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FAQ about Nature Awaits: Fourth grade field trips

FAQ about Nature Awaits: Fourth grade field trips

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  • How do I find out if my school/student qualifies for a free field trip?

    Any fourth-grade class qualifies for a free 90-minute guided field trip. We welcome public, private and charter schools.

    Bussing reimbursement up to $1,000 may be available through the Wheels to Water Transportation Grant. Applications are due by December 18, 2026 for spring field trips.

  • Do homeschool students qualify?

    This program is only for formal classrooms of 15 or more students. We have many nature programs in our state parks and visitor centers for homeschool students. We also have great resources you can use with your family or homeschool co-op at Nature at Home.

  • How do I get my transportation reimbursed?

    Funding challenges have limited the number of transportation grants we were able to offer. We exhausted our funding for transportation grants in the fall of 2026.

    Starting with spring 2027 field trips, teachers will need to apply for a Wheels to Water grant to be reimbursed for bussing costs. Field trips in March, April and May are eligible for the Wheels to Water grant opportunity.

    • We will send you detailed instructions when you register for a field trip.
    • Requests for application are due by December 18, 2026.
    • Apply for a Wheels to Water Transportation Grant.

  • What if I have a split third/fourth or fourth/fifth grade class?

    While this program is geared toward fourth grade classes and their academic standards, third/fourth grade or fourth/fifth grade split classes can register.

  • Do we have to pay to get into the park?

    Park entry fees are waived for program participants coming on a yellow school bus. Participants using charter buses will receive a free pass at the gate. Chaperone vehicles must have a Recreation Passport.

  • What will my students learn while they are there?

    Students will learn about human impacts to the environment, the importance of public lands, Michigan plants and animals, and more. These programs will be hands-on and include a physical recreation component. Research supports the beneficial impacts of kids learning in nature.

  • How can I use this state park visit as a lesson plan for my students?

    We have pre- and post-visit activities and resources to supplement the learning at the park. In addition, students will get a Junior Ranger Guidebook as part of their park visit. The PDF also includes standards correlations as well. 

  • Is there a cap on how many students I can bring?

    Yes. Based on park staffing, we expect that two classrooms (approximately 60 students) may participate in the program at one time. A school could send four classrooms (approximately 120 students) per day, with two classrooms attending educational programs in the morning and two classrooms attending in the afternoon. Morning and afternoon sessions are two different line items in our registration system, but you can add both to your cart before checkout. You can spend more time in the park, but activities outside of the 90-minute program must be on your own.

  • Are chaperones included in the count? How many chaperones per program?

    Yes. Schools may bring as many chaperones as they deem necessary for a safe and productive experience. 

  • How far in advance do we have to pick a date for our visit?

    Registration must be completed at least two weeks prior to your visit.

  • Are state parks hiring educators?

    Yes! We will are hiring and training seasonal educators to lead these school programs.  Visit Michigan.gov/DNRJobs for more information.