DESTINATIONS

School

Preschoolers through grade 12 can enjoy an outdoor or classroom experience to learn about native animals, plants and seeds, forest ecology, earth science, habitat components and more. Programs might involve a short nature hike or hands-on activities like dissecting seeds, looking for insects and macroinvertebrates, investigating parts of a forest, testing the properties of rocks, identifying plants, or trying Native American activities like grinding corn. Students may also explore the Center’s three distinct habitats (woodlands, wetlands and prairies) while learning about local flora and fauna. All programs align with state and national education standards, and can be customized to accommodate homeschool groups.

supports classroom learning in:
Environmental Studies, Science.

topics covered:
Animals, ecology, geology, hiking, Native Americans, plants.

contact info
Name: Laura McCoy
Phone: 630-513-4393
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Varies. Program Type: Day Trips, Guided Tours, Guided Activities. Recomm. Length of Visit: 45 minutes-4 hours. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies. Registration: Phone, Email. Food Options: Picnic area available. Cost: Fee

ABOUT

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

Visit Hickory Knolls Discovery Center for exciting indoor and outdoor exhibits. Hickory Knolls sits on 131 acres of restored woodlands, wetlands and prairies. Inside, visitors will meet live animals, including endangered Blanding’s turtles; see the nature mural that depicts four ecosystems and is filled with hidden animals; watch birds at the feeders outside; see exhibits on the Ice Age, geology, Native Americans, and more; and learn about plants in the native gardens. Stroll along 3+ miles of hiking trails to discover different ecosystems among the hills, ponds and grassy areas.

contact info

Hrs: Tues.-Sat. 10AM-4PM, Sun. 12PM-4PM.

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Nature Exploration Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

One single tree can provide the oxygen required for two human beings and over 8,000 sheets of paper. Trees can also clean the soil and air by absorbing harmful pollutants. So what have you done for a tree lately? Nature centers and state parks provide a hands-on environment to discover facts about native plants and animals, as well as ways to preserve these natural resources.

View Lesson Plan>>

Scouts

Scouts can enjoy guided programs, designed to address badge requirements. They might have an indoor science lesson, meet some of the animals at Hickory Knolls, learn about recycling and green energy, go hiking with a map and compass, or investigate signs of animals and watch for wildlife.

supports scout badges in:
Physical Education, Science.

topics covered:
Animals, forestry, hiking, orienteering, recycling, science.

contact info
Name: Laura McCoy
Phone: 630-513-4393
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: Elementary School, Middle School Group Size: Varies. Program Type: Day Trips, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Activities, Guided Activities. Recomm. Length of Visit: 1 hour. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies. Registration: Phone, Email. Food Options: Picnic area available. Cost: Fee

ABOUT

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

Visit Hickory Knolls Discovery Center for exciting indoor and outdoor exhibits. Hickory Knolls sits on 131 acres of restored woodlands, wetlands and prairies. Inside, visitors will meet live animals, including endangered Blanding’s turtles; see the nature mural that depicts four ecosystems and is filled with hidden animals; watch birds at the feeders outside; see exhibits on the Ice Age, geology, Native Americans, and more; and learn about plants in the native gardens. Stroll along 3+ miles of hiking trails to discover different ecosystems among the hills, ponds and grassy areas.

contact info

Hrs: Tues.-Sat. 10AM-4PM, Sun. 12PM-4PM.

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Nature Exploration Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

One single tree can provide the oxygen required for two human beings and over 8,000 sheets of paper. Trees can also clean the soil and air by absorbing harmful pollutants. So what have you done for a tree lately? Nature centers and state parks provide a hands-on environment to discover facts about native plants and animals, as well as ways to preserve these natural resources.

View Lesson Plan>>

Homeschool

Homeschoolers will learn about native animals, plants and seeds, forest ecology, earth science, habitat components and more at the center. Programs can include a short nature hike, seed dissection, testing rock properties, identifying plants, and more. Homeschoolers can also explore the center’s woodlands, wetlands and prairies while learning about local flora and fauna. All programs can be customized to accommodate homeschool groups.

topics covered:
Environmental science, animals, ecology, geology, hiking, Native Americans, plants.

contact info
Name: Laura McCoy
Phone: 630-513-4393
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Varies. Program Type: Day Trips, Guided Tours, Guided Activities. Recomm. Length of Visit: 45 minutes-4 hours. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies. Registration: Phone, Email. Food Options: Picnic area available. Cost: Fee

ABOUT

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

Visit Hickory Knolls Discovery Center for exciting indoor and outdoor exhibits. Hickory Knolls sits on 131 acres of restored woodlands, wetlands and prairies. Inside, visitors will meet live animals, including endangered Blanding’s turtles; see the nature mural that depicts four ecosystems and is filled with hidden animals; watch birds at the feeders outside; see exhibits on the Ice Age, geology, Native Americans, and more; and learn about plants in the native gardens. Stroll along 3+ miles of hiking trails to discover different ecosystems among the hills, ponds and grassy areas.

contact info

Hrs: Tues.-Sat. 10AM-4PM, Sun. 12PM-4PM.

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Nature Exploration Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

One single tree can provide the oxygen required for two human beings and over 8,000 sheets of paper. Trees can also clean the soil and air by absorbing harmful pollutants. So what have you done for a tree lately? Nature centers and state parks provide a hands-on environment to discover facts about native plants and animals, as well as ways to preserve these natural resources.

View Lesson Plan>>