Field Trips
Led by trained naturalists, our programs provide engaging, age-appropriate lessons tailored to students’ learning levels. Each session includes exciting themes like animal communications, plant growth, and ecosystems. For those looking for variety, our flexible field trips combine an animal program with either a hike or a craft activity. *All programs follow Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Do you prefer less structure? We also offer an Explore the Nature Center Field Trip. This includes and animal presentation and Naturalist led hike.
*Programs run rain or shine, please dress for the weather. If severe weather threatens, we will stay inside. If Utica Community Schools close due to inclement weather, the Sterling Heights Nature Center will also close.
Fees
WCS/UCS schools (located in Sterling Heights): $50 per class.
All other districts, homeschoolers, daycares, senior groups or other recreation groups: $75 per class or group.
Session Times
- Days: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
- Times: 9:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.
Duration
- Pre/Kindergarten: 1 hour
- Grades 1-5: 1.5 hours
Group Size Limits
- Ages 2-5: 18 participants
- Special Needs: 18 participants
- Ages K-6: 30 participant
*Additional participants beyond the limit will count as another class/group.
Programs by Grade Level
Interested in any of the listed programs? Find more detailed information here.
Buzzing Around: Discovering the World of Pollinators
Discover the lives of bees, butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds through storytelling, games, and crafts that highlight their roles in pollination.
Blooming Adventures: Exploring How Plants Grow
Explore how plants grow by learning about seeds, soil, and sunlight. Students will plant seeds to observe their growth firsthand.
Animal Detectives: Finding Signs of Wildlife in Nature
Investigate animal tracks, sounds, and signs in nature while developing observational skills.
Plant Explorers: Discovering Structures and Functions in Nature
Uncover the roles of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers through hands-on activities and plant investigations.
Animal Talk: Understanding Communication through Senses
Learn how animals communicate through sights, sounds, and smells with fun experiments and observations.
Weather Wonders: A Journey Through the Seasons
Explore the four seasons and how weather shapes our environment through games and activities.
Land and Water Adventure: Exploring the Clinton River Watershed
Dive into the Clinton River watershed to discover ecosystems, aquatic life, and water conservation.
Nature’s Artists: Creating Landscapes with Soil and Water
Explore ecosystems and the impacts of pollution by gathering natural materials to create miniature landscapes and using a water table to investigate how landscapes affect water flow.
Habitat Heroes: Discovering Where Animals Live
Examine how animals adapt to habitats like forests, wetlands, and deserts through interactive activities.
Life Cycles Uncovered: A Journey Through Nature’s Stages
Follow the life stages of butterflies, frogs, and other creatures through crafts and real-life examples.
Ecosystem Explorers: Discovering Life in Different Environments
Study diverse ecosystems and their plants and animals, exploring why balance is vital in nature.
Rockin’ the Earth: A Geology Adventure for Young Scientists
Discover Earth’s geology by identifying rocks and fossils and learning how they form over time.
Nature’s Secrets: How Energy Shapes Our Planet and its Creatures
Investigate how sunlight, wind, and water create energy and impact weather, plants, and wildlife.
Exploring Earth’s Wonders: The Fascinating World of Rocks and Fossils
Unearth the story of rocks and fossils, digging into Earth’s ancient history.
Animal Adventures: Discovering How Creatures Thrive in Nature
Observe local ecosystems and discover the amazing ways animals adapt to their environments.
Exploring Ecosystems: The Amazing World of Animals and Their Habitats!
Track animals, explore habitats, and learn the importance of protecting ecosystems.
Earth Explorers: Unraveling Nature’s Interactive Systems!
Understand interconnected natural systems like food chains and the water cycle through hands-on activities.
Galactic Quest: Discovering Earth and Beyond!
Journey through the solar system to uncover Earth’s place in space and the mysteries of the universe.