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
K - 1st grade
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
2nd - 3rd grade
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
3rd - 4th grade
Links in a Food Chain
Students will learn how energy from the sun flows through the food web.
We will explore the interrelationships that exist in these food chains and find
out what happens when the balance is upset.
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
NEW!
Elizabeth Archer Patterson Sponsored programs
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
4th - 5th grade
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
5th - 6th grade
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
6th – 7th grade
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