Come and Learn:
Educational Programs
Lincoln Memorial Garden offers environmental education programs for preschool through sixth grade classes. The field trips will be offered on a reservation basis each day of the week.
The cost is $2 per child with a $20 minimum fee per group. There is no charge for teachers or aides. Please limit chaperones to one adult per 12 children. (Extra adult numbers detract from the hikes intended for children's enjoyment and learning opportunities. Please be respectful.)
The cost is $1 per child for in-school programs, with a $5 gasoline/travel surcharge and a minimum charge of $25.
Fees can be waived for a limited number of classes. Many thanks for the generosity of the Springfield Rotary Foundation.
To help the teacher prepare for the program, teachers may download the online teacher’s guide available for each program. Trips can be scheduled for the morning or the afternoon. We recommend early registration as choice dates fill up quickly.
Please remind the children to dress for the outdoors, whatever the weather. In case of heavy rain, the teacher can check with us to arrange an inside program or to reschedule the visit. Student name tags are greatly appreciated.
The Nature Center's gift shop and discovery room will be open to students after the field trip. To take advantage of the gift shop, please allow 15 to 30 extra minutes depending on the size of your group.
The Nature Center programs have two goals.
- to introduce students to the wonders of the natural world
- to explore the native ecosystems found at Lincoln Memorial Garden
Through such explorations, students learn to appreciate the natural world and discover how their decisions and actions impact the environment. A hands-on, discovery hike emphasizing teachable moments on the trail is the framework for field trips. Age appropriate topics are offered for children three through twelve years of age. Special topics for older students can be developed in cooperation with the Education Coordinator.
