Field Trips
Group Rate Structure
Discounted admission is available for schools, garden clubs, or other large groups. Educational sessions can be added to your visit - learn more below. Group visits must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. We may or may not be able to accommodate your group on the preferred date, depending on schedule and staff availability. For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact Education Program Coordinator Carley Kratz at kratzcar@msu.edu or call our office at (517) 431-2060.
- 5 - 10 People
Group Admission - $50.00
Indoor Lunchroom Rental - $100.00
One Educational Session Topic (1 Hour) - $50.00
Three Educational Session Topics (3-4 Hours) - $100.00- 11 - 25 People
Group Admission - $100.00
Indoor Lunchroom Rental - $100.00
One Educational Session Topic (1 Hour) - $50.00
Three Educational Session Topics (3-4 Hours) - $100.00- 26 - 40 People
Group Admission - $150.00
Indoor Lunchroom Rental - $150.00
One Educational Session Topic (1 Hour) - $100.00
Three Educational Session Topics (3-4 Hours)- $200.00- 41 - 55 People
Group Admission - $200.00
Indoor Lunchroom Rental - $150.00
One Educational Session Topic (1 Hour) - $100.00
Three Educational Session Topics (3-4 Hours) - $200.00- 55+ People
Please contact the Education Program Coordinator, Carley Kratz, Kratzcar@msu.edu
Educational Session Topics
Aquatic Ecology in the Pond
Our pond and lake are home to a wide array of living organisms. Insects, salamanders, frogs, turtles, fish, and waterfowl are all denizens of the deep. Learn about food webs through this hands-on guided exploration of aquatic ecology. Water quality tests and aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling will allow us to ponder what living organisms can tell us about water quality.
Engineering on the Sky Walk
Reach for the sky and think like an engineer while learning in our Sky Walk classroom space. See how forces such as compression and tension work on our Sky Walk suspension bridge. Information on bridge designs and construction will be included, along with connections to the mighty Mackinac Bridge. Our Sky Walk provides a memorable real-world example of engineering design principles for visitors of all ages.
Plant Adaptations in the Conservatory Biomes
Organisms must be adapted to the environment to survive, and plants are no exception. Our Conservatory offers three different biomes: arid, temperate, and tropical. Staff members will discuss the specialized adaptations that plants have to thrive in each type of ecosystem. Travel from the desert to the rainforest and back to our temperate deciduous forest in a single trip.
Terrestrial Ecology in the Forest
Walk the woodlands with our expert naturalists to learn about how soils, plants, and animals interact in our forests. Habitats for local wildlife such as birds, bats, squirrels, and deer will be highlighted. Trees and plants are important components of keeping our forest ecosystem thriving, and their role in the base of the food web will be highlighted. Enjoy hiking a small part of our 12-mile-long trail system.
