Sacramento, California - Registration is now open for the 30th annual Nature Bowl, an elementary school activity-based competition held in the spring.

Coordinated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in partnership with local organizations and agencies, the Nature Bowl increases the science and conservation literacy of third through sixth grade students in the Sacramento Valley and Sierra foothills.

The Nature Bowl is open to students from any school, group or organized youth club. Participants employ teamwork, creativity and critical thinking, while participating in group learning activities centered on local and regional natural environments. The first round will be held at 10 locations from mid-March through early May. Teams will consist of three to eight students each, and several teams will advance to the finals to be held at California State University, Sacramento on May 16, 2015.

Teachers, youth group leaders or parents can coach a team. CDFW will hold coaches’ workshops in the Sacramento area on following dates:

• Jan. 8 at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael with the semifinal at that site on March 28. For more information, please call (916) 489-4918.

• Jan. 15 at the Nimbus Hatchery in Rancho Cordova with the semifinal at that site on April 14. For more information, please call (916) 358-2884.

• Jan. 27 at the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge with the semifinal at that site on April 23. For more information, please call (916) 685-4057.

For all other information, including dates for other coaches’ workshops, please call (916) 358-2353 or visit http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/2/Nature-Bowl.