NATURAL HISTORY INVESTIGATIONS
Family Field Trips – FREE
Tuesdays throughout the fall, 2-3 PM
Join us for guided, hands-on investigations into life at The Nature Institute. Modeled on our popular school field trips, this program is ideal for 1st through 5th graders, and is designed to complement their science education. Children must be accompanied by an adult and not be afraid to get a little messy! This program is completely hands-on and outdoors, rain or shine! Dress appropriately for the weather and for exploring the preserve, wear closed-toed shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle. Park in the lot and meet your guide near the map kiosk. Please arrive a few minutes early. Groups will be limited to 10 people per educator. Please bring a mask in case social distancing is not possible.
October 13 – Aquatic Ecology
Flip over rocks for signs of amphibians, use nets to search for macroinvertebrates, and learn what all of these living things mean for the health of our waterways.
October 20- Leaves
Learn about how the trees and other plants are getting ready for winter.
October 27 – Seeds
How did that plant get there? Let’s learn about seeds and how they travel to different places
November 3 – Forest Floor
Did you know that 80% of the world’s species are insects? Let’s see how many we can find at TNI!
November 10 – Forest Habitats of TNI
Let’s hike through the different types of forest you can find at TNI! Savanna, upland forest, and bottomland forest are all types of forest you will be able to see.
November 17 – Going on a Deer Hunt
When you are hiking around in the fall, you will probably see evidence of the state mammal of Illinois. Let’s search for deer at TNI!
November 24 – Birding for Beginners
Learn to use binoculars, guide books, and you own ears to spot and identify common birds of our region.
December 1 – Change is in the Air
Join us as we explore how the plants and animals at TNI prepare for winter.
December 8 – Animals in Winter
Join us as we explore how the animals at TNI adapted to survive a cold winter.