The majority of educational groups that visit the Refuge are elementary age. The Refuge is a great place for elementary age students to gain an appreciation for nature, to learn new skills and knowledge, and experience one of our area's greatest outdoor places. The indoor and outdoor activities are designed mostly for the upper elementary grades but can easily be adapted for younger students. The Education Coordinator will work with you to design a field trip that best meets the needs of you and your students.
 

Middle and high school groups may choose any of the indoor or outdoor programming options available through the education program. Although most activities are designed for younger students, the education coordinator will work with you to design an age appropriate experience that will enhance your classroom learning. The Refuge is a great place to expand learning in language arts, art, or the sciences.
 

Faculty and professors from a variety of disciplines bring students to the Refuge to extend classroom learning. Students studying the arts, sciences, and education find ways to incorporate the outdoor environment into their studies. College groups need to complete field trip application to receive the entrance fee waiver. Most groups choose to be on their own but Refuge staff are available to speak with college groups on a case-by-case basis. College groups may request use of the Education Center however most activities are designed for younger age groups. 

The Refuge offers many resources to assist in planning and to ensure that you make the most of your field trip.

Several times a year, the Refuge offers a 4-hour Field Trip Orientation Workshop, where teachers can learn about the facilities and resources available, how to structure a field trip to the Refuge, and how to prepare students with pre-trip classroom activities.

Our educator's guide to Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge offers complete information about field trip planning, preparation, and pre-field trip activities.

 

Additional information about logistical aspects of planning and applying for your field trip at the Refuge.