Alabama Nature Center Field Trips

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Alabama Nature Center Field Trips provide fun and exciting nature-based experiences for students in grades pre-K through 12. After browsing through the activity options, submit your Reservation Request Form online and you will be contacted by an ANC Staff Member to confirm your reservation. Our most popular activities are listed, but we will be happy to customize a program regarding special topics requested by a teacher, group timetables, weather, and seasonal variations. Programs will take place rain or shine; we have indoor options that will be used as rainy day alternatives.

Preview program options below before filling out online reservation form:
Double Package Field Trips

(Approximately 4.5 hours - including a half hour for lunch)
$16.00 per child | Two Naturalist-led activities plus a trip through the Discovery Hall and an animal ambassadors presentation

Pre-K

We’re sorry, but there are no double package activities available for this grade level.

Grades K-2

Included with all field trips:
• Animal Ambassadors Presentation: Meet and have the opportunity to touch a variety of our reptiles and amphibians that call the Alabama Nature Center their home.
• Discovery Hall Exploration: Explore and discover the plants and animals that live in the different regions of Alabama.
  • Alabama Habitat Hike:
    Compare a variety of different habitats on the ANC property and learn about the plants and animals that live there.
  • Animal Homes Hike:
    Discover animal homes while searching for animal signs and native wildlife on one of our trails.
  • Apiary Demonstration (March-October only) (2nd grade only):
    Learn about the vital role pollinators play in our world from our Master Beekeeper while visiting the home of our ANC bees.
  • Build a Nest:
    Learn about bird life, the purpose and different types of bird nests, then work together with your classmates to construct your best nests while looking and listening for birds.
  • Creek Hike:
    Learn about Alabama’s aquatic biodiversity while hiking through Still Creek. You will get wet! All students and chaperones must bring a full change of clothes including shoes that can be worn in the creek (old tennis shoes, rain boots, water shoes, Crocs, or sandals with a strap around the back. No flip flops or slides!
  • Creepy Crawlies (October only):
    Investigate the creatures of the season, including snakes, bats, and spiders. Don’t worry, these creatures are not as scary as you think!
  • Decomposer Hike:
    Learn about the vital role decomposers play in our ecosystem while searching under logs and leaf litter for these creepy crawly critters.
  • Fish Art:
    Discuss fish characteristics and learn two different techniques (fish printing and fish rubbing), then create artwork to take home.
  • Fishing (+$1):
    Try your luck at fishing for catfish and bream with a cane pole at one of our ponds.
  • Forest Exploration:
    Explore forest structure and the plants and animals that call this habitat home.
  • Insect Hike:
    Observe insects, evidence of insects, and their homes while hiking at the ANC.
  • Insect Roundup:
    Collect and identify a variety of insects with insect nets in one of our fields.
  • Living & Nonliving Things:
    Investigate the characteristics of living and nonliving things in the environment.
  • Longleaf Pine Ecosystem:
    Visit with our gopher tortoise and eastern indigo snake while learning about characteristics that make this ecosystem unique.
  • Mammals of Alabama:
    Discuss the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home with hands on exploration of skins and skulls.
  • Nature Observation Hike:
    Learn a variety of new skills and hone those you didn’t know you already had while engaging all of your senses on a fun adventure.
  • Pollinator Hike (2nd grade only):
    Discover the relationships between plant and animal species while exploring pollination concepts through a series of interactive games and a guided plant hike.
  • Pond Exploration:
    Explore a freshwater habitat and the plants, animals, and food webs of the pond ecosystem.
  • Reptile & Amphibian Adventure:
    Join us for a hike plus a variety of games and activities all about herpetofauna!
  • Signs of Fall (October only):
    Join us for a hike plus a variety of games and activities all about how plants and animals prepare for fall.
  • Signs of Spring (February only):
    Join us for a hike plus a variety of games and activities all about how plants and animals prepare for spring.
  • Trees, Leaves & Seeds:
    Learn all about adaptations, life cycles, and seed dispersal through a variety of activities.
  • Winter Animal Adaptations (January only):
    Learn what it takes for plants and animals to survive winter through a variety of games and activities.

