Education

About Our Educational Program

Thank you for your interest in our curriculum-based educational programs at Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve! We offer enriching field trips designed primarily for school groups in grades 3-5, though other age groups are welcome to visit for educational purposes. These programs are aimed at extending district or state curricula in subjects like geology and watersheds, and cave tours and field activities are free of charge for groups visiting for educational learning, not recreational purposes. We hope you’ll explore the many teaching and learning opportunities that this incredible natural resource has to offer. Your participation is greatly appreciated!

If you're unable to visit in person, explore our online curriculum materials, which focus on geology and watersheds. These resources are designed to enhance your classroom's understanding of caves and the surrounding environment. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions!

Curriculum-Based Education Programs

• Grades 3-5: Geology: Our Changing World
• Grades 6-8: Watersheds: Through the Mountain to the Valley

Our Mission

Our goal is to provide educational opportunities that help students connect with the natural and cultural resources of Oregon Caves. We hope to inspire an appreciation for public lands and foster life-long learners who understand the importance of environmental stewardship.

Curriculum-Based Education Programs: Help Protect Our Bats

Before visiting Oregon Caves National Monument, it is critical that all visitors take action to help protect our bat population from the devastating effects of White-Nose Syndrome (WNS). This deadly disease has wiped out millions of bats across North America, threatening ecosystems and biodiversity. The fungus responsible for WNS can be unintentionally spread by humans who visit caves or mines.

Here’s what you MUST do before your visit:

Any items, such as clothing, shoes, bags, or camera gear, that have been worn or used in any cave, mine, or bat hibernation site in the USA, Canada, or Europe since 2005, must NOT be brought to Oregon Caves. This includes even items that have been washed, as they may still carry the fungus that causes WNS. Following this precaution is essential to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the bats at Oregon Caves.

Why is this important?

Bats play a vital role in our ecosystems, from controlling insect populations to pollinating plants. The spread of White-Nose Syndrome could lead to catastrophic losses for bat populations, which would, in turn, impact ecosystems across North America. Your actions during your visit can help safeguard these incredible creatures and the balance of nature they help maintain.

For further details on planning your visit and protecting wildlife, please visit our Plan A Field Trip page.

Thank you for being a steward of the environment and helping us protect the future of our bats and ecosystems!