Education
Field Trips
Visitors of all ages from preschool through senior citizens will benefit from experiential and educational visits to 1000 Islands. Our naturalists work with the teacher or group leader to ensure programs and activities supplement and enhance classroom curricula or group interests.
We offer half-day and full-day Field Trips. Combine programs for a full day experience! The cost for a half-day Field Trip is $3/student ($50 minimum fee) and $5/student ($75 minimum fee) for a full day. Please refer to the Program Guide for more pricing information.
Request a Field Trip
From preschool children through senior citizens, 1000 Islands Environmental Center is proud to provide the opportunity for groups to schedule an educational program with a naturalist. Scheduled programs allow your group to choose the day, time and topic(s) to create an educational program that suits your needs and interests.
Any type of group, large or small, is welcome to schedule an educational program. This includes: Daycare Centers Homeschool Groups Scouts Civic Groups Larger families or a group of friends Programs are offered in a variety of styles and locations. Both indoor and outdoor programs are offered with a number of topics that can be held at your location. Either hands-on activities or lecture style presentations are offered for meetings and other captive audiences.
Field trips are informal programs filled with your choice of activities based on your group’s
age and abilities. Create your own field trip by mixing and matching activities from the many
options listed below. *Summer field trips will be limited to half-day programs only.
- Bald Eagle Ecology (Grades 3 – Adult): Learn more about the history and life cycle of bald eagles. This lecture style presentation also
covers the how humans have played a role in both their population decline as well as their comeback. - Biomimicry (Grades 1-3): Nature has long been a source of inspiration for humans. Learn about some of the human inventions that have resulted from mimicking, or copying nature. Participants will also get a chance to let nature inspire their own inventions or innovations.
- Bug Hunt (Grades Pre-K – 3): Explore in the woods looking for insects, spiders and other creepy crawlies and play Bug Bingo based on your finds. Emphasis can be placed on the differences between spiders and insects, decomposers, or good bugs and bad bugs.
- Colorful Confusion (Grades 2-5): Learn about different types of animal colorations with games and examples. Discussion on colorations such as camouflage, warning, advertising, and counter shading.
- Crayfish & Critter Hunt (Grades K – Adult): Walk in the water of the Konkapot Creek looking for crayfish and other macro invertebrates in
addition to fish, reptiles, and amphibians. - Every Drop Counts
- Fire Building (Grades 3 – Adult): Learn about the fire triangle and how to safely build a fire for survival or recreation. Participants will be able to build small fires in a controlled manner using a variety of materials.
- Geocaching (Grades 4 – Adult): Participants will learn the basics of how GPS works and how to use a GPS receiver. An introduction to the sport of geocaching will be introduced and they will have the opportunity to practice finding temporary caches as well as a real geocache.
- Goats Tackle Invasive Species (Grades 5 – Adult): 1000 Islands has been utilizing goats as a minimal impact method of managing invasive and other unwanted plants. Participants will learn about the background of this project and the impacts that have resulted.
- Nature Games (Grades K-5): Play age appropriate nature games outside including many different predator/prey style games.
- Nature Hike (Grades K – Adult): Hike along the Fox River or in the Upper Woods to explore the natural habitat. Emphasis can be placed on just about any natural topic from seasonal occurrences to look for plants, animals and other organisms that live in the area.
- Orienteering (Grades 3 – Adult): Participants will learn the basic parts and procedure for using a compass and learn about pacing to estimate distance. They will have the opportunity to use these new skills by following an orienteering course.
- Outdoor Scavenger Hunt (Grades K – Adult): Participants search for a list of items outside in nature. Most often seasonally focused, this can be done around the 1000 Islands building or while on the hiking trails.
- Peregrine Falcons (Grades 4 – Adult): Participants will learn more about their life cycle, history and how humans have found a great relationship with these fast flying raptors.
- Reduce Your Environmental Impact (Grades 5 – Adult): Participants will gain knowledge in how every day actions impact the environment and learn about how you can reduce that impact within your work, school or home setting.
