SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Teachers interested in discussing field trip possibilities, please contact Jessica Johnsrud, Education Coordinator, at 920-793-4007 or jessicaj@woodlanddunes.org.

School Programs

Immerse your students in the natural world. As an environmentally focused education center, our lessons help students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Our 1,500 acre preserve allows them to actively engage with their surroundings, allowing them to explore deep into forest ecosystems, walk through wetlands, and meet the plants and animals that make Woodland Dunes their home. This type of learning helps your students develop a personal relationship with nature, and motivates them to care for the natural world throughout their lives. Jessica Johnsrud, winner of the 2016 Education Impact Award, coordinates and leads all of our educational activities. 

Why our programs work

Our goal is to keep group sizes small. With a group of 60 students, we aim to have 5 or 6 highly trained teacher-naturalists that will help facilitate your learning. This ensures that every student receives a quality educational experience. With small group sizes, the interactions between the naturalist and student increases ten-fold, allowing for more inquiry based, experiential education to take place.

Year ’round…

If you don’t see what you want in the classes listed here, our staff will work with you to create a unique learning experience for your group. Ecology/science groups and classes are always welcome to join us for a guided visit or to explore on their own. Contact us to arrange a specialized program or for suggestions on where to explore.

Fees

Unless otherwise noted, field trip fees are $3 per student with a minimum fee of $25. See seasonal programs information.

Approximate driving times:

Manitowoc: 15 minutes Green Bay: 45 minutes Sheboygan: 40 minutes Fox Valley: 60 minutes

AUTUMN

“We LOVE coming to Woodland Dunes for our first grade field trip each year. It is a wonderful experience for our kids, so organized, and well-planned. We appreciate all that you do to create a great learning experience!” – 1st grade teacher

Pre-K Fall
Field Trip

Explore fall through engaging activities that keep the kids moving! Students will learn about turkeys, act out the jobs a bee may have in the hive, and observe signs of fall on the tower and areas near the Nature Center. Activities can be adjusted to fit your groups’ needs.

  • Length: 1-1.25 hours
  • Offered:
    September-mid-November
  • Fee: $2/student

Cottonwood Trail
Field Trip

Through interactive games and activities, students will explore how Wisconsin animals survive and grow. Your students will enjoy crawling through the brush pile, pretending to be squirrels storing food for winter and more! Program takes place on trails near the Nature Center. Updated and correlated to the Next Generation Science Standards.

Cottonwood Trail Pre and Post Activities
  • Length: 2 hours
  • Offered:
    Mid-September through October Grade 1
  • Level: Grade 1

Owling 101
Field Trip

Introduce your students to the forest ecosystem through the study of owls. This interactive program introduces important ecological concepts while engaging students in hands-on learning. Program takes place on trails near the Nature Center.

Owling 101 Pre Activity
Owl Mask
Owl Pellet Bone Chart
  • Length: 2 hours
  • Offered:
    October through early November
  • Level: Grades K – 3

WINTER

“Kiddos were so excited – “Best Field Trip Ever!!!” Thank you for creating a great experience for our student, too! His mom was so glad that you involved him all along the way! She appreciated the extra thought and planning that was given to meet her child’s needs. I am also very thankful for that extra care!” – 3rd grade teacher

Winter World
Field Trip

Explore the forest on snowshoes; become trackers and identification experts. With some tips from our furry and feathered friends, learn the secrets of how to enjoy the frosty weather. Your students will be so caught up in the wonders of winter they’ll be amazed when it’s time to leave! Students will snowshoe only if there is enough snow. Program takes place at the Field Station.

  • Length 3 hours
  • Offered:
    Late January through February
  • Level: Grades 3 – 6
Winter World Pre and Post Activities

Maple Syrup and Forest Ecology Field Trip

Visit the Brouchoud Field Station during the time of year when sap starts flowing and animals become more active. Students will explore a forest ecosystem, and learn what a forest needs, contains, and provides through the act of making maple syrup. Students will tap trees, boil syrup, hike, and taste-test real maple syrup! Program takes place at the Field Station.

  • Length: 2.75 – 3 hours
  • Offered: March
  • Level: Grades 3-4
Maple Syrup & Forest Ecology Pre and Post Activities

SPRING

Pre-K Spring
Field Trip

Explore spring through engaging activities that keep the kids moving!  Students will study bird nests and create their own nest to play a game, pretend to be a seed and learn what they need to grow, and observe signs of spring on the tower and areas near the Nature Center. Activities can be adjusted to fit your groups’ needs. 

  • Length: 1-1.25 hours
  • Offered:
    April-early June
  • Fee: $2/student

Amphibmeander
Field Trip

Our field station is surrounded by forest and wetland which allows students to immerse themselves in the ecosystem they’re studying. They’ll visit the ponds & pools and explore frogs, salamanders, and other aquatic critters that begin their lifecycle here. Students will learn about the importance of wetland habitats and why they are wild, wacky, and worth saving! This program takes place at the Field Station.

  • Length: 2.25 hours
  • Offered:
    Late-April through early June
  • Level: Grade 3
Amphibmeander Pre Activity
Are You Me – Animal Cards

Photo Policy

Woodland Dunes may take photos or video of participants in programs, activities or events. These photos may appear on our website, social media or used in presentations. If you or your students do not wish to be photographed, please let us know prior to our programs.