Grades 3-5

Included with all field trips:
• Animal Ambassadors Presentation: Meet and have the opportunity to touch a variety of our reptiles and amphibians that call the Alabama Nature Center their home.
• Discovery Hall Exploration: Explore and discover the plants and animals that live in the different regions of Alabama.
  • Alabama Habitat Hike:
    Compare a variety of different habitats on the ANC property and learn about the plants and animals that live there.
  • Alabama State Symbols:
    Explore the plant and animal symbols of Alabama through an interactive hike.
  • Animal Behaviors:
    From migration to hibernation, sociality, nocturnal/diurnal animals, and everything in between, we will take a deep dive into a variety of animal actions.
  • Animal Homes Hike:
    Discover animal homes while searching for animal signs and native wildlife on one of our trails.
  • Apiary Demonstration (March-October only):
    Learn about the vital role pollinators play in our world from our Master Beekeeper while visiting the home of our ANC bees.
  • Binocular Hike:
    Learn how to use binoculars then head out on a hike to observe birds and other animals, their habits, and behaviors.
  • Build a Nest:
    Learn about bird life, the purpose and different types of bird nests, then work together with your classmates to construct your best nests while looking and listening for birds.
  • Canoeing I:
    Go for a paddle at our pond after learning canoeing basics including safety and paddling methods. All participants should bring a full change of clothes and shoes. 
  • Canoeing II:
    Take your canoeing skills up a notch with a pond scavenger hunt and canoe race. All participants should bring a full change of clothes and shoes. (Must be chosen with Canoeing I)
  • Creek Hike:
    Learn about Alabama’s aquatic biodiversity while hiking through Still Creek. You will get wet! All students and chaperones must bring a full change of clothes including shoes that can be worn in the creek (old tennis shoes, rain boots, water shoes, Crocs, or sandals with a strap around the back. No flip flops or slides!
  • Creepy Crawlies (October only):
    Investigate the creatures of the season, including snakes, bats, and spiders. Don’t worry, these creatures are not as scary as you think!
  • Decomposer Hike:
    Learn about the vital role decomposers play in our ecosystem while searching under logs and leaf litter for these creepy crawly critters.
  • Face Your Fears:
    Learn how to tread safely and without fear in the outdoors when encountering Alabama’s misunderstood plants and animals.
  • Fish Art:
    Discuss fish characteristics and learn two different techniques (fish printing and fish rubbing), then create artwork to take home.
  • Fishing (+$1):
    Try your luck at fishing for catfish and bream with a cane pole at one of our ponds.
  • Forest Exploration:
    Explore forest structure and the plants and animals that call this habitat home.
  • Incredible Edibles Hike:
    Discover the uses of several native plant species, including those that are edible and those you should avoid.
  • Insect Hike:
    Observe insects, evidence of insects, and their homes while hiking at the ANC.
  • Insect Roundup:
    Collect and identify a variety of insects with insect nets in one of our fields.
  • Longleaf Pine Ecosystem:
    Visit with our gopher tortoise and eastern indigo snake while learning about characteristics that make this ecosystem unique.
  • Mammal Track Casting (+$1):
    Use a variety of animal track molds to make a cast of your very own mammal footprint to take home. Also, learn fun facts about the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home.
  • Mammals of Alabama:
    Discuss the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home with hands on exploration of skins and skulls.
  • Microscope Exploration:
    Discover a whole new world when examining a variety of specimens under a microscope.
  • Nature Observation Hike:
    Learn a variety of new skills and hone those you didn’t know you already had while engaging all of your senses on a fun adventure.
  • Nature Relationships:
    Take a deep dive into relationships between plants and animals; discuss topics such as keystone species, symbiosis, predator/prey interactions, and food chains/webs.
  • Nature Sleuths:
    Use your detective skills to determine which Alabama animals have left behind clues for you to find.
  • Pollinator Hike:
    Discover the relationships between plant and animal species while exploring pollination concepts through a series of interactive games and a guided plant hike. 
  • Pond Exploration:
    Explore a freshwater habitat and the plants, animals, and food webs of the pond ecosystem.
  • Pond Exploration w/Microscopes:
    Collect water samples from the ANC property then examine them with microscopes to investigate aquatic organisms that live below the surface of our ponds.
  • Raptors of Alabama w/Owl Pellet Dissection (+$2):
    Discover the unique characteristics of raptors, what owls eat, and the role they play in our ecosystem through the dissection of owl pellets.
  • Reptile & Amphibian Adventure:
    Join us for a hike plus a variety of games and activities all about herpetofauna!
  • Weather Watchers:
    Explore weather instruments, patterns, clouds, and types of weather events through a variety of games and activities.
  • Wilderness Skills I:
    Learn basic skills to live life in the wild, including fire building techniques.
  • Winter Animal Adaptations (January only):
    Learn what it takes for plants and animals to survive winter through a variety of games and activities.

