Lincoln Memorial Garden’s winter environmental education programs for preschool through sixth grade classes are available indoors or outdoors. 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 try to limit chaperones to one adult per 12 children. In-school programs also are offered on a reservation basis during the winter months. The cost is $1 per child (with a $20 minimum per classroom), plus $5 for travel compensation.*
Children attending sessions at the Garden should be reminded to dress for the outdoors, whatever the weather. In case of heavy snow or extreme cold, the teacher can check with us to arrange an inside program or to reschedule the visit. Student nametags are greatly appreciated.
The Nature Center's gift shop and discovery room will be open to students after field trips at the Garden. To take advantage of this opportunity, an additional 15 to 30 minutes will be needed, depending on the size of the group.
Note: Special prairie restoration projects that require additional class time are also available.
Schools and teachers can contact the Garden for more information or to sign up for these classes.
Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center
2301 East Lake Drive
Springfield, IL
Email: lmg2301@comcast.net
Phone: 217.529.1111
Preparing for Winter or Awakening to Spring
Preschool – Grade 2
Puppet shows that entertain and educate young children about how some native mammals prepare for winter or awaken to springtime are presented. Hibernation, dormancy, and animal habitats are introduced. Animal mounts, pelts and other nature items are shared with the children to help them understand animal needs and how these needs change with the seasons. Fun characters with a choice of seasonal emphasis and stage! (30-45 minutes)
Amazing Birds
Grades K-6
Children can compare and contrast the differences and similarities between birds. The can discover how our full-year residents survive the winter. They can learn the importance of providing a quality habitat for birds. If desired, children can create their own winter bird feeders. Advance notice and a $10 supply fee is required for bird feeder projects. (45 minutes – 1 hour)
Child in the Wild
Grades 5-6
Children are introduced to the basic survival skills needed in the wilderness. They are shown how to build a debris hut shelter and start a fire. Water and food requirements in the wild are discussed. Seasonal wild edibles and medicinal plants are part of the presentation. Space is needed outside for shelter and fire-building demonstrations. (45 minutes – 1 hour)
Tribal Life in Illinois
Grades 2-6
The history of clans and tribes of Native Americans in Illinois is presented through storytelling, sharing of native handcrafted artifacts and communicating with Native American sign language. The native people and their many contributions will be discussed, from the 12 tribes of the Illiniwek Nation in the late 1600s to the Kaskaskia and Peoria, the only remaining tribes in the area by the early 1800s.
Fibonacci Nature Numbers
Grades 4-6
Math, art and science have combined in the fascinating world of Leonardo Fibonacci since the 1200 AD days of European life. Fibonacci numbers are nature’s artistic and predictable numbering system. They appear everywhere in nature, from leaf arrangements to flower petal patterns, from bracts of a pinecone to scales of a pineapple, from spiraling seed heads to a single cell, from a nautilus shell to even a beehive. Children are introduced to patterns of numbers in nature through real life examples, an interactive, discussion, and an art project. (1 hour)
*Fees can be waived for a limited number of classes, thanks to the generosity of the Springfield Rotary Foundation.
