00 p.m. music program
Shady Creek merchandise will be available for sale throughout the event.
Staff (including kitchen and program staff) will be around all day to answer questions and say hi.
We can’t wait to see you…. let’s have some fun outside! BOOMSHAKALAKA!