Our Educational Program Offerings
Discover Your Forest provides free of charge conservation education programs across the Deschutes National Forest. Forest Service regulations do allow for school groups and other bona-fide educational institutes to obtain a waiver of Monument and Forest entrance fees, provided they schedule through Discover Your Forest. Please consider donating to our education fund if able. For schools with a restricted travel budget, there are a limited number of grants to assist with busing. Contact us with any questions.
On the Forest
Mt Bachelor West Village
Project S.N.O.W. (Studying Nature Outdoors in Winter) brings students into the field on snowshoes to learn more about our local winter environments! While snowshoeing through fresh powder students will learn about the biology, hydrology, and geology of the Deschutes National Forest and make connections about how our lives are impacted by snow in central Oregon.
- January - March
- Grades 4-5
- Booking opens on October 1st
- NGSS Aligned: 4-ESS2-2, 4-ESS2-1, 4-LS1-1, 5-ESS2-1, 5-ESS3-1
Snow Science immerses students in the winter environment of Deschutes National Forest. Students embark on a snowshoe hike while completing water morphology, snow stability, and snow water equivalent experiments.
- January - March
- Grades 6-8
- Booking opens on October 1st
- NGSS Aligned: MS Practice 1-8, CCSS MP 1-8
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Lava Lands Visitor Center takes students back in time, about 7,000 years back in time! Join Forest Service rangers on a guided-tour of the Trail of Molten Land and learn about the explosive history of Lava Butte and central Oregon. Self-guided options available.
- Operational May - September
- Grades 4-12
- Booking opens on March 1st
- NGSS Aligned: 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-2, 5-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-2, HS-ESS1-5
Lava River Cave programs allow students to explore the longest lava tube in Oregon! Explore with a ranger and learn about the geologic history of Newberry Volcano and our local bats who call the cave home. This program focuses on the fascinating geology and biology of the Lava River Cave. Self-guide options available.
- Operational May - September
- Grades 4-12
- Booking opens on March 1st
- NGSS Aligned: 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-2, 5-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-2, HS-ESS1-5
Newberry Caldera offers many geologic wonders to learn from! Take a ranger-guided hike of the Big Obsidian Flow, the youngest volcanic rock in Oregon, while exploring inside an active volcano. Students will learn about the igneous rocks produced by Newberry Volcano and how volcanic eruptions shape our landscape.
- Operational July-September
- Grades 4-12
- 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-2, 5-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-2, HS-ESS1-5
Kindergarten Forest Days at Skyliner Lodge
Discover Your Forest educators are available to assist with Kindergarten Forest Days at Skyliner Lodge. Choose from one of the hands-on and experiential lessons below to be taught in the forest.
Tree-Mendous Trees
Nature detectives hit the trail to uncover the life cycle of trees through games, role play, and guided observation. Our discovery includes investigations into seeds, saplings, adult trees, and fallen logs. Connections are made between fallen logs and soil production to bring the amazing cycle full circle.
- Available October-December and April
- NGSS aligned: K.3S.1, 1.L1.1
Sensing Nature
Animals, including humans, use more than their eyes to learn and survive in nature. In this hands-on, noses-on, eyes-on, and ears-on program, students discover how all five senses can be used to explore nature. Discover shapes and textures in nature and the various ways color and scent are used by trees.
- Available October-December and April
- Oregon state science standard aligned: K.1P.1, K.S3.1, K.S3.2
In the Classroom
Grades 2-3
Animal Homes
Trees provide shelter as well as food for animals (even humans!). In return, animals are vital to the life cycle of trees by dispersing seeds, contributing to soil production, and aiding pollination. Through engaging activities, students explore what animals need to survive in their habitat and the interdependence between plants and animals.
- NGSS Aligned: 4-ESS2-2, 4-ESS2-1
Grades 4-5
Volcano in the Classroom
The Cascade volcanoes extend from southern British Columbia, Canada, to northern California. Volcanic eruptions, collapsing calderas, tectonic plates shifting and igneous rocks forming, Volcano in the Classroom is a one hour classroom presentation focusing on the geology and volcanic history of the Cascades and Newberry Volcano. Students will gain an understanding of volcanic processes through demonstrations and exciting hands-on experiments.
- NGSS Aligned: 4-ESS2-2, 4-ESS2-1
Energized Ecosystems
Trace the flow of matter and energy through our High Desert ecosystems. Explore the processes that allow nature to recycle and renew itself. Uncover the connections that lie between organisms and the energy in their environment. Students will examine the structures and processes that plants and animals use to make or obtain energy.
- NGSS Aligned: 5-LS2-1SS
Middle School 6-8
Volcano in the Classroom
The Cascade volcanoes extend from southern British Columbia, Canada, to northern California. Volcanic eruptions, collapsing calderas, tectonic plates shifting and igneous rocks forming, Volcano in the Classroom is a one hour classroom presentation focusing on the geology and volcanic history of the Cascades and Newberry Volcano. Students will gain an understanding of volcanic processes through demonstrations and exciting hands-on experiments.
- NGSS Aligned: MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-2
More Information
Donations are suggested to support Discover Your Forest in providing educational programs and volunteer support to the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the Crooked River National Grassland.
Tour size is limited to first-come, first-served without a reservation
Pets not allowed
Group Tours
Group tours for schools, youth, or other organizations may be scheduled.
Available on weekdays