Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve is currently taking registrations for its Environmental Studies Programs for the 2015-2016 season. Each year nearly 5,000 area students and youth groups participate in Fernwood’s ESP programs, either on-site at Fernwood or through the in-school Travelling Naturalist program.

All programs are based on a science curriculum that incorporates both basic state guidelines and hands-on activities at age-appropriate levels. Most importantly, Fernwood’s naturalist staff strives to make every Fernwood experience fun and positive for each student.

Fernwood prides itself in teaching children to be more responsible stewards of our environment. Students summarize their field trips to Fernwood with comments like, “The hike was fun and the facts were cool and I had a great time. Thank you for conserving nature. I believe that you are making a big difference for our world.”

The curriculum in the ESP program supports what the schools are currently teaching, and on-site visits give children hands-on experience.

“I love the walk around the grounds,” a teacher said recently. “It’s amazing how much more a student will remember when they can actually experience and see it in nature. I showered my students with questions when we returned. They not only knew the answers, but they had examples to back them up!”

On-site programs at Fernwood run one and half to two hours in length and are tailored to the season. The fee is $3 per student; teachers and adults are free (donations accepted).

In-school Travelling Naturalist programs are offered January through March with limited availability during the rest of the school year. Fees start at $40 for one class/program and increase based on the number of programs, with an additional 45 cents per mile above 20 miles round-trip from Fernwood.

Registration for the 2015-2016 school year opens at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, and available slots fill quickly. For more information about Fernwood and the ESP, please visit our website or call Head Naturalist Wendy Jones at Fernwood.

About Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve

Fernwood is a special place where nature blends with gardens and art to create an experience of wonder for all ages. Fernwood comprises 105 acres on the St. Joseph River near Buchanan, at 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles.

Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Café hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. Call (269) 695-6491 or visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org for more information and to confirm status of classes.