Field Trips and Group Programs

Children with butterfly nets

Guided Programs

Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry staff and trained volunteers provide guided educational 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 meet student needs and learning objectives. The 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, with a $75 minimum
  • 2.5-5 hours: $7 per student, with a $100 minimum
  • Classroom outreach: $25 outreach fee
  • Travel: Mileage fee at the federal rate for locations more than 15 miles from Genesee County Park & Forest
  • School staff and chaperones are included at no cost.

Chaperones

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

Lunch Facilities

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

Weather

Programs take place in a variety of weather conditions. Students should dress appropriately, wear suitable footwear, bring extra layers and carry a water bottle. Programs may be rescheduled or moved indoors during severe weather.

Group Size

The maximum group size is 65 students. Larger groups may require programs on multiple dates.

Seasonal Programs

  • Kayaking, May-October: Ages 12 and older. Kayak, paddle and life jacket are included. Group size is limited.
  • Snowshoeing, winter: Child and adult snowshoe rental is included. Group size is limited.

Students kayaking at DeWitt Recreation Area

Program Topics

Our Living Earth (Animal Adaptations)

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

Animal tracks in the snow during a winter hike

Age: All ages
Length: 1-2 hours

Students will:

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

Cycles of Life (Plants and Pollinators)

Students explore life cycles, interdependence and natural resources while discovering the world of insects. The lesson may include catching insects in the meadow or learning about honeybees through a live bee demonstration and a sweet treat.

Children using butterfly nets during a pollinator lesson

Age: 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 and navigation skills, including map reading, compass use and geocaching, while exploring the park and learning how to stay safe outdoors.

Students practicing geocaching in the park

Age: 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 develop skills they can use with their families.
  • Identify items to bring for a safe outdoor hike.

Water Connects Us All

Students explore 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

Age: 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.
  • Identify actions they can take to improve water quality.
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