Education

Interested in programming?

Sidney offers a wide range of activities that can be brought to your venue, or groups are welcome to visit the Nature Center! We feature an assortment of ambassador animals and a variety of fascinating nature artifacts to share.

If you are interested in programming, email Sidney at skrueger@emmetcountyia.gov or click the button to fill out our program request form.

Program Age Groups

Nature Programs are divided into three age groups, based on the child's school grade.

Two young children paint in a classroom

Knee-High Naturalists

This program emphasizes exploring, sparking curiosity, and investigating nature, featuring storytime, crafts, and hands-on activities.

For potty-trained, preschool and kindergarten-aged kids accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Several school-aged children hold a small garter snake.

Nature Navigators

Grades 1st-3rd.

This program emphasizes observation, nature discovery, and fostering connection to the natural world, featuring opportunities to play and learn while developing social skills.

For kids having completed kindergarten-going into 3rd grade.​​

A group of middle and high school-aged kids take kayaks onto a lake.

Junior Naturalists

Grades 4th-8th.

This program emphasizes leadership, education, and environmental responsibility, featuring nature lessons and outdoor opportunities.

For kids going into 4th-8th grade.​

Available Programs

Reptiles & Amphibians

This course highlights the unique characteristics, ecological roles, and conservation challenges of reptiles and amphibians. Students will examine the key differences between these two groups, including their skin structure, reproductive strategies, and life cycles. Topics will also include their adaptations to diverse environments, behaviors, and the critical roles they play in ecosystems.

Pond Exploration

Students will investigate the incredible diversity of plant and animal life found in and around ponds, with a special focus on macroinvertebrates—tiny but essential creatures that serve as indicators of water quality. Discussions will highlight the interdependence of species and food chain, energy transfer, and the importance of maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems.

Birds

Students will explore the incredible diversity of birds, learning how size, structure, and adaptations help different species survive in various habitats. The course will introduce key bird identification techniques, including recognizing field marks, behaviors, and calls. Hands-on practice with binoculars will help students develop essential birdwatching skills, from proper focusing techniques to scanning and tracking birds in the wild.

Animal Tracks

The Naturalist will introduce students to the fundamentals of animal tracking, teaching them how to identify footprints, droppings, nests, feeding signs, and other clues that reveal the presence and behavior of local wildlife.

Pollinators

Students will explore the fascinating world of bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators while learning about the pollination process and how it supports plant reproduction. Through guided observations, students will identify different pollinators, study their behaviors, and examine the unique relationships between plants and their pollinators. Discussions will also highlight conservation challenges and ways to protect these essential species.

Trees

In this course, students will explore the different parts of a tree and discover the vital roles each plays in a tree’s growth and survival. Students will also develop tree identification skills by examining leaf shape, bark texture, size, and other distinguishing features.

Insects

Students will learn about the different body parts of insects and practice insect classification by studying key characteristics that distinguish beetles, butterflies, ants, and more. Students will catch their own insects using nets, jars, and other tools to closely observe and identify them. Discussions will also highlight the vital roles insects play in ecosystems, from pollination to decomposition.

Rocks

Explore the three classifications of rocks, examining how they form and change through the rock cycle. Students will learn to identify rocks based on texture, color, and composition while discovering unique traits about each.

Weather

This course covers the different types of weather, including sunny, rainy, windy, and cloudy conditions, as well as extreme weather events like tornadoes, floods, and blizzards. Students will learn about the causes, effects, and patterns of various weather phenomena and how they impact the environment and human life.

Owls

Explore the unique adaptations that make owls effective nocturnal hunters. Students will learn about their silent flight, powerful talons, night vision, keen hearing, and specialized feathers. We may dissect owl pellets if time permits and is appropriate for the students’ age.

Animal Adaptations

Explore how animals adapt to their environments for survival. Students will learn about camouflage, hibernation, migration, and other adaptations that help animals find food, escape predators, and endure extreme conditions.

Soil

Examine the properties of soil, its key components, and how soil forms. Students will explore soil’s role in ecosystems, test its texture and composition, and learn how water, wind, and erosion move soil over time.

Predator & Prey

This class explores the relationships between predators and prey, how food chains function, and the concept of carrying capacity. Students will learn how predators hunt, how prey animals avoid being eaten, and how energy moves through ecosystems.

5 Senses/Mindfulness Hike

This guided hike engages all five senses to explore the natural world. Students will listen to nature sounds, feel different textures, identify scents, observe wildlife and plants, and even sample edible plants when appropriate. Older participants will focus on a mindful hike.

Wetlands

Explore wetlands by catching and studying frogs, insects, and aquatic life. Learn to identify species and understand their roles in the ecosystem. Discover the importance of wetlands for biodiversity, water filtration, and flood control.

Prairies

Explore the prairie ecosystem by identifying its native grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife. Learn how plants and animals interact and adapt to this habitat. Discover the prairie’s role in soil health, water retention, and biodiversity.

Nature Journaling

"I notice, I wonder, it reminds me of..."—these prompts guide students in nature journaling as they sharpen their observation skills. By closely examining natural phenomena, students engage in critical thinking while developing a deeper connection to nature. In this class, the naturalist will lead structured activities to support their observation and journaling practice.

Mapping

2nd grade and up

Students will go over map-making fundamentals, including keys, compass roses, titles, and landmarks. Then, on a guided hike, they will create their own nature maps, practicing observation, writing, and drawing skills to document the surrounding landscape.

GPS and Orienteering

4th grade and up

This class teaches the basics of navigation using GPS technology, map reading, and compass skills. Students will learn how to use coordinates, follow orienteering techniques, and apply their skills in a real-world geocaching adventure.

Water Quality

Explore Iowa’s water quality by learning about key parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels. Use hands-on testing methods to analyze local water samples and understand how these factors impact aquatic life and ecosystems. Discuss human influences on water quality and the importance of conservation efforts to protect Iowa’s waterways.

Forests

Spring only

Discover the life cycle of a tree and learn about the importance of forest ecosystems. Investigate rotten logs to study decomposition and the critters that help break down wood, including insects, fungi, and microorganisms.

Seed Collection

Fall only

This class explores the importance of prairie seeds and the five fundamental methods of seed dispersal. Students will learn how to identify, collect, and prepare native prairie seeds for restoration efforts.

Snowshoeing

Winter only

Strap on your snowshoes and explore the winter landscape while learning about the unique adaptations animals have for surviving the cold. On this guided hike, students will discover how various species adapt to winter’s challenges. Observe tracks, signs, and clues in the snow to uncover how wildlife thrives in the winter months. This course requires 6+ inches of snow.

Creek Stomp

Jim Hall Habitat Area

Students will search for aquatic wildlife like fish, insects, and amphibians while learning about their roles in the ecosystem. Through observation and investigation, they’ll uncover how water quality, habitat, and biodiversity are connected in this dynamic environment. Get ready to get your feet wet and experience the creek up close!

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