Enjoy a self-guided experience at your leisure with your class at a DuPage forest preserve. The following forest preserves and centers feature flush restrooms, drinking water, trails, places to picnic and ample bus parking. To reserve a free picnic shelter, please note it on your request form.

• Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville
  Four picnic shelters
• Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in Glen Ellyn
  One picnic shelter
• Cricket Creek Forest Preserve in Addison
  One picnic shelter
• Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton
  No picnic shelter available
• Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook
  One picnic shelter
• Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville
  One picnic shelter
• Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton
  Four picnic shelters
• Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove
  One picnic shelter
• Kline Creek Farm at Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in West Chicago
  No picnic shelter
• Mallard Lake Forest Preserve in Bloomingdale
  One picnic shelter
• Mayslake Forest Preserve in Oak Brook
  No picnic shelter
• McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville
  One picnic shelter
• Meacham Grove Forest Preserve in Bloomingdale
  No picnic shelter
• Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve in Wayne
  One picnic shelter
• Salt Creek Park Forest Preserve in Addison
  One picnic shelter
• Spring Creek Reservoir Forest Preserve in Bloomingdale
  One picnic shelter
• Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville
  One picnic shelter
• St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville
  One picnic pavilion
• Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien
  One picnic shelter
• West Branch Forest Preserve in Bartlett
  No picnic shelter
• West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve in West Chicago
  No picnic shelter
• Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve in Wood Dale
  One picnic shelter
• York Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook
  One picnic shelter

Teach the ABCs and sharpen your students' observation skills with this simple scavenger hunt. Students will explore Kline Creek Farm looking for farm-related objects beginning with each letter of the alphabet. Maximum 30 students.

Academic Year
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Students use magnifying lenses and spyglasses to explore the farm while guided by their chaperone with a picture booklet. Maximum 30 students.

Academic Year
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

A costumed guide introduces students to this 1890s farm and the people who care for it. Students learn about farming; explore fields, pastures and buildings; the purposes animals serve on a farm; and discover what makes farm animals different from wild animals. This one-hour guided tour is for 10 – 30 students. $5 per student.

Academic Year
Mondays, Thursdays, and  Fridays
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Standards Explored
Common Core
ELA/Literacy

• SL.K.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.K.6 Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
• SL.1.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

Mathematics

• K.CC.5 Counting and Cardinality: Count to Tell the Number of Objects
• K.CC.6 Counting and Cardinality: Compare Numbers

• SS.IS.1.K-2 Inquiry Skills: Constructing Essential Questions
• SS.G.1.K Geography: Human-Environment Interaction
• SS.H.1.K History: Change, Continuity, and Context
• SS.H.3.1 History: Perspectives

NGSS

• K-ESS2.E Biogeology
• K-ESS3.A Natural Resources
• K-ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems
• K-LS1.C Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
• 1-LS1.B Growth and Development of Organisms
• 1-LS3.B Variation of Traits

Pre-Activity Sheets
Suggested Reading List (PDF)
Coloring Page (PDF)
Vocabulary List (PDF)

Students increase their awareness of nature and their interest in the natural world through observation and discussion. Activities and discussion will vary by season and by forest preserve. This one-hour guided hike is for 10 - 30 students. $5 per student.

Academic Year
Monday – Friday

Take a guided nature hike at one of the preserves listed below. Each of these preserves includes school-group friendly amenities including bus parking, picnic areas and public restrooms. If you plan to eat lunch onsite and/or require a picnic shelter reservation, please indicate this on your program request form.

Standards Explored (may vary by season)
Common Core
ELA/Literacy

• SL.K.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.K.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.1.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

• K.MD.1 Measurement and Data: Describe and Compare Measurable Attributes
• K.MD.2 Measurement and Data: Describe and Compare Measurable Attributes

NGSS

• 1-LS1.B Growth and Development of Organisms
• 1-LS1.D Information Processing
• 1-LS3.B Variation of Traits

Loan Box Links
Field Trip Pack

Students learn the historical importance of maple syrup in the Midwest and try their hands at making syrup the way folks did in the 1890s. This 45-minute guided tour is for 10-30 students. $5 per student.

March 2 – 31
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Standards Explored
Common Core
ELA/Literacy

• SL.K.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.1.1.A Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

NGSS

• K-ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems
• K-LS1.C Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
• 1-LS2.B Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Teach the ABCs and sharpen your students' observation skills with this simple scavenger hunt. Students will explore Kline Creek Farm looking for farm-related objects beginning with each letter of the alphabet. Maximum 30 students.

