Richfield, MN

Animal Camouflage (All Seasons) 
Investigate how animals hide with a ‘hide and seek’ hike to find hidden animals. End the class with a look at the
camouflage on a live snake.

Apple Cidering (Fall) 
Using an old-fashioned cider press, make apple cider and learn about the natural and cultural history of apples. Enjoy a fall hike, time allowing.

Animal Homes & Habitats  (All Seasons) 
Learn how animals’ size and adaptations define their shelters. Hike to survey different animal homes in their habitats.

Animal Tracks (All Seasons)
Study track identification basics and hike to search for and identify tracks of resident animals. Make plaster casts of animal prints to take home.

Animals in Winter (Winter) 
Discover how animals adapt to the harshest time of year. Students observe animal furs, hike outside to find animal shelters and food sources, and meet a live turtle.

Birds Around Us (All Seasons) 
Look at birds' amazing adaptations for survival in various habitats. Study real bird parts, learn bird behavior and identification skills, and see what kind of birds can be seen at Wood Lake Nature Center. (Lesson adapted for age groups)

Critter Walk (All Seasons)  
From trees to bees and everything in between, explore Wood Lake to observe and learn about nature’s critters and their habitats.

Maple Syruping (March)
Learn about the natural and cultural history of maple syruping. Identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and turn syrup into a maple sugar treat. (Lessons adapted for age group)

Marsh Explorers (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Discover the incredible variety of animals, insects, and plants that live in the marsh. Dip into the marsh with a collection cup to explore the hidden depths of this diverse wetland.
(Lessons adapted for age group. Older students will examine caught specimens under microscopes).

Nature’s Needs (Spring, Summer, Fall) 
Identify the things both animals and plants need to survive, listen to a story, and then explore Wood Lake’s forest and prairie. End the class with a visit from a live salamander.