The City of Gainesville’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Environmental Science and Cultural History Programs 2012~2013 www.natureoperations.org (352) 334-3326
Welcome Dear Educator, Welcome to the City of Gainesville’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs environmental science and cultural history program guide! You may be more familiar with Morningside Nature Center (MNC) , the home base for much of the programming offered. However, programs are also available at a number of nature parks throughout Gainesville. In addition, outreach programs can be conducted at your school or center. This year we’ve added several new programs that we can’t wait to share with you and your class or group! Please keep in mind as you’re exploring the guide that many of the programs listed can be modified to meet your specific teaching needs. We are aware that there are more and more budget constraints that limit field trips. Outreach programs are often more affordable and may solve your transportation problems. In addition, Friends of Nature Parks, our non-profit support group, offers both program and bus* scholarships. We are also happy to write a letter of support for a grant application or come talk to your parent teacher organization. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact us at (352) 334-3326. Together we can provide exceptional environmental science and cultural history education! Best to you in your teaching,
Hollie Greer and the Programs Staff at Morningside Nature Center P.S. Setting up your program is easy! See the Planning Your Program section on page 9.
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs mission is to meet the community’s need for diverse recreational, cultural and environmental educational opportunities through professionally managed programs and services, stewardship of natural resources, and maintenance of public landscape.
Morningside Nature Center 3540 E. University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 334-3326, fax: (352) 334-2248 www.natureoperations.org
Table of Contents School Programs…………………………...……...1 Large Group Programs……………………………3 Outreach Programs……………………………….4 Special Programs and Events……………………...6 Planning Your Program……………………………7 Programs at a Glance…………………………….9 Program Request Form…………………………...10 What people are saying…………………back cover
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs is a Department of the City of Gainesville. Learn more about the city online at www.cityofgainesville.org
www.natureoperations.org
School Programs Program: Sample Description Grade: We design our programs to meet the developmental needs of the grades listed. When: Some of our programs are offered only part of the year while others are offered year round. Length: In hours. Max Students: Class size is limited due to space availability as well as the belief that smaller groups make for more effective programs! If your group exceeds the number of participants we will schedule them in smaller groups. We can accommodate up to two 1.5 hours programs per morning and/or can schedule additional programs on subsequent days. Location: All programs will include time outdoors. Please come prepared to be outside—rain or shine! Programs take place at a number of Gainesville’s nature parks. The following park abbreviations will be used throughout this guide: BA=Bivens Arm Nature Park, BS=Boulware Springs Nature Park, C= Cofrin Nature Park , LEF=Loblolly Environmental Facility, MNC=Morningside Nature Center, RP=Ring Park SSS: The subjects each program addresses are listed here. Programs are designed to supplement, not replace, your classroom work. SEE PAGE 9 FOR PROGRAM FEES Hooray for Habitats Grade: 1-3 When: Year Round Length: 1.5 hours Max Students: 25 Location: MNC SSS: Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, The Arts Participants investigate animal habitats and homes and learn about animal adaptations and needs. Plant-animal interactions, food chains, and the importance of conservation are revealed as students work in groups to construct animal habitats. This program stresses food, water, shelter, and space as essential parts of habitat for all animals, including people!
Wonderful Wetlands Grade: 3-5 When: Year Round Length: 2.0 hours Max Students: 25 Location: BA, MNC, C, BS SSS: Science, Social Studies, Math, Language Arts Splash into an encounter of the aquatic kind and discover what wetlands are and why, in spite of all those mosquitoes, wetlands are so important!. Participants rotate between stations using scientific equipment to catch and observe live organisms and examine water quality.
Critter Classification Grade: 1-3 When: Year Round Length: 1.5 hrs Max Students: 25 Location: MNC, RP, BA, BS, C SSS: Science, Language Arts, The Arts Animals belong in a class, but it’s not because they have to learn! The students learn that animal classes are groups of critters alike in certain ways and discover the world of classification with live and preserved animals as well as a series of sorting games.
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Exploring Florida’s Ecosystems Grade: 3-5 When: Year Round Length: 2.5 hrs Max Students: 30 Location: MNC SSS: Science, Language Arts, Math
Farm Adventure Grade: PK-1 When: September-April Length: 1.25-1.5 hrs Max Students: 30 Location: MNC SSS: Science, Social Studies, The Arts, Language Arts, Physical Education
Which of Florida’s ecosystems is more critically endangered than tropical rainforests? Which ecosystem helps filter and clean water entering the aquifer? Participants explore three of Florida’s ecosystems and find out the answers to these questions and more using scientific equipment to measure environmental factors and describe the landscape.