Academic Year
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Students participate in a wide variety of lessons and activities presented by costumed guides. Visit an 1890s farmhouse to see how families lived more than a century ago. Interact with farm animals and explore fields to learn how farmers used the technology of the 1890s to raise crops and livestock to feed a growing nation. From seasonal chores to pastimes of the past, four hours is barely enough time to see and do it all! This four-hour interactive program is for up to 350 students. $10 per student.

May 16, 17, and 20
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Standards explored (may vary by season)
Common Core
ELA/Literacy 

• SL.2.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration 
  SL.2.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration 
  SL.3.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration 
• SL.3.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

• 2-LS2.B Cycle of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
• 3-LS1.B Growth and Development of Organisms
• 3-LS3.B Variation of Traits

Students explore the role of water and what plants need to grow; meet lambs and learn what they need to grow and develop; observe the honeybees and learn how bees help pollinate our crops; investigate how food is produced and how transportation changed how people are supplied with food; and learn how farmers changed the land to grow food more efficiently. This 90-minute guided tour is for 10 - 30 students. $5 per student.

Academic Year
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Standards Explored
Common Core
ELA/Literacy

•  SL.2.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.2.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.3.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.3.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

• SS.H.1.2 History: Change, Continuity, and Context
• SS.EC.1.3 Economics and Financial Literacy: Economic Decision Making
• SS.G.2.3 Geography: Human-Environment Interaction: Place, Regions, and Culture
• SS.EC.3.2 Economics and Financial Literacy: Exchange and Markets
• SS.G.3.2 Geography: Human Population
• SS.G.3.3 Geography: Global Interconnections 

NGSS

• 2-LS2.A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
• 3-LS1.B Growth and Development of Organisms
• 3-LS3.B Variation of Traits

Pre-Activity Sheets
Suggested Reading List (PDF)
Baby Farm Animals (PDF)
Vocabulary List (PDF)

This program is full for the 2023-24 academic year. Please check back in August 2024 to make arrangements for the 2024-25 school year.

Students explore a variety of nature content while rotating between stations and activities. Teachers preselect the activities from the list below. This four-hour interactive program is for 50 – 100 students. $10 per student.

Academic Year
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook, Herrick Lake in Wheaton, or St. James Farm in Warrenville

Activities to choose from include: bird banding, bird watching, food chains & food webs, guided nature hike, insect investigation, nature art, plant powers, team challenge, tracking, and tree ID.

Standards Explored
Varies based on activities selected

Biodiversity – food chains & food webs, guided nature hike, or insect investigation 

Community Action – bird banding, birdwatching, insect investigation, or team challenge 

Creativity & Problem Solving – guided nature hike, nature art, team challenge, or tracking 

End of the Year Fun – bird watching, insect investigation, nature art, or team challenge 

Plants – food chains & food webs, guided nature hike, nature art, plant powers, or tree ID 

Wildlife – bird banding, birdwatching, guided nature hike, insect investigation, or tracking 

Students increase their awareness of nature and their interest in the natural world through observation and discussion. Activities and discussion will vary by season and by forest preserve. This one-hour guided hike is for 10 – 30 students. $5 per student.

Academic Year
Monday – Friday

Take a guided nature hike at one of the preserves listed below. Each of these preserves includes school-group friendly amenities including bus parking, picnic areas and public restrooms. If you plan to eat lunch onsite or require a picnic shelter reservation, please indicate this on your program request form.

Standards Explored
Varies by season

Common Core
ELA/Literacy

• SL.2.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.2.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.3.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.3.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

NGSS

• 2-ESS2.A Earth Materials and Systems
• 2-LS2.A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
• 2-LS4.D Biodiversity and Humans
• 2-PS1.A Structure and Properties of Matter
• 3-LS1.B Growth and Development of Organisms
• 3-LS2.D Social Interactions of Group Behavior
• 3-LS3.B Variation of Traits
• 3-LS4.D Biodiversity and Humans

Loan Box Links
Field Trip Pack

Students learn the historical importance of maple syrup in the Midwest and try their hands at making syrup the way folks did in the 1890s. This 45-minute guided tour is for 10 –30 students. $5 per student.

