Outreach Programs
Outreach Programs
Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center
Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center offers interactive environmental educational programming to local schools, community centers or anywhere youth meet. This option allows access to the center’s exceptional curriculum and teaching staff for school groups, scouts, 4-H clubs, or church groups who may not have the means to attend a full day or overnight program at Upham Woods. Many of our programs translate to off-site locations.
How much does the outreach program cost?
Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center staff will travel to your classroom or outdoor learning space and teach any of the following programs. All programs are one hour long and intended for one classroom (25 participants maximum). The cost is $88/hour plus round-trip mileage to and from Wisconsin Dells ($0.725/mile). All outreach fees are subject to include one hour of preparation time.
COMING SOON: Our Radical Raptors Program is scheduled to restart in summer 2026! This live raptor program (one hour long) will be available for large school assemblies for $150 plus round-trip mileage to and from Wisconsin Dells ($0.725/mile) and necessary equipment fees.
The following outreach programs are our most popular:
Scales, Scutes, & Skins
Learn about the unique adaptations of reptiles and amphibians while meeting live animals! Upham Woods staff will bring a variety of animals (such as snakes, turtles, seasonal amphibians) and share the important roles these animals play in the environment. Grades: K-7th
Animal Signs
Learn about the different signs animals leave all around us, what can be interpreted by each sign, and how these clues can help solve the mystery of which animals are active in your area! Upham Woods staff have a variety of animal pelts, tracks, homes, and other artifacts for students to see up close. There is also the option (space dependent) of searching for animal signs outside! Grades: 1st – 6th
Bats!
Through exploration of cultural myths surrounding bats, interactive games, and a slide show, students will be introduced to the fascinating world of bats. Emphasis will be placed on bat adaptations and bat-human interactions. Grades: 3rd -7th
French Voyageur Program
Meet Jacques the French voyageur (in full dress) as he makes a time traveling visit to your group! Students will learn about the web of cultures that made the fur trade possible and the role that each culture played as trappers, traders, and travelers. Voyageur era games will be played at the end of the program. Grades: 2nd – 6th
A Habitat is Home
Learn about habitats and the four main requirements of all plants and animals: food, shelter, water, and space. Youth will learn about the dynamic nature of populations along with the concepts of limiting factors and carrying capacity through active role-playing games, graphing and math activities, and discussions. Grades: 2nd – 7th
Microclimates of Wisconsin
Explore the concept of microclimates using the tools of forestry and meteorology to answer the Essential Question, “How does microclimate influence what living things are found in different habitats?” Discuss current and expected changes in Wisconsin’s climate and predict how these changes might impact where populations of living things are found. Grades: 4th–12th
Winter Recreation: Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
“Float” on top of the snow! Upham Woods staff will bring ski/snowshoe equipment to a location of your choice and teach about the cultural history and proper use of the equipment. Based on location, staff can then lead youth through practice in moving forward, backing up, and what to do after a fall. Grades: 2nd-12th
Questions? Contact Upham Woods at 608-254-6461, or uphamwoods@extension.wisc.edu.
