Field Trips
Picture Canyon
Grades: 3rd and up
Duration: 4 hours
Take a special tour of Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve with Willow Bend. An almost three-mile hike guided by Willow Bend educators will include age-appropriate activities and learning as we explore the waterfall, the petroglyphs, the forest ecosystem, and the impact of community involvement at Picture Canyon. This field trip (and pre-trip classroom visit) are available free to FUSD third grade classes; other schools and grades may also qualify for a free or reduced-rate program.
Francis Short Pond
Grades: all
Duration: 1-2 hours
We’ll adapt the program to suit your grade level. Options include learning about habitats and ecosystems, water quality assessment, or Bioblitz-style Citizen Science activities documenting plant and wildlife species found at the pond.
Downtown Geology
Grades: 3rd and up
Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
Discover the history and geology of downtown Flagstaff on a guided walk focused on historic buildings made from local rock. Optional pre-trip visit: “Downtown Flagstaff Geology” classroom program (additional cost).
Aspen Corner
Grades: all
Duration: 1-2 hours
With the main goal of getting students outdoors and engaged with nature, specific programming can be adapted to suit your grade level and needs. Options include education stations on wildlife, soils, fire ecology, plants/life zones, and more! Due to the nature of the location, some walking on-trail will be involved, up to a mile.
Field Trip to Willow Bend Center!
Sustainable building design (6th-12th, college): Bring your class to explore and learn about Willow Bend’s sustainable building and grounds. Students will be introduced to passive solar design, native gardens, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and simple ways to lessen our impact on the Earth.
Wacky weather! (K, 1st, 2nd) 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!
Natural Senses! (K, 1st, 2nd) This field trip helps younger students learn about nature through their senses! Through a hike and both indoor and outdoor games, students will learn about colors, shapes, textures, scents, and more in nature!
Make your own field trip!
Our classroom and field trip programs can be adapted to a variety of locations, times, and ages.
Please contact us at info@willowbendcenter.org and we can help create an experience that is best for your group!
If a field trip doesn’t fit your needs, explore options for a learning experience outdoors at your school!
