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2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest
Phone: 618-634-2231 E-mail: CypressCreek@fws.gov |
Environmental
Education
We invite you and your class or group to visit the Cache River Wetlands – the largest remaining swamp/wetland complex in Illinois. The area claims some of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi River and provides a home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Programs focus on the Cache River Wetlands’ history, habitats, and wildlife. A first stop and highlight of your visit will be the Cache River Wetlands Center where staff will welcome and orient your group to this special place and the many opportunities to explore the area. Click on a link below to jump to that section.
Programs Offered
All Ages
Introduction to the Cache River Wetlands – Duration: 30 min (inside)
This presentation includes a 12 minute orientation video and a staff overview of the Cache River Wetlands, the natural and cultural history of the area, related resource issues and organizations that are working to protect and restore the area.
K – 8th Grades
Wetlands Trunk – Duration: 1 hour
Enjoy an interactive program that highlights the value of wetlands and the many animals that depend on the Cache River Wetlands for food, water, and shelter. Students will touch pelts, skulls and other artifacts while learning about animal adaptations.
K -12th Grades
Wetland Center Scavenger Hunt – Duration: 1 hour (inside)
Collect answers to questions about wetlands, wildlife and the history of the area by using the exhibits and the 12 minute orientation video at the Wetlands Center. This activity helps students focus on conservation messages and the natural and cultural history that influenced this unique area.
Habitat Hike – Duration: 1 hour
Students will participate in a guided hike on the Egret Slough Trail (located behind the Wetlands Center). Students will learn about plants and animals native to the Cache River while searching for answers to questions on the Habitat Hike Scavenger Hunt.
6th – 12th Grade
Who’s Clues – Duration: 1 hour
Students will look for and identify animal tracks and other signs of wildlife. They will use these clues to make inferences about the types of wildlife and their behavior and discuss some interrelationships between these animals and their environment.
The Spice of Life (Biodiversity Game) – Duration: 1 hour
Through an interactive game, students will learn about the current status of the biodiversity issues, how humans can help ease species loss and the benefits of a biologically diverse system.
Wetland Birds and their Habitat – Duration: 1 hour
Students will learn how to use binoculars and identify common wetland bird species along the Egret Slough Trail. The program will focus of bird adaptations, value of habitat and management techniques used to protect and restore wetland communities.
Water Canaries – Duration: 1 hour
Students will investigate aquatic life and its importance and interaction within the wetland community. They will collect and identify aquatic invertebrates using dip nets, field guides and identification keys and then release their catch. The activity will focus on the role of these organisms and their value in determining water quality.
Aquatic Tolerance -- Duration: 1 hour – 90 minutes
Using an aquatic ecosystem, students will define a range of tolerance, and measure 3 abiotic factors, (temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen) in three different areas. Then students will compare and explain the results they find by answering the question of “Who can live in this pond and why?”. Also connections between the abiotic and the resultant biotic elements will be discussed.
Other Resources: Ask staff about the Wetland Center Library and other education resources available!
Scheduling Visits
Your visit to the largest remaining wetland complex in the state will be a memorable experience. School teachers and volunteers are encouraged to assist with field activities. When available, Joint Venture staff will lead groups, as well as provide scheduling, coordination, program materials, and site recommendations that are tailored to specific needs and the season.
Scheduling takes place on a first-come-first-serve basis so make reservations early. All programs are free. Please call the Cache River Wetlands Center at 618-657-2064 for assistance in planning and scheduling your groups’ visit. Programs are offered Wednesday through Saturday, 9am to 4 p.m.
STEP 1. Information needed for scheduling:
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Date and time you would like to visit
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Name of lead teacher/educator
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Total number of students and adults
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Complete school address, telephone number and fax number
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Type of program and activities
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Special needs
NOTE: To insure a quality experience, each field visit is limited to 60 individuals. All groups should provide one adult for every ten children. Teachers, leaders, and chaperons are expected to stay with the group at all times and enforce appropriate behavior from each student while visiting the area.
STEP 2. Confirmation package:
After your field trip has been scheduled, a confirmation package will be mailed to you; this includes a schedule of your day, group guidelines, and educational materials to help prepare you and your class for a trip to the Cache River Wetlands.
For more information contact us at (618)-634-2231.