- Shelter Building (Grades 1 – Adult): Participants will learn about the basics of building a survival shelter and get an opportunity to build their own out in the woods.
- Skull Duggery (Grades 3 – Adult): Participants will learn how to use a dichotomous key in order to identify several different types of mammal skulls. Identification will be aided through the use of measurements and dental formulas, the numbers of different tooth types.
- The Very Best Bed (Grades Pre-K – 2): Based on a storybook entitled, “The Very Best Bed,” students explore various animal homes through a story-time, a hands-on indoor exploration of the animals, and an outdoor search to find evidence of animal beds throughout the conservancy.
- What Am I? (Grades Pre-K – 3): Students will learn about the different animal groups and some of the unique characteristics and adaptations of each group. Several animal examples will be available to see and/or touch.
- Who Eats What? (Grades Pre-K – 2): Students explore animal eating habits and what an herbivore, omnivore, and carnivore is through the exploration of animal skulls, furs, and puppets.
- Who Gives a Hoot (Grades 2 – Adult): Students will learn about several different adaptations that owls have in order to be efficient hunters. This is a presentation style program followed by interactive stations that will demonstrate their adaptations such as fringed wings and binocular vision.
- Where Do They Go in Winter? (Grades Pre-K – 2): Students actively explore how animals spend their winters by learning about hibernation, migration, dormancy, and active animals. Animal tracks, gaits, and furs are introduced through hands-on and large motor activities.
- WI Mammals (Grades Pre-K – 5): Students will learn about several different mammals that call Wisconsin home. After a discussion on the definition of a mammal and the characteristics all mammals share, students will learn more about individual WI mammal species as well as get to see and touch several pelts.
- How to Dress: DRESS FOR THE WEATHER OF THE DAY Remember you will be spending large amounts of time outside. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures during the day. Wear old clothes and shoes so that you won’t have to worry about getting dirty! For safe walking on the trails, wear closed shoes and socks. Do not wear sandals or slip on shoes.
- What to Expect: Expect the unexpected! Mother Nature can sometimes force changes to the best-laid plans. Scheduled times, locations or activities may change due to rain, bugs, heat/cold or many other reasons! Plan to be flexible in case unplanned situations arise. Please refer to the behavior matrix for behavioral expectations.
- What May I Bring?: (Check with your teacher and parent first!) A spare change of clothes, a towel and plastic bag (for wet clothes) for groups going into the creek. Even if you don’t plan on getting wet! Water shoes are great for walking in the creek. If you don’t have any, old tennis will do just fine. No flip flops! Bring rainwear if rain is in the forecast. If you do not have a raincoat, bring a couple of large black trash bags. No umbrellas please. A bottle for water is recommended-especially on hot days. There will be opportunities to refill them during the day. We no longer have a drinking fountain in the nature center, but a water bottle filling station is available. Pack a good, nutritious lunch. We will be very active all day so you will need to refuel at lunch with healthy food. Avoid excessive junk food. A small amount of money is allowed if you have permission to make a purchase at our gift shop.
- Please Do Not Bring: Electronic devices including cell phones. Although it is allowed for teachers and chaperones to carry a cell phone on the field trip, as a courtesy, no cell phone use during the field trip unless an emergency warrants it.
Try a Field Experience
Field Experiences are more formal programs that are based on academic standards. These half-day or full day programs include several theme based lessons and activities. The number and selection of activities will be based on interest, age/grade level and time available.
What can be found in the Fox River? What can we tell about the river’s health from its inhabitants? Study the river and creek up close using chemistry and biology.
Activities:
- Crayfish & Critter Hunt/Squish Hike
- Nature Hike
- Water Chemistry
- Nature Games
Standards: SCI.CC1.3-5, SCI.CC3.3-5, SCI.CC4.3-5, SCI.SEP1.A.3-5, SCI.SEP3.A.3-5, SCI.SEP4.A.3-5, SCI.SEP4.A.3-5, SCI.SEP5.A.3-5, SCI.SEP6.A.3-5, SCI.LS2.C.3, SCI.LS4.C.3, SCI.LS4.D.3, SCI.ESS2.E.4, SCI.LS2.C.m, SCI.CC4.m Grades 4 – Adult
Exploring the development of islands and concepts of erosion and water movement through a hike and the use of landform modeling, students learn about the Fox River and the islands on the property.
