Scheduling a Field Trip with Willow Bend
Our field trips focus on creating a connection between students and their earth through simple observation, fun activities, songs, and critical thinking exercises.
Willow Bend offers field trips September through October and April through May. To ensure the highest quality experience and most effective learning, we only work with one class at a time. We charge $5 per student per hour, but fee reductions and scholarships may be available for schools within Coconino County.
To learn more or to schedule a field trip, contact Cassandra at (928) 779-1745.
Flagstaff Recycling Tour (Grades: All; 1 hour)
Join Willow Bend on a behind-the-scenes tour of the City recycling center! Students will learn about conservation and the 3Rs as they view materials being processed. Thanks to the City of Flagstaff, fee reductions are available. For schools within FUSD, the bussing may be FREE (ask us for more information). Tours can be scheduled year-round, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm. Suggested pre-trip visit: “Recycling Rules” or “Trash and the 3 Rs”
Willow Bend Discovery Field Trip (Grades: All; 1 or 2 hours)
Enjoy our Discovery Room’s interactive exhibits focusing on our theme “Sustainable Living: It’s Easy Being Green.” Students will learn simple ways to lessen our impact on the Earth. They will also go on a hike to help connect them to nature through awareness activities.
Natural Senses Field Trip (Grade: Kindergarten; 1 hour)
This field trip helps younger students learn about nature through their senses! Through a hike and various games, students will learn about colors, shapes, textures, scents, and more in nature!
Incredible Insects (Grade: 1st; 2 hours)
Explore the amazing world of our local insects through hands-on exploration of the Willow Bend gardens, sensory games, and recycled art! Required pre-trip visit: “Incredible Insects”
Wacky Weather Field Trip (Grade: 2nd; 2 hours)
Learning about weather by being outside is only natural at Willow Bend. Students will hike into Sinclair Wash and explore weather through a variety of activities and games!
Plant Power Field Trip (Grades: 2nd-4th;1 hour)
Students will learn the importance of plant identification so that we can harness the power of plants! This field trip takes place at the Rocky Mountain Research Station Greenhouse or at your school. Required pre-trip visit: “Plant Power”
Water Quality Field Trip (Grades: 4th, Middle and High School; 2 hours)
Students will conduct pH, DO, and other water quality tests at the Rio de Flag Wastewater Treatment Ponds to learn about watershed management. There may also be an opportunity for macroinvertebrate testing! Required pre-trip visit: “Water Quality”
Fire Ecology Field Trip (Grades: 4th, Middle and High School; 2 hours)
Through games and activities at Taylor Woods near Fort Valley, learn how fire is a necessary part of our ponderosa pine forest ecology. Required pre-trip visit: “Fire Ecology”
Healthy Body, Healthy Earth Field Trip (Grades: 5th and Higher; 1-2 hours)
This information- and activity-packed field trip is composed of two parts. Part 1: Using Willow Bend’s native edibles garden, students learn the correlation between a healthy earth and healthy bodies. Part 2: Students take a trip to New Frontiers grocery store to learn about ingredients, economics, labels, and more! For middle and high school classes, it is also possible to choose just one of the two components. Part two of this field trip must be scheduled to end before 11:00am. Required Pre-Trip Visit: 5th-6th “Healthy Body, Healthy Earth: Gardening,” 7th-8th “Food and Fossil Fuels,” 9th-12th “GMOs and Seeds”
Willow Bend Tour (Grade: Middle and High School; 1-2 hours)
Bring your class to explore the interactive exhibits in Willow Bend’s Discovery Room, focusing on our very relevant and popular theme, “Sustainable Living: It’s Easy Being Green!” Students will be introduced to passive solar design, native gardens, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and simple ways to lessen our impact on the Earth.