Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
PHONE: 920-793-4007
 

Make your lessons come alive!

Hands on learning about wetlands, forests, wildlife and ecology at Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve.Our educational philosophy: Woodland Dunes’ educational philosophy is simple: Immerse your students in the natural world. As an environmentally focused education center, our lessons help students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Our 1,200 acre preserve allows them to actively engage with their surroundings, allowing them to explore deep into forest ecosystems, walk through wetlands and meet the plants and animals that make Woodland Dunes their home. This type of learning helps your students develop a personal relationship with nature, and motivates them to care for the natural world throughout their lives.

If you are unable to visit the preserve we will bring the preserve to you! Our in-school programs feature live animals and activities taken directly from our field based trips. We create unique learning experiences your students will remember!

Why our programs work: When visiting Woodland Dunes we keep group sizes small. With a group of 60-70 students we will have 6-7 highly trained teacher-naturalists that will help facilitate your learning experience. This ensures that every student receives a quality educational experience. With small group sizes the interactions between the naturalist and student increases ten-fold allowing for more inquiry based, experiential education to take place.

Visit the Nature Center

In-School Programs

Visit the Nature Center

Autumn

Cottonwood Trail

Kids in brush while on field trip.Length: 2 hours
Offered: September - mid-October
Grade 1 (maximum 60 students)
Price: $2/student
This sensory tour introduces students to the plants and animals of Woodland Dunes. As they interact with nature along this hike, students will become increasingly aware of the smells, sounds, sights and feel of a forest. After this introduction to the natural world, they’ll be eager to learn more about it.
Detailed Program Description (PDF 66kb)

The Forest Around Us

Length: 2.5 hours
Offered: October
Grades 5 - 6 (maximum 50 students)
Price: $2/student
This program introduces students to a forest ecosystem.  While exploring a forest that is part of Woodland Dunes, students will determine what elements are necessary for a healthy forest to function and learn why forest ecosystems are important.
Detailed Program Description (PDF 92 kb)
Pre and Post Activities (PDF 96 kb)

Owling 101

Length: 2 hours
Offered: October through mid-November
Grades K - 3 (maximum 40 students)
Price: $2/student
Celebrate the migration of Wisconsin’s smallest owl. This interactive program introduces important ecological concepts while engaging students in hands-on learning.  Migration permitting, live bird demonstrations make this program a favorite of students and teachers alike.
Detailed Program Description (PDF 81kb)
Pre and Post Activities (PDF 69kb)

Winter

Winter World

Length 2.5 hours
Offered: December through March
Grade 3 - 6 (maximum 60 students )
Price: $2/student
Snowshoe through the forest, explore a Native American style tipi, become trackers and identification experts, then, with some tips from our furry and feathered friends, learn the secrets of how to enjoy the frosty weather. Your students will be so caught up in the wonders of winter they’ll be amazed when it’s time to leave! Weather permitting, students will snowshoe part of the way.
Detailed Program Description (PDF 76kb)
Pre and Post Activities (PDF 187kb)

Maple Syrup and Forest Ecology

Length: 2 hours
Offered: March
Grade 4 (maximum 50 students)
Price: $2/student
Explore the Brouchoud Field Station during the time of year when sap starts flowing and animals become more active. Learn how pioneers and Native Americans survived Wisconsin’s long winter season by learning from the woodland animals. During the program, students will learn about the history of maple syrup, help us tap trees, boil syrup, snowshoe and taste-test real maple syrup!
Detailed Program Description (PDF 73kb)
Pre and Post Activities (PDF 74kb)

Spring

Students participating in the Water Wonders educational program.Water Wonders

Length: 2.5 hours
Offered:  April & May
Grade 4-6,  (Maximum 50 students
Price: $2/student
Clean water is one of our most valuable resources. Learn about the importance of water and how we can help keep waterways healthy.  Through doing water testing, comparing data and learning about water quality from the animals that live here your students will become the scientists.  This is a great hands on program.
Detailed Program Description (PDF 65kb)

Participants observing wildlife during the Amphibmeander program.Amphibmeander

Length: 2 hours
Offered: May & June
Grade 3 (max. 60 students)
Price: $2/student
Where is the best place to learn about wetlands? At a nature center that has six out of the seven types of wetland habitats, of course! Explore the marsh and the swamp, meet some critters that make their home at Woodland Dunes, and learn about the importance of wetlands and wetland preservation. Your class (and maybe you) will be in for some surprises!
Detailed Program Description (PDF 62kb)

Summer

School and Day Care Groups

Length: 1.5 hours
Offered: July-August
Price: $2/student
Join us for an interactive summer program. Groups often come year after year so the program changes to include new activities and adventures every summer. A shaded pavilion and butterfly garden are perfect places to have a snack or eat lunch prior to or after the program.

Any time of year

If you don’t see what you want in the classes listed here, our staff will work with you to create a unique learning experience for your group.

Ecology and science groups and classes are always welcome to join us for a guided visit or to explore on their own.  Contact us to arrange a specialized program or for suggestions on where to explore.

Call 920-793-4007 or email KellyE@WoodlandDunes.org to receive more information or to register.

Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve is located on HWY 310 just West of Two Rivers.

Approximate driving times
Manitowoc: 15 minutes
Green Bay: 45 minutes
Sheboygan: 40 minutes
Fox Valley: 55 minutes

In-School Programs

Reptiles and Amphibians! Oh my!
Program Length: 1.5 – 2 hours
Group Size: 1 classroom, though multiple classrooms can be visited throughout the day
Program Cost: $50 per program + Mileage to and from your facility. Mileage will be calculated ahead of time and a quote given to the school.
Offered: Any time!
A learning adventure through the lives of Wisconsin Amphibians and Reptiles. Your students will learn where they live, what they eat, why they are important to the ecosystems they are a part of and get to meet some of the reptiles and amphibians living in Wisconsin. The stars of this show are the animals themselves!

Insects are everywhere!
Program Length: 1.5 – 2 hours
Group Size: 1 classroom, though multiple classrooms can be visited throughout the day
Program Cost: $50 per program + Mileage to and from your facility. Mileage will be calculated ahead of time and a quote given to the school.
Offered: This program works best in September and June.
Learn about the amazing lives of insects! Believe it or not we have more than just mosquitoes and lady beetles living in Wisconsin! We will go out side and do an inventory of the insects at your school, then come back inside to learn about what an insect is and how they help us survive on this planet!

If you don’t see what you want in the classes listed here, our staff will work with you to create a unique learning experience for your group. Contact us today!