Schools & Group Programs
Give your classroom or community group a one-of-a-kind experience with KNC. Check out the programs below to learn more about KNC’s educational offerings. Bring your group for a field trip to KNC, or we’ll come to your location.
See the programs and details on planning your trip below. Please call or email the Registrar with any questions. We look forward to seeing you!
Scholarship Opportunities
Into the Woods (Forest Ecology)
Special Offer: Grant funding through the Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation is available on a first-come, first-served basis to cover program costs for this field trip. To learn more or apply for funding, contact . Once the grant funds are fully used, the trip will continue to be available at KNC’s regular field trip pricing. Grant funding does not cover add-ons.
Maple Sugaring
Special Offer: Grant funding through Stryker’s support of KNC’s Friends of the Forest project has made possible to cover the costs of this popular March field trip on a first-come, first served basis. To learn more or apply for funding, contact . Once the grant funds are fully used, the trip will continue to be available at KNC’s regular field trip pricing. Grant funding does not cover add-ons.
Busing Grants
The Michigan Nature Association is now accepting applications for their Field Trip Mini-Grant Program for the 2026-27 school year! MNA field trip grants are intended to assist K-12 teachers in developing educational and hands-on field trips that emphasize outdoor, place-based learning. Field trip grants fund up to $500 of costs and can cover bus transportation and educational supplies for field trips to eligible natural areas. Learn more and apply here >
Financial assistance may be available for schools/programs with a high percentage of free and reduced lunch students. Please contact us at for more information.
On-site programs usually include an outdoor component, come dressed for the weather. Groups are welcome to stay on KNC’s campus after their program to take a self-guided hike, play or eat lunch. Please let us know your plans.
On-site Program Fees
- 60-minute programs: $200
- 90-minute programs: $250
- A minimum of 2 chaperones per trip is required (teacher included). One chaperone for every 5 students is recommended. Teacher and recommended chaperones are free.
- Additional adults (beyond recommended number) are $5/person. 10 chaperones maximum per program. Exceptions can be made for preschools and licensing requirements.
- 10% discount applied if you book 2 or more class/programs are for the same day. A maximum of 4 classes/programs can be accommodated in one day (dependent on arrival and departure times, as well as program choice).
- Discounted rates available for group size of 12 or fewer
- Discounted rates available for programs scheduled after 1 PM.
On-site Program Add-ons
- Self-guided Scavenger Hunt materials ($10/program)
- Guided Hike ($50/30-minute hike, $75/45-minute hike)
- Introduction to Mindfulness in Nature ($50/program)
- 15 minutes with an Animal Ambassador ($50/program)
- Snakes: Corn snake
- Turtles: Eastern box turtle, Painted turtle, Map turtle
- Amphibians: Gray tree frog, American toad
- Invertebrates: Dubia roaches, Curly hair tarantula
Most programs are held outside or have an outdoor component; please come prepared for the weather!
Financial assistance may be available for schools/programs with a high percentage of free and reduced lunch students. Please contact us at for more information.
Off-site programs are approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour in length. Off-site programs may be suitable for outdoors depending on the program.
Off-site program fees:
- Within a 20-mile radius of the KNC:
- $125 for 30-minute programs up to 30 students
- $250.00 for 60-minute programs up to 30 students
- Outside 20-mile radius from KNC:
- Add $1.50 for each additional mile outside the radius
Off-site Program Add-ons
- Self-guided Schoolyard Scavenger Hunt materials: $10/program
- 15 minutes with an Animal Ambassador ($50/Program)
- Snakes: Corn snake
- Turtles: Eastern box turtle
- Amphibian: American toad
-
Invertebrates: Dubia roaches, Curly hair tarantula
Homeschool
Each Thursday, homeschool students can experience hands-on exploration and outdoor adventures.
The 2-hour program is designed for ages 5-12. Students will begin each session together with an outdoor hike and will split into age groups for journaling and age specific lessons.
Workshops & Events
Learn about the ancient tradition of wreath making. Paint a gourd birdhouse to bring home for a feathered friend. Head to the forest to gather materials for a hand-crafted meal using foraged delicacies.
At KNC, we invite people of all ages to reconnect with the natural world and rediscover your creative voice, no matter your experience level. Check out the calendar for a variety of upcoming programs!