Ecology Center - School Programs

FIELD TRIPS

"Bringing Nature to the Classroom and the Classroom to Nature"

The Ecology Center strives to foster a greater appreciation, awareness and knowledge of the natural environment and our interdependence with it. This specific program provides school children with field trips which provide interdisciplinary learning and introduces them to major ecological concepts. For details on all of the individual field trip offerings, click HERE.

LOAN BOX PROGRAM - Nature in a Box

"Curriculum-ready and ready for adaptions. It's in the box!"

The loan box program provides materials and activities that can be used to introduce or reinforce facts, concepts, or principles in the school curriculum. The focus is to foster a greater appreciation, awareness, and knowledge of the natural environment and our interdependence with it. Although based in the science area, the loan boxes can be valuable teaching tools in other subject curricula as well. Teachers are encouraged to ask Ecology Center staff for help and suggestions in adapting the activities for different ages, skill levels, group sizes, etc. Each loan box includes an instructional objective, background information for the teacher, loan materials, and step-by-step procedures that outline suggested activities. For details on the numerous loan box programs, borrowing a loan box program, and loan box sponsors, click HERE.

COSTS

Classroom Field Trip Reservations & Costs

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 populatiry 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.
Program fees apply through December 2011.

CONTACT

For more information on School Programs, contact:

The Evanston Ecology Center
2024 McCormick Blvd.
847-448-8256
Located in the Ladd Arboretum
Open 9:00am to 4:30pm, Monday - Friday, Saturdays Labor Day through Memorial Day

LOCATIONS

Field Trips in 4 Locations (or ask us about our in school programming)

Lovelace Pond

2716 Gross Point Rd. Once a landfill, Lovelace was transformed into a spacious park. It includes a pond, a small classroom in the field house, picnic shelters for lunch and a playground.

Ecology Center

2024 McCormick Blvd. Located in the Ladd Arboretum the center houses offices, a classroom, live animals and a multipurpose room.

Arboretum & Channel

The Ladd Arboretum was created through the cooperative effort of individual residents, civic minded organizations and the City of Evanston on land leased from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. This outdoor museum is a setting for a variety of programs for both children and adults. The North Shore Channel runs adjacent to the Arboretum. Once used for sanitation the Channel is now the home of turtles, coyotes, deer, and heron and used for recreational activities.

Lighthouse Landing

This site includes a nature center and a small classroom. The surrounding grounds include a woodland wildflower garden and beach dunes.

Main Navigation

Ecology Center - School Programs