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Are you wanting to get our from behind a computer screen and give your kids a more "hands-on" approach? With our Homeschool Conservation you can work with your child to learn (we provide the learning material) and make a difference in the community at the same time.
 Time is flexible to meet parent and at-home learner needs. We have a variety of topics to meet what would be a good fit for your child's interest and needs:
  • Stewardship​​
    • Giving Back
    • Sustainability
    • Trail Keeper
  • Pollinators
    • Butterfly Garden
    • Bog Garden
    • Parking Lot Garden
  • Plants/Ecology
    • Life of a Plant
    • Native Plants
    • Invasive Plants
  • Critter Conservation
    • Critter Castles

K-5

Stewardship

Giving Back

Why do we use so much mulch? What good does it do for the plants and local ecosystem? Make a difference while learning some of the "behind the scenes" to our Nature Center.

Sustainability

What's the big deal about a little trash? What can I do to help the world? Learn the impact of trash and what it does to the environment as you help make a difference. 

Trail Keepers

Isn't it nice to have trails? Why would the trails be like if we didn't have people doing upkeep on them all the time? Help learn the importance clean trails as you help the community. 

Pollinators

Butterfly Garden

What role does a butterfly play in pollination? How can we help these beautiful creatures? Help our local butterflies (bees, hummingbirds, etc.) as you enjoy our beautiful butterfly garden.

Bog and Pollinator Gardens

Why should we support pollinators? And what the heck is a bog? Help take care of this unique garden as well as learn about and support our local pollinators.

Parking Lot Garden

Why plant flowers in a parking lot? Are they just to look pretty or do they serve a bigger purpose? See how these plants help our local ecosystem while you help maintain the garden. 

Plants/Ecology

Life of a Plant

Why do the bright colorful flowers on our property turn into these black spikey balls? Where do the new plants come from? Help collect seeds, plant native plants, or tend to plants (depending on the season) and learn how it's all a year-long cycle. 

Native Plants

What's so great about native plants? Why should we focus on them, and how are they helping the world? Learn about some of the Illinois Natives we fight for, while taking care of an important part of our ecosystem.

Invasive Plants

What's the difference between a native, a non-native, and invasive plant? Why are they so bad for the environment? Learn about how harmless looking invasive flora and fauna are doing huge harm around the world, as well as what you can do.

Critter Conservation

Critter Castle Creation

What are critter castles? Why do we build them? What critters live in these castles? Learn about the odd structures you see along the paths, and help build a new home for some amazing critters.

MS and HS

Any good ideas for Middle School and High School? I guess we could do similar as above, just modified? or like CCI stuff where they work with staff? Idk...