Grades 6-8

Included with all field trips:
• Animal Ambassadors Presentation: Meet and have the opportunity to touch a variety of our reptiles and amphibians that call the Alabama Nature Center their home.
• Discovery Hall Exploration: Explore and discover the plants and animals that live in the different regions of Alabama.
  • Alabama Habitat Hike:
    Compare a variety of different habitats on the ANC property and learn about the plants and animals that live there.
  • Alabama State Symbols:
    Explore the plant and animal symbols of Alabama through an interactive hike.
  • Animal Behaviors:
    From migration to hibernation, sociality, nocturnal/diurnal animals, and everything in between, we will take a deep dive into a variety of animal actions.
  • Apiary Demonstration (March-October only):
    Learn about the vital role pollinators play in our world from our Master Beekeeper while visiting the home of our ANC bees.
  • Archery I:
    Receive an introduction to proper archery techniques, then decide if your new skills are on target.
  • Archery II:
    Master your newly acquired archery skills with a friendly competition with your classmates. (Must be chosen with Archery I)
  • Binocular Hike:
    Learn how to use binoculars then head out on a hike to observe birds and other animals, their habits, and behaviors.
  • Canoeing I:
    Go for a paddle at our pond after learning canoeing basics including safety and paddling methods. All participants should bring a full change of clothes and shoes. 
  • Canoeing II:
    Take your canoeing skills up a notch with a pond scavenger hunt and canoe race. All participants should bring a full change of clothes and shoes. (Must be chosen with Canoeing I)
  • Creek Hike:
    Learn about Alabama’s aquatic biodiversity while hiking through Still Creek. You will get wet! All students and chaperones must bring a full change of clothes including shoes that can be worn in the creek (old tennis shoes, rain boots, water shoes, Crocs, or sandals with a strap around the back. No flip flops or slides!
  • Decomposer Hike:
    Learn about the vital role decomposers play in our ecosystem while searching under logs and leaf litter for these creepy crawly critters.
  • Face Your Fears:
    Learn how to tread safely and without fear in the outdoors when encountering Alabama’s misunderstood plants and animals.
  • Fishing (+$1):
    Try your luck at fishing for catfish and bream with a cane pole at one of our ponds.
  • Forest Exploration:
    Explore forest structure and the plants and animals that call this habitat home.
  • Incredible Edibles Hike:
    Discover the uses of several native plant species, including those that are edible and those you should avoid.
  • Insect Hike:
    Observe insects, evidence of insects, and their homes while hiking at the ANC.
  • Insect Roundup:
    Collect and identify a variety of insects with insect nets in one of our fields.
  • Invasive Species Hike:
    Discover the many alien invaders in the form of plants and animals that call the ANC home even though they are not welcome!
  • Longleaf Pine Ecosystem:
    Visit with our gopher tortoise and eastern indigo snake while learning about characteristics that make this ecosystem unique.
  • Mammal Track Casting (+$1):
    Use a variety of animal track molds to make a cast of your very own mammal footprint to take home. Also, learn fun facts about the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home.
  • Mammals of Alabama:
    Discuss the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home with hands on exploration of skins and skulls.
  • Microscope Exploration:
    Discover a whole new world when examining a variety of specimens under a microscope.
  • Nature Observation Hike:
    Learn a variety of new skills and hone those you didn’t know you already had while engaging all of your senses on a fun adventure.
  • Nature Relationships:
    Take a deep dive into relationships between plants and animals; discuss topics such as keystone species, symbiosis, predator/prey interactions, and food chains/webs.
  • Nature Sleuths:
    Use your detective skills to determine which Alabama animals have left behind clues for you to find.
  • Pollinator Hike:
    Discover the relationships between plant and animal species while exploring pollination concepts through a series of interactive games and a guided plant hike. 
  • Pond Exploration:
    Explore a freshwater habitat and the plants, animals, and food webs of the pond ecosystem.
  • Pond Exploration w/Microscopes:
    Collect water samples from the ANC property then examine them with microscopes to investigate aquatic organisms that live below the surface of our ponds.
  • Raptors of Alabama w/Owl Pellet Dissection (+$2):
    Discover the unique characteristics of raptors, what owls eat, and the role they play in our ecosystem through the dissection of owl pellets.
  • Reptile & Amphibian Adventure:
    Join us for a hike plus a variety of games and activities all about herpetofauna!
  • Weather Watchers:
    Explore weather instruments, patterns, clouds, and types of weather events through a variety of games and activities.
  • Wilderness Skills I:
    Learn basic skills to live life in the wild, including fire building techniques.
  • Wilderness Skills II:
    Take your survival skills a step further by learning how to navigate with a compass. (Must be chosen with Wilderness Skills I)
  • Wildlife Hike:
    Discover animal homes while searching for animal signs and native wildlife on one of our trails.

