Would you like to learn more about the nature and history of the Heard?

Join us for the 2024 Trail Guide Training class series. You will get to learn aspects of the Heard’s trails. You’ll also learn to help guide school groups and more along Heard nature trails.

The classes will be offered on Fridays or Saturdays in September (from September 6 through September 28; see schedule below) from 9 AM to 3 PM in Laughlin Hall at the Heard. Participation in one session per week is required. All guides must be registered volunteers at the Heard.

Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants and bring lunch, water, and bug spray. This training session will focus on the two trails we primarily use for school groups. Pre-registration is required, and spots are limited. Join us on this great adventure by submitting a Heard volunteer application and indicating your interest in this program on the form.

Trail Training Schedule (Friday and Saturday training sessions are the same):

• Sept 6th: Training on Hoot Owl and Laughlin Loop 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Sept 7th: Training on Hoot Owl and Laughlin Loop 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Sept 13th: Training on Blue Stem and Wood Duck 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Sept 14th: Training on Blue Stem and Wood Duck 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Sept 20th: Training on Cedar Break and Sycamore 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Sept 21st: Training on Cedar Break and Sycamore 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Sept 27th: Kinds of groups, review and makeup 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Sept 28th: Kinds of groups, review and makeup 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Classes begin for the homeschool and preschool Spring 2025 semester.

Classes begin for the homeschool and preschool Fall 2024 semester.

New and returning students and families will have the chance to meet the teachers for their upcoming homeschool or preschool program.

New and returning students and families will have the chance to meet the teachers for their upcoming homeschool or preschool program.

Youth artists will follow in the footsteps of great artists such as Audubon, Beatrix Potter and Anna Atkins, with unique opportunities to create their own art inspired by nature and live animals. Each day, a different type of medium will be explored.

Campers experience a behind-the-scenes, hands-on adventure with our education and exhibit animals. Learn about our different animals and what it takes to properly care for them. Pre-registration is required.

Journey through our Solar System and beyond!  This camp will use the GeoGlobe, a digital interactive globe, to explore the unique characteristics of the planets, their moons, and other objects seen in our night sky.  We’ll also spend time outdoors exploring the fascinating characteristics of the planet we know best – the Earth! Spots are limited.

Based on our popular Nature Explorers preschool program, each day we’ll meet one of the Heard’s live animal ambassadors and take a nature hike to explore different habitats from wetlands and forests to prairie and ponds. We’ll also prowl through museum exhibits, participate in hands-on science activities, sing songs, listen to stories, and play nature themed-games! A simple snack (such as animal crackers, goldfish, or pretzels with a glass of water) will be served. Spots are limited.

Based on our popular Nature Explorers preschool program, each day we’ll meet one of the Heard’s live animal ambassadors and take a nature hike to explore different habitats from wetlands and forests to prairie and ponds. We’ll also prowl through museum exhibits, participate in hands-on science activities, sing songs, listen to stories, and play nature themed-games! A simple snack (such as animal crackers, goldfish, or pretzels with a glass of water) will be served. Spots are limited.