Nature Programs
Bays Mountain Park staff and volunteers offer nature programs for school groups from kindergarten through high school level.
Dear Educator: The following list contains a variety of programs available for your school group. We strive to have an age- and grade-appropriate program for your students. Please note the grade level on the left side.
If you have a specific topic you wish to be covered, please alert the BMP staff person who schedules you. Thank you!
Programs by Grades
Pre-K & Up
Snakes Alive
Find out why these reptiles are important to the ecosystem, learn the difference between non-venomous and venomous and explore the types of snakes that call Bays Mountain home. (Live animals may be used.)Habitat Tour
Spend time with a park naturalist touring the animal habitats. Listen to stories about the park’s bobcat, white tail deer, red fox, and turtles.Turtle Talk
What are turtles, what do they eat and where do they live? (Live animals may be used.)Pre-K to 3rd
Around the Pond
Find out which animals call a pond home. Some small, live animals may be used during this program.Kindergarten & Up
Birds of Prey
Find out what a raptor is, what they eat and how they fly. (Live animals may be used.)Wolves
This program will cover a wolf’s diet, pack dynamics, socialization and their role within the environment.1st Grade & Up
Barge Ride
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride around the reservoir. This program will be adjusted to the age of the students as we observe wildlife and learn about the park’s history. Please note: due to safety guidelines, we are unable to schedule any groups with students under 1st grade on the barge.Basic Characteristics of Insects & Spiders
The focus of this program will be the insect and spider life cycle.2nd Grade & Up
Seasonal Changes in Plants & Animals
This program will focus on the following: the addition and loss of a winter coat, migration, hibernation, eggs and cocoons, flowers and fruits and more.3rd Grade & Up
Interdependence in Nature
Symbiotic relationships in nature are explored.4th Grade & Up
Pond Life
Students learn about the health of the reservoir through tiny organisms called macro-invertebrates. Students use dip-nets to locate these tiny creatures! This program is best for small groups. (The best time of year for this program is mid-April and early fall.)Plant & Animal Adaptations
How do plants and animals adapt to our climate and weather patterns?5th Grade & Up