Grades 9-12

Included with all field trips:
• Animal Ambassadors Presentation: Meet and have the opportunity to touch a variety of our reptiles and amphibians that call the Alabama Nature Center their home.
• Discovery Hall Exploration: Explore and discover the plants and animals that live in the different regions of Alabama.
  • Alabama Habitat Hike:
    Compare a variety of different habitats on the ANC property and learn about the plants and animals that live there.
  • Animal Behaviors:
    From migration to hibernation, sociality, nocturnal/diurnal animals, and everything in between, we will take a deep dive into a variety of animal actions.
  • Apiary Demonstration (March-October only):
    Learn about the vital role pollinators play in our world from our Master Beekeeper while visiting the home of our ANC bees.
  • Archery I:
    Receive an introduction to proper archery techniques, then decide if your new skills are on target.
  • Archery II:
    Master your newly acquired archery skills with a friendly competition with your classmates. (Must be chosen with Archery I)
  • Binocular Hike:
    Learn how to use binoculars then head out on a hike to observe birds and other animals, their habits, and behaviors.
  • Canoeing I:
    Go for a paddle at our pond after learning canoeing basics including safety and paddling methods. All participants should bring a full change of clothes and shoes. 
  • Canoeing II:
    Take your canoeing skills up a notch with a pond scavenger hunt and canoe race. All participants should bring a full change of clothes and shoes. (Must be chosen with Canoeing I)
  • Creek Hike:
    Learn about Alabama’s aquatic biodiversity while hiking through Still Creek. You will get wet! All students and chaperones must bring a full change of clothes including shoes that can be worn in the creek (old tennis shoes, rain boots, water shoes, Crocs, or sandals with a strap around the back. No flip flops or slides!
  • Face Your Fears:
    Learn how to tread safely and without fear in the outdoors when encountering Alabama’s misunderstood plants and animals.
  • Fishing (+$1):
    Try your luck at fishing for catfish and bream with a cane pole at one of our ponds.
  • Forest Exploration:
    Explore forest structure and the plants and animals that call this habitat home.
  • Forestry Assessment:
    Students will be introduced to forestry skills and tools while evaluating a forest stand.
  • Habitat Diversity Assessment:
    Determine plant biodiversity while surveying two different habitats.
  • Incredible Edibles Hike:
    Discover the uses of several native plant species, including those that are edible and those you should avoid.
  • Invasive Species Hike:
    Discover the many alien invaders in the form of plants and animals that call the ANC home even though they are not welcome!
  • Longleaf Pine Ecosystem:
    Visit with our gopher tortoise and eastern indigo snake while learning about characteristics that make this ecosystem unique.
  • Mammal Track Casting (+$1):
    Use a variety of animal track molds to make a cast of your very own mammal footprint to take home. Also, learn fun facts about the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home.
  • Mammals of Alabama:
    Discuss the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home with hands on exploration of skins and skulls.
  • Microscope Exploration:
    Discover a whole new world when examining a variety of specimens under a microscope.
  • Nature Observation Hike:
    Learn a variety of new skills and hone those you didn’t know you already had while engaging all of your senses on a fun adventure.
  • Nature Relationships:
    Take a deep dive into relationships between plants and animals; discuss topics such as keystone species, symbiosis, predator/prey interactions, and food chains/webs.
  • Nature Sleuths:
    Use your detective skills to determine which Alabama animals have left behind clues for you to find.
  • Pollinator Hike:
    Discover the relationships between plant and animal species while exploring pollination concepts through a series of interactive games and a guided plant hike. 
  • Pond Exploration:
    Explore a freshwater habitat and the plants, animals, and food webs of the pond ecosystem.
  • Pond Exploration w/Microscopes:
    Collect water samples from the ANC property then examine them with microscopes to investigate aquatic organisms that live below the surface of our ponds.
  • Raptors of Alabama w/Owl Pellet Dissection (+$2):
    Discover the unique characteristics of raptors, what owls eat, and the role they play in our ecosystem through the dissection of owl pellets.
  • Reptile & Amphibian Adventure:
    Join us for a hike plus a variety of games and activities all about herpetofauna!
  • Stream Assessment:
    Visit Still Creek to assess stream health using a variety of sampling methods. You will get wet! All students and chaperones must bring a full change of clothes including shoes that can be worn in the creek (old tennis shoes, rain boots, water shoes, Crocs, or sandals with a strap around the back. No flip flops or slides!
  • Water Quality Assessment (+$1):
    Visit one of our ANC ponds to assess pond health using a variety of sampling methods.
  • Wilderness Skills I:
    Learn basic skills to live life in the wild, including fire building techniques.
  • Wilderness Skills II:
    Take your survival skills a step further by learning how to navigate with a compass. (Must be chosen with Wilderness Skills I)
  • Wildlife Hike:
    Discover animal homes while searching for animal signs and native wildlife on one of our trails.

