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.

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 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 imagery and symbolism in literature and society. This can be connected to texts read in the classroom, such as “The People Could Fly” by Virginia Hamilton. 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 put on canvas what they experienced or learned during the tour. 

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 invasive plant species, and then spend time helping staff remove overabundant species such as privet, autumn olive, and honeysuckle. This activity uses experiential education to give participants an opportunity to give back and teaches a skill that could be used at home or in future careers.  This is FREE!

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.

Coming soon!