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Crosswinds Marsh Wetland Interpretive Preserve offers seasonal field trips and outreach programs for schools, homeschools and other organized groups. Programs are designed to enhance the understanding of nature in fun and informative ways.
School Field Trips | Outreach Programs
2008 CROSSWINDS MARSH
SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS
The programs listed below are available as a two-hour field trip to Crosswinds Marsh, however the length of the program can be adjusted to meet your needs. Please note the recommended grade levels for each program. Any program with less than 10 pre-registered participants will be cancelled and fees returned. Programs are $3.00 per student, unless otherwise noted. There is no charge for adults. Call (734) 654-1220 to schedule a program. All field trips are held outdoors under an open air pavilion, please dress appropriately.
April – May l Preschool - 8th Grade
Spring is back and nature is calling! Have you ever wondered what those strange sounds were coming from your pond or woods in springtime? Come to Crosswinds Marsh and learn about the mysterious animals that make these noises -- Michigan’s frogs and toads. In this program, students will not only learn to identify many of Michigan’s frogs and toads by sight and sound, but also how to imitate their calls. We will meet several live frogs and toads, briefly discuss their life cycles and adaptations, then create a frog craft to take home. We will also take a short hike to listen for the calls of the frogs and toads that make Crosswinds Marsh their home.
April - May l 1st – 8th Grade
Shake off those wintertime blues and discover the excitement of spring. The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming and the fish are jumping. This program will focus on the transition of winter to spring and cover topics like spring wildflowers, migration, breeding calls, animals awakening from hibernation and budding leaves, just to name a few.
April - October l 1st - 8th Grade
Did you know that a hummingbird flaps its wings 700 times every 10 seconds and that some owls can hear a mouse through a foot of snow? In this program we will look at many incredible bird facts and the amazing adaptations that allow birds to survive and coexist in many different environments. Students will learn how to determine what a bird eats by looking at its beak and where it lives by looking at its feet. We will discuss how birds fly and why they migrate. Students will also learn to identify some of our more common birds and their nests. We will then go on a birding hike to use what we have learned. Bird books and binoculars are provided.
April - October l 3rd - 12th Grade
Come and see Crosswinds Marsh from a new perspective, from the seat of your canoe. We will take a relaxing canoe trip through the marsh, stopping frequently to observe and discuss the abundant wildlife and various plants we encounter. Before we start, we will cover the basics of canoe operation and safety. All participants must wear a life jacket. Canoes and life jackets will be provided. Younger students (3rd -5th grade) must have an adult in each canoe. There is no charge for adults. Registration limited to 20 people.
April -October l 3rd - 8th Grade
All across our great state, remnants of the past are locked up in rocks. In fact, some of the world’s oldest rock formations can be found in Michigan. If you have ever found shells or coral in fossilized rock then you have found a clue to Michigan’s geologic past! That’s right – our Great Lakes State was actually an ocean! This program will focus on all the wonders of Michigan’s geology, unlocking secrets to the past. We will discuss geology, look at some examples of our local rock formations and make rock collections to take home. Registration limited to 20 people.
April - October l Preschool - 8th Grade
Crosswinds Marsh is proud to announce its newest marsh member -- the beaver! To celebrate, we are now offering a program dedicated to our two aquatic mammals, the beaver and muskrat. These mammals spend most of their time in the water gathering food and building their lodges. We will look at their specialized adaptations and what makes them different from the other mammals found at the marsh. As we hike the trails, we will look for their homes and other signs of their activities. Students will also make a marsh mammal craft.
April - October l 1st - 8th Grade l $4.00 per student (includes owl pellet)
Michigan is home to 11 species of owls, living in both the upper and lower peninsula. We will take a closer look at some of these mysterious birds using bird mounts and listening to their calls on tape. The presentation will be followed by an exciting hands-on activity, where students will dissect an owl pellet to find out what kind of animals it’s been eating. This activity helps students gain insight into predator-prey relationships.
April - October l Preschool - 8th Grade
Are snakes really slimy? Can toads give you warts? We will look at some of our most common wetland inhabitants and answer these questions and many more. We will try to dispel some of the myths surrounding snakes and help you set aside your fears. Learn to identify the snakes, turtles, and frogs that can be found in Michigan, and meet several live representatives. After the program we will go on a critter hunt to see how many reptiles and amphibians we can find.
April - October l 1st - 8th Grade
Have you ever wondered what animal made “those” tracks, or left “those” droppings? Well here’s your chance to find out by becoming a nature detective. We will discuss some of the clues animals leave behind, including tracks, scat (droppings), nests, etc. We will then go on a nature detective hike and look for clues left by mystery animals. Afterwards we will create an animal track T-shirt to take home with you. Please bring a light-colored, cotton T-shirt for each participant. Ink and rubber tracks are provided.
