Field Trips & Outreach - DeVries Nature Conservancy

HomeField Trips & Outreach

Educational Programs for Teachers

Education Teacher Totes

These totes contain educational materials for you to use in your classroom. Use the materials with your own curriculum or use one of our NGSS designed lessons, activities, and pre-recorded videos provided in the tote.

Themes:
- Mammals in Michigan
- Rocks and Minerals
- Birds and Migration
- Trees
- Plants and Seeds

Cost: $25 for a two-week rental

Non-Contact Field Trips

Bring your classroom to DeVries for a non-contact field trip. These field trips are self-guided and the cost includes materials and activities, with the option to add-on rental materials (bug nets, binoculars, etc.) for an additional fee. Each theme should take about an hour.

Themes:
- Spring is Here!
- Birds in Michigan
- Insects
- Life Cycle of Plants
- Vernal Pool Exploration

Cost: $2 per student

Optional Add-Ons (per student):
- Mini-Greenhouse activity - $1
- Toad Abodes activity - $2
- Bug Nets (30) - $1
- Binoculars (12) - $1
- Magnifying Glasses (30) - $.50

Classroom Visits

Can't make it to our property? Let us bring the field trip to you! Many of our field trip programs can
be adaptedto be brought into the
classroom. Cost varies depending
on numer of classrooms, distance
from DNC, and field trip themes
selected.

Field Trips & Outreach Programs

To help bring our message of conservation to the community, we offer field trip & outreach programs that cater to schools, scouts, youth groups and other local organizations.

Our field trip programs are designed to connect students to the natural world while incorporating Next Generation Science Standards and Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations. Each field trip includes interactive lessons, both in the nature center and on our trails. Field trip prices start at $3 per student for a 2-hour program, or $5 per student for a 4-hour program (which includes a lunch/playscape time).

Not able to make it to our property? Schedule a classroom visit or outreach program. Many of our field trip themes can be brought to you!

Preschool-aged themes:

Sensing Nature
Use your 5 senses to observe nature! This program will help children develop their 5 senses while exploring nature.

Down on the Farm
See if you have what it takes to be a farmer! Tour our farm and learn how to care for plants and animals in this fun, interactive program.

Elementary-aged themes:

Life Cycle of Animals
Explore the life cycles of Michigan animals. Learn about metamorphosis and how some animals transform during their life cycle. Make a "Toad Abode" to take home for an extra fee.

Plant Life
Learn about the needs of a plant and its life cycle. Then play a fun game to learn about how plants depend on their environment to disperse their seeds!

Animal Adaptations
All animals have special adaptations that help them survive in their habitats. Learn about some of them and then meet our educational animals.

Food Chain Adventures
Learn the ins and outs of the food chain and play a fun game to understand predator/prey relationships.

Vernal Pool Venture (spring only, weather dependent)
Now you see it, now you don’t: vernal pools are one of nature’s wonders that come and go each year and bring an exciting variety of wildlife with them. Students can literally dip their toes in this adventure as they learn about the importance of this temporary ecosystem.

Middle/High School themes:

Water, Water Everywhere
Water makes up 70% of the surface of Earth! See how much is actually usable for humans and test the health of the Shiawassee River.

Invasive Species
What is an invasive species and why are they trouble in our area? Learn how to identify and properly handle invasive species found in Michigan.

NEW Themed Hikes

Lower & Upper Elementary

Wildflower ID Hike (Early Spring)
Learn about the beautiful spring ephemeralsthat cover the trails in March and April, and about their unique life cycle that makes them so special.

Habitat Hike
Learn what animals need to survive in the wild and what makes a habitat a home as we hike through different habitats at DNC and stop to look for wildlife along the way.

Middle School & High School

Birdwatching & Citizen Science Hike
Learn about the hobby of birdwatching and gain research skills as we hike the trails and identify the birds we encounter. Learn about how to participate in citizen science monitoring programs for birds and other wildlife.

If you would to schedule a field trip or outreach program, please contact our Environmental Education Coordinator Brittany Tillman at 989-723-3365 or btillman@devriesnc.org with the following information:

- School/Organization Name
- Contact Person, Email and Phone Number
- Address, City & Zip Code
- First & Second Choice date/time for program
- Group Size
- Program Theme Requested

Working towards a scout badge? We can help!

We offer a perfect setting for your scout group to complete their badge requirements. Scout outings can be customized to fit your troop's needs. Please contact Brittany Tillman at btillman@devriesnc.org or 989-723-3365 to learn more!