DESTINATIONS

School

Environmental education programs are designed to introduce participants to the natural world through hands-on learning and exploration. Students take a close up look at trees, discover what lives in the pond, enjoy nature hikes, and more. Learn about biodiversity, food chains, connections, and more! Team Development programs focus on building skills such as communication, cooperation and trust within a group. High adventure experiences include a variety of climbing experiences that allows students a turn on our climbing tower or ropes course, or to try their skills at crate climbing.

supports classroom learning in:
Physical Education, Science

topics covered:
animals, biodiversity, ecology, forests, insects, water

contact info
Name: Therese Healy
Phone: 708-481-2330 ext. 1229
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: No minimum size. Max 200. Program Type: Day Trips, Guided Activities, Outreach. Recomm. Length of Visit: 1-4 hours for Environmental Education, 4-8 hours for Adventure Education. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 14:1.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 14:1.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 14:1. Registration: Online, Phone, Email. Food Options: Picnic area available. Cost: Fee Accessible To: Buildings/restrooms are accessible. Paths are a combination of fine gravel and woodchips.

ABOUT

Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center

Irons Oaks is part of a 37-acre nature preserve that is dedicated to enhancing social and natural communities through experiential educational services and projects, professional development opportunities and community initiatives. Visitors can enjoy hiking on 1-1/2 miles of walking trails, exploring the interactive displays in the Discovery Museum and a unique chance to learn about and be immersed in native flora, fauna and wildlife in the suburbs of Chicago.

Outdoor educational programs include activities such as hikes, investigation, discovery, and wildlife studies. All these programs are designed to introduce participants to the natural world through hands-on learning and exploration. The Irons Oaks Team Development Course allows participants to experience personal and group growth through on-the-ground team development initiatives. For more adventurous groups, the Adventure Center offers a variety of climbing experiences, including a high ropes obstacle course built 30feet up in the trees, a climbing tower, power pole and crate climbing. Custom and combination programs can also be designed to focus on team development and other learning goals. Facility and equipment rentals are also available.

contact info

Hrs: See website.

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Nature Exploration Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

One single tree can provide the oxygen required for two human beings and over 8,000 sheets of paper. Trees can also clean the soil and air by absorbing harmful pollutants. So what have you done for a tree lately? Nature centers and state parks provide a hands-on environment to discover facts about native plants and animals, as well as ways to preserve these natural resources.

View Lesson Plan>>

Scouts

Scouts can enjoy an outdoor challenge at the Adventure Center’s ropes course and climbing tower. Nature programs are also available for Scouts looking to complete badge requirements. Through hikes and hands-on activities, they can learn about local wildlife, forestry, habitats and more. Eagle Scout projects are available, including landscaping and restoration work.

supports scout badges in:
Physical Education, Science

topics covered:
science, adventure, leave no trace, camping, knots, plants, animals

contact info
Name: Therese Healy
Phone: 708-481-2330
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: No miminum size. Max 100. Program Type: Day Trips, Guided Tours, Guided Activities. Recomm. Length of Visit: 1-8 hours. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1. Registration: Online, Phone, Email. Food Options: Picnic area available. Cost: Fee Accessible To: Buildings/restrooms are accessible. Paths are a combination of fine gravel and woodchips.

ABOUT

Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center

Irons Oaks is part of a 37-acre nature preserve that is dedicated to enhancing social and natural communities through experiential educational services and projects, professional development opportunities and community initiatives. Visitors can enjoy hiking on 1-1/2 miles of walking trails, exploring the interactive displays in the Discovery Museum and a unique chance to learn about and be immersed in native flora, fauna and wildlife in the suburbs of Chicago.

Outdoor educational programs include activities such as hikes, investigation, discovery, and wildlife studies. All these programs are designed to introduce participants to the natural world through hands-on learning and exploration. The Irons Oaks Team Development Course allows participants to experience personal and group growth through on-the-ground team development initiatives. For more adventurous groups, the Adventure Center offers a variety of climbing experiences, including a high ropes obstacle course built 30feet up in the trees, a climbing tower, power pole and crate climbing. Custom and combination programs can also be designed to focus on team development and other learning goals. Facility and equipment rentals are also available.

contact info

Hrs: See website.

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Nature Exploration Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

One single tree can provide the oxygen required for two human beings and over 8,000 sheets of paper. Trees can also clean the soil and air by absorbing harmful pollutants. So what have you done for a tree lately? Nature centers and state parks provide a hands-on environment to discover facts about native plants and animals, as well as ways to preserve these natural resources.

View Lesson Plan>>