Stream Ecology (6-12th grade,
scout groups): Students will learn about the web of relationships between micro- and macro- invertebrates, fish, amphibians,
reptiles, and mammals, in the context of a stream environment. Track identification, and chemical and physical properties
of the stream may be discussed. Nets and picture keys to identify aquatic creatures will be provided, and the health of the
stream will be estimated based on the creatures discovered by the students. Spring or Fall.
Fall
Color Hikes (preschool-4th grade, family groups): September Prairie Hikes at Steele Prairie, Prescott Prairie,
or Nestor Stiles Prairie. Woodland Hikes at Martin’s Access, Silver Sioux Recreation Area or even in town, noting seeds,
leaves and signs of animal behavior. Students will also learn the history of human use of the plants we encounter, and possibly
get a taste of wild grapes or plums.
Winter
Tracks in the Snow (preschool – 6th grade, family groups, scout groups): Students must dress for the
weather to hike through Red Tail Ridge Habitat Area when at least 2” of snow have fallen. We will attempt to identify
tracks and animal behaviors, while also enjoying the smells, sights and sounds of winter.
Spring
Awakenings Hikes (preschool -4th grade, 9th-12th, adults, scout groups, family groups): May is the perfect time to enjoy
woodland wildflowers at Martin’s Access or Silver Sioux Recreation Area. Younger children enjoy seeing the abundance
of green and flowering plants, each of which has a story. This is also the time for migration of warblers and other birds
heading north to nest. Older students can take advantage of the spring ephemeral flower bloom to learn plant identification.
Identifying birds by call and by field markings is very good at this time, as birds are abundant in the woodlands and on the
river.