March 2 – 31
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Standards Explored
Common Core
ELA/Literacy

• SL.2.1 Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
• SL.2.3 Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
• SL.3.1 Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
• SL.3.3 Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

• SS.IS.1.3-5 Inquiry Skills: Constructing Essential Questions
• SS.IS.2.3-5 Inquiry Skills: Determining Helpful Sources
• SS.G.1.K Geography: Human-Environment Interaction
• SS.H.1.K History: Change, Continuity, and Context
• SS.H.3.1 History: Perspectives

NGSS

• 2-LS2.B Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
• 3-ESS3.A Natural Resources
• 3-LS3.B Variation of Traits

Students will act as detectives, resolving architectural mysteries of the design and function of various farm buildings. Maximum 30 students.

Academic Year
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Students participate in a wide variety of lessons and activities presented by costumed guides. Visit an 1890s farmhouse to see how families lived more than a century ago. Interact with farm animals and explore fields to learn how farmers used the technology of the 1890s to raise crops and livestock to feed a growing nation. From seasonal chores to pastimes of the past, four hours is barely enough time to see and do it all! This four-hour interactive program is for up to 350 students. $10 per student.

May 16, 17, and 20
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Standards Explored
Varies by season

Common Core
ELA/Literacy 

• SL.4.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.4.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.5.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.5.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration 

Students take a hayride to the Danada Model Farm to experience pioneer life on the prairie and to investigate firsthand the staple crops and farming methods of the 1940s – 1960s. Students may also meet horses at the Danada Equestrian Center's Kentucky barn. This endowed program has no associated fees thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Danada. Bus subsidies are available for Title I schools. This three-hour guided tour is for 10 – 60 students. This program is geared toward students in grade 4.

September 4– 29
Monday – Friday
Danada Equestrian Center and the Danada Model Farm in Wheaton

Standards Explored
Common Core
ELA/Literacy

• SL.4.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

Social Studies

• SS.G.3.4 Geography: Human Population: Spatial Patterns and Movements
• SS.EC. 2.4 Economics and Financial Literacy: Exchange and Markets
• SS.H.1.4 History: Perspectives

NGSS

• 4-ESS2.A Earth Materials and Systems
• 4-ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems

Students learn about global positioning systems and how they work while using a GPS unit to find waypoints and hidden caches. This 90-minute interactive program is for 10 – 30 students. $10 per student.

Academic Year
Monday – Friday
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook,  Herrick Lake in Wheaton, St. James Farm in Warrenville, or Waterfall Glen in Darien

Standards Explored
Common Core

• SL.4.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL4.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL5.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.5.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

NGSS

• 4-PS4.C Information technologies and Instrumentation

This program is full for the 2023-24 academic year. Please check back in August 2024 to make arrangements for the 2024-25 school year.

Students explore a variety of nature content while rotating between stations and activities. Teachers pre-select the activities from the list below. This four-hour interactive program is for 50 – 100 students. $10 per student.

Academic Year
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook, Herrick Lake in Wheaton, or St. James Farm in Warrenville

Activities to choose from include bird banding, bird watching, fish ID & dichotomous keys, food chains and food webs, geocaching, guided nature hike, habitat restoration, insect investigation, nature art, plant powers, team challenge, tracking, and tree ID.

Standards Explored 
Varies based on activities selected.  

Biodiversity – food chains & food webs, guided nature hike, habitat restoration, insect investigation 

Community Action – bird banding, birdwatching, habitat restoration, insect investigation, or team challenge 

Creativity & Problem Solving – guided nature hike, nature art, team challenge, or tracking 

End of the Year Fun – bird watching, geocaching, insect investigation, nature art, or team challenge  

Plants – food chains & food webs, guided nature hike, nature art, plant powers, or tree ID 

Wildlife – bird banding, birdwatching, fish ID & dichotomous keys, guided nature hike, insect investigation, or tracking 

Students explore Kline Creek Farm while reinforcing many of the concepts they are learning in the classroom with topics ranging from the energy used on an 1890s farm to how plants grow and reproduce. Tours of the animals will explore how nutrients from plants feed animals and how manure is used to fertilize plants. Students will learn about the business of farming, farming innovations and how farming has moved in and then out of DuPage County. This 90-minute guided tour is for 10 – 30 students. $5 per student.