Activities:
- Landform models
- Watershed construction
- Mapping and map reading
- Flood plain and island exploration when safe
Standards: SCI.CC1.3-5, SCI.CC4.3-5, SCI.CC6.3-5, SCI.SEP1.A.3-5, SCI.SEP2.A.3-5, SCI.SEP6.A.3-5, SCI.SEP6.B.3-5, SCI.PS2.A.3, SCI.ESS1.C.4, SCI.ESS2.A.4,5, SCI.ESS2.B.4, SCI.CC4.m, SCI.PS3.C.m Grades 3 – 8
The concept of respect for the environment, plants and animals is explained through an interpretive hike coupled with our indoor scavenger hunt and exploration of Native American artifacts.
Activities:
- Wild edible exploration
- Animal pelt and artifact exploration indoors
- Interpretive hike
Standards: SS.BH2.a.4-5, SS.BH3.a.5, SS.Geog5.b.5, SCI.LS2.A.5 Grades 3 – 5
Rotating between indoor activities and outdoor hikes, students explore different adaptations of plants and animals to understand how the various structures on the organisms function to help them survive.
Activities:
- Clue based scavenger hunt indoors
- Artifact exploration indoors
- Plant focused hike
- Animals focused hike
Standards: SCI.CC6.3-5, SCI.CC7.3-5, SCI.SEP1.A.3-5, SCI.LS1.A.4, SCI.LS1.D.4, SCI.LS2.D.3, SCI.LS3.A.3, SCI.LS3.B.3, SCI.LS4.B.3, SCI.LS4.C.3 Grades 3 – 5
Learn about the process of collecting tree sap and turning it into syrup. Participants will get to witness the entire process and practice tapping a tree on their own.
Activities:
- Sisibaskwat – History and science of the maple syrup tradition
- Hands-on Stations
- Guided Hike and Tapping Demonstration
- Tour of the Sugar Shack
- Pancake and Maple Syrup Snack
Standards: SCI.CC3.K-2, SCI.CC4.K-2, SCI.SEP1.A.K-2, SCI.LS2.A.2, SCI.PS1.A.2, SCI.PS1.B.2, SCI.ESS3.A.K, SCI.ESS3.C.K, SCI.CC4.3-5, SCI.CC6.3-5, SCI.SEP1.A.3-5, SCI.SEP6.A.3-5, SCI.LS2.B.5, SCI.PS1.A.5, SCI.PS1.B.5, SCI.PS3.B.4, SCI.PS3.D.4,5, SCI.ESS3.C.5, SCI.CC4.m, Grades Pre-K – Adult
Students will hike to the Upper Woods area of 1000 Islands and learn basic skills needed for outdoor survival. Skills will vary depending on age and time, but can include shelter building, fire building, water filtration and purification methods, snare building, and orienteering.
Activities:
- Students construct a lean-to shelter in small groups
- Students build a log cabin or teepee form fire
- Students use STEM based techniques to create water filters
- Students test a basic snare construction
- Students use GPS units for orienteering
Standards: SCI.CC6.K-2, SCI.SEP2.A.K-2, SCI.SEP3.A.K-2, SCI.SEP6.B.K-2, SCI.LS1.C.K, SCI.PS4.C.1, SCI.ESS3.A.K, SCI.ESS3.C.K, SCI.CC6.3-5, SCI.SEP2.A.3-5, SCI.SEP3.A.3-5, SCI.SEP6.B.3-5, SCI.ESS3.A.4, SCI.PS3.C.m Grades 2 – Adult
This program introduces students to the concepts of weather, the water cycle, and climate through experiment-based activities and outdoor observations on a hike.
