Sacramento Region, CA (MPG) - Registration is now open for the 31st 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 throughout the month of April. 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 14th, 2016.

Teachers, youth group leaders, or parents can coach a team. Some upcoming workshops include the following dates and locations:

•Jan. 11th at Camp Pollack in Sacramento, with the semifinal at that site on April 1st, 2016. For more information, please call (916) 284-1627.

•Jan. 13th at the Yolo Basin Wildlife Area in Davis, with the semifinal at that site on April 14th, 2016. For more information, please call (530) 902-1918.

•Jan. 14th at the Nimbus Hatchery in Rancho Cordova with the semifinal at that site on April 12th, 2016. For more information, please call (916) 358-2884.

•Jan. 26th at the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge with the semifinal at that site on April 23rd, 2016. For more information, please call (916) 685-4057.

For all other information about the Nature Bowl, please call (916) 358-2353 or visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/2/Nature-Bowl.