What is the Nature Along the Lake program?
The Nature Along the Lake program uses the 14-acre nature preserve at Montrose Point and the natural area at Rainbow Beach to serve as “nature’s classroom.” Since its commencement in 2002, the Nature Along the Lake program has grown significantly, serving approximately 750 students each year from under-resourced schools, covering science learning standards.
The Nature Along the Lake program provides authentic experiences for children in Chicago. Students learn about the lake as a complete habitat system. Through this program, they experience birds and their migratory patterns, aquatic life, native plants and trees, as well as other outdoor science topics. They learn that our local environment is part of a larger ecosystem: that a clean environment does not happen by accident, but is the result of people who care about leaving a healthy environment for future generations to enjoy. Children in this program obtain experiences not usually found in a city setting, nor offered in indoor classrooms. They participate in a variety of seasonal, hands-on environmental activities, building their comfort in nature. Friends of the Parks can work directly with teachers and administrators to focus on class-specific topics. For example, students reading "Hoot" in school might learn about owls and other birds of prey, and go on a bird exploration in the “Magic Hedge" bird sanctuary.
The Nature Along the Lake program provides authentic experiences for children in Chicago. Students learn about the lake as a complete habitat system. Through this program, they experience birds and their migratory patterns, aquatic life, native plants and trees, as well as other outdoor science topics. They learn that our local environment is part of a larger ecosystem: that a clean environment does not happen by accident, but is the result of people who care about leaving a healthy environment for future generations to enjoy. Children in this program obtain experiences not usually found in a city setting, nor offered in indoor classrooms. They participate in a variety of seasonal, hands-on environmental activities, building their comfort in nature. Friends of the Parks can work directly with teachers and administrators to focus on class-specific topics. For example, students reading "Hoot" in school might learn about owls and other birds of prey, and go on a bird exploration in the “Magic Hedge" bird sanctuary.
Field trips take place in Autumn, Winter and Spring, allowing students to experience our shoreline as it transforms with the seasons. Besides acquiring a deeper appreciation of Lake Michigan, part of one of the largest fresh water systems on the planet, students learn about a variety of ecosystems: prairies, woodlands and savannas, and resurgent sand dunes. Montrose Point and Rainbow Beach hold many secrets waiting to be discovered by new generations of students, parents and teachers.
We are also thrilled to announce that NAL will be partnering with the Field Museum’s Mighty Acorn program at Rainbow Beach to bring even more exciting experiences to students!
Join us in exploring Chicago’s Lakefronts and help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards!
Please contact us by email to learn more or sign up here. For trips to Rainbow Beach, please email us separately to book a visit.
We are also thrilled to announce that NAL will be partnering with the Field Museum’s Mighty Acorn program at Rainbow Beach to bring even more exciting experiences to students!
Join us in exploring Chicago’s Lakefronts and help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards!
Please contact us by email to learn more or sign up here. For trips to Rainbow Beach, please email us separately to book a visit.
Hear from our participants!
Here’s what students and teachers have said about their experiences with Nature Along the Lake:
- "The NAL trips were not only educational but also so much fun. Many of our students have few opportunities to visit different areas of the city outside of their neighborhood. The NAL trips offered our students experiences, such as fishing, that they would otherwise not have. "
- "This was such a beautiful learning experience for the students, and even for the adults. After seeing a visual presentation about food webs and talking to Mr. Leki for a bit, they got real world hands-on learning that we could not have re-created in the classroom."
- "Thank you so much for giving our students the opportunity to leave their neighborhood and experience the wonder of the lakefront. The spring trip was so impactful to our students."
- "Many of my students had their first introduction of the different ecosystems they encountered on our visit to the lake. "
