Community Group Requests

Open to any community group looking to learn such as 4-H clubs, garden clubs, senior centers, libraries, homeschools, daycares, schools, scout groups and more. Whether it's a field trip in a park or the Park District naturalists bringing nature out to you, your group is bound to learn with a smile! Programs can be tailored to appeal to children or adults, and a wide variety of organizations and group sizes. To schedule, fill out our request form at https://www.clermontparks.org/registration-forms/program-request-form-community-groups/. 

We can also provide free educational tables at local fairs and festivals. Just let us know what your group would like to learn!

Program Fees: 

• $40 for an outreach program at your location.
• $20 for an hour in-park program/$40 for a two-hour, in-park program.
• Free naturalist programs of an hour or less are available to any Clermont County Library or senior centers. 
• Minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 participants per session.

Bring Your Group to the Park!

Nature Hike

Hike a trail with the naturalist and learn about the flora and fauna we discover along the way. Depending on the season, we will explore the fields, forests, and creeks to search for critters and tracks. Live animal interactions are available upon request.

Ohio River Canoe Adventure (max 30 participants)

Book a canoe trip along the Ohio River for your group! We will launch from the boat dock at Chilo Lock 34 Park, and canoe upriver into the backwater of Crooked Run Nature Preserve. The trip lasts for about one hour. Ages 12&up only, must be an even number of participants.

Park Locations: Chilo Lock 34 Park

Indoor/Outdoor Programs

These program can be held at any indoor or outdoor location.

Feathered Friends

Ever wonder about the birds outside your window? This program will help you get acquainted with many of Ohio’s common backyard birds and how to attract them to your yard. Join a naturalist to learn basic identification skills and understand bird behaviors and adaptations.

Green Invaders (Best for Adults)

Bush Honeysuckle, Lesser Celandine, Garlic Mustard, and Callery Pear all have something in common- they are green invaders in Clermont County! Learn to identify the most prevalent invasive plants found in our region, what characteristics make them invasive, and how to remove them.

Native Plantings (Best for Adults)

Looking for ways to make your home into a habitat? Learn tips and tricks for adding native plants, the benefits to both you and your land, and receive our top plant recommendations!

Ohio Snakes

Slither into the world of snakes and learn what species roam Ohio. Learn about the adaptations that make snakes special and how to identify the 3 venomous snakes in Ohio. We will meet a live snake, do some snake art, and investigate these beautiful creatures.

School Programs

Clermont County Park District offers both in-school programs and field trips for school groups, both of which are designed to be fun and interactive while introducing new science topics or supplement existing lesson plans to your curriculum. We are generally booking out at least 2 months in advance.

Program Fees: 

• Schools: $20 for each one-hour program at your location.
• Field trips are free to all public schools, $20/hour for non-public schools
• Minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 participants per session.

Check out the details below, and when you are ready to learn more, fill out our request form at https://www.clermontparks.org/registration-forms/program-request-form-schools/. 

Field Trips

Park field trips are up to 3 hours long. Please have at least 1 teacher/chaperone for per each increment of 10 students. These programs are interactive, fun and free and are available at Clermont County Parks that are designated within each program description. Field trips are scheduled on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Groups of over 60 students may be split into two visits. Fill out our form at https://www.clermontparks.org/registration-forms/field-trip-request-form/ to schedule your field trip.

Animal Habitats

Grades 1-12, 2-3 hours

This program will introduce students to our local habitats and the animals that live within them. Throughout the program students will explore three different types of habitats (forest, field, stream or late), meet our live animals and participate in fun activities and gain a better understanding of the world around us. 

Park Locations: Chilo Lock 34 Park, Shor Park, Sycamore Park, Pattison Park (Lakeside), Clingman Park (groups under 50)

Key concepts: habitat, food chains, carrying capacity, ecosystem, adaptations and needs for survival

Ohio State Learning Standards: 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 3.ESS.1, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 6.LS.4, 7.ESS.1, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2, 8.LS.1, B.E.1, B.DI.1, B.DI.2, B.DI.3, ENV.ES.1, ENV.ES.4, ENV.ER.1, ENV.ER.3, ENV.ER.5, ENV.GP.5, ENV.GP.8, PG.ER.3

Earth Rocks 

Grades 3-8, 2-3 hours  

Students will become expert Junior Geologists through interactive studies of the rock cycle, glaciation, soils and fossilization. An exploratory hike takes students on a journey back in time before dinosaurs roamed. Program concludes with a fossil hunt where students can take home their very own fossil from the East Fork Little Miami River!

