grasslands with small bridge and visitor center
Spring Creek Prairie Get Involved

Education Programs & Tours

All ages can have exciting experiences at the prairie

We know that students learn best when they have an opportunity to explore and discover. In that spirit, our educators focus on facilitating the activities that tie back to the classroom curriculum goals. Our engaging outdoor classroom allows students of all ages to learn first-hand all about the tallgrass prairie, the features that distinguish it from other ecosystems, and with hands-on activities, we help them discover differences among ponds, wetlands, streams, and springs, as well as the bur oak woodlands and tallgrass prairie. 

Inside our Visitor Center, students can continue to learn—no matter the type of weather. With windows that look out onto the tallgrass prairie and activities using authentic materials, students and their teachers can learn details of all the species that make their homes on our Nebraska prairie. 

Public and private schools, homeschools, daycares, and scout troops can have curriculum-based field trips guided by our staff and volunteer Discovery Leaders. Tours can be adapted to a particular subject matter, and topics can run from prairie-related themes (such as birds, wildflowers, and grasses, prairie management, history, and ecosystems) to specialized ones (art, literature, etc.). Classes are divided into small groups, each led by a staff member or volunteer naturalist. 

Fee: $10/student (adults/chaperones free). To schedule your group or for additional information, call (402) 797-2301 or e-mail us. 

Organizations, companies, churches, families, et. al., are welcome to schedule guided tours along our prairie trails to get their members outside enjoying nature. 

Fee: A 45-minute to one-hour tour is $10/person (minimum of 6 people). Topics can be general in nature, or can highlight specific prairie themes such as history, birds, wildflowers, etc. 

Guests can use our picnic area and have access to indoor bathrooms (an outdoor bathroom is also available). To schedule your group or for additional information, call (402) 797-2301 or e-mail us. 

Lead visitors of all ages on educational field trips into our natural outdoor classroom. 

Being a Discovery Leader allows you to increase your personal knowledge of the natural world and share your discoveries with others. Being able to facilitate personal interactions between children and the natural world is a critical task for adults in these days of computerized entertainment. The outcomes from these kinds of positive childhood experiences have been directly linked to the development of a conservation ethic in adults.  

We are always in search of volunteers who have an interest in working with students in an outdoor setting to join our Discovery Leader team. There is no need to have a science or teaching background, although experience with children is important. Introductory and ongoing training is provided. Write or call us for more information about our next free training session. 

Seeing nature through the eyes of a young person can bring about a new, deeper appreciation of its beauty and wonder. Being outdoors with students can energize and vitalize your own conservation commitment. It’s also a chance to meet and work with other interesting people, helping to create a foundation of future conservationists our planet so desperately needs. And it’s really, really fun! 

If you have questions or need additional information, e-mail our education coordinator or call 402-797-2301 during office hours. 

Volunteer Discovery Leader Position Description