Field Trips

All grades

Critter Visit

Students can experience some of the Ecology Center's animals up close and personal! We will learn about the different animal groups as we meet live animals and learn what makes them unique.

45 - 60 minutes

Fall, Winter, Spring

Your school, Ladd Arboretum

Preschool

Look, Listen & Feel

Children will explore the Arboretum in the most interactive way possible; by using their senses of sight, hearing, touch and smell! Children will discover the Arboretum and their senses while they listen for birds, feel the soft moss, smell the flowers and more!

45 minutes

Fall, Winter, Spring

Ladd Arboretum

Kindergarten

Home Sweet Home

Children will discover what animals make Evanston home.  They will learn the importance of each component in a habitat and how animals depend upon plants and other animals for food and shelter.

45 - 60 minutes

Fall, Spring

Lighthouse Landing, Ladd Arboretum

K - 1st grade

Animal Tracking

Children will discover the art and science behind animal tracking. We will learn some of the ways animals leave clues behind and test our new knowledge on a tracking adventure!

45 - 60 minutes

Fall, Winter, Spring

Ladd Arboretum

Arboretum Adventures

The Arboretum is a perfect place to observe trees and leaves through the changing seasons. We will take a closer look at leaves as we discover sizes, shapes, colors and the purpose of leaves. Children will leave with a leaf rubbing!

45–60 minutes

Fall, Spring

Ladd Arboretum

First Grade

Fabulous Flora

Students will learn how plants are similar and how they are different. We will complete challenges at different stations to learn about the different parts of plants and what every plant needs in order to survive.

60 minutes

Fall, Spring

Ladd Arboretum, Lighthouse Landing

1st - 2nd grade

Incredible Insects

Students will discover the world of insects as we take a look at what actually makes an insect an insect.  We will explore eyes, mouth parts and lifecycles as well as observe real life insects!

45 - 60 minutes

Fall, Spring

Ladd Arboretum, Lighthouse Landing

2nd - 3rd grade

Sand and Silt Rock!

Students will explore the rocks, pebbles and soil at Lighthouse Landing. We will observe, compare and sort these materials in order to discover their unique differences and their origins.

60 minutes

Fall, Spring

Lighthouse Landing

The Wonders of Under

Discover what amazing things are below our feet as we dive into soil. Microscopic life, tunneling insects and much more will be investigated through hands on activities as we discover how vital soil is to life on earth!

60 - 75 minutes

Fall, Spring

Ladd Arboretum

3rd - 4th grade

Mighty Machines of Green

Students will investigate the world of seed plants. From how seeds start to what happens when plants don't get everything they need. We will observe and explore the functions of leaves, stems, roots and flowers. Students will learn how to propagate plants and take a baby plant home at the end of the day.

60 - 75 minutes

Fall, Spring

Ladd Arboretum, Lighthouse Landing

Links in a Food Chain

60 - 75 minutes

Fall, Winter, Spring

Ladd Arboretum, Lighthouse Landing

3rd – 6th Grade

Pond Dip

Come take a dip in the pond! Students will visit Lovelace Pond where they will collect and identify the small creatures that call a pond home.  They will examine the role of these animals in the pond food web and discover the adaptations needed for life in a pond.

60 - 75 minutes

Fall, Spring

Lovelace Park

4th - 5th grade

Urban Forestry

Students will learn how to identify trees as they compare bark, leaves, buds, flowers and fruit. We will learn how to use a dichotomous key and practice with the Arboretum's amazing trees. We will also take a look at environmental and urban impacts on the health of our trees. 

90 minutes

Fall, Spring

Ladd Arboretum

Orienteering

Are you lost? Grab a compass! Students will learn the great outdoor skill of orienteering. We will learn how to use a compass and read a course and then practice with a set compass course!

90 minutes

Fall, Spring

Your School, Ladd Arboretum

5th - 6th grade

Tall Grass Prairie

Learn about the native tall grass prairie ecosystem through hands on experiences. Students will visit our prairie patch and discover the unique plants and animals that live in the prairie and how they still make an impact today.

90 minutes

Fall, Spring

Ladd Arboretum

Our Great Lake

Discover the fascinating natural and cultural history of Lake Michigan during this exploration of the dunes and lakefront. Students will become familiar with aquatic plants and animals and the Great Lakes ecosystem.

90 minutes

Fall, Spring

Lighthouse Landing

6th – 7th grade

Carbon Footprint

We will de-mystify carbon footprints and greenhouse gases. Students will learn what a carbon footprint is, why it is important to reduce it and ways they can reduce their own carbon footprint.

60 minutes

Fall, Winter, Spring

Your School, Ladd Arboretum

Canoe the Canal

Students will learn about the North Shore Channel's past and present. We will learn about the past uses of the canal and then head out on a canoe trip to discover the wonders of the North Shore Channel and why it is important to protect it. This program works great as a follow-up from the Carbon Footprint program.

3 hour trip

Fall, Spring

Ladd Arboretum

Reservations

Reservations for these programs can be made by calling the Ecology Center at (847) 448-8256. We have capacity for 25 per class.  Some programs can accommodate more than one class at a time.  A two week advance notice is required, but earlier registration is recommended due to the popularity of these programs. Ecology Center office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.

Costs

• District #65 field trip program fee: $3.50/child.
• Out of District #65 field trip program fee: $4.00/child.
• There is no charge for adult chaperones.
• In school programs, District #65: $60/class of 30 children or less.
• In school programs, out of District #65: $75/class of 30 children or less.