Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards-aligned
Strawberry Hill offers a variety of programs ranging from 1 to 3 hours. All programs have been thoughtfully designed with concrete goals and objectives that conform to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Integrated Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy and Sustainability, and Pennsylvania Technology and Engineering Standards. Our programs are fun and educational, featuring hands-on activities delivered by skilled Naturalists. Each program can be adapted to best meet your curricular and class needs. Give us a call at (717)-642-5840 or email our Director of Environmental Education, Anne, at education@strawberryhill.org to learn more.
School Field Trip Program Stream
Pre-K/Kindergarten
Nature in a Nutshell
Preschool-Kindergarten (90 mins)
A fun and engaging introduction to nature and ecology for our youngest nature lovers! Nature in a Nutshell introduces children to concepts of habitats, ecosystems, and conservation.
*Includes a hike.
Grades 1-2
Wildlife Wonders Grades 1-2 (90 mins)
Who lives in the forests and fields of Pennsylvania? What roles do different species play in the ecosystem, and what happens when they disappear? Find out with a guided exploration of the habitats of Mount Hope.
*Includes a hike
Bug Bonanza
Grades 1-2 (90 mins)
During Bug Bonanza, students learn all about insects and how to characterize insects from non-insects. Additionally, students will take an in-depth look at life cycles, native and invasive insects, and enjoy a guided hike searching for bugs!
*Includes a hike
Aquatic Communities
Grades 1-2 (90 mins)
A warm-weather favorite! This interactive aquatic ecology program introduces students to the tiny insects living in mud and under rocks. Students will search our stream for macroinvertebrates, study them up close to identify the species they find, and learn what these tiny creatures tell us about the health of our waterways.
Bring your water shoes; students will get wet!
Grades 3-5
Introduction to Identification
Grades 3-5 (90 mins)
Science meets art! Learn the basics of tree and plant identification and practice your skills by starting your own nature journal, then team up with your classmates to tackle an identification challenge.
*Includes a hike
S.T.E.M. in Forest Ecology, part 2 Decomposers & The Dirty Work Grades 3-5 (90 mins)
In part two, participants will discover how a dead tree is still a thriving and important member of the forest community long after it falls. Students get an up-close look at how the life cycle continues as decomposers rebuild the forest quite literally from the ground up.
S.T.E.M. in Forest Ecology, Part 1 Wind & Water, Friends & Foes Grades 3-5 (90 mins)
Wind and water are essential to a healthy forest. When a storm arises, both can be incredibly destructive. In part one of this new series, participants will explore the forces of nature and how much energy it takes to uproot large, healthy trees.
Owl Classroom Program with Pellet Dissection
Grades 3-5 (90 mins)
This classroom program introduces learners to bird of prey, including their anatomy, their behavior, and why they are a great indicator of the health of our environment. Students will get to dissect an owl pellet!
Program Fee: $12/participant
High School
Grades 6-8
Watersheds & Wetlands
Grades 6-8 (3 hours with lunch break)
This intensive program focuses on the unique ecosystem of forest wetlands. Students participate in a number of hands-on activities based on water conservation, watershed health, and wetland wildlife, including a pond and stream study, a hike to see a natural spring at the beginning of our watershed, chemical testing of the water in Middle Creek, building a filtration system for muddy water, and more!
Program Fee: $15/participant
*Includes a hike
Maple Sugaring
Grades 6-8 (90 mins): February & March only
Maple Sugaring introduces the process of making maple syrup, from tap to table. Participants learn the history of maple sugaring in Pennsylvania, how to identify the characteristics that distinguish different types of maple trees, how to tap, and the supplies required to process sap into maple syrup. Please dress warmly!
The Science of Maple Sugaring
Grades 9-12 (90 mins): February & March only
This program takes maple sugaring to the next level as students explore the science behind making maple syrup including the physics, climatology, and socio-political history of this uniquely North American treat.
Exploring Careers in Environmentalism Grades 9-12 (90 mins)
This program is perfect for older students who are beginning to explore the different career paths available to them. From park rangers to loggers, wildlife biologists to social media directors; there are outdoor jobs to fit every interest and skill set!
*Includes a hike
All ages & add-ons
All programs listed below can be added on to your field trip for an additional fee of $3/student for 30 min or $5/student for 60 min.
Animal Ambassadors
All Ages
Our most popular program! A fun addition to any field trip or a stand-alone activity, our Animal Ambassador program allows audiences to get up close and personal with a variety of native and non-native species, including a mammal, a raptor, reptile, amphibian, and insects. Learn about what these animals can teach us about our environment and how we can help protect them and the natural spaces we share. *Please note that the specific animals present during presentation depend on a variety of factors including time of year, temperament, and availability.
Guided Hikes
All Ages
Choose your adventure! Group leaders select a trail and topic you would like our naturalists to focus on. Become immersed in nature as you explore the natural beauty of the South Mountain landscape. Possible topics include invasive plants, history of Pennsylvania forests, ethical foraging, safety while hiking, and many more!
Birding 101 All Ages: April & May Only
Have you heard? The bird is the word! Bring your own binoculars or borrow some of ours and go on a bird-watching expedition with a Strawberry Hill naturalist. Take part in citizen science while learning the basics of binocular use, bird identification, bird calls and best practices when observing our feathered friends.
*Includes a hike
Group Program Fees
$10.00 per participant per program (unless otherwise noted) with a minimum group fee of $100 for all field trip options except maple sugaring. Maple sugaring minimum group fee is $125.
One chaperone per 10 participants is required. School teachers, teacher’s aides, and school staff chaperones are free of charge. Additional adult chaperones are charged the regular participant rate of $10 per program.
Siblings who participate in a program will be charged regular rates. Children aged 4 and under are free, unless in a preschool program.
The final attendee count is due 7 days before your scheduled program. Total due is based on final attendee count unless actual attendance is higher than final count.
Minimum $50.00 deposit two weeks in advance, balance due on the day of your scheduled program. Checks made payable to Strawberry Hill and may be mailed to: 1537 Mt. Hope Road, Fairfield, PA 17320 or pay over the phone by credit card. You will receive notice and an invoice via email when your registration is confirmed. A receipt is available upon payment, if requested.
Cancellations: Programs are held rain or shine, sleet or snow. It is not likely Strawberry Hill will cancel a program due to weather conditions, but if we deem conditions hazardous, we will contact you to set up a postponement date with no additional charge. – Cancellations made more than 2 weeks in advance of program date will receive a full refund minus a $25.00 processing fee. – Cancellations made between 4-13 days prior to a program will receive a full refund minus a $50 processing fee. – Cancellations for any reason made within 3 days of a program will forfeit the $50 deposit.
