Guided Experiences

This program explores the water cycle through interactive learning activities, including Project WET’s “The Incredible Journey,” a hands-on Enviroscape demonstration, hands-on water quality testing, and a guided exploration of the Boardwalk Trail in search of erosion, runoff, clouds, and other parts of the water cycle. Discussions will focus on the role of wetlands in the water cycle, how the water cycle impacts us here in Clayton County, and water conservation. This program can be planned to include math and ELA standards.

GSE: S4E3, S6E3

Hydrology is the study of how water moves through the environment and human impact on water quality. Participants will complete a field study that includes observing weather metrics, water quality, and general ecological observations. Student scientists will conduct various water quality tests to deduce information about water health. Discussions will focus on general hydrology, chemical and biological measurements of water quality, and how wetlands mitigate human impact.

GSE: S6E6, S7L4, S8P1, SC3, SC4, SC6, SEV1

Leaf packs are clumps of leaf litter found in streams and ponds that provide habitat for aquatic insects. Conservation staff will submerge man-made leaf packs in the wetland in advance to give aquatic insects time to find and inhabit them. Groups are welcome but not required to prepare and submerge their own leaf packs. Participants will remove the leaf packs from the water and look for aquatic creatures, identify them, and keep a count of each type found. Many aquatic insects are used as bioindicators. The species found will be used to determine water quality, incorporating addition and multiplication and reasoning skills. Discussions focus on water quality, water conservation, aquatic ecosystems, and food webs. Available in spring, summer, & fall. 

This activity requires the visit be scheduled a minimum of one month in advance to ensure the leaf packs are successful. 

GSE: S2L1a, S3L2a, S3L1, SEV1, SEV4

Small groups of students will hike up Turkey Ridge and into the forest to explore Turkey Creek. We will use nets to capture macroinvertebrates, crayfish, and larval salamanders. While discussions around food webs and water quality happen, this program is a casual exploration, centered on helping students feel comfortable exploring nature.

GSE: S2L1a, S3L2a, S3L1, SEV1, SEV4

Participants will learn the basics of wetland ecology and apply this to climate science. We will explore an interactive model that demonstrates how wetlands mitigate flooding and drought. For groups who are able, we will visit Clayton County Water Authority’s treatment wetland water reuse system, which stores, treats, and recycles 90% of Clayton County’s wastewater. 

Participants will be introduced to birding through a quick lesson on how to use the provided binoculars. On a guided walk down Boardwalk Trail, participants will look and listen for local or migrating birds. We will observe their environment including the plants and insects along the way. Staff will encourage participants to take in the sights, smells, and sounds while encouraging notetaking as we move around the trail. 

The discussion will focus on the roles birds play within the ecosystem and avian imagery and symbolism in various cultures. This can be connected to texts read in the classroom with advanced notice. Participants will be given time to work on a narrative describing a human-bird relationship using imagery and time for the sharing of some participants’ stories. This program can be done year-round. 

GSE: S7L4, S7L5, ELAGSE7W3, ELAGSE7W10, ELAGSE7SL1

Participants will join conservation staff as they check live turtle traps along Boardwalk Trail, assisting in identifying turtle species using a simplified dichotomous key. Some groups opt to enter the wetland to assist with trap removal. Discussions will focus on the roles turtles play in local ecosystems, turtle identification, and wetland habitat conservation. This can also be adapted with a focus on zoology, water conservation, and life cycles. This program is best for small groups and is only available in spring and early summer.

GSE: S1L1b, S2L1a, S3L1, S4L1, S5L1,  S7L4a

Students will explore forest and wetland habitats through play, art, and inquiry. This program will be designed based on season, number of students, and the group’s learning objectives. Call to discuss details for your group.

We will take a guided tour of the Boardwalk Trail, looking, listening, smelling, and touching. We will talk about the value of wetlands while taking advantage of the learning opportunities nature presents. Following the tour, we will spend about an hour creating nature-inspired art using watercolor paint. Students will be given brushes, sponges, paint, and other materials to create. Discussions can be focused on various learning objectives as requested.

GSE: S1L1, S3L1, S3L2, S4L1, S5L1, S6E3, S6E6, S7L4, SEV2, SEV4

Groups looking for volunteer hours or to participate in conservation efforts are welcome to schedule a volunteer day. Groups will receive a shortened guided tour, learn about overabundant plant species, and then spend time helping staff remove overabundant species such as privet, autumn olive, and bittersweet.

Discussions will highlight the importance of biodiversity, managing for resiliency, and human impact on ecosystems.

This activity uses place and experience-based education to give participants an opportunity to give back and teaches a skill that could be used at home or in future careers.