About School Programs
Owl's Hill is a place for learning. Each year, more than 8,000 visitors participate in scheduled, curriculum aligned nature programs and environmental education opportunities. Visitors include school classes of all ages and skill levels, from pre-school to college. Because Owl's Hill is a nature sanctuary, access is by reservation only.
The Sanctuary's programs are designed to enhance studies of seasonal changes, sensory awareness, wildlife habitats, and responsible human interaction with the natural world. They are highly flexible and, with prior arrangement, staff can provide a special program focus to address the curriculum interests of a particular group.
The typical school program runs 90 minutes, including arrival and departure time. Most programs include a guided interpretive hike. To enhance visitor participation, every effort is made to keep class size under 25; larger groups may be divided. Most programs run more smoothly with a limit of 3 classes or 75 students per visit. Some special programs can accommodate only one or two classes. Larger schools may wish to schedule additional arrival times or days.
Age Appropriate Programs: Some of our programs can be easily adapted to all ages. Others have been specifically designed for a particular age and curriculum level. Our program listing introduces each program at the youngest appropriate age, then lists it in the following grade levels for which it remains appropriate.
Chaperones: Chaperones are welcome at all programs. The fee is the same as for the students, except for teachers, aides and other paid school employees, for whom there is no fee. When choosing chaperones, keep in mind that our insurance does not allow tag-a-longs of any age, including babies. Please impress on your chaperones that they should find a caregiver for their other children.
Curriculum Links: Owl's Hill education programs supplement the Tennessee State Science and Ecology curriculum standards with hands on nature experience. Specialized programs also support the Tennessee State Social Studies, Math, English, Art and Physical Education curriculum standards. Check the grade level listings for a chart showing the links between the programs and the Curriculum Standards.
Program Registration: To schedule a program for your class, REQUEST A PROGRAM ON-LINE or call 615-370-4672.
Fees: Reservations are acknowledged with a teacher's package containing additional information. A non-refundable deposit equal to the minimum/class fee times the number of classes is necessary to hold your reservation; an invoice is provided in the packet. Please note the due date for the deposit since failure to send the deposit may result in the loss of your preferred date. The deposit is applied to the fee; the balance is due the day of the program.
Refunds: The deposit is only refundable in the event of severe weather or school closing. Should you need to cancel for other reasons, we will work with you to reschedule if we are notified in advance. Except for the Autumn Nature Adventure, deposits may be applied to another program later in the school year. Programs that have been rescheduled are not eligible for a refund although we will work with you to reschedule again. Cancellations without advance notification are not eligible for rescheduling or refund under any circumstances. Deposits cannot be carried over from one school year to the next. For accounting purposes, we consider the school year to run from August through May.
Picnics: You may schedule a picnic in our orchard picnic area before or after your program at no additional cost. For scheduling purposes, picnic time is limited to 30 minutes. Owl's Hill does not have trash removal service; in order to continue offering a free picnic area, we ask that you collect your own trash and take it away with you. If this is not possible, the trash removal fee is $40. Trash bags are available in the Visitor Center for $2 each or you may bring your own. For the protection of the wildlife, please do not bring drinks with straws. The cellophane wrappers are an attractive but fatal snack to many birds and animals. Thank you for your help in maintaining a healthy environment for the Sanctuary's residents.
Home School Programs: Home school groups may register for education programs throughout the school year. The per person fee for the particular program applies; there is a minimum program fee of $75/group. We also offer special Home School Days when small groups and individual families may register and pay only the per person fee without having to meet the minimum fee requirement.
