Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center 2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 952-854-5900 |
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"In the end, we conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught." |
Have you discovered the joys of teaching in the outdoors? Are you looking for an outdoor classroom that offers standard-based curriculum and diverse habitats to enhance your classroom learning? We offer three fieldtrip options described below.
Refuge Partner Schools*
The Refuge Partner Schools Program is an approach that provides teachers and students with multidisciplinary,
standard-based curriculum that includes hands-on, real-life experiences with plants and wildlife, as well
as recreational opportunities to immerse students in nature throughout the seasons. Participating schools
visit the refuge at least 3 times each school year for ranger-led lessons and activities. While the
Program reaches a wide audience of students, the emphasis is on diverse, inner-city youth and typically
involves the entire student body from kindergarten through grade 5.
*Refuge Partner Schools are eligible for busing assistance through the Blue Goose Bus Fund, managed by the Refuge Friends, Inc.
Refuge Partner Teachers*
The Refuge Partner Teacher Program is open to any teacher interested in using the refuge as
his or her own personal outdoor classroom! Refuge Partner Teachers receive FREE training, fieldtrip
planning support, and multidisciplinary, standard-based refuge curriculum. Attend one Refuge
Orientation Workshop or the summer week-long session of the 4 R’s Workshop to register.
Refuge Partner Teachers are eligible for busing assistance through the Blue Goose Bus Fund, managed by the Refuge Friends, Inc.
Self-Led Refuge Fieldtrips
Any teacher is welcome to schedule their group to visit and explore the refuge on their own. Priority
space is given to Refuge Partner Schools and Refuge Partner Teachers. Call the Bloomington Visitor
Center at 953-854-5900 or the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center 952-362-4502 according to the
following schedule.
Reservations for Fall Self-led Fieldtrips will be take after: August 25
Reservation for Winter Self-led Fieldtrips will be taken after: November 25
Reservations for Spring Self-led Fieldtrips will be taken after: February 25
Educators not enrolled in one of the refuge programs that are looking for naturalist-led programming we suggest checking the SEEK website for a list of area nature and science centers that provide guided school group fieldtrips.
NatureWise - Prairie Exploration
Workshop Series, Summer 2008
More information is available on the Teacher's
Education page >>
Fall and spring semester internships are focused on environmental education programming. Summer internships also include interpretation projects and other duties. For additional information contact Beth Ullenberg at (952) 858-0712 or beth_ullenberg@fws.gov.