Park Locations: Sycamore Park

Key concepts: geology, rock cycle, rock ID, earth materials, erosion, land formation, fossils, minerals

Ohio State Learning Standards: 3.ESS.1, 3.ESS.3, 4.ESS.3, 4.LS.2, 6.ESS.1, 6.ESS.4, 7.ESS.1, 7.LS.2, 8.ESS.4, 8.LS.1, B.DI.2, ENV.ES.3, ENV.ER.4, PG.M.4, PG.M.5, PG.EH.1, PG.ER.4, PG.GG.1

Sap to Syrup (offered late January to early March) 

Grades Pre-K-12, 1-1.5 hours  

Take a tour of our sugar bush as you follow the process of maple syrup making. Students will learn how to identify a sugar maple tree and what it takes to turn the clear, sweet sap into delicious maple syrup! Students will also have the opportunity to tap a Sugar Maple tree and sample the sweet treats straight from the sugar bush.

Park Location: Pattison Park 

Key concepts: photosynthesis, tree identification, history of maple sugaring

Ohio State Learning Standards: K.LS.1, 1.LS.1, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 6.LS.4, 7.LS.1, B.E.2, B.DI.2, B.DI.3, ENV.ES.5, ENV.ER.1, ENV.GP.7

Classroom Experiences

Let naturalists bring the outdoors to you! Classroom programs are 45 to 60 minutes long and best for a maximum of 30 students. Larger groups will be split into different times or other days. Limit of 4 programs per day.

Predator vs Prey

Grade Level: K - 12

What makes a coyote or owl a good hunter? How do rabbits and mice avoiding being caught? Meet live Ohio animals, examine biofacts, and learn about the features that help them survive.

Ohio State Learning Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, 1.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 6.LS.4, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2, 8.LS.1, 8.LS.3, B.E.1, B.E.2, B.DI.1, B.DI.2, B.DI.3, ENV.ES.1, ENV.ER.5, ENV.GP.5, ENV.GP.8

Creatures of the Night

Grade Level: K - 8

Some animals enjoy the night life! Ohio is full of nocturnal critters like bats, owls, and flying squirrels. Through activities, live animals, and investigation, we’ll learn about the cool adaptations that allow them to master the darkness.

Ohio State Learning Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, 1.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 6.LS.4, 7.LS.2, 8.LS.1

Amazing Adaptations

Grade Level: 2-12

How does a salamander thrive in water AND on land? What makes an eagle such a skilled fisher? Why do buckeye trees produce so many nuts? Through activities and live animals, we will explore the physical and behavioral adaptations that help our local flora and fauna survive year round!

Ohio State Learning Standards: 1.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 6.LS.4, 7.LS.2, 8.LS.1, B.E.1, B.DI.1, ENV.ES.1, ENV.ER.5

Ancient Oceans

Grade Level: 2 – 12

Did you know that millions of years ago Clermont County was covered in saltwater? Discover the strange and amazing ancient creatures who once called this ocean home and whose fossilized remains can still be seen today! Students will sort living from rock and fossils, create models of ancient sea life, and learn why we can find their fossils.

Ohio State Learning Standards: 2.LS.2, 4.LS.2, 5.LS.1, 8.ESS.2, 8.ESS.3, 8.ESS.4, 8.LS.1, 8.LS.2, B.E.2, B.DI.1, B.DI.3, ENV.ES.3, PG.EH.1, PG.PT.3, PG.GG.1

The Art of Nature

Grade Level: K-12

Want to get a little wild in art class? Let us join your classroom- or bring you outside your learning space- with live animals, plants, and natural materials for a one-of-a-kind creative experience.