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Programs - OutreachOutreach Programs

Upham Woods is now bringing its interactive environmental education programs into classrooms, meeting rooms, and other public venues throughout southern Wisconsin! Many of our programs transfer excellently to off site locations.

How do I schedule a program at my school?
To schedule an outreach program for your class or for more information contact Chuck Cropp, Upham Woods Outreach Educator, via email or telephone at (608) 254-6461, ext. 209.

About Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center…

Upham Woods is located on the scenic waterway of the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin Dells. It is operated through the University of Wisconsin-Extension Service and the Department of Youth Development. Throughout the fall, winter, and spring months, many schools, scouting groups, and youth groups attend Upham Woods to participate in residential environmental education programs. During the summer months, Upham Woods is home to county-based 4-H camp programs. Public programs and open houses are also held year round at Upham Woods.

Upham Woods 4-H Environmental Education Center also offers its interactive environmental educational programming in local schools, community centers or anywhere youth meet. This option allows school groups, scouts, 4-H or church groups who may not have the means to attend a full day or overnight program at Upham Woods, access to the center's exceptional curriculum and teaching staff.

How much does the outreach program cost?
Upham Woods 4-H Environmental Education Center staff will travel to your classroom and teach any of the following programs. All programs are one hour in length and geared for 10-30 students, with the exception of Radical Raptors, which can be presented to any size audience. The cost is $3/student plus mileage ($0.50/mile). There is a $50 minimum for each visit..

The following outreach programs are available:

Animal Signs
Students will learn about seven categories of animal signs, what can be interpreted by each sign, and how sign interpretation can help solve the mystery of what animal left the signs behind. Upham Woods staff will bring a variety of animal pelts, tracks, homes, and other animal signs to your classroom. A portion of the class can be spent outside looking for animal signs. Grades: 1st - 6th

Bats!
Through exploration of cultural myths surrounding bats, interactive games, and a slide show, students will be introduced to the fascinating world of bats. Emphasis will be placed on bat adaptations and bat-human interactions. Grades 3rd -7th

Beaver Ecology
With the help of "Alvin" our stuffed beaver, students will learn about the physical and behavior adaptations of beavers during a dress-up activity. Students will learn about the beaver life cycle through a beaver family role play, and explore how beaver behavior affects the lives of other plants and animals in the ecosystem through a "Beaver On Trial" simulation.
Grades 2nd -7th

Discovering Owls
Through the use of a slide show, audio aids, and hands-on examples, students will discover the unique adaptations of owls, learn about Wisconsin's native owls, and explore the composition of owl pellets. Students will also dissect and keep an owl pellet. *Because of the additional cost of owl pellets. Grades: 2nd -7th

Radical Raptors
Students will learn about types of raptors, raptor adaptations, and human-raptor interactions through a presentation including two live raptors. "Beauty," our red-tail hawk and "Stella," our barred owl will be introduced during the program. Both raptors are housed at Upham Woods and have injuries that prevent them from reentering the wild. Grades: 1st - 7th

Scales, Scutes, & Skins
This program will help students learn general adaptations of reptiles and amphibians through comparison activities. Upham Woods staff will bring a variety or reptiles and amphibians to your classroom. Students will have the opportunity to have hands-on contact with live specimens, which may include a corn snake, garter snake, eastern tiger salamander, painted turtle, and american toad. Grades: K-7th

Garbology
This program provides students with an opportunity to learn about recycling, reducing, and reusing by participating in hands on activities. Students will compete in a recycling relay as well as construct a compost bin. Recycled papermaking is an optional activity of this program. Grades: 4th - 7th

French Voyageur Program
Meet Jacque the French voyageur (in full voyageur dress) as he makes an unexpected visit to your classroom. Students will learn about the web of cultures that made the fur trade possible and the role that each culture played as trappers, traders, and travelers. Voyageur era games will be played at the end of the program. Grades: 2nd - 6th

Tree Detectives
Students will become "tree detectives" to solve the mystery of a tree. Students will learn about how tree parts function together to make a tree grow and live. Corresponding craft activities are made by the students to complete their tree detective vests. Students will be able to take their tree detective vests home with them. Grades: K-3rd