What is environmental education?

The purpose of the program is to encourage students to make use of their senses, gain practical and useful knowledge about nature, and experience first hand the nature-related information they receive from text books and electronic media. As a teacher, you can expect the units to meet a number of state learning standards.

Insects/Prairie (F) *
Hike through the prairie and discover the unique grasses and flowers. Catch and release insects for a closer look.

Animal Tracks/Scat (F,W,Sp)*
There are a lot of animals in the woods that we never see. By looking for “signs” we can discover what is out there and learn something of their habits.

Eco Systems/Food Chains (F,W,Sp)*
Our property houses six distinct ecosystems on 150 acres. Explore the various areas and learn how organisms fit into various food chains.

Survival (F,W,Sp)***
How much time can you go without food? Water? Shelter? What should you do it lost outdoors? Learn basic survival knowledge, build a shelter,
start a fire without matches.

Spring Plants of the Wood/Prairie (Sp)*
Ahh, there is nothing like the smell of fresh air after a long winter. What is coming up in the woods and the prairie? Hunt for elusive, short-lived spring plants and flowers.

Wagons West (F,W,Sp)*
Life was not exactly easy for the families who moved west. Learn details about what it took to “Go West”. Hand make candles and butter the way the pioneers did. Seek out plants they used and play games common to the time.

Fungi/Seeds (F)*
The leaves may be falling and the woods turning brown, but the plants are very active making themselves over. Look carefully and you can find beautiful and bizarre forms of fungus. Some plants have humorous ways of spreading their seeds.

Exploring the Woods Using Our Senses (F,W,Sp)*
There is so much to see, hear, smell, feel and even taste in the outdoors. We do not have a Yule Gibbons on staff, but we can find a couple things to sink our teeth into. Get away from the city a little and find what is out here.

Animal/Habitats (F,W,Sp)*
You already know something about animals and where they live. This is a chance to experience in person what goes on in the woods.

Information:

Some units are best done at certain times of year. The time are indicated next to the name of the unit:
F-fall
W-winter
Sp-spring
However, seasons overlap and most units can be done with limitations or adaptations any time of year.

* State standards met 4A, 7A, 11A, 12A, 12B, 12E, 13A, 13B, 16E, 17B, 17C, 17D, 19A, 19B, 19C, 20A, 21A, 21B, 22C, 24A, 24C.

** State standards met 11B, 16A, 24B

Groups are led by adults with an appreciation for and knowledge of nature. We like the maximum one facilitator to 15 students ratio. All units include a hike and a stop at the artesian well. Your day can be customized to meet the specific goals of your group.

Cost:
Whole day program are       $10 per student
Half-day programs are           $6 per student
None-refundable deposit of $50 required to hold date, balance due day of outing.

Add ons to any program:

• Black Hole (a sledding experience with no snow required)
• Archery
• Snow Shoeing (We provide the snowshoes that fit on your boots)
• Frisbee Golf
• Weather station
• Noncompetitive games

Contact information:
Deb Fritz. Environmental Education Coordinator
815-489-3377
dfritz@rockfordymca.org

Winter Picture Gallery

The spring schedule is open and ready for reservations. Please call or e-mail your request for a date soon.