Morningside Nature Center has a farm ee-i-ee-i-oh! And on that farm students discover what life was like in the late nineteenth century for Florida farmers. With an 1840’s cabin here, an heirloom garden there, and heritage breed livestock nearly everywhere, at Morningside Nature Center you’ll have a farm adventure...ee-i-ee-i-ohhhh!
Farm Fit Grade: 3-5 When: September-April Length: 1.5 hrs Max Students: 25 Location: MNC SSS: Science, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, The Arts Come on down to the farm to get fit as a fiddle! Students will participate in a fun exercise circuit that involves toting water, stacking wood and plowing the garden. It’s good old fashioned fitness with farm flare!
Farm Livin’ Grade: 3-5 When: September-April Length: 3.0 hrs Max Students: 30 Location: MNC SSS: Science, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, The Arts Participants travel back in time to the year 1870 and experience life on a Florida Farm. Dressed in period clothes, students do chores children would have been responsible for. But life on the farm was not all work. After baking on a wood stove, gardening, sewing, and working with hand tools students kick up their heels to an 1870 play party tune!
NSI: Nature Scene Investigation Grade: 3-5 When: Year Round Length: 2.5 hrs Max Students: 30 Location: MNC SSS: Science, The Arts, Language Arts, Math A program for aspiring nature detectives! Participants will use wildlife investigation techniques and naturalist know-how to solve a nature mystery. Tracks, scat, bones and feathers are just some of the clues that will help students to crack the case!
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Timucua Times Grade: 3-5 When: September-May Length: 3.0 hrs Max Students: 30 Location: MNC SSS: Social Studies, Science, Language Arts, The Arts
Stream Scene Grade: 3-5 When: Year Round Length: 2 hrs Max Students: 25 Location: LEF, MNC, RP SSS: Science, Math, Social Studies, Language Arts
Go native and explore the culture of the Timucua speaking Potano people, an early Native American group of North Central Florida. Students rotate through a Timucua village and engage in activities that reveal the technology, food ways and other cultural practices of a vanished people.
Become an aquatic insect in a stream and experience both the tragedies of pollution and the benefits of restoration efforts. Participants learn about aquatic systems, macroinvertebrates, environmental indicators, types of pollution and pollution solutions.
Sensing Nature Grade: PK-1 When: Year Round Length: 1-1.5 hrs Max Students: 25 Location: BA, BS, MNC, RP SSS: Science, Language Arts, Physical Education Discover the wonder of nature through the senses of touch, sight, smell, and hearing. Students use their senses to explore how animals survive in nature while rotating through stations. Special goggles, audio devices, and touch containers are just a few of the props that make this program SENSE-ational!
Large Group Programs Florida As It Was Grade: 3-8 When: Year Round Length: 1.5-2.0 hrs Max Students: 75 Location: MNC SSS: Science, The Arts, Language Arts
Makin’ a Livin’ Grade: 3-8 When: Year Round Length: 1.5-2.0 hrs Max Students: 100 Location: MNC SSS: Social Studies, Science, The Arts
Discover Florida as it was naturally and culturally...Florida as it was when the French and Spanish explorers came to the area...Florida as it was in the late 19th century when rural farmers lived on self sustaining farms...Florida as it was when longleaf pine was spread over the landscape and natural fires maintained the ecosystem!
What do an owl hunting a mouse, a Florida pioneer growing sugar cane, a Timucua Indian gathering medicinal plants and a sandhill community during a prescribed burn have in common? They’re all makin’ a living! Discover how natural and cultural adaptations have made survival possible for plants and animals (including the human animal), both past and present, here in North Central Florida.
