If you would like to set up a field trip, program, meeting, or an event please fill out a request form and then send it via email to Valerie Mann, Naturalist at naturalist@pringlenc.org or mail it to the Pringle Nature Center.

If you would like more information regarding the different programs the PNC offers, please email Valerie Mann, Naturalist at naturalist@pringlenc.org.

Middle and High School teachers - new this year - come use Pringle Nature Center as your staging area for your science curriculum. $50 for half day use of the building, $75 for whole day use. Call to see if dates are available. 

Also new this year - we will be trying out a new program for schools that bring lunches to the nature center. We have been noticing how much food was being wasted and are challenging school groups to have a Zero Waste Lunch when they are here. Our program will be based off of Mosquito Hill Nature Center's own successful program.

Downloads: Teacher Letter, No Waste Fact Sheet

Children's Birthday Parties

Give the gift of Nature for your child's birthday: Celebrate at the Pringle Nature Center. Programs are offered based on age groups and include programs such as treasure hunts, nature games, geocaching, and paper making. See our flyer for more information.

 Scouting Programs

The Pringle Nature does offer Scouting programs, for Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. Pringle aims to provide Cub Scouts the opportunity to earn World Conservation Award. Overnight opportunities do exist to earn other Cub Scout and Girl Scout badges. To schedule a scouting program please contact Naturalist, Valerie Mann at the PNC by phone at 262-857-8008 or by email at naturalist@pringlenc.org.

Click here for a list of scouting programs offered at the PNC

PNC Field Trip Offerings

Kindergarten

Nuts to You - Through a puppet show, hands-on activities and a hike, students will learn about trees and how squirrels depend upon them for survival.  Focus will be on squirrel natural history and adaptations as well as tree ecology.  Addresses WI Science Standards F4.1 and F8.2 and KUSD Science Standards F1, F2, F3

The Mitten - Through the reading of the story The Mitten, activities, crafts and a hike, students will learn about adaptations such as camouflage and hibernation.  Addresses WI Science Standards F4.1 and F8.2 and KUSD Science Standards F1, F2, F3

The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Through a puppet show, hands-on activities and a hike, your students will learn about the metamorphosis of caterpillars to butterflies.  Addresses WI Science Standards F4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and KUSD Science Standards F1 and F2

First Grade

Weather - Your students will review weather concepts, vocabulary and instruments.  On a hike they will use common weather instruments to make observations on weather in different ecosystems and compare their findings.  Best done after students have had some exposure to FOSS Air and Weather unit.  Addresses WI Science Standards C4.4, D4.3, 4.4 and E4.5 and KUSD Standards

Winter Wandering - Take a hike through the wintry woods at Pringle where your students will learn about animals in the winter and how they adapt to survive.  Be sure to dress warmly as most of this program is done outside.  Addresses WI Science Standards F4.1 and F8.2 and KUSD Science Standards F1, F3, F4

The Green Planet - Your Students will learn about plants and how we use them in our daily life.  On a hike through Bristol Woods the students will observe the new life bursting from the soil.  Addresses WI Science Standards F4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and KUSD Science Standards F1, F2, F3

Second Grade

Insects - Through hands on activities students will learn what an insect is as well as the life cycle of insects.  The hike will allow students to view students in their native habitats including around the pond and in a rotting log.  Addresses WI Science Standards F4.1, 4.3, 4.4 and KUSD Science Standards F1, F2, F3, F4

Recycling - Your students will learn about the three "R's": reduce, reuse and recycle. During a hike they will learn how nature recycles and will get to make their own recycled paper to take home with them.  Addresses WI Science Standards G8.5 and KUSD Science Standards G1 and G2

Soils - Your students will learn about soil composition through making home-made soil and comparing it to samples gathered from different habitats on a hike. Soils will be analyzed in terms of both living and non-living components.  Addresses WI Science Standards C4.2, 4.4 and E4.1, 4.2 and KUSD Science Standards C1, C4, C5, C6 and E1

