School of the Wild

Information

Mission:

The School of the Wild offers five areas of study. These include: prairies/garden, wetlands, birds, outdoor adventures, and woodlands. Each of the five areas of study offers different lessons and objectives. However each day focuses on the following:

• Awaken an awareness of the wildlife and natural ecosystems in our area
• Develop an appreciation of the natural world
• Encourage a balanced environmental ethic and caretaker* attitude with respect for the earth.
• Teach skills that bring students closer to their natural world.

*The caretaker attitude is one in which students see themselves as environmental helpers. For example: cleaning up litter; helping native plant species flourish; etc.

History:

The University of Iowa Wildlife Camps started during the summer of 1991 and were a compliment to the environmental education field trip program offered during the school year to local elementary schools. As the camps developed and we recognized the significant positive impact of a week-long day camp experience as opposed to one-day programming. Our next step was to develop a week-long environmental education experience for area schools.

The pilot program began as Wild 2000, a week-long a nature experience for schools. Wild 2000 began in the spring of 1998. It was funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) environmental education grant. The Wild 2000 pilot program was completed in the spring of 1999 and has led to the development of the University of Iowa School of the Wild. In 2000, we became the first NCA accredited special purpose school, the first accredited environmental school in Iowa. The school experience is a week-long program in the fall and spring, and a two-day program in the winter. As the success of our program continues to grow, so does the expanse of our programming.

Instruction:

During the fall and spring, schools participate in a five day experience. Classes are divided into five groups and rotate among five instructors throughout the week. The instructors teach the same lesson, but to different groups each day. Winter programs are shorter. Students are divided into four groups and rotate through four half-day sessions. On a typical day, classes begin at approximately 9:30 am and end at 2:15. Lunch is eaten around 11:30 AM. Since each day provides new opportunities this schedule may vary somewhat.

The vast majority of class instruction takes place outside. In the fall and spring programs, an open air shelter is available for some activities. During the winter programs we utilize the Social Center at Macbride Nature Recreation Area for a place to eat lunch and let students warm up.

Since we are outside nearly all the time, it is very important that students come to class prepared for the weather. See the "What To Bring List".

Class Descriptions

Prairies and Garden: (fall and spring)

Students will identify the features of a native prairie, learn about native and non-native Iowa plants as well as plant growth and reproduction. Active engagement in prairie plant establishment, prairie restoration and insect studies. Students may have the opportunity to try wild edible plants. Students will experience greenhouse, garden, nursery and orchard focusing on growth cycles and food sources. Students will actually plant, harvest and taste fresh garden foods/recipes.

Outdoor Adventures: (fall and spring)

This day encourages students to expand their awareness of nature on many different levels. Students emulate hawks, as they try to view the world from their perspective. They will explore the secret lives of animals at Macbride by following and viewing animal tracks. They will investigate the natural history of Macbride and its inhabitants from years past, and they will learn about survival, practicing their abilities to build a safe survival shelter.

Wetlands: (fall and spring)

A hike to three different wetland ponds is on the agenda for the wetlands group. Students will compare and contrast different wetland habitats and the critters that inhabit these areas. Students will learn about different aquatic life including the safe handling of frogs, snakes and turtles. Bring you old shoes and a lunch. Life jackets are provided and required when on the water.

Woodlands: (fall and spring)

Students take a three mile excursion through a variety of woodland environments. Trees, wildflowers, fungus and fossils are among the possible subjects. A creative writing segment is included in the day.

Birds: (fall, winter and spring)

Students will learn about birds in the field through observation, exploration and banding of songbirds. During the fall programs, there will be an emphasis on raptor migration studies. Students will learn identification skills and the proper use of binoculars.

Snow and Shelter: (winter)

Students will learn about the various qualities of snow. They will create landscape drawings and learn about winter survival. Focus will be on constructing a team built shelter.

Tracking: (winter)

Students will learn various aspects of winter tracking. They will learn the art of interpretation and investigate their own set of animal tracks. Students will learn how tracking can increase awareness of the natural world.

Scavenger Hunt: (winter)

Students will learn to view and explore the woods with a quiet mind and body in order to observe them more intently. They will explore Iowa ecosystems and increase their sensory experience in the outdoors, while completing a scavenger hunt. They will use creative writing to express feelings and sensations brought on by their exploration.

**Complete lesson plans are available upon request.

Thursday Night Overnight and Picnic

The option for an overnight campout experience takes place on Thursday if so chosen by the school. Individual schools are responsible for planning the evening meal, gathering supplies, etc. There are a variety of options for activities such as a night hike and storytelling. We are willing to offer help and suggestions if needed. School of the Wild will offer extended afternoon activities including three staff members for an additional fee. (see fees)

Another option is a Thursday picnic where parents are invited to experience an evening at Bluestem Shelter and gain first hand knowledge of what their children have been experiencing at School of the Wild. Extended afternoon activities are also available for schools choosing to host a picnic.

Camping is free, but the schools are expected to follow all rules and regulations of Macbride Nature Recreation Area.

Staff

The School of the Wild is staffed by certified teachers, science professionals, and science/environmental education interns. In addition to our own staff, we rely on incoming teachers to lead some of the activities and set aside time prior to School of the Wild for training.