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(352) 334-3326
Outreach Programs Outreach Programs: Sample description Age/Group: suggested age range for program All of our traveling programs are one hour long and can be booked year round. Outreach programs are great for schools, extended day programs, libraries, senior centers, scout groups, and save you from dealing with the transportation hassle! Of course, if travel isn’t a hassle, these outreach programs can be booked at Morningside Nature Center. Programs are limited to a specific number of participants, which is noted after the program description. SEE PAGE 9 FOR PROGRAM FEES Bear Necessities
Age/Group: Youth/Mixed
Activities and hands on materials makes learning about bears fun! Emphasis is on biology and conservation of the threatened Florida black bear. Participants will have a beary good time! This program is limited to 50 participants. Bird Watching Basics
Age/Group: Youth/Mixed/Adult
Learn techniques for spotting and identifying Florida’s feathered friends as well as information about attracting birds. Taxidermy birds help illustrate important identifiable program is a real tweet for beginning birders! This program is limited to 50 participants. Citizens of the Sandhill
Age/Group: Youth/Mixed/Adult
Who are the citizens of the sandhill? Allow us to introduce you to the gopher tortoise, gopher frog, indigo snake, Florida mouse and eastern diamondback rattle snake. You’ll meet these animals and tour the sandhill through a slide presentation. This program is limited to 50 Critter Classification on the Go
Age/Group: Youth/Mixed
Animals belong in a class, but it’s not because they have to study! Students learn that animal classes are groups of critters alike in certain ways as they discover the world of classification with live and preserved animals as well as a series of sorting Lost Tribes of Florida
Age/Group: Youth/Mixed/Adult
Travel back in time to find Florida’s ancient people. Demonstrations, artifacts and reproductions bring this program to life for groups of all ages. This program is limited to 50 participants. Memories of Muir
Age/Group: Youth/Mixed/Adult
Florida , the “Flowered Land”, has attracted those with a love of nature for centuries. Hear stories about how Muir’s adventures and explorations of Florida influenced him to become one of America’s greatest environmentalists. This program is limited to 50 participants.
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Mystery History Trunk
Age/Group: Youth/Adult/Mixed
Explore a trunk full of contraptions, gadgets, and objects from the mid to late nineteenth century. Participants will have fun guessing what the items are and learn about life in Florida over 100 years ago as trunk contents are revealed and the history mystery unravels. This program is limited to 50 participants. Nature Tales
Age or Group: Pre-school-Kindergarten
Pre schoolers and kindergarteners will love to hear a story about animals read by one of our naturalists and then take part in a story based activity. Stories and activities vary and may be tailored to your groups’ unit or theme. This program is limited to 30 participants. Slime and Scales
Age/Group: All Ages
Leapin’ lizards! Is it true that toads cause warts and snakes are slimy? We’ll answer these questions and more as we introduce you to both live and preserved amphibians and reptiles of Florida. This program is limited to 50 participants. Space Invaders
Age/Group: All Ages
Florida is under attack by invading non– native species of both the plant and animal kind! Learn about the exotic plants and animals that threaten Florida’s ecosystems, how they got here and how you can prevent these invaders from taking spaces from native plants and animals. This program is limited to 50 participants. Some Like it Hot
Age/Group: Youth/Mixed
Heat things up with our fire ecology program! Participants will get fired up about seeing equipment and instruments used during prescribed burns. A pictorial hike through a Morningside Nature Center burn site will bring to life the benefits of prescribed fire and how plants and animals react to it. This program is limited to 50 participants.
Who’s Awake?
Ages/Group : Preschool-K/Mixed ages
As the shadows creep and the sun starts to sink, who are the critters that scamper and slink? As all the stars twinkle and the full moon glows who are the creatures that night only knows? Find out who goes bump in the night during this family friendly program. This program is limited to 50 participants.
Wildlife Friendly Landscaping
Age/Group: Adult
Is it really possible to have great landscaping that doesn’t require much watering and is attractive to you, your neighbors and wildlife...even in the city? The answer is YES! This program teaches the basics of wildlife friendly landscaping! This program is limited to 50 participants.