Single Package Field Trips

(Approximately 3 hours - including a half hour for lunch)
$12.00 per child | One Naturalist-led activity plus a trip through the Discovery Hall and an animal ambassadors presentation

Pre-K

• Experience a variety of the following activities related to your chosen theme: nature hike, animal encounter, games, nature story time and Discovery Hall exploration.
  • Christmas at the ANC (December only):
    Enjoy a sleigh ride, create a holiday craft, go on a nature hike, participate in story time, and take a photo with Santa after telling him about your holiday wishes!
  • Creek Explore (You will get wet!):
    Explore a creek habitat and learn what animals live in and near the ANC’s Still Creek. You will get wet! All students and chaperones must bring a full change of clothes including shoes that can be worn in the creek (old tennis shoes, rain boots, water shoes, Crocs, or sandals with a strap around the back. No flip flops or slides!
  • Creepy Crawlies (October only):
    Investigate the creatures of the season, including snakes, bats, and spiders. Don’t worry, these creatures are not as scary as you think!
  • Insectigations:
    Observe insects, evidence of insects, and their homes while hiking at the ANC.
  • Nature Neighbors:
    Learn about animals that live in Alabama and the habitats where they live.
  • Pond Life:
    Explore a freshwater habitat and learn about the plants and animals of the pond ecosystem.
  • Signs of Fall (October only):
    A hike plus a variety of games and activities all about how plants and animals prepare for fall.
  • Signs of Spring (February only):
    A hike plus a variety of games and activities all about how plants and animals prepare for spring.
  • Trees, Leaves & Seeds:
    Learn all about adaptations, life cycles, and seed dispersal through a variety of activities.
  • Winter Animal Adaptations (January only):
    Learn what it takes for plants and animals to survive winter through a variety of games and activities.

Grades K-2

Included with all field trips:
• Animal Ambassadors Presentation: Meet and have the opportunity to touch a variety of our reptiles and amphibians that call the Alabama Nature Center their home.
• Discovery Hall Exploration: Explore and discover the plants and animals that live in the different regions of Alabama.
  • Alabama Habitat Hike:
    Compare a variety of different habitats on the ANC property and learn about the plants and animals that live there.
  • Animal Homes Hike:
    Discover animal homes while searching for animal signs and native wildlife on one of our trails.
  • Apiary Demonstration (March-October only) (2nd grade only):
    Learn about the vital role pollinators play in our world from our Master Beekeeper while visiting the home of our ANC bees.
  • Build a Nest:
    Learn about bird life, the purpose and different types of bird nests, then work together with your classmates to construct your best nests while looking and listening for birds.
  • Christmas at the ANC (December only):
    Enjoy a sleigh ride, create a holiday craft, go on a nature hike, participate in story time, and take a photo with Santa after telling him about your holiday wishes!
  • Creek Hike:
    Learn about Alabama’s aquatic biodiversity while hiking through Still Creek. You will get wet! All students and chaperones must bring a full change of clothes including shoes that can be worn in the creek (old tennis shoes, rain boots, water shoes, Crocs, or sandals with a strap around the back. No flip flops or slides!
  • Creepy Crawlies (October only):
    Investigate the creatures of the season, including snakes, bats, and spiders. Don’t worry, these creatures are not as scary as you think!
  • Decomposer Hike:
    Learn about the vital role decomposers play in our ecosystem while searching under logs and leaf litter for these creepy crawly critters.
  • Fish Art:
    Discuss fish characteristics and learn two different techniques (fish printing and fish rubbing), then create artwork to take home.
  • Fishing (+$1):
    Try your luck at fishing for catfish and bream with a cane pole at one of our ponds.
  • Forest Exploration:
    Explore forest structure and the plants and animals that call this habitat home.
  • Insect Hike:
    Observe insects, evidence of insects, and their homes while hiking at the ANC.
  • Insect Roundup:
    Collect and identify a variety of insects with insect nets in one of our fields.
  • Living & Nonliving Things:
    Investigate the characteristics of living and nonliving things in the environment.
  • Longleaf Pine Ecosystem:
    Visit with our gopher tortoise and eastern indigo snake while learning about characteristics that make this ecosystem unique.
  • Mammals of Alabama:
    Discuss the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home with hands on exploration of skins and skulls.
  • Nature Observation Hike:
    Learn a variety of new skills and hone those you didn’t know you already had while engaging all of your senses on a fun adventure.
  • Pollinator Hike (2nd grade only):
    Discover the relationships between plant and animal species while exploring pollination concepts through a series of interactive games and a guided plant hike.
  • Pond Exploration:
    Explore a freshwater habitat and the plants, animals, and food webs of the pond ecosystem.
  • Reptile & Amphibian Adventure:
    Join us for a hike plus a variety of games and activities all about herpetofauna!
  • Signs of Fall (October only):
    Join us for a hike plus a variety of games and activities all about how plants and animals prepare for fall.
  • Signs of Spring (February only):
    Join us for a hike plus a variety of games and activities all about how plants and animals prepare for spring.
  • Trees, Leaves & Seeds:
    Learn all about adaptations, life cycles, and seed dispersal through a variety of activities.
  • Winter Animal Adaptations (January only):
    Learn what it takes for plants and animals to survive winter through a variety of games and activities.

