Guided Field Experience

These 90-minute field experiences introduce students to basic ecological concepts with an overview in the classroom followed by hands-on activities in the 155-acre nature sanctuary.

To schedule your group for a Guided Field Experience, print and send in your completed Field Trip Reservation Request form (pdf file).
Please note: Guided Field Experiences are not offered in summer. You can schedule Discovery Room appointments for your group.

Kindergarten: Students discover the basic needs of living things. Children will explore forest, meadow and pond habitats to learn how organisms depend on each other to survive.

First Grade: Students compare the different ways in which organisms meet their basic needs. During a forest hike, they discover how all living things need food, water, shelter, and space.

Second Grade: Students find that nature recycles nutrients through the process of decomposition. Children will explore a rotting log to learn about the organisms that work on the decomposer team.

Third Grade: Learn about food chains and webs by exploring pond habitats. Children will classify aquatic organisms as producers, consumers, or decomposers, then create a food web based on their observations.

Fourth Grade: Adaptations help animals survive. Learn about the different adaptations that animals have in order to live in our climate.

Fifth Grade: Students will review basic ecological concepts as they explore the forest ecosystem. Learn how communities of plants and animals rely on the non-living environment as well as each other. Great TAKS review!

• TOUR TIMES: Tuesday - Friday, 9:30 - 11 a.m. or 12 - 1:30 p.m. (Please note: Guided Field Experiences are not offered in summer)
• GROUP SIZE: Minimum to schedule: 20 students. We can accommodate a maximum of 70 students for each time slot. If you have more than 70 students, you will need to schedule more than one tour time.
• CHAPERONES: You MUST bring one adult for every ten students to ensure safety and to help supervise your students. Chaperones are responsible for the safety and conduct of their students. *The program is designed for your students, please ask parents to leave younger siblings at home.*
• DRESS:Students will be more comfortable if they dress for the out of doors. Students should wear closed-toe shoes for safety; no sandals please.
• RAINY DAYS: We do not cancel in case of rain. We will provide ponchos to students, and in the case of severe weather, an alternate indoor program.
• CANCELLATIONS: Program fees are non-refundable.
• CHANGES TO ENROLLMENT AFTER CONFIRMATION LETTER HAS BEEN SENT WILL RESULT IN $25 PROCESSING FEE.
• FEE: $5.00 per child. Payment is due in full upon confirmation of your date. Accepted forms of payment are organizational check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. All checks must be made payable to: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.
• NOTE: Schedule your students for both the Guided Field Experience and Discovery Room for a fee of $7 per student. (Sept.- May only).