Pre-School Programs
The PCCB offers a variety of programs designed specifically for young children.
Programs are offered to youth three years old and older. Please do not include younger
children in the program. We also provide programs for older students as well.
A professional naturalist will gear the nature topic to the age of the group. These
programs may include a story, feltboard, puppets, touch/feel time, and a live animal.
We will travel to your site or you may come to one of our county parks.
How to Schedule a Visit
Our schedule fills up quickly in the fall and spring, so the earlier you call the
better. However, we ask that you call at least one week in advance prior to your
preferred program time.
A small fee is now being charged to help offset the cost of our naturalist’s time.
A dollar per student will be charged with a $25 minimum for each program. The number
of programs you schedule are unlimited.
We look forward to sharing our enthusiasm about the nature with your students. Call
today to schedule your upcoming programs.
Contact Patrice Petersen-Keys at (515) 323-5300 or
Patrice.Petersen-Keys@polkcountyiowa.gov to schedule a visit!
Program Listing
>Animals
Winter Prep - Learn what animals are doing to prepare for the long, cold
winter months.
Eggciting Facts - Discover a wide variety of animals that develop from
eggs.
>Birds
Birds of a Feather - Students will fly into the bird world and learn that
birds have feathers and wings.
>Habitats
What’s a Habitat? - Let’s talk about habitats! Learn where animals live
and why they live there.
>Herps
Frog Hop - Students will have a hoppin’ good time as learn about frogs.
A live animal will be used if available.
“S” is for Snake, “T” is for Turtle - Students will get up close and personal
with a live snake and/or turtle.
>Hikes
Nature Hike - Discover what’s going on in the forest. Students will learn
about woodland habitats and wildlife.
>Insects/Spiders
Busy Bees - Students will become bees and learn why and how bees dance.
Bug Me - Explore the fascinating world of insects and their bizarre ways
of life. A live insect will be used if available.
Spiders - Learn how spiders are different than insects and why they build
webs. A live spider will be used if available.
>Mammals
Tricky Tracks - Identify common animal tracks. Students will make their
own animals tracks.
Plants
Seeds - Experience the awakening of life as students pretend to be a seed.
We’ll discuss what seeds need to grow.