Lincoln Memorial Garden offers fall environmental education programs for preschool through sixth grade classes. Field trips are 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.)
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 a one-page field trip synopsis will be sent with a confirmation letter. Trips can be scheduled for the morning or the afternoon. We recommend early registration as choice autumn 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 nametags 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. The first is to introduce students to the wonders of the natural world. The second is 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. Please call for details.
Signs of Fall
Preschool & Kindergarden
What's happening at the Garden as summer departs and fall arrives? Discover the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and yes, tastes of Lincoln Memorial Garden. We'll use our naturalist tools to explore autumn.
1 hour - 1 1/2 hours
Nature's Hitchhikers
1st & 2nd Grade
Seed dispersal is important to all plant survival. Actually, seeds are just young plants in suitcases needing a little space from parents in order to grow successfully. Observe the ways seeds travel -- from parachuting to catapulting to hitching a ride.
1 hour - 1 1/2 hours
Ecosystem Search
3rd & 4th Grade
Investigate the differences between the prairie, wetland, and forest ecosystems while hiking the trails at Lincoln Memorial Garden. Habitats and inhabitants vary a great deal within our three native communities. Come compare and contrast.
1 1/2 - 2 hours
Tallgrass Prairies
5th & 6th Grade
Visit the Ostermeier Prairie Center and learn about adaptations of grasses and forbs. Experience the intricate web of life in our restored tall grass prairie and learn about the history of prairie in Illinois.
1 1/2 - 2 hours
Location of the Garden
Lincoln Memorial Garden is on the south side of Lake Springfield about 11 miles from downtown Springfield and three miles east of the Chatham Interchange on I-55 (exit 88) just south of the Lake Springfield Bridge.
The Garden also can be reached from southeast Springfield by leaving I-55 at the Stevenson Drive exit and following East Lake Drive for 6 miles.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Lincoln Memorial Garden is intended for all visitors' walking pleasure, nature study and nature appreciation.. Visitors must stay on the trails to protect fragile native ecosystems. No picking or collecting of wildflowers or other natural materials allowed.. No pets allowed.
The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset. The Nature Center is open to the general public from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
LINCOLN MEMORIAL GARDEN OFFERS....
Nature education guided hikes for area children.
In school programs, presented by a naturalist during the winter months.
Weekend programs for adults and children.
Teacher education workshops.
Junior Naturalist programs and Summer Ecology Camp for children.
A resource center for environmental information.
A place of beauty and contemplation.
LINCOLN MEMORIAL GARDEN STAFF
Jim Matheis - Executive Director
Betsy Irwin - Education Coordinator
Stella Mansfield - Administrative Assistant
Larry Miller - Head Gardener
Chuck Allen - Gardener
Over 200 area children who enjoy learning more about the natural world attend our Ecology Camp each summer. One week sessions, for children ages 5 through 12 give children the opportunity to explore the Garden, make new friends, and have fun in nature. Each year’s day camp is held from mid-June - July.
Our Junior Naturalist programs meet the last weekend of each month and encourage in-depth study of a seasonal subject for six to twelve year old children with a keen interest in nature.
If you would like more information about Ecology Camp or the monthly Junior Naturalist programs, call the Nature Center at 529-1111.