Academic Year
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Standards Explored
Common Core
ELA/Literacy

• SL.4.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.5.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

Social Studies

• SS.G.3.4 Geography: Human Population: Spatial Patterns and Movements
• SS.EC. 2.4 Economics and Financial Literacy: Exchange and Markets
• SS.H.1.4 History: Perspectives
• SS.G.1.5 Geography: Human-Environment Interaction: Place, Regions, and Culture
• SS.G.2.5 Geography: Human Population: Spatial Patterns and Movements
• SS.G.3.5 Geography: Human Population: Spatial Patterns and Movements
• SS.H.1.5 History: Change, Continuity, and Context

NGSS

• 4-LS1.A Structure and Function
• 4-ESS2.A Earth Materials and Systems
• 4-ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems
• 5-ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems
• 5-LS1.A Structure and Function
• 5-LS2.B Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
• 5-PS3.B Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer

Pre-Activity Sheets
Suggested Reading List (PDF)
Crossword Puzzle (PDF)
Vocabulary List (PDF)

Students increase their awareness of nature and their interest in the natural world through observation and discussion. Activities and discussion will vary by season and by forest preserve. This one-hour guided hike is for 10 – 30 students. $5 per student.

Take a guided nature hike at one of the preserves listed below. Each of these preserves includes school-group friendly amenities including bus parking, picnic areas and public restrooms. If you plan to eat lunch onsite and/or require a picnic shelter reservation, please indicate this on your program request form.

Academic Year
Monday – Friday

Standards Explored
Varies by season

Common Core
ELA/Literacy

• SL.4.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.5.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

NGSS

• 4-ESS2.A Earth Materials and Systems
• 4-LS1.D Information Processing
• 5-ESS2.A Earth Materials and Systems
• 5-ESS2.C The Roles of Water in Earth's Surface Processes
• 5-LS2.A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
• 5-PS1.A Structure and Properties of Matter

Loan Box Links
Field Trip Pack

Students discover the importance of biodiversity and the impact that change can have on an ecosystem. Afterwards, students will participate in a project to restore a habitat. This 90-minute interactive program is for 10 - 30 students. $10 per student.

Academic Year
Monday – Friday
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook or St. James Farm in Warrenville

Standards Explored
Common Core

• SL.4.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.4.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.5.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.5.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

NGSS

• 4-LS1.A Structure and Function
• 4-LS1.D Information Processing
• 5-ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems

Students explore the Urban Stream Research Center while learning about freshwater mussels and a federally endangered insect species. Dive in to discussions about habitat loss and visit a local river where habitats have been improved. This 90-minute guided tour is for 10 - 30 students. $5 per student.

Nov. 2, 7, 8, and 15
March 13, 20 & 21, and April 11
Urban Stream Research Center at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville

Standards Explored
Common Core

• SL.4.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.4.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.5.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.5.3 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

NGSS

• LS1.A Structure and Function
• LS1.B Growth and Development of Organisms
• LS1.D Information Processing
• LS2.C Ecosystem Dynamics, functioning, and resilience
• LS4.C Adaptation
• LS4.D Biodiversity and Humans
• ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems 

Loan Box Links
Aquatic Illinois
Illinois Invasive Species

Students discover the importance of biodiversity and the impact that humans can have on an ecosystem's health while participating in a project to restore a habitat. This 90-minute interactive program is for 10 – 30 students. $10 per student.

Academic Year
Monday – Friday
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook or St. James Farm in Warrenville

Standards Explored
Common Core

• SL.6.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.7.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.8.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

NGSS

• MS-LS2.C Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
• MS-LS4.D Biodiversity and Humans
• MS-ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems

Loan Box Links
Illinois Invasive Species

Students participate in a wide variety of lessons and activities presented by costumed guides. Visit an 1890s farmhouse to see how families lived more than a century ago. Interact with farm animals and explore fields to learn how farmers used the technology of the 1890s to raise crops and livestock to feed a growing nation. From seasonal chores to pastimes of the past, four hours is barely enough time to see and do it all! This four-hour interactive program is for up to 350 students. $10 per student.

May 16, 17, and 20
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Standards Explored
Varies by season

• SL.6.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration 
• SL.7.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.8.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

Illinois Learning Standards:

• 4A, 5A, 7A, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 13B, 15A, 15B, 15C, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 18B, 18C, 22A, 22B, 22C

Students explore technology and instruments that Global Positioning Systems use while operating a GPS unit to navigate waypoints, solve problems and find hidden caches. This 90-minute interactive program is for 10 - 30 students. $10 per students.

