Cumming Nature Center > Forest School
Field Studies at Cumming Nature Center
From soil science to wildlife management, Field Studies will prepare students to engage thoughtfully with the natural world using scientific methods and their own curiosity to analyze and address real-world problems.
ABOUT FIELD STUDIES
Imagine your middle schooler out at the wetland’s edge, GPS in hand, recording the location of a wildlife camera. Nearby, another student collects bottom sediment with a Ekman Sampler to take back to the nature center for analysis. Imagine your student working with other young teens to contribute to data for a citizen science project in preparation to present their findings at a village meeting. This data helps inform the village’s approach to key environmental issues such as water quality or changes caused by a warming climate.
From soil science to wildlife management, the Field Studies Program at Cumming Nature Center will prepare students to engage thoughtfully with the natural world using scientific methods and their own curiosity to analyze and address real-world problems. They will build their relationship with the natural world through curiosity-driven conversation, hands-on projects, and outdoor skills development, all within a physically safe and emotionally supportive learning environment. Through the Field Studies Program, students cultivate self-reliance, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Field Studies Program runs from 10am-3:30pm on Wednesdays. Students should expect instructional mornings including lectures, readings, and presentations. Homework in the form of research, writing, or analysis will be assigned most weeks. Students will be outdoors in all types of environments and weather, so proper clothing and gear is of the utmost importance.
2022-23 FIELD STUDIES INFORMATION
SESSION DATES
Wednesdays | 10am-3:30pm
Fall: Wednesdays, September 13 through December 20 (except November 22)
Spring: Wednesdays, January 10 through June 5 (except February 13, March 20, and April 3)
FEES
Members receive a $40 discount per child for full-year registration, or a $20 discount per child for single sessions.
| Full Year | Fall only (14 sessions) | Spring only (19 sessions) | |
| 1 Child | $1,350 | $575 | $775 |
| 2 Children | $1,345 | $573 | $772 |
| 3+ Children | $1,340 | $570 | $770 |
Register For Field Studies
Registration for the 2023-24 year is open to the public. Field Studies is currently full for Fall 2023.
Spring 2024 registration will open in mid-autumn. To be put on a waitlist and notified when registrations open for Spring 2024, please contact us at 585.374.6160.
Please read the parent handbook before registering your child: DOWNLOAD HANDBOOK.
2023-24 INFORMATION
schedule
WEDNESDAYS | 10am-3:30pm
September 13 through June 5
Fees
1 child | $1350
2 children | $1345 per child
3+ children | $1340 per child
*Members receive a discount of $40 per child
register
Field Studies registration is closed for Fall 2023. Please call 585.374.6160 for questions.