Approve agreement with Yolo Basin Foundation for providing school students a hands-on environmental learning experience of the local wetlands, agriculture, and wildlife in the Central Valley not to exceed $24,449 for the period of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. (No general fund impact) (Pinedo/York)

On September 28, 2021, the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the initial American Rescue Plan (ARP) Expenditure Plan, which included $3,000,000 for projects under the Parks & Facilities priority category. County staff provided an update at the March 22, 2022, board meeting with recommended projects and the Board expressed support for funding the Yolo Basin Foundation. Staff has worked with Yolo Basin Foundation to develop the final contract, which is recommended for approval with this staff report. Additional information on the scope of the contract with Yolo Basin Foundation and performance measures are described below. 

Funding this contract with Yolo Basin Foundation will support rebuilding the Yolo Basin Foundation's outdoor environmental education program following the disruption of its programs due to restrictions imposed on schools due to COVID-19. By rebuilding the outdoor environmental education program (Discover the Flyway) for K-12th grade students, Yolo Basin Foundation will continue to offer children a meaningful outdoor experience to increase appreciation for the wetlands, agriculture, and wildlife of the Central Valley and contribute to a lifetime of healthy outdoor activities and development of a land stewardship ethic. Furthermore, the contract, Attachment A, indicates the performance measures and outcomes associated with this process. These include tracking the number of field trips offered, how many students engaged, and evaluating the student learning experience. More information about this contract including a statement of work, budget, and performance measures may be found in Attachment A.