In general, for the fall and spring programming we provide three teachers for instruction and require two incoming teachers to lead activities. During the winter programs, only one incoming teacher is required.

In order to provide the highest quality of instruction, we believe in keeping our student / teacher ratio as low as possible with a maximum of 12 students per teacher.

Throughout the year, there are also visiting interns and practicum students from the University of Iowa that assist in instruction at School of the Wild. Adult chaperones and volunteers provide additional leadership for the groups. They are recommended and welcomed.

Teacher and Parent Information

The Program:

School of the Wild is an accredited environmental school offering immersion programs involving direct participation and observation in our natural world. We focus on ecology, science, natural history, personal growth, and team building.

Our mission is to awaken an awareness of the wildlife and natural ecosystems in our area, develop and appreciation of the natural world, and encourage a balanced environmental ethic and caretaker attitude with respect for the earth.

Location:

Macbride Nature Recreation Area is located at 2095 Mehaffey Bridge Road NE, approximately 5 mile northeast of North Liberty, Iowa. The land is a diverse habitat of wetlands, prairies, river bottoms and upland woods.

Parent Involvement:

We encourage parents to become involved in their child's experience at School of the Wild. Students will be full of stories and information to share with their parents each night. Students will have have a journal of their experience which parents may enjoy viewing with their child. We also welcome both visiting and volunteer parents who wish to come and spend time with their child at School of the Wild.

A Day at School of the Wild:

Each year over 1200 students participate in School of the Wild. Students attending School of the Wild will have a very unique opportunity to explore the outdoor setting with small group sizes and experienced naturalists and teachers. Classes are aligned with National Environmental Education Standards.

Medical Form:

Click here for a pdf copy of the School of the Wild Medical Form. Each participant must have form completed and turned in on the first day of the scheduled program.

Emergencies:

In case of an emergency, and the need to get in touch with a participant at School of the Wild, you may call our office at (319) 335-9293. Each staff member carries a communication radio, and both the Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator carry cell phones. Quite often, participating teachers will also have a cell phone. Even though students are away from land line phones, they are within radio contact of one.

All staff members of School of the Wild are First Aid/CPR certified. Each instructor carries with them a first aid kit.

In case of an inclement weather emergency, there is an indoor facility on the premises. We stay informed on the latest changes in the weather.

Additional Programs:

Both you and your child are encouraged to come and enjoy Macbride Nature Recreation Area on your own. The University of Iowa Environmental Learning Center also has many other programs throughout the year for children and adults. During the summer break and winter holidays, we offer Wildlife Camps. Please contact our office for more information about any of our other programs.

Student Information

What to Bring (and not to bring)

Clothes:

Winter
Snow boots
Mittens and/or gloves
Hat (ear muffs are not enough)
Long underwear
Two pairs of socks (one wool)

Spring and/or Fall
Long pants
Tennis or hiking boots
Rain gear

All Seasons:

Pencil and/or Pen
Camera and film (Optional)
Sunglasses (Optional)
Sun block
Water Bottle (Water will be provided)
Lunch
Backpack

***Students and adults are responsible for bringing personal items and clothing which is appropriate for the season. It is always better to come prepared for the worst weather. Extra clothing is always recommended. Please call if you have questions or special requests. Electronic equipment such as walkmans, game boys, IPods, etc. are not permitted.

School Information

Scheduling:

Typically, schools that have participated in the past return during the corresponding time period of the following year. A place will be held for returning schools until the following dates:

• Fall Programs: March 1
• Winter Programs: October 1
• Spring Programs: December 1

Scheduling a date:

Final billing will be done after your experience at School of the Wild. Payment is expected within 30 days.

Please let us know as early as possible if you have any students with special needs or concerns. This will help us provide a safe and valuable experience for each student. We encourage all students to attend School of the Wild and will be happy to make special accommodations when possible.

Transportation:

For schools within a 30 mile radius of MNRA, transportation will be provided in our Iowa D.O.E. certified school busses as part of your school fee. The bus will arrive at and return to your school at requested times. We are limited in the number of students we can transport. Our bus capacity is listed at 65, however, law requires that the center aisle be clear. Older school groups, with larger students may have to provide additional transportation for us to legally transport your group. Each participating school is encouraged to "trail" the bus if possible.

Fees:

The 2006-2007 fee is $60 per student (5 day program) for fall and spring participants and $24 per student (2 day program) for the winter participants. The cost of a one day field trip program at MNRA is $12 per student. After the school has participated in the School of the Wild, an invoice will be sent requesting full payment within 30 days.

A School may choose to have an extended night picnic/camp out. For each staff member provided by School of the Wild an additional $40 fee is required. Three staff members may be hired for $120.

Cancellations and Rescheduling:

Cancellations may be arranged by individual schools before 8:30 AM on the day of the scheduled Macbride outing. Schools will have the option of School of the Wild staff providing an indoor experience at the school designed to emulate and support what would have taken place at Macbride. The indoor experience will be weather dependent and offered only once per week. Rescheduling may be another option particularly in the winter sessions when one day of the week is flexible.

School of the Wild may also be involved in the decision to cancel contingent upon inclement weather, road conditions, etc. This decision would be finalized by 8:30 AM on the given day. If this were the case, no cancellation penalty will be charged.

Since rescheduling if difficult, we will do the best to accommodate each school, but will not be able to guarantee a make-up day.

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