Grades 3-5

Included with all field trips:
• Animal Ambassadors Presentation: Meet and have the opportunity to touch a variety of our reptiles and amphibians that call the Alabama Nature Center their home.
• Discovery Hall Exploration: Explore and discover the plants and animals that live in the different regions of Alabama.
  • Alabama Habitat Hike:
    Compare a variety of different habitats on the ANC property and learn about the plants and animals that live there.
  • Alabama State Symbols:
    Explore the plant and animal symbols of Alabama through an interactive hike.
  • Animal Behaviors:
    From migration to hibernation, sociality, nocturnal/diurnal animals, and everything in between, we will take a deep dive into a variety of animal actions.
  • Animal Homes Hike:
    Discover animal homes while searching for animal signs and native wildlife on one of our trails.
  • Apiary Demonstration (March-October only):
    Learn about the vital role pollinators play in our world from our Master Beekeeper while visiting the home of our ANC bees.
  • Binocular Hike:
    Learn how to use binoculars then head out on a hike to observe birds and other animals, their habits, and behaviors.
  • Build a Nest:
    Learn about bird life, the purpose and different types of bird nests, then work together with your classmates to construct your best nests while looking and listening for birds.
  • Canoeing I:
    Go for a paddle at our pond after learning canoeing basics including safety and paddling methods. All participants should bring a full change of clothes and shoes. 
  • Canoeing II:
    Take your canoeing skills up a notch with a pond scavenger hunt and canoe race. All participants should bring a full change of clothes and shoes. (Must be chosen with Canoeing I)
  • Creek Hike:
    Learn about Alabama’s aquatic biodiversity while hiking through Still Creek. You will get wet! All students and chaperones must bring a full change of clothes including shoes that can be worn in the creek (old tennis shoes, rain boots, water shoes, Crocs, or sandals with a strap around the back. No flip flops or slides!
  • Creepy Crawlies (October only):
    Investigate the creatures of the season, including snakes, bats, and spiders. Don’t worry, these creatures are not as scary as you think!
  • Decomposer Hike:
    Learn about the vital role decomposers play in our ecosystem while searching under logs and leaf litter for these creepy crawly critters.
  • Face Your Fears:
    Learn how to tread safely and without fear in the outdoors when encountering Alabama’s misunderstood plants and animals.
  • Fish Art:
    Discuss fish characteristics and learn two different techniques (fish printing and fish rubbing), then create artwork to take home.
  • Fishing (+$1):
    Try your luck at fishing for catfish and bream with a cane pole at one of our ponds.
  • Forest Exploration:
    Explore forest structure and the plants and animals that call this habitat home.
  • Incredible Edibles Hike:
    Discover the uses of several native plant species, including those that are edible and those you should avoid.
  • Insect Hike:
    Observe insects, evidence of insects, and their homes while hiking at the ANC.
  • Insect Roundup:
    Collect and identify a variety of insects with insect nets in one of our fields.
  • Longleaf Pine Ecosystem:
    Visit with our gopher tortoise and eastern indigo snake while learning about characteristics that make this ecosystem unique.
  • Mammal Track Casting (+$1):
    Use a variety of animal track molds to make a cast of your very own mammal footprint to take home. Also, learn fun facts about the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home.
  • Mammals of Alabama:
    Discuss the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home with hands on exploration of skins and skulls.
  • Microscope Exploration:
    Discover a whole new world when examining a variety of specimens under a microscope.
  • Nature Observation Hike:
    Learn a variety of new skills and hone those you didn’t know you already had while engaging all of your senses on a fun adventure.
  • Nature Relationships:
    Take a deep dive into relationships between plants and animals; discuss topics such as keystone species, symbiosis, predator/prey interactions, and food chains/webs.
  • Nature Sleuths:
    Use your detective skills to determine which Alabama animals have left behind clues for you to find.
  • Pollinator Hike:
    Discover the relationships between plant and animal species while exploring pollination concepts through a series of interactive games and a guided plant hike. 
  • Pond Exploration:
    Explore a freshwater habitat and the plants, animals, and food webs of the pond ecosystem.
  • Pond Exploration w/Microscopes:
    Collect water samples from the ANC property then examine them with microscopes to investigate aquatic organisms that live below the surface of our ponds.
  • Raptors of Alabama w/Owl Pellet Dissection (+$2):
    Discover the unique characteristics of raptors, what owls eat, and the role they play in our ecosystem through the dissection of owl pellets.
  • Reptile & Amphibian Adventure:
    Join us for a hike plus a variety of games and activities all about herpetofauna!
  • Weather Watchers:
    Explore weather instruments, patterns, clouds, and types of weather events through a variety of games and activities.
  • Wilderness Skills I:
    Learn basic skills to live life in the wild, including fire building techniques.
  • Winter Animal Adaptations (January only):
    Learn what it takes for plants and animals to survive winter through a variety of games and activities.

