Homeschool Nature Classes at Northlake Nature Center
Hands-On Environmental Science for Curious Learners
Nature on the Geaux is bringing homeschool nature classes to Northlake Nature Center!
These one-time classes are designed for homeschool learners who enjoy science, wildlife, outdoor exploration, and learning by doing. We’ll use the nature center itself as our classroom whenever possible, with activities that may include field investigations, observation, wildlife signs, hands-on environmental science, and occasional live animal ambassadors when they connect with the topic.
Come to one class or come to them all!
Pricing
Drop-In Registration
$12 per child
$10 each additional sibling
Adults participate free
Advance registration is required for all classes.
A minimum number of participants is required for each class to take place. If minimum enrollment is not met, registered families will be notified and refunded.
Fall 2026 Classes
September 17th — Wetland Detectives
Explore how wetlands work, why they matter, and the plants and animals that depend on them. We’ll investigate wetland ecology, adaptations, and the important role wetlands play in our local environment.
A couple of live animal ambassadors may join us to help make those wetland connections.
October 1st — Creepy Critters: Not So Scary After All!
Spiders, snakes, bugs, and other creepy crawlies often get a bad reputation, but they have important jobs to do.
We’ll explore some of nature’s most misunderstood animals, learn about their roles in ecosystems, meet a few live animal ambassadors, and investigate creepy critters around Northlake.
October 15th — Decomposition Detectives
What happens to leaves, logs, and other natural materials after they fall to the ground?
We’ll investigate decomposers, fungi, leaf litter, soil organisms, and nutrient cycling while taking a closer look at the tiny organisms that help keep ecosystems running.
November 5th — Wildlife CSI: Who Lives Here?
Animals leave clues everywhere!
Learners will become wildlife detectives as we search for tracks, scat, feathers, nests, burrows, feeding signs, and other evidence that can tell us which animals are using the habitat around us.
November 19th — Animal Adaptations: Built to Survive
How do animals survive in the environments they call home?
We’ll explore structural and behavioral adaptations, compare different survival strategies, and meet live animal ambassadors that help bring these concepts to life.
December 10th — Winter in the Woods
Winter in Louisiana may look a little different, but plants and animals still respond to changing temperatures, daylight, and food availability.
We’ll head outside to look for seasonal changes and discover how local wildlife and plants make it through the cooler months.
Class Details
Classes are held on select Thursday mornings at 10:00 AM at Northlake Nature Center.
Most classes are designed for ages 5 and up and last approximately 60–75 minutes.
Come Prepared
Because these classes include outdoor exploration, please:
Wear closed-toe shoes
Bring water
Bring bug repellent
Dress for the weather
Be ready for a little dirt or mud
Why Northlake Nature Center?
Northlake Nature Center gives us the opportunity to move beyond simply learning about nature and actually investigate it.
Instead of only talking about wetlands, wildlife signs, decomposition, or adaptations, learners can step outside and see those concepts happening around them.
That’s what these classes are all about — exploring, asking questions, making observations, and learning from the natural world.