Academic year
Monday - Friday
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook,  Herrick Lake in Wheaton, St. James Farm in Warrenville, or Waterfall Glen in Darien.

Standards Explored
Common Core

• SL.6.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.7.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.8.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

NGSS

• MS-PS4.A Wave Properties
• MS-PS4.C Information Technologies and Instrumentation

This program is full for the 2023-24 academic year. Please check back in August 2024 to make arrangements for the 2024-25 school year.

Students explore a variety of nature content while rotating between stations and activities. Teachers pre-select the activities from the list below. This four-hour interactive program is for 50 – 100 students. $10 per student.

Academic Year
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook, Herrick Lake in Wheaton, or St. James Farm in Warrenville

Activities to choose from include bird banding, bird watching, fish ID and dichotomous keys, food chains and food webs, geocaching, guided nature hike, habitat restoration, insect investigation, nature art, team challenge, tracking, and tree ID.

Standards Explored 
Varies based on activities selected

Biodiversity – food chains & food webs, guided nature hike, habitat restoration, insect investigation

Community Action – bird banding, birdwatching, habitat restoration, insect investigation, or team challenge 

Creativity & Problem Solving – guided nature hike, nature art, team challenge, or tracking 

End of the Year Fun – bird watching, geocaching, insect investigation, nature art, or team challenge  

Wildlife – bird banding, birdwatching, fish ID and dichotomous keys, guided nature hike, insect investigation, or tracking 

Students increase their awareness of nature and their interest in the natural world through observation and discussion. Activities and discussion will vary by season and by forest preserve. This one-hour guided hike is for 10 – 30 students. $5 per student.

Take a guided nature hike at one of the preserves listed below. Each of these preserves includes school-group friendly amenities including bus parking, picnic areas and public restrooms. If you plan to eat lunch onsite or require a picnic shelter reservation, please indicate this on your request form.

Students increase their awareness of nature and their interest in the natural world through observation and discussion. Activities and discussion will vary by season and by forest preserve. One-hour guided hike for 10 - 30 students. $5 per student.

Academic Year
Monday – Friday

Standards Explored
Varies by season

Common Core
ELA/Literacy

• CCR.SL.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• CCR.SL.2 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• CCR.SL.4 Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

NGSS

• MS-ESS2.A Earth's Materials and Systems
• MS-ESS2.C The Role of Water in Earth's Surface Processes
• MS-LS1.B Growth and Development of Organisms
• MS-LS1.D Information Processing
• MS-LS2.A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
• MS-LS3.B Variation of Traits
• MS-LS4.D Biodiversity and Humans
• MS-PS1.A Structure and Properties of Matter

Loan Box Links
Field Trip Pack

Students dive into the Urban Stream Research Center to investigate what happens when something disrupts the ability of an ecosystem to meet the needs of the organisms living in it. While meeting freshwater animals and investigating their roles, students explore first hand human impacts on aquatic ecosystems and the science used to reverse those effects. This 90-minute guided tour is for 10 – 30 students. $5 per student.

Nov. 2, 7, 8, and 15
March 13, 20 & 21, and April 11
Urban Stream Research Center at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville

Standards Explored
Common Core

• SL.6.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.7.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.8.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

NGSS

• MS-LS1.B Growth and Development of Organisms
• MS-LS2.A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
• MS-LS2.C Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
• MS-LS4.C Adaptation
• MS-LS4.D Biodiversity and Humans
• MS-ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems

Loan Box Links
Aquatic Illinois
Illinois Invasive Species

Students investigate and discuss crucial changes in farming technology over the past 125 years including transportation, expanding markets, the development of agri-business, and modern issues such as genetic engineering, feed additives, consumer safety, and environmental effects. This 90-minute guided tour is for 10 – 30 students. $10 per student.

Academic Year
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Standards Explored
Common Core

Social Studies Standards

• SS.G.3.9-12 Geography: Human Population
• SS.G.6.9-12 Geography: Geographic Representations, Human-Environment Interaction, Population
• SS.G.8.9-12 Geography: Geographic Representations, Human-Environment Interaction, Population
• SS.EC.8.9-12 Economics and Financial Literacy: National and Global Economy
• SS.H.4.9-12 History: Perspectives

NGSS

• HS-LS2.A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
• HS-LS4.D Biodiversity and Humans

Pre-Activity Sheets
Vocabulary List (PDF)

Students investigate the importance of digital information technologies in the modern world by learning about global positioning systems and using a GPS unit to navigate waypoints, solve problems and find hidden caches. This 90-minute program is for 10 – 30 students. $10 per students.

