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Interpretive programs

Interpretive programs

Registration for field trips and traveling naturalist can be scheduled using the links below.

Field trip reservations

For assistance in registration, please contact Jonathan Massung via email or call 989-667-0717.

Traveling naturalist

We also offer a "traveling naturalist" option – where we come to you, either at your school or another location off-site. This can come in handy, especially in the winter season!

  • Lessons learned from the bald eagle previsit (email Jonathan Massung directly for scheduling).

For assistance in registration, please contact Jonathan Massung via email or call 989-667-0717. 

To help in program selection, here is a list of suggested labs and class segments:

(Let us know your learning goals and we can build a custom program to suit your needs.)

Ecology hikes

30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes  (90- and 120-minute hikes include in-field investigations along the trail)

  • Tobico Marsh (requires buses to drop off at trailhead).
  • Lagoon Loop.
  • Shoreline.

Field labs

30-60 minutes

Natural science

  • Live creature collection and ID.
  • Beaver dam and groundwater lab.
  • Leaf ID challenge.
  • Carrying capacity model.
  • Tree needs model.
  • Tree aging estimation lab.
  • Invasive species model.
  • Microscopes field investigation.
  • Simple bird feeders.
  • Habitat houses: bird or bats.

Outdoor recreation

  • Fishing at the docks.
  • Archery (grades 5 and up).
  • 3D field archery (grades 5 and up/advanced skills).
  • Survival shelters/hatchet program.

Building presentations and labs

30-60 minutes

  • Mammals of Michigan.
  • Vertebrates of Michigan.
  • Birds of Michigan.
  • Fish of the Great Lakes.
  • Raptor classification lab.
  • Owl pellet lab.
  • Fur lab.
  • Skulls lab.
  • Microscope lab.
  • Live animals of Tobico Marsh.
  • Invasive species lamprey lab.
  • Watershed model.
  • Aquaponics and the cattail marsh lab.

Traveling naturalist

30-60 minutes

  • Lessons learned from the bald eagle (75 minutes).
  • Invasive species lab.
  • Live animals of the marsh.
  • Mammal fur lab.
  • Mammal skull ID lab.
  • Owl pellets lab.
  • Carrying capacity model/game.
  • Watershed model.