Visits

Our Educators have been certified in Growing Up WILD, an early childhood curriculum that focuses on wildlife and nature. 

Each program will take approximately 30 minutes and will include hands-on activities. 

This list is a sample of programs offered; let us know if you have a topic in mind. 

Backbone Bonanza

Children learn about vertebrates and some characteristics that distinguish them.

In a Grasshopper's World

Children observe grasshoppers in their natural habitat and study them in the classroom.

Looking at Leaves

Children practice their observation skills by comparing leaves.

Magnificent Monarchs

Students will learn about the monarch life cycle and view live monarchs and caterpillars. Summer-early fall.

Marsh Mammals

Children will learn about the furry creatures and wetland habitats.

Nature Games

Children will play various games that teach about general nature concepts. Outdoors.

Owls

Children will learn about owls and their roles as night-time predators.

Pond Life

Children will explore the bugs that live in the marsh.

Scaly Snakes

Children will meet a live snake and turtle and make observations about their features.

Seed Need

Children explore seeds as food for people and animals and learn how animals spread seeds.

Spider Web Wonders

Children learn about spiders and their webs.

Terrific Turkey

Children learn about wild turkeys.

Tremendous Turtles

Children will learn about the habitats, adaptations, and food preferences of midwest turtles. Includes live turtles.

Tweet, Tweet

Children will learn about different types of birds and nests.

Wiggly Worms

Children will learn why worms are important and make observations with live worms.

Enrichment Programs are a great option for extended learning in the classroom and after-school programs. 

These programs can also be adapted for middle and high school students. 

Each program is approximately 45-60mins. 

Animal Adaptations

A general study on adaptations. Participants will learn the definition of adaptations and how animals have different adaptations to help them survive.

Backyard Habitat

Explore the plants that can be found in your school. We will take a guided hike outside and study the plants and animals that live in your schoolyard.

Bird Beak Adaptations

Bird beaks are adapted to the type of food a bird eats. Participants will learn about different kinds of beaks and participate in an activity to show which kind of beaks helps birds eat different kinds of food.

Food Web

Every insect and animal has a special place on the food web. Learn about predators and prey, then work on creating a food web with creatures that live in the Marsh.

Insect Investigations

Participants will learn about insects and the role they play. They will learn about their habitats, food sources, and adaptations.

Iowa Turtles

Land and aquatic turtles have adaptations that allow them to survive in their respective habitats. Live aquatic and land species will be shown and their different adaptations, diets, and habitats will be discussed.

Magnificent Monarchs

Students will learn about these amazing insects including their lifecycle, adaptations, migration pattern, and importance. During fall migration, monarch tagging may be an option. 

Mammals of Iowa

Students will be introduced to the habitats, food sources, and adaptations of mammals found in Iowa. They will also learn about the history of the fur trade. Animal furs and skull replicas will be shown.

Snake Science

Many people have a fear of snakes. Learning about how snakes live can help people feel more comfortable with these scaly creatures. Live snakes will be shown and students will learn about their adaptations, diets, and habitats.

Skull Study

Students will examine animal skulls and investigate the structure and function of a variety of skull replicas. Students will learn to identify the part of a skull and make determinations about what animal the skull belongs to based on the number and shape of teeth, skull size, and other features.

Tracks and Scat

Students will study track and scat replicas to learn about the animals that live in the Midwest.

Trees and Leaves

Participants will learn how to identify trees and leaves. Students will also learn about the benefits of trees. Samples of leaves and tree rings will be used.

Water Quality Testing

Students will use water testing kits to sample the water in the marsh. They will learn what each test is and how it is used to determine the water quality of the marsh.

Wetland Wonders

Students will learn about the plants and animals that live in a wetland. They will also learn about the function of wetlands.

Winter Birds

Many bird species stay here in winter. Discover what species you can find at your bird feeders and how to attract them. Students will make a feeder to take home.