School Programs at a Forest Preserve

Conservation Biology: Aquatic Biodiversity

Students visit the state of the art Urban Stream Research Center to investigate how freshwater aquatic ecosystems supports a large number of global biodiversity despite a broad range of threats. Students will take a firsthand look at aquatic animal propagation and discover the restoration methods used to restore aquatic habitats. Ninety-minute guided tour for 10 - 30 students

November 4th & 18th
Thursday
Urban Stream Reserach Center, Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville

Conservation Biology: Habitat Restoration

Students discover the importance of biodiversity and the factors that negatively impact ecosystem health before participating in a project to restore a habitat. Ninety-minute interactive program 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.

Ecology Hike

This program increases students’ awareness of nature and their interest in the natural world, while increasing observational skills, emphasizing the idea of environmental constraints on populations and ecological succession effects on organisms. One-hour guided tour 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.

 

Loan Box Links:

Field Trip Pack

The Evolution of Agriculture

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. Two-hour guided tour for 10 - 30 students. $10 per student.

Academic year
Monday, Thursday & Friday
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago

Guided Tour

A Willowbrook interpreter takes students on a guided tour of the outdoor wildlife exhibits and discuss the natural history of local wildlife as well as the individual stories of the animals living at the center. Willowbrook’s mission as a center will be discussed as well as an overview of how the animals are cared for both in the hospital and as permanent residents. One-hour guided tour for 10 - 30 students. $5 per student. At this time, all Willowbrook indoor facilities are closed to the public.

Academic year
Monday – Friday
Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn

Loan Box Links:

Illinois' Birds
Illinois' Wild Mammals
Owls