School Programs
Welcome to Fontenelle Forest! Whether you’re planning your first visit or are already a regular visitor, we hope our educational programs inspire a deeper connection with the natural world. All programs invite you to explore the quiet wild of nature and discover the many diverse aspects of Nebraska’s natural landscape. We offer a range of topics and options for all ages and group size. If you don’t see something that fits your needs, please get in touch. Come discover Fontenelle, Nebraska’s backyard!
Request a program
At the Forest
Requests to visit the Forest are closed for the 18/19 school year. We are still scheduling On-the-Go programs.19/20 school year requests will open on May 1st.
Fall Inquiry Pre-K, KExperience the magic of a leaf and make observations of leaf structure and movement out in the Forest during Fall! |
Sensing Nature Pre-K, K(Formerly Naturally Sense-ational) |
Soil Science 1st, 2ndDo a little digging into our Loess soil and examine how the soil of Fontenelle Forest interacts with tree roots and more, then have fun playing in Acorn Acres. |
Habitat 1st, 2nd, 3rdCompare wants and needs in this fun program searching for food, water, shelter and space in the forest. |
A Plant’s Life 2nd, 3rd, 4thTake a closer look at the importance and structure of plants, then make observations of plant species in the forest. |
Renew or Not? 2nd, 3rd, 4thDiscuss natural resources and explore the forest to find these resources firsthand, brainstorming all they can be utilized for! |
Awesome Adaptations 3rd, 4th(Formerly Sharp Claws) |
Who Goes There? 3rd, 4thHow do we know that animals are out there if we never see them? Dive into this fun program where we explore the signs left behind by our forest friends. |
Agents of Change 4th, 5thExplore how wind, water, and ice cause erosion and deposition in Nebraska and Iowa. |
Webology 4th, 5thFood chains are everywhere- let’s hike and build a few together using the plants and animals at the Forest. |
Green’s the Thing 5th, 6thCompare and contrast prairie and forest ecosystems through observation and data collection out on the trail. |
H2Omaha 5th, 6thDelve into Nebraska’s Wetlands with a magnified perspective – skim the water for invertebrates, look for beavers and other marsh residents while doing hands-on science with us. |
Request a program
Nature On-The-Go
Bring the Forest into your classroom with Raptors, Critters, or a Naturalist!
Critters Pre-K – 5thCome face to face with three of our amazing critters and learn all about why they are so neat! |
Nature K – 5thWant nature in your classroom? We can bring it to you! Choose from the above themes and we’ll work with you to bring an outdoor experience, inside. |
Raptors all agesWhat is a raptor? Find out in this up close and personal encounter with our educational raptors. |