Environmental Education Programs at the Peoria Park District
Environmental Education Programs at Forest Park Nature Center
Forest Park Nature Center
Following are Environmental Education Programs available at Forest Park Nature Center.
Traveling Naturalist
Traveling Naturalists are available to present a 45-minute interpretive program for your classroom, garden club, scout group or other civic organization. Call the Nature Center for reservations and further information. Cost: $60 within the Peoria Park District boundaries, plus mileage; $65 out of district, plus mileage
A variety of topics are available:
Sensing Nature (Grade 1)--Children learn about our human senses as well as how animals use their senses
Nature Detectives (Grade 3)--Children learn to become nature detectives by recognizing animal signs and trying to solve some mysteries about nature items
Bugs, etc. (Grade 5)--Many animals have reputations they don't deserve! This program is a good opportunity to meet a few of them. There will be appearances by our hissing cockroaches and tarantula.
Snakes Alive (Grade 6)--Learn the fascinating truth about our scaly, slithering and often misunderstood friends. Includes an appearance by one or two of our snakes.
Mini-Naturalists
Young children are some of our most perceptive and astute observers of nature, and our Mini-Naturalist programs are geared to encourage their natural curiosity! Mini-Naturalists is designed for preschools with children ages 3 to 5. The naturalist presents themed programs that consist of a craft, game and a nature walk. The program is an hour and a half in length. It takes place at the Moose Shelter in Detweiller Park. Programs are available in April-May and September-October.
Program cost: $2.50/student with a minimum $40/group (teachers and adult helpers are free)
Prairie School Project
The Prairie School Project is a multi-disciplinary prairie curriculum for students in grades K-5. This project encourages teachers to use hands-on materials to teach science, math, English and art. To receive the materials and training on how to use them, teachers must attend workshops which are presented periodically throughout central Illinois.
Field Trips and Tours for School Groups
The Nature Center provides a great opportunity for your classroom to expand by over 500 acres. Field trips can reinforce material being taught in the classroom. If you are interested in a special topic, just call the naturalist ahead of time to discuss the tour. These tours last from 1 to 1.5 hours. Fees are as follows:
- During museum hours: $55 per naturalist, up to 30 people
- After museum hours, $60 per naturalist, up to 30 people
Below are some possible topics:
Birds for Beginners--Learn some basic bird biology, identification and how to use the tools of the trade (binoculars and field guides)
Treemendous Trees--Learn some basic tree biology, identification of common trees by leaves, twigs or bark, and discover some of the many uses of trees by humans and other animals
Prairie Magic--Learn why prairies grow in Illinois and what species of plants and animals call them home
Flower Power--Learn about the fascinating life and folk histories of common wildflowers
Insect Safari--Learn how the insects have become one of the most successful groups of animals on earth. Go to our prairies armed only with a magnifying glass and a sweep net to see what distinguishes some of the common insect orders
Fire in the Woods--Learn why fire is an important natural force in Illinois prairies and woodlands
Habitat Hunt--Learn the elements of a habitat and then search (scavenger hunt style) for what makes a habitat a home for plants and animals
Prairie School Project (click this hyperlink for a complete description of this exciting new prairie curriculum and activities)
For more information about any of these programs, call 309-686-3360
PPD Environmental Education brochure
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Classroom Pre-Trip Presentation
Have you already booked an educational program at Forest Park Nature Center? Show your students this program prior to your program, so they can know what to expect from their time at Forest Park Nature Center.