School Programs

Clermont County Park District offers both in-park programs or 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.

Check out the details below, and when you are ready to learn more, start the process by emailing our Head Naturalist, Robin at rgreen@clermontcountyohio.gov.

Field Trips

Park field trip up to 2 hours long, and are for a maximum of 45 students. Larger groups will be split into different times or other days. Please have at least 1 teacher/chaperone for per each increment of 15 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. 

Animal Habitats

Grade Level: 1 - 6

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)

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

Earth Rocks 

Grade Level: 3 - 6 

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

Sap to Syrup (offered late January to early March) 

Grade Level: Pre-K - 6 

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

Classroom Experiences

Let naturalists bring the outdoors to you! Classroom programs are 45 to 60 minutes long and best for a maximum of 25 students. Larger groups will be split into different times or other days. Cost is $20 per program.

Nature is Everywhere!

Grade Level: 1 - 6

We’re going outside! Kids need to be able to get outdoors into green spaces and we will take them there. Students will investigate the living things around the school, search for animal habitats, and see what’s able to co-exist with humans. This program will vary depending on the outdoor space available. Program will be moved indoors during bad weather and cold months. (note: this program requires a pre-visit to the school by a park naturalist.)

Predator and Prey

Grade Level: K - 6

What makes a coyote or owl a good hunter? How do rabbits and mice avoiding being caught? Meet some live Ohio animals, examine animal artifacts and skulls, and learn about the feature that help them survive. When there’s space, an interactive game will help participants recognize the importance of predator/prey relationships and learn about food chains.

Creatures of the Night

Grade Level: K - 4

Some animals enjoy the night life! We rarely see them but Clermont County is full of nocturnal critters like bats, owls, and flying squirrels that only come out at night. Through activities, science demonstrations, and investigation, we’ll learn about the cool adaptations that allow them to master the darkness.

Home Sweet Home (max 15 children)

Grade Level: pre-K - K

Children will explore how wild animals make by observing different animals (live or mounts) and examples of their homes, making a nest, crawling into a “beaver den” and more. This program is keeps preschoolers moving and includes sensory activities.

Ancient Oceans

Grade Level: 2 – 6

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.