Field Trips
Are you interested in an educational, fun and free field trip? Send an email to Tara Dowdy to set up your field trip today! All ages and grades are welcome. Once your date, time, and educational program preference is determined, you will recieve a schedule with what you're doing and where you're going so you can keep track throughout the day! If you have a larger group, we can split you into smaller groups and rotate through multiple activities. Schools usually have time for 3-4 programs, plus lunch and bathroom breaks, before departing. Below is a list of programs you can choose from.
Canoeing: 4th grade and up. Learn to canoe in a safe area. All canoes, life jackets & paddles are provided. 1 hr. per group rotation.
Archery: 4th grade and up. Learn how to safely shoot a bow and arrow and then put your skills to the test at the outdoor range. 1 hour per group rotation.
Snakes of TN: Meet Ranger Dowdy's friend Cayenne, a cornsnake that loves to see kids of all ages. Discover why we shouldn't be scared of snakes, but also why we need to keep a respectful distance. This program is enjoyed by all ages.
Dip-netting for Macroinvertebrates: Use specialized nets for dipping into the water to capture freshwater macro-invertebrates. Understand the important role they play at our National Wildlife Refuges.
Hike with Bug Catchers: Grab a butterfly net and/or magnifying bug catcher to take along as your students hike to the refuge ponds. For any age, but geared for elementary students.
Birding 101: Learn how to use a pair of binoculars and discover tips for successfully viewing birds. Take a hike around the Visitor Center in search of some of our common backyard birds! Great for 1st-4th graders.
All about Birds: Bird nests, bird skulls, bird calls, bird wings, feet, feathers, etc. We've got you covered if you're wanting your students to learn all about birds of TN! Great for 1st-4th graders.
Owl Pellet Dissection: Hear about the different types of owls located in west TN, learn some owl calls, discover some of their adaptations and enjoy dissecting a real owl pellet to find out what it has eaten! Any age/grade. *All 4th graders in Dyer and Obion counties do this with Ranger Dowdy in school during their 4H Clubs.
Grassy Island Tour: Jump back on your bus for an interpretive drive down our Wildlife Drive where you have the opportunity to see blue herons, great egrets, snakes, eagles, osprey and more! This drives ends at a viewing tower which offers a great back drop for a small class photo!
Migration Headache: Learn all about migration and the obstacles birds face during their long journey. Be a bird and go through your own migration outside of the Visitor Center. This is a great way to get kids to move and run outside while learning at the same time. Good for 3rd-5th grades.
Amazing Adaptions: Explore the different types of adaptions (Structural, Behavioral & Physiological) and meet Cayenne the cornsnake at the end to discuss a few of her neat adaptions.
Skulls and Pelts: View and touch various pelts and skulls from animals native to TN. It's not everyday that you get to feel how soft a skunk is, right? Learn ways to help you identify skulls by looking at key features that anyone can see!
Movie Time: Watch a "Duckumentary", a wonderful film that all ages enjoy that allows you to see the life cycle of a wood duck. Watch it hatch from it's egg, fall from a 70ft. tree and grow feathers to fly away! View predators and different types of habitats different ducks use, too. This is a very informative movie that both kids and adults enjoy. This is a great way to wind down at the end of the field trip before you head back to school.
Free Time: Structured learning is important, but unstructured play time is JUST as important. We offer "free time" where kids can share provided footballs, soccer balls, jump rope, draw with side walk chalk, etc. Students may also grab the bug catchers and butterfly nets at this time. You may also bring your own games or toys during this activity.
Scavenger Hunt: Between the outdoor activities, it can be nice to have a cool down moment in the Visitor Center. Students work with partners or small groups to find various animals hidden in our exhibit room, such as different types of ducks, a butterfly, fish, mushroom and even a tiny frog that is the size of your fingernail!
Scat and Tracks: Have you ever wandered upon some animal poop or tracks and wondered what it was? During this short 20 minute presentation, you can learn how to find out who left what behind and play a matching game with life size rubber scat and feet. We even have materials where students can try to recreate different types of animal scat. This activity always gets a lot of giggles.
Can't come on a field trip but want to experience some of these program? Great! Many of these program can be brought to the classroom. Email Tara Dowdy to find out more.
Anything you'd like us to cover but don't see a program for it? We'd love to hear what you'd like for us to expand on. Please share your ideas by emailing Tara Dowdy. We're always looking for ways to improve upon our programs!