Activities:
- Indoor water cycle experiments
- Outdoor hike observing weather and clouds
- Outdoor exploration of states of water
Standards: SCI.CC1.3-5, SCI.CC2.3-5, SCI.CC3.3-5, SCI.CC4.3-5, SCI.CC7.3-5, SCI.SEP1.A.3-5, SCI.SEP3.A.3-5, SCI.LS2.C.3, SCI.LS4.C.3, SCI.LS4.D.3, SCI.PS2.B.3, SCI.ESS1.B.5, SCI.ESS2.A.4,5, SCI.ESS2.D.3, SCI.ESS3.B.3,4 Grades 3 – 5
Register for a Public Program
- View a complete list of Jan-April Public Programs here.
- Saturday, May 2 | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Watershed Clean-up – Join Northeast Wisconsin’s largest volunteer trash clean-up! Each year over 1,600 volunteers come together to clean various public sites in our watershed, including 1000 Islands Conservancy Zone. Register online at www.FWWA.org.
- Saturday, May 9 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM World Migratory Bird Day: Oriole Bird Feeder Building Clinic – Learn how to build a wooden Oriole Feeder to attract these gorgeous birds into your neighborhood. Materials provided. Bring a hammer if you have one. $5 per kit donation appreciated.
- Friday, May 15 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Storybook Walk and Adventure | Featured Story: Old Rock (is Not Boring) by Deb Pilutti – This is a fun, educational activity for the entire family. Reading stations will be set up for a self-guided walk on the boardwalk trail. Visit each station to read the entire book. Grab a take-and-make craft, courtesy of the Kaukauna Public Library.
- Friday, May 15 | 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM 1000 Little Wonders: Flowers – This class is for children 3-5 years old and their parent/guardian. Listen to a story, explore the outdoors, and make a themed craft. This program will be indoors and outdoors. Class size is limited, make sure to pre-register. FREE
- Sunday, May 17 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 42nd Annual Nature’s Images Art & Craft Fair – The Friends of 1000 Islands Art Fair will be held on the picnic grounds of 1000 Islands Environmental Center and will consist of 50 original art and craft vendors. There will also be a food stand, bake sale, basket raffle, Carnival Time Popcorn, and musical entertainment.
- Saturday, May 30 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Service Saturday – Lend a hand in the Conservancy Zone and make a difference in your community. Help is needed to control invasive species, plant seedlings, trees, and flowers, clean up garden beds, trail repair, and general maintenance. This is a great opportunity for team building, volunteer hour requirements, and scout conservation hours. All ages and abilities are welcome. No registration required.
- Saturday, June 6 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Plein Air Painting – Plein air painting is simply…painting outdoors! Join us for a fun, relaxing, and creative morning of painting nature along the edge of the Fox River. We’ll supply canvas and a few different selections of paint mediums or bring your own supplies! No experience needed. All ages welcome. $2.00 donation requested for each 8×10 canvas.
- June 8 – June 21 | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily Goats at 1000 Islands – Goats from Mulberry Lane Farms will be onsite to eat invasive plants such as buckthorn and garlic mustard, as well as nuisance plants like poison ivy. Check our Facebook page for more info and for the link for signing up to be a goat watcher. Stop by to see our goats browse daily – weather permitting. Registration not required for viewing.
- Tuesday, June 9 | 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM Community Crayfish & Critter Hunt – Join our Naturalists for an exciting adventure in the Konkapot Creek catching crayfish and other aquatic critters. Wear shoes to walk in water. Bring a net and bucket if you have one. Supplies will be available to share for those who need them. Registration not required. FREE
- Wednesday, June 10 | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Hike with a Naturalist: Dog Walk on Konkapot Creek Trail – There are many great trails in Kaukauna for walking with your dog! Join our Naturalist as we hike the Konkapot Creek Trail. Please be prepared to walk on uneven trails. This program is geared towards participants ages 13+. Meet at the Konkapot Creek Trail parking lot. FREE
- Friday, June 12 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM 1000 Little Wonders: Crayfish – This class is for children 3-5 years old and their parent/guardian. Listen to a story, explore the outdoors, and make a themed craft. This program will be indoors and outdoors. Class size is limited, make sure to pre-register. FREE
- Saturday, June 13 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Service Saturday – Lenda a hand in the Conservancy Zone and make a difference in your community. Help is needed to control invasive species, plant seedlings, trees, and flowers, clean up garden beds, repair trails, and general maintenance. This is a great opportunity for team building, volunteer hour requirements, and scout conservation hours. All ages and abilities are welcome. No registration required.
