🌿 Nature Discovery Programs

Hands-On Science & Exploration — No Live Animals Required

Nature Discovery Programs bring the interactive learning of a nature center directly to your school or group—no field trip needed.

These guided, educator-led programs are designed for schools, homeschool groups, Scout troops, libraries, and community organizations, and include a mix of artifact-based investigations and hands-on activity-based experiences. All programs focus on observation, inquiry, problem-solving, and real-world environmental science.

We understand that live animals aren’t always welcomed or permitted everywhere—and these programs are thoughtfully designed to deliver meaningful, engaging learning experiences without live animals.


🔍 How Nature Discovery Programs Work

Nature Discovery Programs are flexible and can be scheduled in two formats:

✔️ Single-Group Experience

One classroom, homeschool group, or Scout troop participates in a full, in-depth investigation focused on a specific theme.

✔️ Rotation-Style Experience

Multiple groups rotate through shorter sessions, making this option ideal for:

  • School-wide STEM days

  • Homeschool co-op days

  • Scout events or badge workshops

  • Library programs


🦴 Artifact-Based Investigations

Participants explore ethically sourced, museum-quality biofacts while practicing the same observation and inquiry skills used by scientists and naturalists.

Artifact-Based Program Options Include:

  • Mystery Skulls

  • Animal Tracks & Traces

  • Fossil Detectives

  • Predator vs. Prey

  • Animal Coverings & Adaptations

Learners are encouraged to touch, observe, ask questions, and draw evidence-based conclusions throughout the investigation.


🌊 Activity-Based Investigations

These hands-on programs use models, experiments, engineering challenges, and guided exploration to help learners understand ecosystems, conservation, and environmental change—no artifacts required.

Coastal Investigations

A hands-on exploration of how water, sediment, storms, and human activity shape coastlines and wetlands.

Using a density tank and interactive models, learners investigate topics such as:

  • Freshwater vs. saltwater and estuaries

  • Sediment movement and land-building

  • Barrier islands and coastal protection

  • Storm surge and flooding

  • Pollution movement in water systems

This program is especially well-suited for coastal states and communities but is engaging and relevant for learners everywhere.

Eco-Engineers: Wildlife Crossings

People have changed the landscape to make travel easier—but how does that affect animals?

Learners use the engineering design process to design and test wildlife crossings, helping model animals safely cross a roadway while exploring conservation, problem-solving, and human impact on ecosystems.

Guardians of the Rainforest

Learners explore rainforest ecosystems through sensory activities and discussion.

Participants identify everyday products that come from rainforests, learn about endangered rainforest animals, and discover simple actions they can take to help protect these vital ecosystems.

Nature Did It First: Biomimicry & Engineering

Nature has been inspiring human inventions long before we even realized it.

In this hands-on, activity-based program, learners explore biomimicry—how people study plants and animals to solve real-world problems. From Velcro to high-speed trains, students discover how nature’s designs have influenced human innovation.

Participants engage in guided discussion and complete a short engineering challenge inspired by natural adaptations, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and design thinking.


⏱ Program Length & Pricing

Single-Group Visit
45–60 minutes • $150 per group

Rotation Day Options
30-minute rotations

  • Half-Day Rotation (up to 3 hours)
    Up to 6 groups • $325

  • Full-Day Rotation (up to 6 hours)
    Up to 12 groups • $575

Additional groups may be added with a custom quote, pending availability.


🎒 Designed For

  • Schools & classrooms

  • Homeschool groups & co-ops

  • Scout troops & badge workshops

  • Libraries & community programs

✔️ Indoor-friendly
✔️ No live animals required
✔️ Structured, educator-led experiences
✔️ Adaptable by age and group size


🐾 Pairing Option

Nature Discovery Programs may be scheduled on their own or paired with a live animal program to give learners a deeper understanding of how animals are studied in museums, laboratories, and the field.


📩 Contact Tanee
📞 (985) 956-2136
📧 natureonthegeaux@gmail.com


No Travel Fee: St. Tammany, Orleans, Upper Jefferson, Tangipahoa, St. Bernard; and MS counties: Harrison, Pearl River, Hancock.

$25 travel fee for the following parishes/counties: Upper Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, Livingston, Washington, Stone, Lamar, & Jackson County

$30 travel fee for: Ascension, East Baton Rouge parishes

Travel fees are paid in addition to program fees and are to offset additional vehicle costs.