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Classroom & Youth Conservation
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Stream Team Detectives
In this outdoor program, we will learn about stream ecology while analyzing the health of Geauga County’s streams and rivers! Macroinvertebrates are collected & identified to determine water quality. Can't get streamside? A table model "Streamulator" can be borrowed to demonstrate stream function, bank erosion, deposition and land use issues. Due to extensive setup/teardown requirements, certain stipulations exist.
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Bats Incredible*
What can eat countless insects, plant trees, disperse seeds, and pollinate plants? BATS! Every night these fascinating flyers act as unseen gardeners doing jobs that are vital to healthy ecosystems and economies. Learn about bat behaviors and adaptations as well as what threatens their survival. Through games and activites, we'll dispel myths while gaining a better understanding of these magnificent nocturnal mammals.
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Buggin' Out*
In this interactive program, we'll look closely at the amazing world of insects from their life cycles to their role in the food web. Students will learn some "bug basics" including their characteristics and incredible adaptations which enable them to live everywhere on earth! lf time allows, we'll go on a search for these critical critters!
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Pond Exploration*
Do you have a pond near your school? Let's "jump in" and take a closer look at ponds as important ecosystems. We'll explore some of the fascinating organisms and aquatic plants within a pond community.
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Discover the interdependency of plants, animals and humans through this hands-on program. Explore food chains, food webs, ecosystems and the energy cycle!
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More than just dirt, soil is a vital resource that sustains life! In this enlightening program students will investigate soil, its properties, and functions. Through activities and demonstrations we will discover how soil is formed, what lives in it, and ways we can protect it.
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Pollinators*
Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, beetles, and bats are just a few of our hardworking pollinators! This program takes a closer look at our valuable pollinators, their relationship with native plants, and the critical role they play in plant reproduction and food security. Grab your nets… the pollinator hunt is guaranteed to “bee” a good time!
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Planting the Seed to Read*
Kindergarten Only
Discover the importance of soil health, the role of pollinators, and the seasonal rhythms of farming. Children become food source detectives, discovering where their food comes from by identifying examples of a food and its source. Each child will receive their own copy of the book "Right This Very Minute" by Lisl H. Detlefsen.
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Trees are TREEmendous*
There are so many amazing things that trees provide, but often overlooked are their contributions to clean water and healthy soil! Let's take a closer look at these plant "superheroes" and learn to identify some of Ohio's common tree species.
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Students will use the Enviroscape to learn how point source and nonpoint source pollution negatively impact streams, rivers, and lakes. Students will also discuss ways they can help prevent pollution and conserve our water resources.
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Come along on a water cycle adventure! Students will become water molecules that embark on an incredible journey. Through fun activities we will explore the complexity and importance of the water cycle and identify ways to conserve and protect the freshwater resources on which we depend.
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Let Freddie the Fish give your students a fisheye view of how our actions on land affects the quality of our water. Participants will follow Freddie downstream to gain an understanding of the importance of clean water, the impacts pollution has on aquatic life, and how we can protect our water quality.
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Gain a "deeper" understanding of groundwater and its importance. Through activities and demonstrations with groundwater model, students explore the movement of water as it travels through layers below the land's surface, along with strategies to protect our underground water reserves.
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Wildlife Detectives*
Ohio is home to many fascinating creatures! By investigating fur, skulls, tracks, and clues, students will use their detective skills to identify and classify some of Ohio's wildlife. We'll explore the unique adaptations that our native animals use to thrive and survive.
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Wildlife in Winter*
Let it snow, let it snow, but where did all the animals go?! We will become wildlife detectives and find out how our native Ohio critters survive when Old Man winter arrives!
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Stormwater Stewards
As our communities sprawl, these land use & landscape changes have resulted in more flooding, erosion, and water pollution challenges. Students will investigate how development alters the quality and quantity of runoff, explore methods to minimize pollutants, and compare stormwater management practices.
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Soil to Spoon*
Discover Geauga County and its rich agricultural history. Find out how far your food traveled and why local IS better. Students will unearth the importance of healthy soil equaling healthy food. A special visit with a local Geauga County farmer will help students understand an average day on a farm and the importance of supporting and buying local.
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There's No Place Like Home!*
Forests, prairies, wetlands and caves are just some of the special places that Ohio’s wildlife calls home. Through games and activities, we will delve into different types of animal dwellings, identify the essential components that all living things needs, and maybe even go on a habitat hike!