School Tour Program

The Ivy Creek Natural Area serves as an outdoor classroom for study of the natural world. Nature tours provided for schools and other groups are the heart of what we offer. Students of all ages report a new and powerful experience each time they visit Ivy Creek’s diverse habitat as interpreted by our expert volunteer guides.

With the exception of the special, supplemental programs offered by the Virginia Museum of Natural History, all of our programs are free of charge.

Our trained guides are qualified to discuss the natural history of the trails, species identification and conservation. Special curriculum needs can be addressed with advance notice. If you have any questions, please email the Education Programs Coordinator at programs@ivycreekfoundation.org or leave a phone message at (434) 973-7772.

Guidelines for Ivy Creek Natural Area Tours

1. One-hour nature walks are offered Monday, Thursday and Friday mornings.
2. Classes will be broken down into smaller groups of 10-12 students, with each group led by a volunteer guide. The school must provide at least one adult for each group of 10-12 students.
3. For children needing special accommodations, there is a half-mile paved and level trail. Please let us know in advance if you have children who could benefit from this trail.
4. Schedule tours by sending us a completed Field Trip Request Form (online). Tour confirmation will be provided to the lead teacher, with the name and telephone number of the lead guide and additional information about the field trip. The lead guide will telephone the teacher before the tour date to confirm, review guidelines, and discuss content.
5. Because Ivy Creek is a wildlife area, picnicking after a tour is not accommodated. We highly recommend picnic sites at nearby Pen Park or McIntire Park should your group wish to make lunch and play time part of your Ivy Creek field trip experience.
6. Click here for more information about the optional fee-based optional programs.
7. If you have questions or special requests, please send an email to programs@ivycreekfoundation.org or leave a message at (434) 973-7772.

Forms

• Field Trip Request Form (online form)
• Outreach Education Invoice, Fall (PDF, 52K)
• Outreach Education Invoice, Spring (PDF, 52K)