Weather - Your students will review weather concepts, vocabulary and instruments.  On a hike they will use common weather instruments to make observations on weather in different ecosystems and compare their findings.  Best done after students have had some exposure to FOSS Air and Weather unit.  Addresses WI Science Standards C4.4, D4.3, 4.4 and E4.5 and KUSD Standards

Third Grade

Reptiles and Amphibians - Through the live specimens and activities your students will learn about reptile and amphibian characteristics.  On a hike they may observe these animals in their natural habitats.  Addresses WI Science Standards F4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 and KUSD Science Standards F1 and F2

Mammals - In this program your students will learn about mammal adaptations through hands-on activities, crafts and a hike.  On the hike they may observe these animals in their natural habitats.  Addresses WI Science Standards F4.1 and F8.2 and KUSD Science Standards F1 and F2

Birds - Using mounted species, bird calls and activities students will learn about bird adaptations. Live birds will be explored on a hike or at our bird feeders during inclement wedather. Addresses WI Science Standards F4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 and KUSD Science Standards F1 and F2

Astronomy - Using the Star Lab, students will be taken to far away places to learn about the sun, our galaxy, and the surrounding stars. Students will learn about the planets and their behavior in space. Students will look at Earth's relationship with the Sun and nearby planets and evaluate day and yearly cycles, in addition to seasons relative to our Sun. Addresses WI Science Standards A4.5, E4.4, and E4.6 and KUSD Science Standards A1, D5, E2, E3, and E4

Fourth Grade

Rocks and Minerals - Your students will be introduced to the rock cycle, plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes.  They will identify minerals and classify rocks according to sedimentary, metamorphic or igneous.  Addresses WI Science Standards D4.1, 4.2 and E4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and KUSD Science Standards D1 and E1, E2

Pond Study - Your students will explore the pond and wetlands at Pringle Nature Center looking for abundant life teeming within them.  They will also perform tests to determine water quality.  Addresses WI Science Standards C4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7 and F4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and KUSD Science Standards C4, C5, C6 and F4

Water Everywhere - Through experiments and a hike students will learn about how water interacts with the environment. Lesson will also include the water cycle. Addresses WI Science Standards and KUSD Standards C1, C5 and E1, E2

Astronomy - Using the Star Lab, students will be taken to far away places to learn about the sun, our galaxy, and the surrounding stars. Students will learn about the planets and their behavior in space. Students will look at Earth's relationship with the Sun and nearby planets and evaluate day and yearly cycles, in addition to seasons relative to our Sun. Addresses WI Science Standards A4.5, E4.4, and E4.6 and KUSD Science Standards A1, D5, E2, E3, and E4

Fifth Grade

Predator and Prey - Through hands-on activities, games and models your students will learn about predator-prey interactions.  Included will be the dissecting of an owl pellet.  Addresses WI Science Standards F4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and KUSD Science Standards F1, F3, F4

Forest layers - Students observe the structural layers of our forest and participate in activities to discover animals that can be found in each layer. Taken from the LEAF field lesson guide, addresses WI Science Standards A8.5, B8.6, B8.8 and KUSD Science Standards.

Fourth Grade and Up                                                                        

Winter Survival - This program simulates basic survival skills in an emergency situation outdoors. Students construct survival shelters out of forest debris and learn how to build warming fires. Dressing for the weather and basic survival tips are also covered. This program is only in winter.

Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grade                                                          Mighty Acorns - The Mighty Acorns® program introduces thousands of 4th through 6th graders to nature and conservation stewardship in the Chicagoland area each year through activities based on education, restoration, and exploration. This is a cross-curriculum linked program.

Kindergarten to Eighth Grade                                                          

LEAF - LEAF, Learning Experiences and Activities in Forestry is a program developed at UW-Stevens Point to teach Wisconsin students about one of our states most valuable resources, our forests. The field activities were designed to accompany the LEAF classroom curriculum, but can also be used on their own, giving students a better understanding of the forests in their own back yard.

Your Choice!

We are happy to work with you to develop or adapt from our current list a program that suits your specific needs.