Guided Learning

A group of people at a monarch butterfly event.

Whether a class visits for a field trip, welcomes a nature expert into their school or participates in a long-term program, the Forest Preserves opens doors to new ways of teaching that connect students with the living world around them.

On this page:

Field Trips

Pre-K – Adult Learning

Complement your curriculum and help meet standards by taking your classroom outdoors with a visit to a local preserve or nature center. Learn about the region’s plants, animals, and natural communities by walking nature trails, meeting live ambassador animals, or participating in field science labs. Fill out an education permit for a self-guided field trip, or contact your local nature center to arrange a guided experience. Forest Preserves staff provide engaging, hands-on field trips tailored to your learning objectives while connecting students to nature in their community.

We can host individualized programs for one hour or more, depending on your curriculum goals and objectives. We also offer service learning and ecological stewardship service projects with educational outcomes. Here is a list of topics we can host and are open to working with you to accommodate your curriculum needs:

  • Trees
  • Habitats
  • Birds
  • Insects
  • Mammals
  • Reptiles and Amphibians
  • Litter Pick-up or Restoration Stewardship Activity
  • Pond Exploration
  • Seasonal Nature
  • Self-led Visit
  • Nature Center Tour
  • Maple Syrup Demonstration (Seasonal/Specific to River Trail Nature Center)
  • Biodiversity Field Study (Specific to Sagawau Environmental Learning Center/Geared towards 6-12th grade and college).

Please inquire about scheduling at least 1-2 months in advance as calendars fill quickly. All programs are subject to the limits of available staff and space. Contact individual locations for more information:

In-Classroom or In-Community Programs

The Forest Preserves offers engaging in-classroom programming designed to bring nature directly to students. These programs connect classroom learning with the natural world and are led by knowledgeable naturalists. The programs feature hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations and opportunities for students to explore concepts in science, ecology and history without leaving their school building.

Teachers can choose from a variety of age-appropriate lessons that support curriculum standards while sparking curiosity and excitement about the outdoors. Here is a list of specific topics that we can accommodate:

  • Birds
  • Insects
  • Mammals
  • Reptiles and Amphibians
  • Seasonal
  • Woodlands/Prairies Habitat
  • Other based on your needs/request

Please inquire about scheduling at least 1-2 months in advance as calendars fill quickly. All programs are subject to the limits of available staff and space. Contact individual locations for more information:

Mighty Acorns Program

Mighty Acorns is a Chicagoland environmental education curriculum that engages 3rd-5th-grade students through experiential learning. Repeated visits comprised of stewardship, exploration and educational activities bridge classroom and outdoor learning, foster an understanding of students’ role in nature, and inspire a life-long commitment to conservation. The Forest Preserves offers this program as a long-term solution to building more environmental educators, as it is one of the first steps in a ladder of outdoor classroom and lifelong learning experiences for students in Cook County. Any school interested in becoming a Mighty Acorns School must commit to the following:

  • The five-year program including FPCC staff and teachers leading programs.
  • Three field trips for each classroom for 3rd, 4th & 5th-grade students each year.
  • Teacher leading pre/post-activities in classrooms for each field trip.
  • Participation of teachers for 4-6 professional development hours during each school year.
  • Forest Preserves staff and teachers collaborate to create a more robust/enhanced EE curriculum at your school following completion of the program.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to apply for the Mighty Acorns program, please email [email protected].

Page last updated: November 5, 2025