Academic Year
Monday – Friday
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook,  Herrick Lake in Wheaton, St. James Farm in Warrenville, or Waterfall Glen in Darien.

Standards Explored
Common Core

• SL.9-10.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.11-12.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

NGSS

• HS-PS4.A Wave Properties
• HS-PS4.C Information Technologies and Instrumentation

This program is full for the 2023-24 academic year. Please check back in August 2024 to make arrangements for the 2024-25 school year.

Students explore a variety of nature content while rotating between stations and activities. Teachers pre-select the activities from the list below. This four-hour interactive program is for 50 – 100 students. $10 per student.

Academic Year
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook, Herrick Lake in Wheaton, or St. James Farm in Warrenville

Activities to choose from include: bird watching, fish ID & dichotomous keys, geocaching, guided nature hike, habitat restoration, insect investigation, nature art, team challenge, tracking, and tree ID.

Standards Explored
Varies based on activities selected

Biodiversity – food chains and food webs, guided nature hike, habitat restoration, insect investigation

Community Action – birdwatching, habitat restoration, insect investigation, or team challenge 

Creativity & Problem Solving – guided nature hike, nature art, team challenge, or tracking 

End of the Year Fun – bird watching, geocaching, insect investigation, nature art, or team challenge  

Wildlife – birdwatching, fish ID and dichotomous keys, guided nature hike, insect investigation, or tracking 

Students increase their awareness of nature and their interest in the natural world through observation and discussion. Activities and discussion will vary by season and by forest preserve. This one-hour guided hike is for 10 – 30 students. $5 per student.

Take a guided nature hike at one of the preserves listed below. Each of these preserves includes school-group friendly amenities including bus parking, picnic areas and public restrooms. If you plan to eat lunch onsite or require a picnic shelter reservation, please indicate this on your request form.

Academic Year
Monday – Friday

Standards Explored
Varies by season

Common Core
ELA/Literacy

• CCR.SL.2 Comprehension and Collaboration
• CCR.SL.3 Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.11-12.1.c Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

NGSS

• HS-ESS2.A Earth Materials and Systems
• HS-ESS2.C The Roles of Water in Earth's Surface Processes
• HS-LS1.B Growth and Development of Organisms
• HS-LS2.A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
• HS-LS3.B Variation of Traits
• HS-LS4.D Biodiversity and Humans
• HS-PS1.A Structure and Properties of Matter

Loan Box Links
Field Trip Pack

Students discover the importance of biodiversity and the impact that humans can have on an ecosystem's health while participating in a project to restore a habitat. This 90-minute interactive program is for 10  – 30 students. $10 per student.

Academic Year
Monday – Friday
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook or St. James Farm in Warrenville.

Standards Explored
Common Core

• SL.9-10.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.11-12.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

NGSS

• HS-ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems
• HS-LS2.C Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
• HS-LS4.D Biodiversity and Humans

Loan Box Links
Illinois Invasive Species

Students investigate how environmental issues threaten the quality and sustainability of aquatic resources while exploring the Urban Stream Research Center to view science technology and learn how ecosystem structure and function are being recreated and repaired using restoration techniques and aquatic species propagation. This 90-minute guided tour is for 10 – 30 students. $5 per student.

Nov. 2, 7, 8, and 15
March 13, 20 & 21, and April 11
Urban Stream Research Center at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville

Standards Explored
Common Core

• SL.9-10.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
• SL.11-12.1 Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration

NGSS

• HS-LS2.C Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
• HS-LS2.D Social Interactions and Group Behavior
• HS-LS4.D Biodiversity and Humans
• HS-ESS3.C Human Impacts on Earth Systems

Loan Box Links
Aquatic Illinois
Illinois Invasive Species

Students discover the importance of biodiversity and the factors that positively or negatively impact ecosystem health while participating in a project to restore a habitat. This 90-minute interactive program is for 10 - 30 students. $10 per student.

Academic Year
Monday – Friday
Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook or St. James Farm in Warrenville