PROGRAMS

Myrick Hixon EcoPark offers many educational programs throughout the year. There are programs targeted toward specific age groups and programs for the general public. Click here find more information about our school programs. We also have Summer Adventure Camps that cover a wide variety of environmental topics for many age groups

Educational Philosophy:

It is the belief of Myrick Hixon EcoPark that environmental education should be a continuum of learning experiences that are infused into all subject areas. Progrms for preschool and early elementary children emphasize awareness and sensory exploration of the environment. Elementary programs help children develop a basic understanding of ecology. Upper elementary and middle school programs help students acquire additional knowledge and skills needed to investigate environmental issues. In addition, all programs help the students set and clarify their values and feelings about the environment. Each level is the building block for the next level, preparing students to make individual environmental choices. Environmental education is an ongoing process.

MHEP School Programs:

To assist teachers in providing environmental education, MHEP offers hands-on experiential programs, and has done so for over 20 years. The programs have been developed by the nature center's professional staff with local teacher input, and are geared to address a variety of science standards in different grade level curriculums. Each program emphasizes student participation and at least a portion of the programs takes place in a surrounding natural area, our own outdoor classroom.

Teacher Packets:
Packets including pre/post activities, background information, and resources are available for most programs, upon request.

School Program Cost:

Preschool Seasons & Sensory Hike - $1.50 per student
All others - $2.00 per student
$15.00 minimum

Myrick Hixon EcoPark serves as the gateway to La Crosse's nature areas, utilizing the unique resources of Hixon Forest, the La Crosse River Marsh, the blufftop prairies, and soon - live animal exhibits. The Nature Center provides area schools and the community with quality, comprehensive, environmental education programs. Given our very small staff, we are only able to do this because of our dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers.

There are many volunteer opportunities at Myrick Hixon EcoPark, and after reading all about them, just print the form and mail it to us! We'll get you started right away!

POPULAR PROGRAMS

Preschool and Kindergarten School Programs

Animal Classification $2.00 per student

Open: All Seasons
Time: 1.5 hours
Limit: 30 students

The Seasons and Our Senses $1.50 per student

Open: Fall - September/October
Time: 1 hour
Limit: 50 students

Students learn ho nature prepares for winter. They take a sensory hike exploring for seeds, leaves, and other fall signs.

Open: Winter - January/February
Time: 1 hour
Limit: 50 students

What animals do in winter is the focus of this seasonal program. Students look for animal tracks and winter shelters while also experiencing winter scents, sounds, and textures.

Open: Spring - April/May
Time: 1 hour
Limit: 50 students

Students explore the world of spring: opening buds, bird songs, spring flowers, and animals awakening from winter.

1st and 2nd Grade Programs

Learning to See $2.00 per student

Open: Spring - April/May
Time: 1.5 hours
Limit: 60 students

Observing life in a forest community includes everything from the very small ant to the towering cottonwood. Students simulate how other animals see using binoculars, kaleidoscopes, a variety of glasses, and use their senses to examine the community.

Lifecycles of These: Butterflies and Bees $2.00 per student

Open: Spring - April/May
Time: 1.5 hours
Limit: 60 students

Students will learn about insect life cycles through personal observations, educational games, and a short hike. This program takes students through what insects are, how they grow, and why we need them.

3rd Grade School Programs $2.00 per student

This program focuses on habitats and how animals are adapted to live in different places. Children see and feel real beaver skulls, owl talons, woodpecker beaks, and more!

Open: Winter - January/February
Time: 2 hours
Limit 50 students

Our winter program combines animal tracking with the concept of populations and predator/prey relationships. Time ouside is adjusted to the daily temperature and wind conditions.

Open: Spring - April/May
Time: 2 hours
Limit: 50 students

Spring brings wildflower identification and forest community awareness. We discuss food chains, webs, and soil makers. We stress that all living things are connected and necessary to a healthy community.

4th and 5th Grade School Programs

Prairie vs. Forest $2.00 per student

Open: September/October
Time: 2.5 hours
Limit: 50 students

Students investigate one of the goat prairies that dot the blufftops and slowly work their way down the bluff through the forest. Emphasis is on students' wxploration of plants adaptations in the contrasting environments of prairie and forest. This entire program is outside.

Birds and Biodiversity $2.50 per student

Open: January/February
Time: 2.5 hours
Limit: 30 students

Learn about the hot scientific topic of biodiversity while snowshoeing and studying birds. Program is a combination of indoor and outdoor activities.

4th to 7th Grand School Programs

Marsh Mania $2.00 per student

Open: Fall - September/October
Time: 2 hours
Limit: 30 students

Marsh metaphors, mapping, and orienteering fill this program with hands-on learning. Students discuss values, historical uses, and current issues of the marsh.