Guided Experiences

"Every child needs nature. Not just the ones with parents who appreciate nature. Not only those of a certain economic class or culture or gender or sexual identity or set of abilities. Every child." - Richard Louv

an adventure in learning

Building Connections

NWC’s goal is to maintain a welcoming, safe, and inclusive space for learners of all ages. We hope to enhance understanding and to foster connections between community members and the natural world, inspiring them to become passionate, informed citizens. Our programs are rooted in place & experiential-based education philosophies. We provide hands-dirty programming, encouraging participants to step outside of their comfort zone to learn and engage. We also encourage participants to take the lead, sparking curiosity and inquiry while on the trail. 

We understand that every participant that comes to NWC might not feel comfortable outside so we strive to meet our guests where they are and to curate positive, fun outdoor experiences. We welcome people with varying abilities to join us and we will do our best to accommodate every learner. Please let us know if someone in your group needs accessible options. 

Educational opportunities are available year-round. Scheduled programs are led by a knowledgeable member of the conservation staff or volunteer team. Below you will find program descriptions and related Georgia Standards of Excellence; however, we happily modify our programming to meet the learning objectives of each group leader. All of our programs are free. Find scheduling details at the bottom of this page. 

Interpretive Programs

Our interpretive programs include a guided tour, storytelling, and  conservation-focused discussions. Students will join a staff conservationist for an 60-minute exploration of the Learning Center and Boardwalk Loop Trail. Topics will focus on wetland ecology, the natural and human histories of the area, the water cycle, and seasonally relevant plants and wildlife. 

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

Experiential Programs

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: S5P1, S6E6, S7L4, S8P1, SC3, SC4, SC6, SEV1

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 allow participants 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.

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

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 come put together and submerge their own leaf packs. Participants will remove the leaf packs from the water and look for aquatic creatures, keeping a count of each type found.

Many aquatic insects are used by biologists as bioindicators. The species found will be used to determine water quality, incorporating basic math (addition and multiplication) and reasoning skills.

Discussions focus on water quality, water conservation, aquatic ecosystems and food webs, and citizen science. 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

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. 

GSE: S7L4, S7L5, ELAGSE7W3, ELAGSE7W10, ELAGSE7SL1

The art program consists of a shortened guided tour of the Boardwalk Trail and approximately an hour of time dedicated to creating wetlands art on canvas. 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.  

This program is for 3rd grade classes willing to connect long-term with NWC to collect data on their school grounds. A member of our conservation staff will visit the school on a recurring basis to lead lessons centered on habitats, wildlife, adaptations, human impact, and biodiversity. This program is brand new. Call for more information.

Large Group Programs

Though we have a small staff, we fully believe the more people we can teach, the better so we also offer opportunities to large groups (50+ participants). With the help of educators, parents, or volunteers, we create learning stations based on the group’s objectives. Our Conservation Supervisor plans large group programs on a case-by-case basis. Call to discuss options.

Self-guided Programs

Educators and leaders of civic groups are welcome to utilize our site without taking a guided tour. We offer a picnic pavilion and an outdoor classroom that can be utilized for educational visits as long as they are not reserved for a scheduled group. Even if you do not plan to take a guided tour, please call and discuss your visit with our staff to ensure the availability of our picnic area, Learning Center, and outdoor classroom as they may be reserved for a scheduled guided tour group on the day you intend to visit.

Scheduling Policies

Our guided programs are free. Programs must be reserved in advance. Programs must be at least 10 people.

We currently offer programs Tuesday – Friday when staff is available. We can schedule programs on Saturdays in some cases.

Groups who do not notify us of cancellations will not be allowed to book future tours. This includes cancellations related to weather. We do tours, rain or shine except in dangerous weather conditions. 

To request a guided experience, contact us at NewmanWetlandsCenter@ccwa.us or 770-603-5606.

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