Visit a DuPage forest preserve with your students where they will learn about natural sciences and DuPage County's cultural history. These programs are designed to meet national learning standards, including Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards.
Program reservations for the 2022 – 2023 academic year are now open. We offer programs throughout the academic year (Sept. 1 through June 2), and most are available Monday through Friday.
The Forest Preserve District is committed to making its programs available to all groups. Please mention any accessibility needs or concerns when you reserve your program.
View the available guided school programs and descriptions below. Then, click the green button to complete and submit a program request form.
The Forest Preserve District follows all state and federal guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Guided school programs require a three-week advance reservation and have a minimal per-student fee.
My First Visit to the Farm
A costumed guide introduces students to this 1890's 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. One-hour guided tour for 10 - 30 students. $5 per student.
Academic year
Monday, Thursday & Friday
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago
Standards Explored
Common Core:
ELA/Literacy
Mathematics
NGSS:
Pre-Activity Sheets:
Suggested Reading List (PDF)
Coloring Page (PDF)
Vocabulary List (PDF)
Nature Hike
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
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.
Preserve |
Town |
Acres |
Shelters |
Trails (miles) |
Warrenville |
1387 |
5 |
9 |
|
Glen Ellyn |
265 |
3 |
2 |
|
Wheaton |
825 |
0 |
6 |
|
Wayne |
374 |
0 |
1 |
|
Oak Brook |
226 |
1 |
4 |
|
Naperville |
1414 |
2 |
14 |
|
Wheaton |
896 |
4 |
7 |
|
Downers Grove |
393 |
1 |
2 |
|
Bartlett |
501 |
1 |
4 |
|
Hanover Park |
953 |
1 |
4 |
|
Oak Brook |
90 |
0 |
1 |
|
Naperville |
465 |
2 |
7 |
|
Wayne |
3474 |
1 |
8 |
|
Wood Dale |
93 |
1 |
1 |
|
Naperville |
1829 |
1 |
9 |
|
Darien |
2492 |
1 |
12 |
|
Bartlett |
725 |
0 |
3 |
|
West Chicago |
462 |
0 |
4 |
|
Wood Dale |
185 |
2 |
1 |
Standards Explored (may vary by season)
Common Core:
ELA/Literacy
NGSS:
Loan Box Links:
Sap to Syrup
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. 45-minute guided tour for 10-30 students. $5 per student.
March 2 - 31
Monday, Thursday & Friday
Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago
Standards Explored
Common Core:
ELA/Literacy
NGSS:
Wildlife Exhibit Hike
Due to construction of the new center, there will be no on-site programs after Jan. 1, 2023. A Willowbrook interpreter takes students on a guided tour of the outdoor wildlife exhibits and discusses the natural history of local wildlife as well as the individual stories of the animals living at the center. Willowbrook’s mission and an overview of how the animals are cared for both in the hospital and as permanent residents are discussed. One-hour guided tour for 10 - 30 students. $5 per student. All Willowbrook indoor facilities are closed to the public.
Academic year
Monday – Friday
Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn
Standards Explored
Common Core:
ELA/Literacy
NGSS:
Loan Box Links:
Willowbrook Adventures
Due to construction of the new center, there will be no on-site programs after Jan. 1, 2023. A Willowbrook interpreter leads students on an adventure and activities exploring how the preserve changes throughout the seasons before concluding with a tour of the resident wildlife that live on Willowbrook's outdoor exhibit trail. One-hour interactive program for 10 - 30 students. $10 per student. At this time, all Willowbrook indoor facilities are closed to the public.
Academic year
Monday – Friday
Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn
Standards Explored
Common Core:
ELA/Literacy
NGSS:
Loan Box Links:
At a Forest Preserve
Preschool, Kindergarten & Grade 1
Grades 2 & 3
Grades 4 & 5
Grades 6 – 8
Grades 9 – 12
College
School Programs & Teacher Resources
School Programs & Teacher Resources
In Your Classroom
In-Person
Virtual
At a Forest Preserve
Guided Programs
Pre-, K & Grade 1
Grades 2 & 3
Grades 4 & 5
Grades 6 – 8
Grades 9 – 12
College
Self-Guided Discovery
Learn by Doing
Inquiry & PBL
STEM Outreach
Career Outreach
Teacher Resources
Teacher Professional Development
Loan Boxes
Partners in Education
Education Centers
Meet the Experts
3S580 Naperville Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
630-933-7200
forest@dupageforest.org
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Forest Preserve District is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. Contact 630-933-7683 or TTY 800-526-0857.