WisCorps Nature Education
Overview
At WisCorps, we believe that a positive connection with nature is crucial to the development of children, youth, and adults through quality environmental education. WisCorps strives to foster appreciation and a sense of stewardship for the natural resources of the La Crosse community and surrounding area. Through positive, hands-on experiences in nature that are accessible to all, WisCorps aims to inspire meaningful, lasting relationships between individuals and the natural world.
(Virtual) School Field Trips
WisCorps offers several options to assist local schools with teaching science and environmental education virtually. Teachers can work with the environmental education team to coordinate virtual field trips over any virtual conferencing platform, as well as request any length of supplemental video of any topic to be created for their use.
The CritterMobile
We’re taking our critters and lessons on the road with the CritterMobile! The CritterMobile visits local schools to teach various lessons with the help of our critters. Lessons can be tailored to a class’s curriculum and can include outdoor games, crafts, and other engaging learning activities.
Nature School Day Camps
This week-long program provides children ages 4 to 6 with hands-on STEAM experiences during the school year. Each week has a different theme, such as “Things with Wings”, “Earth Explorers”, or “Landscapes and Landforms” with related educational activities, games, and stories that keep young minds and bodies in motion.
Summer Day Camps
Summer is one of the best times to discover and explore the wonders of our natural world! This summer, WisCorps is offering 30 sessions of Summer Day Camp, open to children of any ability from ages 3 to 12. Each nature-themed, week-long day camp offers children hands-on experiences in nature, through hikes, crafts, games, and other meaningful activities.
Critter Kids Nature Playgroup
Through this once-a-week program, children ages 2 to 5 and their families connect with nature through outdoor activities, crafts, and meeting WisCorps’ critters. This program is reoccurring and lasts 1 ½ hours. Each week has a relevant theme and aims to get young children and families engaged in exploring the natural world together.
Programs for Adults and Families
WisCorps offers several free programs for adults and families to connect with nature. “EnviroWednesdays” is a lecture series for adults that occurs every first Wednesday of the month. “Nature Saturdays” offers guided outdoor exploration, hikes, and activities for everyone, and occurs on occurs every first Saturday of the month. “Reptile Roundup” occurs every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as our Animal Specialist, Matt Heeter, tends to our scaly critters.
Nature Parties with WisCorps
Why not have birthday cake with a snake? Nature-themed birthday parties are fun and educational! WisCorps’ 3-hour Birthday Party Package takes place in the Discovery Room and includes a 1-hour Naturalist program. There are a number of themes to choose from, including “Tantilizing Turtles”, “Butterfly Bonanza”, “Furry Friends”, and “Insect Investigators”.
