Outreach Programs

Bring The Nature Institute to your classroom! Our education staff will bring nature exploration to your school, library, afterschool program, or scout meeting. Programs are available Tuesdays through Fridays, August through May.

Program Length: 30 – 60 minutes
  • Educational programs are facilitated by our staff and volunteers
  • All materials needed for the program are brought to you!
Program Size: 30 students/program
  • Programs can be scheduled back to back for multiple classes.
  • Contact us if you would like to arrange a large group program or assembly.
Program Cost: $80/program
  • Mileage fees ($0.60/mi) will apply for organizations more than 10 miles away.

Check back in spring of 2024 for additional program topics!

Outreach Program Options

What type of creatures live in Illinois? From mammals to reptiles, amphibians to birds, explore the diversity of wildlife in our state! Examine biofacts, communicate like a bird, and meet our resident box turtle, Raphael. 

Length: 60 minutes

Grade: 2nd – 5th

Description: TNI educators will bring our inflatable planetarium to your classroom. Identify stars and planets up close. Learn the stories behind constellations!

Special requirements: Our planetarium is 10 feet high and requires an outlet. The planetarium can be set up inside (gyms or cafeterias work well) or outside. Maximum of 20 students per program. Not recommended for outside use in temperatures above 75oF.

Length: 30 minutes

Grade: All Ages

Our staff are always excited to put together custom programs! Let us know what topic you’re interested in and we’ll let you know what we can provide. We can assist with most environmental, sustainability, and conservation topics, as well some biology lessons.

Deposit/Cancellation Policy

Effective Spring 2020, TNI will require full payment for outreach programs received no later than 30 days before the program date. You will receive an invoice and a final confirmation from our staff once your program is on the calendar.

This payment is only refundable in the case of TNI needing to cancel the program due to unforeseen circumstances. If a school cancels their outreach program within two weeks of their scheduled date, payment amount minus a $25 processing fee will be returned to the school.

Contact

If you would like more information regarding Outreach Programs at TNI, please call us at 618-466-9930 or email us at info@thenatureinstitute.org.

Interested in a custom, virtual, or college outreach program? Contact Lauren Scull, the Director of Education, at lscull@thenatureinstitute.org.

SCHEDULE YOUR OUTREACH BELOW USING OUR INTERACTIVE DATE CALENDAR!

Field Trip Availability

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Green Dates = Available

Yellow Dates = Limited availability

Red Dates = Fully booked

Calendar last updated 11/16/23. For exact availability, please contact Lauren at lscull@thenatureinstitute.org. Yellow dates often indicate partial day availability or small group availability.

Outreach Program Scheduling

  • Approximate # of students
  • Start with your first choice and end with your third choice. Date must be at least 2 weeks out from today.
  • Please note that availability varies based on other program times for the dates that you have selected.
  • If you'd like to book a custom program, please contact us at lscull@thenatureinstitute.org.