Field Trips at Chalco Hills
Discover nature in Nebraska at a field trip to Chalco Hills Recreation Area. Our park, in southwest Omaha, is the perfect setting for a spring, summer or fall field trip. While you hike the nature trails, you'll enjoy the prairie grasses, trees, forest undergrowth, animal trails, working windmill and well, and log cabin study area. Find your way around Chalco Hills (map of area)

The field trips offered at Chalco Hills focus on environmental themes. These themes preferably are based on what your school or youth group has studied; although general field trips are available as well. Some typical themes include: Nebraska trees, Nebraska birds, ecosystems, soil & water conservation, wetlands life, and Nebraska's natural history.

Bird Banding Chalco Hills Volunteer, Ruth Green, teaches a class the finer points of banding birds.

While at Chalco Hills, you have several choices for field trips. You can request to have a trip led by our volunteer interpretive naturalists or you can make arrangements to come out on your own, and do outdoor activities of your choice or follow our printed trail guide.

Since we focus on nature, plan on walking off the trails through tall grasses, smelling, and perhaps tasting edible plants, and seeing many of Nebraska's birds. We can't produce wildlife on demand, but you will see wildlife signs.

Trip guidelines:
Most field trips are held at Chalco Hill's nature trails, although special arrangements for your needs can be made. The trips are held outside, so appropriate clothing is requested. The maximum number of students is limited to three classes, although we prefer one or two classes at a time. Guided field trips are usually held in the mornings 9:30 - 11:30, and upon special arrangement, the NRD can offer afternoon programs including tree planting, or bird-box building. Volunteer naturalists lead the hikes, and we divide your students into smaller groups, depending upon the number of naturalists. Unfortunately, raindates are not possible. Plan on picnicking at the covered shelter, picnic tables and playground near the nature trails.

No fee is charged because of the volunteers we use. Please do remain respectful and appreciative to our volunteers.

To arrange a trip: Call Christine Jacobsen, 444-6222 or e-mail cjacobsen@papionrd.org in the NRD's Information/Education Dept. Please have several dates in mind, and know your times, topics and number of students. For youth groups (such as scouting groups and such), we ask for a minimum two week advance notice. Be prepared to have a fun, and informative time!

NATURE WATCH: SIDELINE: Nebraska State Flora & Fauna:

At Chalco Hills you'll see the:	State Flower	Goldenrod
	State Tree	Cottonwood tree
	State Bird	Western Meadowlark
	State Grass	Little Bluestem
	State mammal	Whitetail deer
	State insect	Honeybee