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.
CURRENT FAMILIES:
ABOUT FIELD STUDIES | 2026-27 FIELD STUDIES INFO
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 an 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 and Fridays. 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.
FIELD STUDIES 2026-2027 INFORMATION
field studies 2026-2027 schedule
The Full-Year Field Studies program takes place from 10am to 3:30pm on its designated day.
**Both Wednesday and Friday Field Studies are now full for 2026-2027.**
| CALENDAR | WEDNESDAYS | FRIDAYS |
| Fall | 9/9/26 – 12/16/26 | 9/11/26 – 12/18/26 |
| Fall Break/Non Program Days | 11/25/26 12/23/26 – 1/12/27 | 11/27 12/25 – 1/14/27 |
| Spring | 1/13/27 – 6/2/27 | 1/15/27 – 6/4/27 |
| Spring Break/Non Program Days | 2/17/27 3/24/27 4/28/27 | 2/19/27 3/26/27 4/30/27 |
FIELD STUDIES 2026-2027 Fees*
Full Year: $1,550
Fall Only: $680
Families may choose monthly payments or to pay in full
*Discounts:
Members receive $20 off fall-only registration or $40 off full-year registration.
Families registering multiple children receive $5 off fall-only registration or $10 off full-year registration.
Registration opens the following dates:
- May 6th for current families signing up for the full year
- May 27th to current families signing up for fall only and families currently on the waitlist
- June 3rd to the general public
FOREST SCHOOL HANDBOOK
It is critical that families review the parent handbook before registering a child for Forest School. The handbook provides detailed information about Forest School’s core values and guiding principles, along with logistical details regarding food, clothing, weather closures, registration, and more. Please take the time to read through the handbook, and feel free to reach out to our staff with any questions at 585.374.6160.
