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Taltree offers interpretive hikes through prairie, woods, and wetland areas where students can gain firsthand experience with the varied habitats and ecology of the region. Trained docents guide students as individual classes or in groups. Hikes last one and a half to two hours, depending on whether or not an optional 30-minute activity is chosen. Guided hikes must be scheduled one month in advance by calling (219) 462-0025 or e-mailing info@taltree.org. Taltree can accommodate groups of up to 125 participants, with a minimum of 10 individuals. Large groups are divided into 25 persons.. Fees for youth groups are $2 per child and $5 per adult chaperone. Teachers are free!
Special 30-minute activities using Project Learning Tree kits can be incorporated at no additional cost when requested and include the following:
 Birds & Worms
In Birds and Worms, students discover the value of protective coloration (camouflage) as an important survival strategy in the animal kingdom. Students play the part of birds in search of worms and bugs in this relay race activity. The standards incorporated include scientific inquiry, forces of nature, diversity of life, interdependence of life and evolution, systems, critical response skills and constancy and change.
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Food Chain
In the Food Chain game, students learn about population dynamics and the consequences of eating pesticide-contaminated food. Students become hawks, shrews and grasshoppers in a physical and engaging activity. Ideal for grades 3 to 5, the standards incorporated include interdependence of life and evolution, critical response skills, constancy and change, and systems.
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Activity: Food Chain
Age: K-8
Subject: Species Interconnectivity
Activity: Birds & Worms
Age: K-6
Subject: Natural camouflage/ Predator-prey relationship
Woodland Hike
Join us to explore the Taltree woodlands surrounding the Heron Pond and along the Owl Trail. Learn the history of the woodlands and how to identify trees by their bark, leaves and fruit. We will see oak, hickory, aspen, hawthorn, cottonwood, black cherry, and more. Depending upon the time of year you might see Jack in the pulpit, Trillium and violets.
A Walk by the Wetlands
Walk along Taltree’s Savanna Wetland and observe the beaver lodge and dam, spot geese families, and perhaps the Great Blue Heron. Learn about the restoration of this wetland and the wide range of plants and animals that live here. This field trip is ideal for younger students, but is applicable to all ages.
Take a Prairie Hike
Taltree has recreated its own tall grass prairie that once covered much of the Midwest. See the big and little bluestem grasses, Indian grass, and switchgrass. Look for purple coneflowers, rattlesnake master and black-eyed Susans. Learn about the animals living in the prairie, like white-tail deer, coyote, ground squirrels, voles, foxes and chipmunks. You might spot American goldfinch, bobolink, bobwhite, common grackle, dickcissel, eastern bluebird, grasshopper sparrow, pheasant, red-winged blackbird and northern cardinal. A prairie is a most interesting place, alive with diversity of flora and fauna.
For more information or to schedule a hike please contact us at 219-462-0025 or info@taltree.org
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