2010 Middle School Programs 2011
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These programs are appropriate for Middle School students. Some are seasonal; others are offered throughout the school year. 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.
A resident snapping turtle looking for a nesting site.
Aquatic Ecology: (Through September and after April 15)
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Students participate in a hands-on study of an aquatic habitat as they wade into the pond or follow the stream to collect specimens for identification. This is an excellent opportunity to study the life cycles of amphibians and insects and to practice insect classification. We are prepared to do simple qualitative water chemistry; you may bring equipment to do a quantitative study if you wish. Microscopes are welcome. Cost: $5/student, $50.00 minimum. Limit two class per visit; one studying the pond, the other monitoring the stream.
A Hickory Hairstreak is a special find.
Butterfly Study (September, May)
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Review the butterfly lifecycle, learn about the adaptations of different species of Middle Tennessee butterflies and practice using a field guide to identify these flying jewels. Binoculars are helpful but not necessary. Cost: $5/person, $50 minimum/class.
Fossils like this brachiopods encrust stones on our walls
Fossil Study (January through March)
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Review fossil formation and discuss what fossils might be found in Middle Tennessee and why. Examine specimens in the Owl's Hill collection, then spend time searching the Owl's Hill trails for fossils and using a field guide to identify your finds. Limit: 1 class. Cost: $5/person, $50.00 minimum/class.
Interpretive Habitat Hike: (August through May)
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Trail Guides lead your class on an interpretive hike through varied habitats, including old orchard, meadow and Eastern Deciduous Forest. Autumn hikes abound with fruit, seeds, spiders and insects, winter provides a close look at burrows, fossils and tracks, and spring offers nesting birds, mating amphibians, and an abundance of wildflowers. This is an excellent program to introduce urban students to the real outdoors in an interesting and non-threatening setting. Cost: $5/person, $50.00 minimum/class.
A Barred Owl, Strix varia
Owls: Top of the Food Chain: (August through May)
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Owl's Hill is honored to offer a home to several owls which have recovered from injuries that render them unable to survive in the wild. These owls represent the four owl species that are year-round residents in Middle Tennessee: Bubo virginianus, the Great Horned Owl; Strix varia, the Barred Owl; Tyto alba, the Barn Owl; and Otus asio, the Screech Owl. Bring your class to meet these beautiful creatures and see first hand the adaptations of each to its habitat. Hike through owl territory and learn how owls affect and are affected by the food chain. The program includes a discussion of the concerns, both practical and legal, involved in caring for injured and orphaned animals. Cost: $5/person, $50.00 minimum/class. Limit of 2 classes per visit.
Spring beauty is easily keyed out in the spring.
Ridge Line Hike: (August through May)
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Experience the Eastern Deciduous Forest as it must have appeared to Tennessee's first settlers. The trail takes students from a Locust-lined creek bed up the Beech and Maple forested hillside to the Oak and Hickory covered ridge top. Exposed ledges reveal limestone, shale, and chirt layers. Classes styding wildflowers will benefit from a spring hike, when the forest floor is covered with early blooming species. This is a moderately strenuous hike; sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Cost: $5.00/person, $50.00 minimum/class. Limit two classes per visit.
Autumn at Owl's Hill
Photos by Byron Jorjorian
Forest Ecology: (September - March)
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Give your students an opportunity to experience the Tennessee forest first hand. Not only will they be introduced to forest ecosystems, but also to the different species that populate Middle Tennessee. From September to early November they will learn to identify trees using leaves, bark and a field guide. From November to March they will use twigs, bark and a dichotomous key for identification. The winter program includes some "classroom" study, then adjourns to the trails to practice the newly gained skills. Cost: $5/person, $50.00 minimum/class.
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