High School on-site field studies and outreach programs

Come explore the Chattahoochee Nature Center with your class for fun, educational experiences your students won’t ever forget! Can’t make the trip to visit us? No problem, book an outreach program and we will bring the learning into your classroom! Either way, a CNC naturalist will lead your class in exploration. School programs include hands-on activities and a Teacher’s Guide with additional curriculum.

On-site Field Studies

All on-site programs are conducted at CNC and are suggested as a 2 hour and 30 minute experience. Each program includes a guided forest hike with one of our naturalists and an up-close animal encounter with one of our non-releasable wildlife (1 hour 15 minutes). The remaining time can be spent with a guided tour of Watershed Gallery in the Discovery Center, plus self-guided time in our picnic areas, gardens, and Wildlife Walk.

Nature Journaling and Field Sketching

This field-based experience combines science, writing, and art to help students develop a broader understanding of the natural history of their environment by using the wonderful natural setting at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. GSE: VAHSDRCR2.a; VAHSDRCR.4a; VAHSDRCN.1d,e

Wetland Ecology

To better understand the functions, value, and importance of this ecosystem within the Chattahoochee River watershed, students will sample and identify wetland soils, learn about the biodiversity of wetland plants, and use a wetland model to discuss the beneficial functions of wetlands. GSE: SEV1c,e; SEV2d; SEV4a; SB5a,c

Canoe Skills and Team Building

Groups with little or no paddling experience can learn how to paddle with a 3-hour introductory canoe program in one of our ponds. All naturalists are CPR/First Aid certified and experienced paddlers. CNC provides all equip­ment – canoe, paddles, and personal flotation devices for all participants.

Maximum capacity is 27 students/teachers per pond. Programs are available March through November.

Advanced Pond Study: Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

In this field study to assess local water quality, students will sample macroinvertebrates in our ponds as bioindicators of water quality, and use dip nets, microscopes, pH meters, and macroinvertebrate ID charts to draw conclusions and explain the impacts that effect the water quality of these ponds within the Chattahoochee River watershed. GSE: SEV1c,e; SEV2d; SEV4a; SB5a,c

Project H20 – A Study of Water

Bring real-world experiences to your students in this hands-on, two-pond comparison on the grounds of CNC. This is a biological and chemical assessment. Students will sample macroinvertebrates as bioindicators and conduct chemical testing using test kits to measure nitrate and phosphate levels. This will help them start to understand how land use, pollution, and the importance of maintaining good water quality in the Chattahoochee River watershed are important.

Your class will view our film, “The Chattahoochee: Re-Imagine our River” and finally end your day with a visit from one of our non-releasable raptors that makes its home along the river.

Ideal for AP Environmental Science classes to conduct field base experi­ences. Limited to 75 students per day. GSE: SEV1c,e; SEV2d; SEV4a; SB5a,c.

Chattahoochee River Study and Guided Canoe Trip Plus Film

Our canoe program is our most hands-on experience! This 3-hour guided canoe trip introduces students to the Chattahoochee River, its history, current issues surrounding our watershed, and how students can impact the river. Each trip is led by a CNC Certified Interpretive Guide and offers a unique introduction to the ecology of the Chattahoochee River.

After your trip, view our movie “The Chattahoochee: Re-Imag­ine our River.” This 22-minute film will lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the Chattahoochee River and its surround­ing watershed.  

CNC provides all equip­ment – canoe, paddles, and personal flotation devices for all participants. No prior canoeing experience is neces­sary.

The maximum number of participants is 24 students/teachers. Programs are available March through November.

Service Learning Opportunities at the CNC

A variety of service learning opportunities exist at the Chatta­hoochee Nature Center for both individuals and groups in middle and high school. Please contact our Director of Education for additional information at 770.992.2055 ext. 235 or fill out the form below.

details

ON-SITE PROGRAMS – SCHEDULE & RESERVATIONS

>> Reservations are taken year-round by email at scheduling@chattnaturecenter.org or by phone (770.992.2055 ext. 237) on a first-come, first-served basis. Schedule early to ensure the dates of your choice.

>> Please email or call between 8AM – 4PM and plan approximately 10-15 minutes per call. If we are busy or unavailable, please leave a message and we will make every attempt to return your call on the same day.

>> We can accommodate groups as large as 150 per time slot (10AM to 11:15AM or 11:30AM to 12:45PM) for a single program unless otherwise noted.

 

ON-SITE Program Pricing

Single Program:

>> $15/student, 2 adults free per 25 students. Each additional adult (teacher/chaperone): $15/each.

>> One Naturalist is scheduled to teach 25 students.

Double Program (excluding River Study, Canoe and Project H2O):

>> $27/student, 2 adults free per 25 students. Each additional adult (teacher/chaperone): $27/each. $275 minimum per double program. 

>> One Naturalist is scheduled to teach 25 students.

