FOUNTAIN CREEK NATURE CENTER
2008-2009 Environmental Education
Program Guide
Ø As an “oasis on the plains,” Fountain Creek Nature Center is a spectacular location for introducing students to the wonders of wetlands. The nature center is situated on a terrace overlooking the Fountain Creek floodplain and offers a unique window into the Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area. Trails and several wildlife observation pavilions provide students with an opportunity to study this wetland environment.
Ø A variety of guided and self-guided programs are offered to assist students in developing an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the many plants and animals that inhabit the park’s communities as well as the natural processes that shape the ecosystem.
Ø Professional environmental educators and specially trained volunteer naturalists lead each program. We are dedicated to providing your students with a positive outdoor experience and quality instruction.
Ø You will receive a confirmation letter and pre/post visit packet with activities to enhance your student’s learning experience.
Ø We are not limited to these programs. If you do not see something offered, please call and we can try to meet your needs.
WHEN: Programs are available on a first call, first serve basis. Call for spring (January-June) programs beginning January 1, May 1 for fall (July-December) programs. Space is limited and times fill quickly so reserve a spot for your class now! 520-6745.
HOW: Fill out a District 11 Volunteer Services Request form http://www.d11.org/volunteers/Resource%20Bank/teacher_request.htm
You will receive confirmations from both the District, as well as the Nature Center.
COSTS: Program costs are $4.00 per student, payable to the El Paso County Parks Naturalist Docent Organization (a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to support Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers).
NATURE CENTER HOURS: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION
Fountain Creek Nature Center is located at 320 Pepper Grass Lane, Fountain off Highway 85, about 15 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. From I-25 take Exit 132; go east on Highway 16 about 1/2 mile to Highway 85; go South on Highway 85 for ½ mile to Cattail Marsh Road. Turn west and follow the road 1/8 mile to the Nature Center.
GRADES: K-2 TIME: 1 hour and 30 minutes SCIENCE STANDARDS: 3.1
DESCRIPTION: The Cattail Marsh Wildlife Area is a special place that provides food, water, shelter, and space for many plants and animals. Students will use their senses to explore this wetland environment and consider the adaptations of the plants and animals they see along the way. Program consists of an introductory puppet show, animal inquiry activity, display room discovery, and a hike.
GRADES: K-2 TIME: 2 hours SCIENCE STANDARDS: 3.1, 3.2
DESCRIPTION: Insects, spiders and their relatives offer great opportunities for exploring topics such as habitat, camouflage, anatomy, life cycles and more. Highlights of this program include the “What’s Bugging Me?” puppet show and the use of sweep nets outside. Students will catch live arthropods and examine their colors, shapes and adaptations. This program is best during May through September.
GRADES: 3-6 TIME: 2 hours SCIENCE STANDARDS: 3.1, 3.2, 4.3
DESCRIPTION: Students explore the creek, woodland, meadow, marsh, and pond communities of a grassland ecosystem. Students learn about living organisms and how they interact with one another and grasp the differences between living and non-living things and between producers, consumers, and decomposers. The program consists of a slide show, wetland metaphor activity, display room discovery, and a hike to take a close look at macroinvertebrates living in the water.
Offered November-March
First Program: $60 Second Program: $50 Third Program: $40
WILD ABOUT COLORADO WILDLIFE
GRADES: 2-6 TIME: 1 hour
DESCRIPTION: Students discover, through a power point, scavenger hunt with skins, scats, tracks, horns and antlers, some of the wonderful wildlife that resides in Colorado.
WORLD OF WATER
GRADES: 3-6 TIME: 1 Hour
DESCRIPTION: Water is a precious resource and students will gain an awareness, understanding and appreciation for it through a water pollution and clean up activity.
GRADES: 5-12 TIME: 2 hours GEOGRAPHY STANDARDS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
DESCRIPTION: Explorers have depended on map and compass skills to aid their travels and adventures for centuries. Students will learn to read topographic maps and understand how symbols relate to the terrain outdoors. After an introduction to compass use, students will get first-hand experience using the compass to take bearings on landmarks from designated stations along the trail. Students will use teamwork and new skills to navigate through an off-trail orienteering course, gaining confidence and enjoying the outdoors along the way. Best October through April. Groups of 25 or less.Updated 9/17/2008