Grades 6-8

Included with all field trips:
• Animal Ambassadors Presentation: Meet and have the opportunity to touch a variety of our reptiles and amphibians that call the Alabama Nature Center their home.
• Discovery Hall Exploration: Explore and discover the plants and animals that live in the different regions of Alabama.
  • Alabama Habitat Hike:
    Compare a variety of different habitats on the ANC property and learn about the plants and animals that live there.
  • Alabama State Symbols:
    Explore the plant and animal symbols of Alabama through an interactive hike.
  • Animal Behaviors:
    From migration to hibernation, sociality, nocturnal/diurnal animals, and everything in between, we will take a deep dive into a variety of animal actions.
  • Apiary Demonstration (March-October only):
    Learn about the vital role pollinators play in our world from our Master Beekeeper while visiting the home of our ANC bees.
  • Archery I:
    Receive an introduction to proper archery techniques, then decide if your new skills are on target.
  • Archery II:
    Master your newly acquired archery skills with a friendly competition with your classmates. (Must be chosen with Archery I)
  • Binocular Hike:
    Learn how to use binoculars then head out on a hike to observe birds and other animals, their habits, and behaviors.
  • Canoeing I:
    Go for a paddle at our pond after learning canoeing basics including safety and paddling methods. All participants should bring a full change of clothes and shoes. 
  • Canoeing II:
    Take your canoeing skills up a notch with a pond scavenger hunt and canoe race. All participants should bring a full change of clothes and shoes. (Must be chosen with Canoeing I)
  • Creek Hike:
    Learn about Alabama’s aquatic biodiversity while hiking through Still Creek. You will get wet! All students and chaperones must bring a full change of clothes including shoes that can be worn in the creek (old tennis shoes, rain boots, water shoes, Crocs, or sandals with a strap around the back. No flip flops or slides!
  • Decomposer Hike:
    Learn about the vital role decomposers play in our ecosystem while searching under logs and leaf litter for these creepy crawly critters.
  • Face Your Fears:
    Learn how to tread safely and without fear in the outdoors when encountering Alabama’s misunderstood plants and animals.
  • Fishing (+$1):
    Try your luck at fishing for catfish and bream with a cane pole at one of our ponds.
  • Forest Exploration:
    Explore forest structure and the plants and animals that call this habitat home.
  • Incredible Edibles Hike:
    Discover the uses of several native plant species, including those that are edible and those you should avoid.
  • Insect Hike:
    Observe insects, evidence of insects, and their homes while hiking at the ANC.
  • Insect Roundup:
    Collect and identify a variety of insects with insect nets in one of our fields.
  • Invasive Species Hike:
    Discover the many alien invaders in the form of plants and animals that call the ANC home even though they are not welcome!
  • Longleaf Pine Ecosystem:
    Visit with our gopher tortoise and eastern indigo snake while learning about characteristics that make this ecosystem unique.
  • Mammal Track Casting (+$1):
    Use a variety of animal track molds to make a cast of your very own mammal footprint to take home. Also, learn fun facts about the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home.
  • Mammals of Alabama:
    Discuss the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home with hands on exploration of skins and skulls.
  • Microscope Exploration:
    Discover a whole new world when examining a variety of specimens under a microscope.
  • Nature Observation Hike:
    Learn a variety of new skills and hone those you didn’t know you already had while engaging all of your senses on a fun adventure.
  • Nature Relationships:
    Take a deep dive into relationships between plants and animals; discuss topics such as keystone species, symbiosis, predator/prey interactions, and food chains/webs.
  • Nature Sleuths:
    Use your detective skills to determine which Alabama animals have left behind clues for you to find.
  • Pollinator Hike:
    Discover the relationships between plant and animal species while exploring pollination concepts through a series of interactive games and a guided plant hike. 
  • Pond Exploration:
    Explore a freshwater habitat and the plants, animals, and food webs of the pond ecosystem.
  • Pond Exploration w/Microscopes:
    Collect water samples from the ANC property then examine them with microscopes to investigate aquatic organisms that live below the surface of our ponds.
  • Raptors of Alabama w/Owl Pellet Dissection (+$2):
    Discover the unique characteristics of raptors, what owls eat, and the role they play in our ecosystem through the dissection of owl pellets.
  • Reptile & Amphibian Adventure:
    Join us for a hike plus a variety of games and activities all about herpetofauna!
  • Weather Watchers:
    Explore weather instruments, patterns, clouds, and types of weather events through a variety of games and activities.
  • Wilderness Skills I:
    Learn basic skills to live life in the wild, including fire building techniques.
  • Wilderness Skills II:
    Take your survival skills a step further by learning how to navigate with a compass. (Must be chosen with Wilderness Skills I)
  • Wildlife Hike:
    Discover animal homes while searching for animal signs and native wildlife on one of our trails.