Pond & River Canoe Programs and Project H2O:

>> $30/student, 1 adult free per 15 students. Each additional adult (teacher/chaperone): $30/each. $300 minimum (10 students). 

>> Maximum number of participants is 24 for River Study or Canoe and 75 for Project H2O

>> Maximum number of participants is 27 for Canoe Skills & Team-building (pond canoe program)

Details:

Deposit is due 2 weeks from booking date and will be either the minimum amount listed with the program pricing or 25%, whichever is greater.

Remaining balance to be paid on day of program to our Scheduling Office from the Lead Teacher only. We cannot accept payment from chaperones. 

Scholarship funds available for Title I schools

cancellation policy

When you schedule a program, we reserve a slot in the calendar for your group, and we commit staff and resources to ensure you an exceptional educational experience. Please review the following cancellation policy for the Chattahoochee Nature Center:

>> All programs take place rain or shine (indoor space is available).

>> Reschedule a program up to 4 weeks before scheduled date without penalty. Subject to availability.

>> Cancel a program up to four weeks before scheduled date without penalty.

>> If canceled less than 4 weeks from scheduled date, deposit will not be refunded. 

>> Schools with an unpaid balance will not be able to schedule another program until the balance is paid.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Transportation issues? Not a problem. CNC naturalists can bring high-quality programming directly into your school. In addition to the programs listed below, all of our on-site programs (except water programs) can be conducted at your school in individual classrooms. They still include an animal encounter and hands-on activities. All programs are GPS correlated for each grade and include Small Group and Large Group Programs.

Programs can be booked Monday through Sunday, mornings, afternoons, and evenings, year-round. Spaces are limited during spring and fall due to high demand. All programs must be booked a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the program date. 

Programs for Small Groups

These programs are designed for 30 or fewer participants. Programs include a live animal presentation; biofacts such as bird wings, turtle shells, or animal furs; an activity; and a question & answer session with a CNC naturalist. Unless otherwise stated, these are one hour programs.

Engineered from Nature

How can nature help us solve human Education Program problems? Engineers use the adaptations of plants and animals to design products that improve people’s lives. Students will be introduced to biomimicry and after meeting one of CNC’s non-releasable raptors, will apply the adaptations of raptors to engineer solutions to real-life issues.

Programs for Large Groups 

These programs are ideal for 31 to 150 seated participants. We offer auditorium and festival programs to meet your needs.

Hunters in the Sky Auditorium Program

This one-hour educational program focuses on raptors, some of our most fascinating native predators. A CNC naturalist will utilize fun activities with large props and audience involvement to teach participants about these native birds and their impressive abilities. This program will include presentations of an owl and a hawk. GSE: SEV2d; SB5a,b,c

Georgia Wildlife Journey Auditorium Program

This one-hour educational program focuses on animals that make their home in the Georgia Piedmont. This program will include presentations of an opossum, snake, and bird of prey.

On the Road with Reptiles Festival Program

This Information Booth is available for an unlimited mobile audience in a festival setting. With this program, CNC will bring a collection of fascinating reptile information to you. Using biofacts – such as skulls, turtle shells, and snake sheds – and hands-on activities, the Naturalist will share information about the many amazing reptiles found in Georgia. This program includes a live reptile, viewable in an aquarium.

PLEASE NOTE: A six-foot table in a shaded area is required for this program. The program must be held indoors when temperature is less than 60 degrees.

details

OUTREACH PROGRAMS – SCHEDULE & RESERVATIONS

>> Reservations are taken year-round by email at outreach@chattnaturecenter.org or by phone (770.992.2055 ext. 246) on a first-come basis. Schedule early to ensure the dates of your choice.

>> Information to share: name, school, grade, number of students, program you are interested in, and the dates you are looking for.

>> We will make every attempt to return your call or email within 24 hours.

 

OUTREACH PROGRAM PRICING

Age 6-Adult: $250 for first program, $125 for each additional program

>> 30 students maximum – 60 minutes

Auditorium Programs: 150 students maximum – 60 minutes

>> 2 Animals: $350 for first program, $250 for each additional program

>> 3 Animals: $430 for first program, $275 for each additional program

Festival Programs: $225 for first hour, $115 for each additional hour

Additional Pricing Information: 

>> $100 one-time development fee for customized programming

>> Inquire about our non-profit discount

Travel Fees: 

>> Programs within 20 miles of CNC: No fee

>> Programs 21-30 miles from CNC: $50 fee

>> Programs 31-40 miles from CNC: $60 fee

>> Programs 41-50 miles from CNC: $70 fee

NOTE: Audience limits are set to ensure an optimal experience for every student participant. Audience size may not exceed the published limits without permission of the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Audiences who do exceed the published limits will incur additional session fees. Please contact us if you have any questions about our policies. 

Ready to book your education program?