- Thursday, June 25 | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Community Crayfish and Critter Hunt – Join our Naturalists for an exciting adventure in the Konkapot Creek catching crayfish and other aquatic critters. Wear shoes to walk in water. Bring a net and bucket if you have one. Supplies will be available to share for those who need them. Registration not required. FREE
- Friday, June 26 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Storybook Walk and Adventure – Featured Story: Sea Wolves by Megan Benedict – This is a fun, educational activity for the entire family. Reading stations will be set up for a self-guided walk on the boardwalk trail. Visit each station to read the entire book. Grab a make-and-take craft courtesy of the Kaukauna Public Library. FREE
- Friday, June 26 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Pollinatorpalooza! This self-guided program will help you learn about types of pollinators and how to support them year-round. Visit stations inside the Nature Center and outside in the pollinator garden for fun activities, learning and observing pollinators at work. Celebrate the “fruits” of their labor by enjoying a tasty fruit salad! No registration required. FREE
- Friday, June 26 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM 1000 Little Wonders Explorers: Crayfish – This class is for children 3-5 years old and their parent/guardian. Children will learn about natural topics through hands-on exploration. This will take place outdoors (weather permitting) so come dressed for getting outside and getting messy! Class size is limited, make sure to pre-register. FREE
- Friday, June 26 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pollinator Trivia Pizza Party – Calling all trivia buffs for a fun time expanding your knowledge about pollinators! Bring your phone/device to play Kahoot (a few extras will be available if needed) for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Pizza will be served, bring your own drinks or refillable water bottle. Individuals and teams are welcome. FREE
- Saturday, June 27 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Planet Defenders Camp – This day camp is for students 9-11 years old. Help the planet be a cleaner place! Learn how to harness the Earth’s energy through hydroelectricity and solar power. Make a difference on our piece of the planet by participating in conservation work around the Conservancy Zone and build a solar oven. Space is limited and registration is required. Cost is $10 per student.
- Friday, July 10 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM 1000 Little Wonders: Reptiles – This class is for children 3-5 years old and their parent/guardian. Children will learn about natural topics through hands-on exploration. This will take place outdoors (weather permitting) so come dressed for getting outside and getting messy! Class size is limited, make sure to pre-register. FREE
- Saturday, July 11 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Service Saturday – Lend a hand in the Conservancy Zone and make a difference in your community. Help is needed to control invasive species, plant seedlings, trees, and flowers, clean up garden beds, repair trails, and general maintenance. This is a great opportunity for team building, volunteer hour requirements, and scout conservation hours. All ages and abilities are welcome. No registration required.
- Tuesday, July 14 | 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM Community Crayfish & Critter Hunt – Join our Naturalists for an exciting adventure in the Konkapot Creek catching crayfish and other aquatic critters. Wear shoes to walk in water. Bring a net and bucket if you have one. Supplies will be available to share for those who need them. Registration not required. FREE
- Wednesday, July 15 | 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM Fishing Basics – Join us as we explore the basics of fishing. Learn how to cast a fishing rod, learn fun facts about fish, and participate in a fish scavenger hunt around the Nature Center. This program is geared towards children 5-10 years old. Class size is limited, make sure to pre-register. FREE
- Saturday, July 18 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM World Snake Day Celebration – Come celebrate World Snake Day (July 16) with Steve and Carl’s Traveling Snake Show! Learn about snakes and get a chance to have a hands-on experience with one of the world’s most misunderstood creatures! No registration required. FREE
