PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

Children Discovering Nature is a two-session science and nature education program in which students learn about local flora, fauna, and habitats through hands-on activities in the classroom and field. Topics mirror Durango School District 9-R FOSS unit assessment topics by grade, and each program correlates to Colorado and national science education standards.

First, a naturalist educator visits your classroom with exciting science activities that complement your curriculum and prepare students for a field trip.

The following week, your class visits the Durango Nature Center for a half-day educational hike. Trained volunteer naturalists guide small groups through a variety of habitats, engaging students with activities, science games, and guided explorations.

CLASSROOM DAYS 

Classroom sessions are approximately 60 minutes
These are scheduled one (1) week before your field trip.

Each CDN program includes a classroom session to prepare students for their field trip. The classroom visit introduces concepts and ideas to your students that complement the field trip.

FIELD DAYS 

Field sessions are 3 hours long, typically from about 9:00-12:00.
Schools often stay to enjoy their lunch at the Nature Center.

You and your students should plan to arrive at the Nature Center at about 9:00 am on the morning of your field trip. Some classes arrive a bit later depending on where they are coming from, but typically no classes arrive past 9:30 due in large part to the bus schedules. Your exact program time will be listed on your confirmation form.

Your class will be met by a DNS Lead Educator who will guide you and your students to the starting point of your trip and introduce you to your volunteer naturalists for the day.

After your 3-hour field trip, you are invited to enjoy a picnic lunch at the Nature Center under a piñon-juniper canopy. Please plan to pack out your trash as we do not have trash service onsite.

VOLUNTEER NATURALISTS 

All CDN field sessions are lead by trained volunteers! These are incredible people who have participated in a 18-hour training program that include age appropriate curriculum, natural history, and child management techniques (see Volunteer Training Info).

Each of these volunteers has generously donated several mornings throughout the season to work with area school children. Letters, notes, and drawings from your students are a great way to thank these incredible community volunteers.

ADULT CHAPERONES 

Cell phones, dogs, and younger siblings are distracting to the learning experience of students. Please ask accompanying adults to turn off cell phones, and leave Fido and their wee ones at home.

We ask that you supply at least one adult chaperone (parent or teacher) for each group. We will let you know how many groups you will have, but plan on your school's students being split into groups of about 10. Chaperones are there to assist the volunteer naturalist with student groups.

HOW TO SCHEDULE  

CDN runs each fall and spring. Choose your season and click on the button below.

SPRING

FALL

THANK YOU! 

Thanks so much! We look forward to working with you and your students.