April - October l 1st - 8th Grade
All animals have to eat, and in this program we will look at who’s eating whom. We will explore the relationships between predators (the one doing the eating) and prey (the one being eaten), and discover how all living things are dependant on one another. We will play a predator/prey game and then go on a hike to see how many predators and prey we can find.
April - October l 4th - 12th Grade
The understanding and protection of wetlands is an important topic in today’s society. In this program, students will collect data while exploring the natural functions of wetlands. Through water quality tests, vertebrate and invertebrate identification, plant identification and land use observations, students will learn to determine the health of Crosswinds Marsh as a functioning wetland. This program provides opportunities for students to perform hands-on activities and tests, and observe and record data.
April - October l 1st - 8th Grade
Do snakes dig holes? Do all birds nest in trees? These and many other questions will be answered in this program that focuses on animal shelters and habitat. On our hike we will investigate many animal homes and discover how they were made and who made them. We will focus on animals both large and small and learn how their shelters are used throughout the seasons.
April – October l 1st - 8th Grade
During your visit to Crosswinds Marsh we will examine ways in which plants and animals have adapted to their wet environment with “built-in tools” like floating leaves, webbed feet, or hook-shaped beaks. You’ll be surprised to learn how we have fashioned many of our own tools after the adaptations of these amazing plants and animals! Afterwards we will create an animal track T-shirt to take home with you. Please bring a light-colored, cotton T-shirt for each participant. Ink and rubber tracks are provided.
April - October l Preschool - 8th Grade
This program is designed to teach a basic understanding of our wetlands, the water cycle and water habitats. Through activities, discussions and a hike we will discover the importance of wetlands and water to us and the animals around us. We will also meet live animals that depend on wetlands for their survival, and even sift through the wetland muck to identify some of the wonderfully weird creatures that call the water their home.
May – September l 1st - 8th Grade
Learn how insects survive in a world where it’s eat or be eaten! Whether it’s the Viceroy mimicking the Monarch butterfly, or the camouflage capability of the walking stick, insects have adapted different ways of tricking predators into believing they’re something they’re not! We will spend some time netting and identifying these fascinating insects and looking for their special disguise.
May - October l 1st - 8th Grade
From providing us with clean air to a nice shady spot, trees play an important role in all our lives! Students will learn everything there is to know and love about trees including the life cycle of a tree, how trees make food, why leaves change color in the fall, differences between deciduous and coniferous trees and basic tree identification. We will also go on a tree identification hike.
May - October
If you’re looking for an exciting field trip idea, why not consider bringing your class to Crosswinds Marsh for a day of canoeing! For many, this canoe trip will serve as a first time experience, which will only be enhanced by the beautiful marsh surroundings and numerous wildlife encounters. There are 10 canoes available for self-guided tours. There is NO CHARGE for using the canoes. Paddles and life jackets are included for participants. Typically 3-4 participants can fit in each canoe (450 pound maximum capacity per canoe). Grade school groups must have at least one adult in each canoe. Afterwards, enjoy your lunch in one of our scenic picnic areas.
September – October l Preschool - 8th Grade
Spend the day at Crosswinds Marsh during one of the most beautiful times of the year as we explore the splendors of fall. During our hike we will learn why leaves change color and how plants and animals prepare for the long winter. We will also learn to identify a number of Michigan trees and create fall leaf print t-shirts from the trees we see and learn about. Please bring a light-colored, cotton T-shirt for each participant. Paint and leaves are provided.
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2008 CROSSWINDS MARSH
OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Some of the programs listed above are available as a one-hour Outreach Program. Our naturalist will come to your school, scout meeting, or other facility and present the program. See the above programs for descriptions. Programs are adapted to do off-site and may vary slightly from the description. All programs are offered throughout the year, unless otherwise noted. Please note recommended grade levels. Programs are $3.00 per student unless otherwise noted. There is no charge for adults. Call (734) 654-1220 to schedule a program.
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(Presentation, bird mounts, nests)
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Offered September - October
(Presentation, leaf print T-shirt)
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(Presentation, insect mounts, a hike if possible)
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(Presentation, mammal mounts, crafts)
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(Presentation and live animals)
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$4.00 Per Student
(Presentation, owl mounts, owl pellet dissection)
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(Presentation and live animals)
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(Presentation, skulls, skins, nests, signs, animal track T-shirt)
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(Presentation, games, craft)
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(Presentation, plant and animal mounts, animal track T-shirt)
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Offered December - February
(Presentation, animal mounts, animals track T-shirt)
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