Your group of up to six people will partner with one of COL’s friendly and knowledgeable naturalists for an engaging hands-on learning experience in a COL nature preserve! This is a choose-your-own-adventure… You select which type of ecosystem you want to explore and what activities you’d like to do.

 

Option 1: Prairie Ecosystem. Recommended timing: July-September

Possible activities include plant identification, seed collection, seed distribution, butterfly surveying, and other related tasks.

 

Option 2: Wetland Ecosystem. Recommended timing: May through September. This experience is most enjoyable from a kayak, which COL can provide.

Potential activities include plant identification, wildlife monitoring, and controlling invasive species.

 

Option 3: Forest Ecosystem. Recommended timing: May to October.

Possible activities include planting trees, identifying species, conducting inventories, and managing invasive species.

 

Spend 2-3 hours in the morning learning about the ecosystem in your chosen natural area and how to maintain its balance and health, then enjoy lunch afterward.

 

Experience will be scheduled on a mutually agreed-upon date based on staff availability. Please schedule well in advance, especially during the busy summer months.

Scheduling must be finalized by September 30, 2026.