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Environmental Educational Programs

Field Trips and Camps

We are happy to offer guided school field trips at Big Marsh Park from September to May when school is in session. Adventure Camp runs during the Chicago Public Schools’ summer break. These guided field trips and camps facilitate students’ understanding of local flora and fauna through hands-on activities. Guided trips may include both indoor and outdoor experiences led by our staff naturalists. All programs are subject to the limits of available staff and space.

If you are interested in reserving a space, please click on the button below and  fill out the interest form.

School Field Trips

Our staff can incorporate your class’s curriculum into our field trip lesson plan. Students will rotate through several sessions focused on the marsh ecosystem’s flora, fauna, and habitats. With a student-centered and inquiry-based approach, naturalists will guide students in applying all of their senses, making observations, fostering connections, and developing their curiosity. Special curriculum and workshops are available upon request with advance notice.

K-2 Grades

Plant and Animal Needs: Students will learn what animals and plants need to survive. After observing the local flora and fauna, students will have the opportunity to build their own habitat, go birding, and play interactive games.

3-5 Grades

Plants and Pollinators: Students will discover the importance of our local plants and pollinators through observation and engaging activities. Students will get the chance to become honey bees in a relay race, become chefs with pollinators’ help, and even learn the skills to survive as a plant.

6-8 Grades

Aquatic Ecosystems: Exploring the aquatic ecosystem of Big Marsh Park will allow students to better understand the entire food chain of the Chicago region. Students will learn the history of the Southeast side region, test the water quality of the park’s marsh, and collect and observe macroinvertebrate samples.

Culture and History: Students can discover the cultural and land use history of Steelworkers Park through this guided program. Once home to US Steel, the site stands as a stark reminder of the impact the steel industry had on the Southeast Side. Opportunities to incorporate a rock climbing experience into the trip may be available upon request.

9-12 Grades

Wild Adaptations: Students will understand what it takes to have a balanced ecosystem and what can throw it off balance. The evolution of animals and their habitats will be discovered during their field trip to Big Marsh Park. Students will engage in various activities such as birding, Oh Deer, and plant identification.

Culture and History: Students can discover the cultural and land use history of Steelworkers Park through this guided program. Once home to US Steel, the site stands as a stark reminder of the impact the steel industry had on the Southeast Side. Opportunities to incorporate a rock climbing experience into the trip may be available upon request.

Special requests can be made with advance notice. Some limitations may apply.

Reserve your Field Trip

  • Reservations are required at least two weeks before the requested date.
  • Reservations for school groups are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Required adult-to-student ratio is as follows – Grades PK-3, 1:5, and Grades 4-12, 1:10.
  • Illinois and Northwest Indiana schools (K-12) and Illinois Head Start groups receive free field trip admission.
  • Please note that there are no food vendors on sight so all food must be brought in.
  • The lunch space needs to be cleaned before departing.
  • Big Marsh Park is unable to provide transportation to and from Big Marsh Park. Transportation will need to be organized by the school or organization booking the field trip.
  • Cancelations within 24 hours of the scheduled field trip are subject to a $25 cancelation fee.
  • To inquire about bringing your student(s) to Big Marsh Park for a school field trip, please fill out this inquiry form.

If you are interested in reserving a space, please fill out this interest form.

Adventure Camp

Adventure Camp is a signature Chicago Park District specialty day camp for 8-12-year-olds that provides children with a safe, immersive, and FUN-filled summer of adventure in the outdoors. This camp runs during the Chicago Public Schools summer break. Caregivers can learn more about and sign their campers up for the camp via the Chicago Park District’s website.

Campers will partake in:

  • Discovering the marsh habitat
  • Track and identify local animals
  • Bike around the whole park
  • Rock Climb
  • Go on field trips
  • Build forts
  • Make art
  • Have FUN!

Bike Camp

Bike Camp is a Chicago Park District specialty summer camp that focuses on expanding campers’ biking skills and exploring all of Big Marsh Park’s bike trails. Campers must already know how to ride a bike before signing up for this camp. To learn more about his camp, visit the Chicago Park District’s website.