NPS photo National Parks as Classrooms Explore. Discover. Protect. Welcome to the most engaging classroom you’ll ever visit—the great outdoors! Big Cypress National Preserve is much more than just a scenic destination! It is a critical and vibrant ecosystem filled with stories, science, and opportunities for meaningful learning. We invite educators and school groups to take learning beyond the four walls and into the heart of nature through immersive outdoor programs that spark curiosity and foster environmental stewardship! Why Outdoor Learning Matters Nature is one of the most powerful teachers. When students step outside into natural environments, they don’t just absorb knowledge—they actively experience it. Whether it's observing wildlife in its habitat or exploring ecological relationships along a trail, outdoor learning allows concepts to come alive. Students benefit from interdisciplinary connections, where science, history, geography, and mathematics blend seamlessly. These experiences also promote social and emotional growth through teamwork, communication, and reflective observation, contributing to overall mental and physical well-being. Field trips through Big Cypress invite students into aquatic environments to study how water connects ecosystems, sustains life, and defines the south Florida landscape! By giving students firsthand experience with nature, we nurture the next generation of environmental stewards. These field-based lessons empower young minds not only with facts and knowledge, but with empathy and a sense of responsibility for protecting our planet’s vital ecosystems. Students return to the classroom with a deeper understanding of their world and a lasting motivation to care for it. Interested in scheduling a wet walk or a short boardwalk program for your school group? |
Last updated: August 6, 2025