Grades 9-12

Included with all field trips:
• Animal Ambassadors Presentation: Meet and have the opportunity to touch a variety of our reptiles and amphibians that call the Alabama Nature Center their home.
• Discovery Hall Exploration: Explore and discover the plants and animals that live in the different regions of Alabama.
  • Alabama Habitat Hike:
    Compare a variety of different habitats on the ANC property and learn about the plants and animals that live there.
  • Animal Behaviors:
    From migration to hibernation, sociality, nocturnal/diurnal animals, and everything in between, we will take a deep dive into a variety of animal actions.
  • Apiary Demonstration (March-October only):
    Learn about the vital role pollinators play in our world from our Master Beekeeper while visiting the home of our ANC bees.
  • Archery I:
    Receive an introduction to proper archery techniques, then decide if your new skills are on target.
  • Archery II:
    Master your newly acquired archery skills with a friendly competition with your classmates. (Must be chosen with Archery I)
  • Binocular Hike:
    Learn how to use binoculars then head out on a hike to observe birds and other animals, their habits, and behaviors.
  • Canoeing I:
    Go for a paddle at our pond after learning canoeing basics including safety and paddling methods. All participants should bring a full change of clothes and shoes. 
  • Canoeing II:
    Take your canoeing skills up a notch with a pond scavenger hunt and canoe race. All participants should bring a full change of clothes and shoes. (Must be chosen with Canoeing I)
  • Creek Hike:
    Learn about Alabama’s aquatic biodiversity while hiking through Still Creek. You will get wet! All students and chaperones must bring a full change of clothes including shoes that can be worn in the creek (old tennis shoes, rain boots, water shoes, Crocs, or sandals with a strap around the back. No flip flops or slides!
  • Face Your Fears:
    Learn how to tread safely and without fear in the outdoors when encountering Alabama’s misunderstood plants and animals.
  • Fishing (+$1):
    Try your luck at fishing for catfish and bream with a cane pole at one of our ponds.
  • Forest Exploration:
    Explore forest structure and the plants and animals that call this habitat home.
  • Forestry Assessment:
    Students will be introduced to forestry skills and tools while evaluating a forest stand.
  • Habitat Diversity Assessment:
    Determine plant biodiversity while surveying two different habitats.
  • Incredible Edibles Hike:
    Discover the uses of several native plant species, including those that are edible and those you should avoid.
  • Invasive Species Hike:
    Discover the many alien invaders in the form of plants and animals that call the ANC home even though they are not welcome!
  • Longleaf Pine Ecosystem:
    Visit with our gopher tortoise and eastern indigo snake while learning about characteristics that make this ecosystem unique.
  • Mammal Track Casting (+$1):
    Use a variety of animal track molds to make a cast of your very own mammal footprint to take home. Also, learn fun facts about the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home.
  • Mammals of Alabama:
    Discuss the wide variety of mammals that call Alabama home with hands on exploration of skins and skulls.
  • Microscope Exploration:
    Discover a whole new world when examining a variety of specimens under a microscope.
  • Nature Observation Hike:
    Learn a variety of new skills and hone those you didn’t know you already had while engaging all of your senses on a fun adventure.
  • Nature Relationships:
    Take a deep dive into relationships between plants and animals; discuss topics such as keystone species, symbiosis, predator/prey interactions, and food chains/webs.
  • Nature Sleuths:
    Use your detective skills to determine which Alabama animals have left behind clues for you to find.
  • Pollinator Hike:
    Discover the relationships between plant and animal species while exploring pollination concepts through a series of interactive games and a guided plant hike. 
  • Pond Exploration:
    Explore a freshwater habitat and the plants, animals, and food webs of the pond ecosystem.
  • Pond Exploration w/Microscopes:
    Collect water samples from the ANC property then examine them with microscopes to investigate aquatic organisms that live below the surface of our ponds.
  • Raptors of Alabama w/Owl Pellet Dissection (+$2):
    Discover the unique characteristics of raptors, what owls eat, and the role they play in our ecosystem through the dissection of owl pellets.
  • Reptile & Amphibian Adventure:
    Join us for a hike plus a variety of games and activities all about herpetofauna!
  • Stream Assessment:
    Visit Still Creek to assess stream health using a variety of sampling methods. You will get wet! All students and chaperones must bring a full change of clothes including shoes that can be worn in the creek (old tennis shoes, rain boots, water shoes, Crocs, or sandals with a strap around the back. No flip flops or slides!
  • Water Quality Assessment (+$1):
    Visit one of our ANC ponds to assess pond health using a variety of sampling methods.
  • Wilderness Skills I:
    Learn basic skills to live life in the wild, including fire building techniques.
  • Wilderness Skills II:
    Take your survival skills a step further by learning how to navigate with a compass. (Must be chosen with Wilderness Skills I)
  • Wildlife Hike:
    Discover animal homes while searching for animal signs and native wildlife on one of our trails.