Outdoor Discovery Field Trips

On-site OUTDOOR DISCOVERY  Programming at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve and Succop Conservancy:

Want to expand the experience for your students beyond the field trip? Ask us about bundling an in-school visit with your onsite visit.

o PRE-K and K: TOUCH, LOOK AND LISTEN
Children have their eyes, ears and fingers awakened to the colors, sounds and textures of nature. Tree bark, insect wings and bird songs provide a feast for the senses as the children explore. 90 minutes

o Age 3-5: FLEDGLINGS SPECIAL TOPICS

Our monthly Fledglings program for preschoolers and parents is also available for booking by small groups. Skunks, Frogs, Snow and many other topics available by season. Includes a story, a short hike and a simple craft. 90 minutes.

o K-12: SEASONAL DISCOVERY

We search for the patterns of life for animals and plants in response to seasonal changes. Optionally focus on birds, insects or your topic of choice. Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer versions. 2 hours.

o GRADES 1-2: HOME SWEET HOME

Who lives here? Shelter is a basic need. We search the meadows, forests and pond for animals and their homes. 2 hours.

o GRADES 3-4: HABITAT

What does an animal need to survive? We discuss what a habitat must provide; look for signs of animals in fields, forest and pond; and compare similarities and differences in animal needs. 2 or 4 hours. The 4-hour format adds a lunch break and pond dipping.

o GRADES 5-6: COMMUNITY

Who eats what? In natural communities, everything has an important job. We explore fields, forests and pond for examples of niches among the plants and animals . 2 or 4 hours. The 4-hour format adds a lunch break and pond dipping.

o GRADES 7-12: BIODIVERSITY UNIVERSITY

Our reserve becomes your laboratory as students discover first-hand the importance of diversity in ecosystems. We collect real data and calculate diversity indexes to assess the health of our forest, deer herd and pond. 2-hour (2 module) 4 hour (3 module) formats.

o GRADES 4-12: A DROP IN THE BUCKET—WATERSHED STUDY

 Water quality depends on the health of the watershed which supplies it. We survey upland, wetland and pond with hands-on activities that illustrate important watershed relationships. 2 or 4 hour formats.

o GRADES K-6: PREDATOR AND PREY

This program combines an inside program with an outside hike. Inside, participate in a crime scene investigation to solve a nature mystery. Meet the prime suspect, a live bird of prey!  Outside, your students will explore the nature reserve for signs of predators and prey in action. Great for cold weather or a large group with limited time. 2 hours.

o Grades K-8 PIONEERS IN NATURE

Learn how early settlers solved the daily problems of living away from civilization by utilizing the natural world around them. Students will study different patterns of settlement and what a pioneer would have taken with them. We will identify the proper trees for cabin building and learn how to make candles, soap, iron and more. 2-4 hours. 4 hour program allows for a craft and in depth demonstrations.

o Grades 9-12 WILD PLANTS AS FOOD AND MORE

The forest and meadows are teeming with useful plants. This program will teach students to identify and sample a variety of edible, medicinal, and useful native plants. We will also look at a few common non-natives. Poisonous plants will also be pointed out. 2 hours.

o Grades K-12 SEASONAL SURVIVAL

Each season presents its own unique challenges to emergency situations. We will venture out into remote locations on our grounds and act out various scenarios. Students will learn basic survival skills tailored to the season current to their visit. Studying how to stay safe in the woods is a great way to connect students to nature while empowering them to take responsibility for their actions. 2-4 hours.

o K-12 MAPLE SUGARING

FEBRUARY or MARCH ONLY. From bark buckets to stainless steel evaporators, travel through time to learn the history and science of turning sap into maple syrup. Each stop includes a hands-on experience to try, including a taste of the real stuff!  90 minutes or 2 hours.

o BIRDS OF PREY COMBO

Combine an indoor Birds of Prey program with any half-day Outdoor Discovery program. Available for any group size, but great for larger groups--doubles all capacities to a maximum total of 150 students at one time! Half your students will enjoy our Birds of Prey while the other half participates in the outdoor program, then switch. 3 to 4 hours total.

Scheduling a Program

Programs are available between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. throughout the year. School Year Reservations taken starting August 1; Summer Reservations (for day camps, dare cares, etc.) starting April 1. Call (412) 963-6100 to schedule.

Program Fee Schedule:

Scholarships:

Teacher Loan Resources:

Alignment to PA Standards