Education programs

Educators have access to detailed lesson plans, which includes step-by-step instructions, supplemental materials (if applicable), and a detailed site map. Each lesson is designed to be utilized by an educator or any group leader, regardless of experience level or familiarity with the refuge. Groups are limited to a maximum of 15 per group; if your class size is more than 15 people, you can break the group into several smaller groups and stagger. Groups are limited to 60 people per day (a total of 4 smaller groups of 15 people). Self-Guided Field Trips are available throughout the school year and summer. All field trips need to be scheduled ahead of time by contacting the refuge at tualatinriver@fws.gov.

Target Grades

Most lessons are targeted for 3rd-5th grade; however, most lessons are designed so that educators can adapt or scale to additional grades. Classes are welcome to modify the lesson to meet their needs.

Lesson Plan Details (Science Standards, Duration, Etc)

All lesson plans include science standards (NGSS) that are applicable to the lesson, key terms, detailed site map, supplies such as worksheets, pencils, guide books, and other applicable gear such as binoculars, if needed for the lesson. Lesson length (estimation), as well as background information are also included in each lesson. Below is a summary of the lesson plan for Discovery Days (which is the same for each field trip), as well as the five lesson plan options for self-guided field trips. 

Self-Guided Lesson Plans

Animal Tracks (Animals of the Refuge)

Students learn about wildlife that live on the refuge through creating their own tracks, inspecting track imprints and finding real ones on the trail. Focus on how wildlife is adapted to life on the refuge.

Habitats of the Refuge

Students will learn about the four main components of habitats (space, water, shelter, and food) and utilize oak and river habitat to describe real-life examples.

ABC's of Birds (Birds of the Refuge)

This lesson aims to make the process of bird watching and bird identification more accessible by breaking down the important components, synthesized into the "ABC's of Birds." Students will learn about bird species by practicing these observational prompts and using binoculars to observe birds on the trail.

Pelts and Skulls (Animals of the Refuge)

Students will learn about wildlife that live on the refuge by inspecting animals’ pelts and skulls in this hands-on lesson. This lesson will also build an understanding of why certain animals live in specific habitats, as well as investigate the differences between carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores.

Evidence of Wildlife (Animals of the Refuge)

Students will learn about wildlife that live on the refuge by searching for signs of wildlife on the trail. Focus on how wildlife is adapted to each environment and use exploration time to find evidence of wildlife.

In addition to the self-guided field trips, we offer limited Discovery Days, where volunteers are available to supplement field trips. Groups are limited to 60 people per day (a total of 4 smaller groups of 15 people). All Discovery Day field trips need to be scheduled ahead of time.

How it works: volunteers will be stationed at the study sites, available to support your visit. These volunteers are not there to supervise groups or manage behavior, rather they are there to engage students in deeper inquiry at each of the study sites, to talk about points of interest relevant to the lessons, and answer questions. 

Adaptations and Habitats Themes Summary

Student will have the opportunity to investigate adaptations of invertebrates, mammals, birds, and plants within different habitat types. Through inquiry and observation, students will examine various examples of adaptations in four different habitats. This lesson helps students build an understanding of why certain animals live in specific habitats, as well as investigate the differences and similarities between habitat types.

Science Standards: These lessons are designed to address the following NGSS standard but may not specifically meet the standard - MS-LS4 Biological Evolution; Unity and Diversity.  

Spring 2027 Discovery Days Options 

Please check back in January 2027 for spring field trip dates.

How to Sign Up for a Field Trip

Due to high demand of our free field trip visits and limited space, all teachers and group leaders are required to schedule their group's trip in advance with refuge staff. Even if you are visiting with a group on your own (and don't require the use of our lessons or supplies), please inform our staff. We have daily group maximums in place to prevent disturbance to wildlife.

Email tualatinriver@fws.gov or call (503)625-5944 to schedule a field trip; please include fieldtrip date(s) preferences (see list of open dates above), and group size.

After scheduling and booking a fieldtrip -  tips for a successful visit to Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge:

• Fully review the lesson selected and encourage other teachers, chaperones, or group leaders to review the lesson prior to arrival, (particularly the background and summary section at the beginning of the lesson).
• Plan to split into four groups - four groups will rotate through each of the stations, and allows for the maximum number of students to engage with the lessons at a time.
• Groups are more than welcome to utilize the covered picnic area - no reservation necessary