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(352) 334-3326
Special Programs and Events Earth Academy Day Camps (Alachua County Public School Spring and Summer Breaks) Earth Academy Day Camp is offered at Morningside Nature Center’s 278 acre nature sanctuary. An interdisciplinary, experiential teaching approach and low teacher-to-student ratio fosters children’s natural curiosity and encourages an environmental ethic and appreciation. Earth Academy campers must be in grades 1-6. Friends of Nature Parks scholarships are offered. Living History Days (Saturdays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, September through May ) Every Saturday (Labor Day-Memorial Day) Morningside Nature Center’s 1870 Living History Farm is open with staff in period dress interpreting day-to-day life on a Florida farm. Sample homemade biscuits, fresh butter, and a slice of life from 1870! Animals are fed twice daily around 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. Barnyard Buddies (Wednesdays at 3:00 pm, September through May ) Visit Morningside Nature Center’s Living History farm where youngsters with accompanying adults can meet and greet the farm animals by helping Nature Center staff with afternoon feeding. Frogs and Friends Friday (First Friday of the month at 2:00 pm September through May) Youngsters, with an adult, can join a Morningside Nature Center animal caretaker for reptile and amphibian feeding facts and fun during Feed-a-Frog Friday (the first Friday of the month Labor day through Memorial Day). Jean Dorney Memorial Wildflower Walks (Saturday,October 6 at 11:30 am, October 13,20 & 27 at 9:00 am) Join a Nature Operations naturalist on wildflower walks Saturday mornings in October from 9-11 am. The walks feature Morningside’s spectacular fall bloom and include enough basic botany for you to identify flowers on your own. Fall and Spring Native Plant Sales The Spring and Fall Native Plant sales at Morningside Nature Center are the largest in north Florida, offering thousands of easy care ferns, grasses, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Sale events are sponsored by Nature Operations, Friends of Nature Parks and the Florida Native Plant Society. Ghost Walk (Saturday, October 20) Come with family and friends for a night hike to the Living History Farm where you’ll encounter critters of the night, meet ghosts from 1870 and hear about their lives in rural Florida. Preregistration is required. Annual Cane Boil (Saturday, November 24) Morningside’s 1870’s Living History Farm costumed staff cut, press, and boil sugar cane juice into syrup while interpreting day to day life on a Florida cracker farm. Sample syrup with homemade biscuits or cornbread baked on the woodstove. Fresh syrup will be available for sale while supplies last. The Annual Cane Boil features the Longleaf Pine Fiddle contest—kick up your heals and dance or rosin up the bow and come as a contestant! The Great Air Potato Roundup (Saturday, January 26) Join hundreds of volunteers to take back Gainesville’s natural areas from invasive exotic species! Modeled after a litter cleanup, we will pick up air potatoes and other exotic plants by the bushel. Meet at Morningside after potato picking for the post-roundup celebration. Great fun for clubs, groups, troops, and families! Preregistration is required. Farm and Forest Festival (Saturday, April 20) Our 34th annual Farm and Forest Festival will be held on Saturday, April 28. This fun and educational event celebrates the unique sandhill ecosystem and explores the historical use of the land in North Central Florida.
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Planning Your Program Sometimes planning a field trip or program can be confusing. We’ve tried to eliminate some of the confusion with the following information and suggestions: Selecting a Program Choose the program that is right for your group based on the descriptions in this guide. You may also find the “Programs at a Glance” section on page 11 helpful. Program fees are listed in this section. Group Size Please note that each program is limited to a specific group size. If your group exceeds the number of participants, we will schedule them in smaller groups. We can accommodate up to two 90 minute programs per morning and/or can schedule additional programs on subsequent days. Requesting a Program Complete the Program Request Form on page 12 and return it to Morningside Nature Center by mail or fax . Please feel free to make copies of the request form as necessary! Programs will not be scheduled with less than two weeks notice. Programs Many of our programs take place at Gainesville’s nature parks. Unless specified, these programs will include time outdoors. Please come prepared to be outside—rain or shine! It is often helpful to bring insect repellant, sunscreen, and water with you. Participants are advised to wear close-toed shoes. Chaperones We ask that you bring one chaperone for every ten students, unless otherwise noted. There is no charge for school staff and one chaperone for every 10 students. Additional chaperones must pay the student rate for the program. Payments and Funding Refer to the Programs at a Glance section on page 11 for program fees. There is no charge for school staff and one chaperone for every 10 students for programs at the nature parks. Additional chaperones must pay the student rate for the program. If you are having funding troubles, you may request a bus (Alachua county only) or program scholarship from Friends of Nature Parks (please call (352) 334-3328 for more information). Also, we are happy to write letters of support for grant applications or to speak to your parent teacher organization. Confirmation You will receive a confirmation packet, including program specific information and a preparation checklist before your program. Reservations for programs are on a first come, first serve basis and, due to staff limitations, we cannot accommodate all program requests. Cancellation Policy There is no charge for programs cancelled more than 48 hours in advance. If programs are cancelled less than 48 hours in advance, a $25 fee will be charged. We do not charge for cancellations due to school closings. All weekday programs will be cancelled if Alachua County Schools are closed due to weather. Arrival When you arrive for your program you will be met in the parking area. Please plan to arrive approximately ten minutes before your program to take care of paperwork, payment, and other pre-program preparations. Lunch You are welcome to remain and enjoy the nature park after your program. Park facilities vary and will be listed in your detailed confirmation packet.
