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Environmental Field Trips

Nature field trips are offered throughout the county, showcasing diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

Call 847-968-3321 to reserve a program.

  • Oppossum
    Animal Adaptations

    What do playing dead and cheek pouches have in common? Both are adaptations animals use for survival. Students search for camouflaged animals during an outdoor walk. A variety of animal skins show how well wildlife is suited for its habitat. Outdoor activities illustrate unique behavioral adaptations.

    Save 25% on this program between December and February.

    This program is primarily offered at Ryerson Woods and Greenbelt. It is also offered at the following locations on the dates specified:

    4-8
    Grant Woods
    Greenbelt
    Lakewood
    Ryerson Woods
    Van Patten Woods
  • Great blue heron
    Birds

    Learn what makes a bird a bird, take a close-up look at feathers and discover what types of beaks are best for eating different foods. Students take a look at bird study skins, and then head outdoors to listen and look.

    Save 25% on this program between December and February.

    This program is primarily offered at Ryerson Woods and Greenbelt. It is also offered at the following locations on the dates specified:

    Age 3-Grade 12
    Grant Woods
    Greenbelt
    Lakewood
    Ryerson Woods
    Van Patten Woods
  • Crane Chronicles program, photo by Chip Williams
    Crane Chronicles

    This unique multidisciplinary program takes a problem-based learning approach to combine science, social studies and language arts. Students investigating Lake County crane populations work in small groups at hands-on learning stations to prepare an angle on the story of natural and human history in Lake County. Students then prepare a "tweet" and facebook post for the forest preserves as a way to spark interest in their story. This program is held exclusively at our Greenbelt Cultural Center near Waukegan.

    Save 25% on this program between December and February.

    4-12
    Greenbelt Cultural Center
  • EnviroPatrol Sampler program, photo by Chip Williams
    EnviroPatrol Sampler

    Try out our hands-on conservation field trips through this one-day sampler program. Session includes removal of invasive species, an activity on the importance of land management in maintaining habitat quality and exploration time looking for tracks and evidence of wildlife.

    Call 847-968-3321 to reserve this program.

    3-9
    Various Preserves
  • fish
    Fish

    Students assume the role of fishery biologists, estimate fish populations, determine the quality of habitat for fish production, identify a variety of species, collect data from live fish and make recommendations on lake management for optimal fish production. Related programs: Take Lake Ecology to learn about abiotic factors affecting the lake environment, or Pond Study to learn about other aquatic life.

    6-9
    Independence Grove
  • Fort Sheridan Walk progarm, photo by Taylor Studios
    Fort Sheridan Walk: Self-Guided

    Take a hike through Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve to learn about the rich military history of the site and the unique natural features. Self-guided tour materials provide each classroom teacher with the information needed to lead students through the exploration.

    Call 847-968-3321 to reserve this program.

    5-8
    Fort Sheridan
  • Kids checking on fish in the net
    Get Ready for Fishing

    The art of fishing and the science of fish will be reeled out together in this class held at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. The hands-on class will teach students how to cast and fish properly and how to identify fish species. They will also learn how the lake was formed. Bait and fishing equipment provided.

    6-12
    Independence Grove
  • Gift of the Glaciers program
    Gift of the Glaciers

    Journey through the past and develop a time line of significant events. Investigate igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks; identify rock and fossil samples to determine their place in geological time, and explore how water and ice formed the landscape of Lake County. Students apply knowledge by taking soil core samples and interpreting the results. Through data collection and field work, learn the continuing effects of glaciation.

    Call 847-968-3321 to reserve this program.

    6-8
    Greenbelt Cultural Center
    Independence Grove
  • Ryerson Welcome Center
    Going Green

    Explore how water and resource conservation were used to build the Welcome Center at Ryerson Woods. This green building is a laboratory for discovering how to balance the needs of people and nature. Hands-on activities aid learning.

    Call 847-968-3321 to reserve this program.

    7-12
    Ryerson Woods
  • Groundhog Day program, photo by Chip Williams
    Groundhog Day

    Can this furry friend forecast the weather or is he just sleeping? To know for sure, wake our human-sized groundhog. After waking the groundhog, go indoors to learn what’s true and false about groundhog life. Save 25% on this program between December and February.

    Call 847-968-3321 to reserve this program.

    Age 4-Grade 1
    Ryerson Woods