Discover the Wonders of the Beaver Creek Wetlands: Educational Field Trips for Your Group!
Ever wonder what secrets lie hidden within the lush wetlands and winding creeks of Greene County? The Beaver Creek Wetlands Association (BCWA), your local land trust dedicated to preserving these precious habitats, invites you and your students or group on an unforgettable adventure! We’re not just about protecting wetlands (though we’re pretty passionate about that!), we’re about sharing their magic with you.
Are you a teacher looking for an engaging outdoor experience for your class? A club leader searching for a unique and educational outing? Look no further! BCWA offers three distinct field trip options, each designed to spark curiosity and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. We can accommodate groups from 10 to 75 participants (larger groups will be split into multiple outings). So, gather your crew and get ready to explore!
Choose Your Adventure:
1. Wetland Wonders: Unravel the mysteries of our local wetlands! Discover how glaciers shaped the landscape, learn what makes a wetland a “wetland,” and explore the vital role these ecosystems play. After a 30 minute introductory talk (tailored to your group’s age), 0ur expert guides will lead you on a 1-2 mile hike through breathtaking scenery, revealing the hidden wonders of the Beaver Creek Wetlands. Perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages (from 1st grade to adults!), this 1.5-2 hour outing can be tailored to your group’s specific interests. Possible locations include the serene Amon Reserve, the unique Siebenthaler Fen, and the picturesque Pearl’s Fen.
2. Fabulous Fossils: Journey back in time at Oakes Quarry in Fairborn! Delve into the fascinating world of paleontology as you rotate through interactive stations, learning about the glacial history of our region, the formation of fossils, and the intriguing lives of trilobites and crinoids. This 2-hour adventure, geared towards 4th grade and up, culminates in a 1.5-mile hike where you might even uncover a fossil of your own!
3. Creekin’ – An Exploration of Water Quality and Macroinvertebrates in Beaver Creek: Ready to get your feet wet? (Literally!) Explore the fascinating world of aquatic life in Beaver Creek. Learn about watersheds, the impact of human activity, and the incredible diversity of macroinvertebrates that call the creek home. After a 30-40 minute outdoor presentation, we’ll don our boots (please bring your own waterproof boots – expect to get wet and possibly a little muddy!) and head into the creek to collect and identify these tiny creatures, becoming citizen scientists for the day! This 2-hour experience, recommended for 6th grade and up, takes place at Phillips Park. Maximum group size of 25 per day for this outing.
Get a head start on your Creekin’ adventure!
- Watch this video to learn more about Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Sampling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFR5aN5T79Q
- Familiarize yourself with macroinvertebrates using these helpful resources: https://www.macroinvertebrates.org/key and https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-06/macroinvertebrate-id-tipsheet.pdf
