Have you discovered the joys of teaching in the outdoors? Are you looking for an outdoor classroom that offers standards-based curriculum and diverse habitats to enhance your classroom learning? We offer three field trip options, described below. 

Partner Schools Program 

The Partner School Program provides teachers and students with multidisciplinary, standard-based curriculum that includes hands-on, real-life experiences with plants and wildlife, as well as recreational opportunities to immerse students in nature throughout the seasons. The program is taught by Refuge staff and reaches a wide audience of students with an emphasis on diverse, urban youth. Field trip busing expenses are reimbursed through the Blue Goose Bus Fund, administered by the Refuge, Friends Inc.  For more information, please click here.

Partner Teacher Program 

The Partner Teacher Program is a mirror image of the Partner School program and curriculum. This education program places the teaching emphasis on trained teachers to self-lead environmental education experiences on the refuge. Teachers are provided with natural resources and curriculum training, fieldtrip planning support, and priority scheduling. Partner Teachers also have the opportunity to apply for field trip bus reimbursement through the Blue Goose Bus Fund.  For more information, please click here.

Self-Led Groups 

Self-led groups such as YMCA, school groups, summer camps, or scouts are welcome to visit and explore the refuge. Each self-led group has the freedom to develop their own programs to suit individual needs or use one developed by refuge staff. We encourage you to call at least one week before you plan to visit the refuge to avoid conflicts with other environmental education programs. For more information, please click here.

Both of our refuge Education and Visitor Centers have explorer backpacks available free of charge for use by self-led groups and the general public. Backpacks vary in content at each center to coordinate with the habitat and wildlife found on that particular area of the Refuge. In addition, both education and visitors centers have scavenger hunts and wildlife sign checklists that can also be checked out. 

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