Field Trips and Group Programs

Children with butterfly nets

Guided Programs

Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry staff and trained volunteers lead guided programs for school and community groups. Programs may be held at Genesee County Park & Forest, DeWitt Recreation Area, or at your school or organization’s location.

Programs can be adjusted to fit student needs and learning objectives. Our goal is to provide accessible, inquiry-based outdoor learning experiences for all students.

Schedule a Program – Complete the Program Request Form

Program Fees

  • 1–2 hours: $5 per student (minimum $75)
  • 2.5–5 hours: $7 per student (minimum $100)
  • $25 outreach fee for classroom programs
  • Mileage fee (federal rate) for locations over 15 miles from Genesee County Park & Forest
  • School staff and chaperones included at no cost

Chaperones

A minimum of one adult chaperone per 10 youth is required. Chaperones must actively participate and manage their group. Additional chaperones are recommended for students needing extra support.

Lunch Facilities

Groups may stay for lunch after their program. Pavilion reservations are included at no additional cost. The Interpretive Center classroom may be available upon request.

Weather

Participants must be prepared for all weather conditions. Students should dress appropriately, wear proper footwear, bring extra layers, and carry a water bottle. Programs may be rescheduled or moved indoors in severe weather.

Group Size

Maximum group size is 65 students. Larger groups may require multiple program dates.

Seasonal Programs

  • Kayaking (May–October): Ages 12+. Kayak, paddle, and life jacket included. Limited group size.
  • Snowshoeing (Winter): Child and adult snowshoe rental included. Limited group size.
Students kayaking at DeWitt Recreation Area

Program Topics

Our Living Earth (Animal Adaptations)

Students learn about food webs, seasonal ecology, ecosystems, and human impacts while building observation skills and curiosity about the natural world. Students explore how animals use physical traits and behaviors as adaptations for survival through an interactive indoor lesson and a guided hike. A meet-and-greet with Ruby the red-eared slider may be available.

Animal tracks in the snow during a winter hike

All ages, Length: 1 - 2 hours

Students will:

  • Gain an appreciation for wildlife and the habitats they live in
  • Understand how animals use adaptations to survive
  • Define habitat, structural adaptation, and behavioral adaptation
  • Learn to treat wildlife with respect and care
  • List actions they can take to help conserve wildlife habitats

Cycles of Life (Plants and Pollinators)

Students learn about life cycles, interdependence, and natural resources while discovering the world of insects. The lesson may include insect catching in the meadow or a focus on honeybees with a live bee demonstration and a sweet treat.

Children using butterfly nets during a pollinator lesson

All ages, Length: 1 - 2 hours

Students will:

  • Define life cycles and describe an example of a local animal’s life cycle
  • Understand how pollinators support ecosystems
  • Explain different types of plant seed dispersal
  • Identify groups of local insects and their adaptations

Finding Your Way

Students practice outdoor recreation skills—map reading, compass use, geocaching, and more—while exploring the park and learning outdoor safety.

Students practicing geocaching in the park

All ages, Length: 1 - 2 hours

Students will:

  • Learn outdoor recreation skills that support safe time outdoors
  • Use a compass, map, and GPS unit to find locations in the park
  • Practice geocaching and gain skills to try with their families
  • Identify items to bring for a safe outdoor hike

Water Connects Us All

Students learn about aquatic ecosystems at Genesee County Park & Forest. Topics include watersheds, bioindicators, life cycles, food webs, adaptations, and human impacts on water quality.

Students conducting a creek study as part of a water lesson

All ages, Length: 1 - 2 hours

Students will:

  • Gain an appreciation for aquatic habitats and the animals that live there
  • Understand what makes the Great Lakes special
  • Define watershed, headwaters, and the Great Lakes
  • Identify the watershed where they live
  • Learn to treat small animals with respect and care
  • List actions they can take to improve water quality
 
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