Bird Banding
Take this rare opportunity to get a close look at some of our most beautiful songbirds and woodpeckers as a naturalist catches, bands, and releases songbirds in an ongoing research program. This program offers hands-on opportunities for children and adults to assist with our bird banding project. Don’t forget your cameras.

Our Rotting World
Through a hike, discussion and a visit to our recycling center students will learn the importance of recycling. Students will also discover nature's own recycling systems while exploring rotting logs.

Raptors Rule!
Find out more about Indiana’s raptors and their habits. In this program you will encounter live birds of prey, learn about their excellent hearing, and get the answer to the question: “Can owls really turn their heads all the way around?”

Tracks and Trails
Many creatures exist in the wild, though we may not always see them. They may be active only at night, or may quickly take cover when humans come near. By looking carefully though, you may find signs that these animals have been around. A sign might be a track left by feet, paws, or tail, a burrow, tuft of hair, a nibbled branch, or scat. Learn to observe and identify signs of wildlife while hiking the Wesselman Woods trails with a naturalist. Each participant will also make a Plaster of Paris track to take home.

Slither and Crawl
Reptiles always attract attention in the woods and nature center. Whether they are snakes, turtles, or lizards, reptiles are fascinating creatures—we will discuss some of the characteristics and adaptations for survival which make cold-blooded animals unique. Students will see live examples of reptiles up close .

Tremendous Trees
Trees are the largest growing and longest living members of the plant kingdom. What better place to learn about trees than in an old-growth forest? Come discover these plants—from bark to heartwood, from roots to crowns, and everywhere in between. We’ll learn about trees through many close-up examples, hands-on activities, and a hike through the woods.

Maple Magic (February)
Wintertime may seem dull and lifeless, but there’s plenty of “magic” happening inside the trees! Bring your class out to the Preserve for a tour of the Sugar Bush. You’ll learn all about the maple sugaring process. Discover what’s really going on inside a tree, which trees are Sugar Maples, how to properly tap a tree to collect sap, and observe how sap is boiled down into sweet, sweet syrup. Get ready for a history lesson as you learn how the sugaring process has changed throughout the years. Each participant will get a taste of real maple syrup on a silver-dollar pancake.

Fall Foliage (October)
Take an autumn hike to view the fall foliage and to learn how and why leaves change colors. What really happens in a tree and to the leaves that are shed?

Winter Wildlife (Nov-Jan)
Wildlife activity does not stop during the winter. A great deal of activity is occurring and this program will allow us to see some of those active signs and we will discuss how nature winterizes itself.

Woodworking for Wildlife
Our woodworking projects are specially designed to attract certain animals to your backyard. Build a feeder or house to provide a source of food or shelter for the creatures in your area.

Choose from the following:

Off-Site Programs
Unable to visit us in person? Plan for a naturalist to visit you! We can bring a bit of nature to your classroom, day-care, church, or club to teach a program of your choice. Our naturalists utilize live animals, hands-on activities and other exciting visuals to convey program concepts. Special pricing applies.

Within Vanderburgh County….Normal program fee per student (minimum $50)

Outside Vanderburgh County… Normal program fee per student…plus $50 travel fee

Campfire Rental
There is no better way to end the day than toasting marshmallows and hot dogs next to a fire. You can add this to one of our other programs for an excellent day in the woods. We provide the fire and roasting sticks, and you provide all the fixin’s.

Customized Programs
If you see a program that you are interested in, but it is not the age level you needed, it doesn’t quite cover the topic your class is studying, or what you want just doesn’t seem to be offered at the Nature Preserve, please give us a call. We can design a program just for your class, or whatever environmental subject would complement your studies.

GROUP REGISTRATION FORM >