High School

Learning from the Land
9th - 12th Grades
Open Lands' education staff works with Lake Forest High School District 115 Biology, Earth Science and Environmental Studies teachers to deliver field experiences that complement classroom science curriculum. This includes school field trips and extra-credit field work outside of school hours.

Prairie Ecology
9th - 12th Grades
The tall grass prairie once covered 20 million acres in Illinois; a small pocket remnant of this once vast ecosystem can be found in Shaw Prairie, part of the Skokie River Nature Preserve. Students discover that the prairie holds an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. Using their plant identification skills, students key out several native plant species; they also sweep net for insects and observe bird life. Students will also gain a greater understanding of our relationship with the land both in the past and today. We also discuss the rapid transformation of prairie into farmland and the importance of restoration and land management in saving what is left.

Fall, 3 hours - $8.00 per child
Shaw Prairie

Night Trek: Animals of the Night
9th - 12th Grades
Students try to figure out the calls and sounds of five common nocturnal animals. Then they head out through the darkness to learn about the adaptations and lives of great horned owls, coyotes and deer. Each student will also sit, silently in a solo spot listening and observing the night world. This night adventure ends up at the beach around a fire for snacks and stories of the night.

Fall, 2-2.5 hours - $10.00 per child
McCormick Ravine