Field Trip Opportunities
Polk County Conservation is putting more emphasis on getting students outdoors.
We have developed
new theme based field trips. These field trips
may have two or more naturalists or volunteers leading the programs. Don’t forget
winter is a great time to explore the outdoors so consider a winter field trip.
Check out the new opportunities and let’s try to get more students outdoors exploring
nature.
Our goal is to provide students with memorable experiences and to help them
make stronger connections to the natural world.
The Great Outdoors Fund (GOF) has committed to sponsoring a limited number of school
buses for the fall 2009 field trip season. GOF will reimburse the cost of one bus
per field trip up to $200 per school.
Click
here to learn more.
All field trips are free except for any field trip involving canoes and/or kayaks.
The $50 fee helps cover the cost of transportation and equipment replacement. To
schedule a field trip, contact Patrice Petersen-Keys at
Patrice.Petersen-Keys@polkcountyiowa.gov or 515-323-5359.
Habitat Discovery
Grades - 2nd-5th
Length - 4 hours
Months - September, October, May
Locations - Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Jester, or Thomas Mitchell Park
Description - Through hands-on discovery, students will explore Iowa’s habitats
including a woodland, prairie, and pond.
Hatchet/Survival Skills
Grades - 6th – 12th
Length - 3 - 4 hours
Season - Spring or Fall
Location - Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
Description - Are you reading
Hatchet? What a great way to integrate Language
Arts and Science! This field trip can include fishing, canoeing, geocaching, and
a survival hike.
Insect Safari
Grades - Kindergarten - 2nd
Length - 4 hours
Months - September, October, May
Locations - Jester Park, Fort Des Moines Park, or Thomas Mitchell Park.
Description - Students will learn the basic characteristics of insects and how to
identify them through fun and interactive programs. Hands on activities include
insect hunts in a stream, pond, woodland and prairie.
Kayak and Canoe Carnival
Grades - 4th - 12th
Length - 2 - 4 hours
Season - Spring or Fall
Locations - Jester Park or Fort Des Moines Park
Description - Students will learn how to kayak and/or canoe as they paddle their
way though an aquatic obstacle course sure to test out their newly developed skills.
A $50 fee will be charged to help cover the cost of transportation and equipment
replacement.
Life on the Prairie
Grades - 3rd - 6th
Length - 3.5 hour (10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
Month - September 22, 23, & 24
Location - Red Feather Prairie, Saylorville Lake
Description - Tall grass prairie once covered 85% of Iowa’s landscape. Most of this
unique habitat has long since vanished; however, life on the prairie still lives
today. Join Polk County Naturalists and get a glimpse of what life was like on the
prairie. Students will learn about Native American cultures and Iowa’s natural history
through games and hands-on activities.
Marsh Madness
Grades - 6th - 12th
Length - 4 hours
Months - September, October, May
Location - Engeldinger Marsh only
Description - Get down and dirty as naturalists lead students into one of the last
remaining wetlands in Polk County. Geological formation, wetland history, ecology
and hydrology will all be explored through adventurous hands on activities that
will leave the students muddy, wet, and wild about wetlands. Students must wear
old shoes and clothes that can get wet and muddy.
Service Learning
Grades - 6th - 12th
Length - 3 -5 hours
Months - September, October, May
Location - Any Polk County Park or Area
Description - Students will get hands-on learning while providing a valuable service.
Projects included, but are not limited to, prairie plant seed collection, removing
invasive species, and planting wetland species.
Take a Hike
Grades - Kindergarten - 8th
Length - 1 hour
Season - Any
Locations - Brown’s Woods, Jester Park, Thomas Mitchell Park
Description- Guided hikes for all ages are available on the following themes: Trees,
Animals Signs, Habitats, Seasons, and Birds.
Winter Adventure
Grades - 3rd – 12th grade
Length - 2 - 4 hours
Season - Winter
Location - Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
Description - Come explore the great outdoors in the winter. This field trip can
include snowshoeing, ice fishing, and a winter hike. Warm up indoors around a wood
stove.
Water Wonders
Grades - 4th-8th
Length - 4 hours
Months - September, October, May
Locations - Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Jester Park, Easter Lake Park, Fort Des
Moines, Thomas Mitchell Park
Description - Students will explore a pond or creek and learn about the importance
of water.