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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. 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. 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 become reporters investigating Lake County crane populations and 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 sum up their findings in a feature story. This program is held exclusively at our Greenbelt Cultural Center near Waukegan.

    Due to construction, this program will not be offered during the 2010-2011 school year.

    4-6
    Greenbelt Cultural Center
  • fish
    Fish

    Over two-thirds of the world is covered with water, and in most of that water you’ll find fish. Students assume the role of fishery biologists, estimate fish populations (assessing predator-prey balance), determine the quality of habitat for fish production, learn to identify a variety of species, collect data from live fish and make recommendations on lake management for optimal fish production. In addition to Fish, take Lake Ecology to learn about abiotic factors affecting the lake environment, or take Pond Study to learn about other aquatic life.

    6-9
    Independence Grove
    Van Patten Woods
  • 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
  • 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
    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.

    Call 847-968-3321 to reserve this program.

    Age 3-Grade 1
    Ryerson Woods
  • Woodpecker home
    Homes

    Take a hands-on look at different animals’ homes and learn that like people – animals use homes to provide shelter, safety and a good place to raise a family. Then it’s into the woods to search for burrows, nests, holes and more.

    Save 25% on this program between December and February.

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

    Age 3-Grade 2
    Grant Woods
    Greenbelt
    Lakewood
    Ryerson Woods
    Van Patten Woods
  • Insect netting
    Insects & Spiders

    There are more insects on Earth than all other animals combined. Look at the world through an insect’s eyes and discover the differences and similarities between insects and spiders. Netting and close-up observation allows students to explore a variety of local insects and spiders.

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

    1-8
    Grant Woods
    Greenbelt
    Lakewood
    Ryerson Woods
    Van Patten Woods