Lehigh Gap Nature Center’s programs are developed in partnership with the schools we serve. We are happy to tailor our in-class programs and field trips to meet the needs of each partner. Our programs are led by professional environmental educators and retired K-12 teachers.
Grades 6 through 8
- Bug Safari/Monarch Butterfly Tagging – Students will collect and study insects in LGNC’s gardens. Nets provided. Students can assist with monarch butterfly tagging in September and October.
- Ecology/History Hike – Students will discover the ecology and history of the Lehigh Gap while hiking 2.2 miles on LGNC’s trails. Worksheets available.
- Freshwater Ecology – Students will investigate water quality in pond and/or river ecosystems using the biotic index. Nets provided.
- Geology Hike – As they hike through the Lehigh Gap, students will observe and interpret formations that illustrate plate tectonics, sedimentary rock formation, and weathering/erosion. Worksheets available.
- Invasive Species – Students will collect plant samples, discuss the characteristics of invasive species, and invent their own invasive species.
- Pond Study – For small groups only. Students will collect water from LGNC’s ponds and examine water quality in the lab.
- Raptors: Birds of Prey – Students will learn about raptor identification, conservation, and migration in the classroom, before experiencing the migration first-hand on a field trip to the Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch. Data sheets available to track the migration.
- Topographic Maps – Students will learn to use topographic maps as they complete a fun worksheet based on the topography of the Lehigh Gap.
- Trees – Students will identify trees using keys and measure tree diversity.
Grades 9 through 12
- Ecology/History Hike – Students will discover the ecology and history of the Lehigh Gap while hiking 2.2 miles on LGNC’s trails. Worksheets available.
- Freshwater Ecology – Students will investigate water quality in pond and/or river ecosystems using the biotic index. Nets provided. Students might do comparative studies in lentic vs. lotic ecosystems.
- iNaturalist/eBird – Students will learn to use free online citizen science tools while they identify and count species on the refuge. Students and/or instructors must bring phones or tablets for data collection.
- Invasive Species – Students will collect plant samples, discuss the characteristics of invasive species, and invent their own invasive species.
- Lehigh Gap Restoration Hike – Students will learn about the Superfund site and LGNC’s ecological restoration work while hiking through the refuge. PowerPoint introduction and worksheets available.
- Raptors: Birds of Prey – Students will learn about raptor identification, conservation, and migration in the classroom, before experiencing the migration first-hand on a field trip to the Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch. Data sheets available to track the migration.
- Succession Monitoring – Following LGNC’s succession monitoring protocol, students will learn about ecological succession while recording plant diversity and percent cover data on the grassland. An education succession monitoring plot provides an opportunity for long-term monitoring projects. Students might also do comparative studies in burned vs. non-burned sections of the refuge.
- Trees – Students will identify trees using keys and measure tree diversity.
Interested in a topic that’s not listed here? We will work with you to design a program for your students! Contact Riley Davenport (Education Coordinator) at riley.davenport@lgnc.org with any questions.
Fee Schedule:
- Field Trips: $55 preparation fee plus $40/hour for each LGNC educator (Note that a typical trip lasts 2-3 hours.)
- In-school Programs for Students: $40/hour from time leaving LGNC to return, plus mileage reimbursement at IRS rate
- College Field Trips: Weekday: $50/hour; Weekend: $70/hour plus $50 fee for travel time
- Teacher Workshops/In-service: Half day – $250, Full day – $400
- Curriculum Development and Leadership: $50/hour plus mileage reimbursement at IRS rate
- Longer Term Rates/Multiple Class Rates – are negotiable