School Programs

School Programs with the ODC Network

We offer natural and cultural history programs customized to fit varied class levels and teacher preferences. Each program can be tailored to fit your needs. Students will enjoy learning in an outdoor setting and having engaging hands on activities.

Field trip registrations begin on the first Monday of August

Traditional Field Trips: We safely welcome fieldtrip groups to the Outdoor Discovery Center and DeGraaf Nature Center using outdoor spaces and our Covid-19 Stop the Spread Protocols.

Reverse Field Trips: If transportation is a concern or constraint, our team will travel to your school with an outdoor experience delivered to your campus or a nearby walkable park.

Virtual Classroom Visits: If your school is not able to have an outdoor experience with us yet, we can deliver a virtual classroom experience of your choice. Many of these include visits with some of your favorite animals such as reptiles, amphibians and our birds of prey!

Programs

We offer a wide variety of Natural and Cultural History programs for all grades and class sizes. View our School Program Guide below to learn more about our current offerings.

Natural History:

A River Runs Through it: Stream Study
Exploring Our Dunes
Habitat Exploration
Live Birds of Prey
Plants on the Move (Fall Only)
Seasonal Surprises – Ecology
Sensory Adventure
Spring Awakenings in the Maple Sugarbush
Up-Close and Wild
Wetland Investigation and Life Cycles
Wildflowers in Spring
Wonderous World of Water

Cultural History

A Day in the Life of a French Voyageur
Homestead Holiday
Michigan’s Indigenous People
Pioneer Living

Cultural History Programs Supported By:

Programs Sites

Schools & Natural Areas

Ideal for any age group
Great for local studies, continued studies for the classroom (at your school), having a feeling of community and being connected to nature
Save on busing costs
Typical program length ranges from 1-3 hours

Tell us where you want to go

Van Raalte Farm

Ideal for elementary through high school students
Great for in depth investigations of habitats and ecosystems
NO UTILITIES. Only bathrooms are well-maintained outhouses
Typical program length ranges from 2-4 hours
Maple Sugaring programs are held at the sugar shack on the farm

Get Directions

Rabbit River Preserve

Ideal for middle elementary through high school students
Great for in depth investigations of habitats and ecosystems
NO UTILITIES. Only bathroom is a well-maintained outhouse
Typical program length is 2-4 hours

Get Directions

DeGraaf Nature Center

Ideal for pre-school through lower elementary students
Programs usually include both inside and outside component
No groups over 50 students
Typical program length is 2 hours

Get Directions

Outdoor Discovery Center

Ideal for any age group
Great for in depth investigations of habitats and ecosystems
Programs can include both an inside and outside component
Groups may stay through lunch and use an indoor space or picnic pavilion for a lunch break
Typical program length is 2-4 hours

Get Directions

Schedule a Program

Request a program with us using the form below or by calling 616.393.9453

Name

Organization

Phone

Grade(s)

# of Students

Location Preference

1st Choice Program Date

2nd Choice Program Date

3rd Choice Program Date

4th Choice Program Date

Program Preferences

Additional Information

ODC-Network

School Programs

School Programs with the ODC Network

Field trip registrations begin on the first Monday of August

Programs

Natural History:

Cultural History

Programs Sites

Schools & Natural Areas

Van Raalte Farm

Rabbit River Preserve

DeGraaf Nature Center

Outdoor Discovery Center

Schedule a Program

ODC Network

Advancing Outdoor Education and Conservation in West Michigan