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Gainesville’s Nature Parks The Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs uses several nature parks for programming. If you have questions about directions to these parks, please call 334-3326.
www.natureoperations.org
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Programs at a Glance Please note there is a minimum 15-participant charge. PROGRAM
* New Programs
GRADE/GROUP
WHEN OFFERED
LOCATION
FEE (per person)
All Ages
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
Young Adult/Adult
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
Adult
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
1-2
Year Round
BA, BS, MNC, RP,C
$4.45
Critter Classification on the Go
Youth/Mixed
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
Exploring Florida’s Ecosystems
4-6
September-May
MNC
$4.45
Farm Adventure
PK-1
September-May
MNC
$3.40
Farm Livin’
4-6
September-April
MNC
$5.50
Farm Fit *
3-5
September-May
MNC
$3.40
Florida As It Was
3-5
Year Round
MNC
$4.45
Hooray for Habitats
1-3
September-May
MNC
$4.45
Lost Tribes of Florida
Youth/Adult
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
3-8
Year Round
MNC
$4.45
Mystery History Trunk
Youth/Adult/Mixed
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
Memories of Muir *
Youth/Adult/Mixed
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
PK-K/Youngsters
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
NSI *
4-6
Year Round
MNC
$4.45
Sensing Nature
K-1
September-May
BA, BS, MNC, RP
$4.45
Slime and Scales
Mixed
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
Some Like it Hot
Youth/Mixed
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
Space Invaders *
Youth/Adult/Mixed
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
Stream Scene
3-5
September-May
LEF, MNC, RP
$4.45
Timucua Times
3-5
September-May
MNC
$5.50
Who’s Awake?
All Ages
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
Adult
Year Round
Travel
See outreach fee schedule
Bear Necessities Bird Watching Basics Citizens of the Sandhill Critter Classification
Makin’ a Livin’
Nature Tales
Wildlife Friendly Landscaping Wonderful Wetlands
3-5
September-May BS, MNC Outreach Program Fee Schedule Distance from MNC
Fee
9
$4.45 Additional program
0-15 miles
16-30 miles
31-45 miles
46-60 miles
at same location
$66.15
$77.20
$88.20
$99.25
$27.55
(352) 334-3326
Program Request Form Return this program request to: Education Programs c/o Morningside Nature Center 3540 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32641 Or fax to (352) 334-2248 If sending a check in advance, please make payable to City of Gainesville This form must be received in order to confirm telephone registrations. School/Group_______________________________________________________ Phone____________________ Address_________________________________ City_________________________ Zip code______________ Contact Name________________________ Email______________________________ Alt. Phone_____________
Program 1 Program Title_________________________ Teacher Name__________________ Grade_____ # of students_______ 1st Choice Date___________________ Time_____________
1st Choice Location: ________________________
2nd Choice Date __________________ Time ____________
2nd Choice Location:________________________
Program 2 Program Title_________________________ Teacher Name__________________ Grade_____ # of students_______ 1st Choice Date___________________ Time_____________
1st Choice Location: ___________________
2nd Choice Date __________________ Time ____________
2nd Choice Location:________________________
Program 3 Program Title_________________________ Teacher Name__________________ Grade_____ # of students_______ 1st Choice Date___________________ Time_____________
1st Choice Location: ________________________
2nd Choice Date __________________ Time ____________
2nd Choice Location:______________
Please make additional copies of this form as needed! For office use only:
Request received________ Confirmation Sent ________ Materials Sent_________ Students_______ Adults________ Notes________________________________________________________
What people are saying about City of Gainesville Environmental and Cultural History Programming... “I bet tons of people would want to go back to Morningside Nature Center. I think that was the best field trip ever.” —Norton Elementary School 4th Grader “...it was an experience we would not understand by merely reading or even watching PBS. My children said it was better than Sea World!” —Harvest Community School 5th Grade Teacher “Thanks for teaching us about life in the 1870’s! It was the best field trip. Thanks to you teachers we learned a lot of awesome stuff. We had lots of fun. —Keystone Heights Elementary School 5th Grader “The programs are consistently well thought out, developmentally appropriate, hands-on and, besides that, fun!!! The instructors have always been courteous, tolerant, knowledgeable and helpful.” —Alachua Learning Center 2nd Grade Teacher “ I really like all your hard work to make it a good field trip. It definitely was a fantastic field trip.” —Alachua Elementary School 4th Grader “The instructor was able to tailor the program to our age group-3’s and 4’s—she did an excellent job!” —First United Methodist Preschool Teacher “Your program and information was great. Enjoyment had by all!” —program participant from the Florida Trail Association
Morningside Nature Center 3540 E. University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 334-3326 Photos by Nature Operations Division Staff.