Preschool and Kindergarten Field Trips
Riveredge is now offering preschool and kindergarten students the opportunity to experience and investigate the natural environment under the guidance of skilled environmental educators. Emphasizing age-appropriate, outdoor experiences in all seasons, the Riveredge “style” is characterized by small group learning that encourages inquiry, exploration and problem solving. Each of our hands-on programs is specially designed to connect young children to the natural world, awaken their senses and ignite their imaginations. Our programs take full advantage of our diverse 378-acre sanctuary with 1.5 miles of river frontage, restored prairies, an organic garden, a State Natural Area and much more.
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder . . . he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” -Rachel Carson
Program Descriptions:
Incredible Insects 2 hours Fall Maximum 60 students
With sweep nets and bug boxes in hand, students set off to discover the many amazing insects that inhabit the Riveredge prairies in autumn. During our exploration we will get a close up look at these fascinating creatures and learn how they eat, fly, jump and enrich our world. An art activity may be added to this program upon request.
Garden Explorations 2 hours Fall and Spring Maximum 40 students
Dig into dirt in the Riveredge children's organic garden. Students will experiment with soil, water and seeds to discover how plants grow and provide food for humans. The program will conclude with harvesting and a stop in the kitchen to make a fresh, seasonal snack to enjoy!
A Log’s Life 2 hours Fall & Spring Maximum 60 students
After a tree falls in the forest, it has another life as home to a variety of creatures. Learn about the life cycle of trees and discover the many creatures that depend on forests. A variety of exploratory and sensory experiences allow students to follow their curiosity and get an up-close experience in this unique habitat.
Winter Sensitizing 2 hours Winter Maximum 60 students
Become nature detectives and use your five senses to explore the winter world around you. Join us as we smell, taste and touch different colors, sizes and shapes. Listen like a deer, search for tracks left behind by animals and follow your nose to discover nature’s clues. With sufficient snow cover, snowshoes may be worn.
Maple Sugarin’ 2 hours March Maximun 60 students
When the days grow warmer and longer, the forest comes alive with the rhythm of flowing sap. Join us in the sugar bush during this special time of year and learn first hand how to tap a sugar maple tree. We will also enjoy a seasonal treat produced by this old friend.
Vernal Pond 2 hours Spring Maximum 30 students
A vernal pond presents an amazing and extraordinary ecosystem teeming with life. Our adventures will lead us to one of our ponds where we will collect organisms from a floating boardwalk and learn more about the fascinating creatures that live in this unique watery world.
Fees/Payment/Cancellation Policy:
- Each preschool and kindergarten program is 2 hours in length. We can accommodate a maximum of 60 students for each program except Vernal Pond (max. 30 students). Fees are $4.50 per student ($45 minimum).
- Payment must be received at least two weeks prior to the scheduled class date. No refunds will be given under $15.
- You are welcome to eat lunch at Riveredge before of after a program. Lunch fees are $10 for 20 students or less, and $15 for more than 20 students.
- If a school cancels a program, or the class size is reduced by 20 or more students less than 6 weeks before the date of the trip, the school will be charged a $20 fee pre program. If weather causes a program to be cancelled, Riveredge will attempt to find an alternate date or will refund the entire program fee.
Registration: