Discover Your Forest Education Programs offers a variety of free curriculum-based programs within the Deschutes National Forest; locations include Mt. Bachelor and Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Many tours are offered in guided or self-guided formats. Guided programs fill up quickly so book your tour early.
Lava Lands Visitor Center
Location:
• off of Highway 97; Exit 151/Cottonwood Rd. Directions to Lava Lands
• Lava Lands Visitor Center at Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Programs details:
• Ranger-guided program targeted for 2nd or 4th grade
• Field trip recommended for grades 2nd and up
At Lava Lands Visitors Center, students learn about volcanoes and their effect upon the physical, biological and cultural aspects of our world. Several education programs are offered to enhance your students’ outdoor education experience. Self-guided and Ranger-led tours are available. Rangers can provide interpretive talks on the geology, ecology and cultural heritage of Newberry National Volcanic Monument and take students on a guided hike to give students a close-up look at the volcanism that shaped the landscape around the Visitors Center. The Visitors Center also has an exhibit room to help students understand Newberry Volcano.
Ranger-guided Options available:
• Ranger Talk (15 minutes)
• Enrichment Activity (30 minutes)
• Trail of Molten Lands- Ranger led (60 -75 minutes)
Preparedness:
• The trails are very exposed (no tree cover), high temperatures
• Bring water, snacks, and lunch
• Wear protective clothing and sunscreen
Limitations:
• Ranger-guided programs are offered on select days between 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Self-guided tours may also be available.
• 75 people maximum per program (includes youth and adults)
• May 1 through September 30
• Maximum of 3 private vehicle waivers provided
Fees:
• All of our educational programs are FREE of charge and are scheduled on a first-come first-serve basis. Forest Service regulations does allow for school groups and other bona-fide educational institutes to obtain a waiver of Monument and Forest entrance fees, provided to scheduled groups.
• Visiting outside of the program time limitations will be charged the normal entrance fees ($25 per bus of 15 people or less, $100 per bus, $50 per bus of 25 people or less, $100 per bus of over 25 people, $5 per car)
• Groups larger than 75 must schedule separate program times
• Additional vehicles will be charged $5/car (Ed. vouchers are limited to a max. of 3 vehicles) For schools with a restricted travel budget, there are a limited number of travel grants to assist with busing. In order to make a registration, be prepared to discuss your field trip objectives. You will need to provide a contact name, phone number, email, group size. Please email dyf.scheduling@discovernw.org for more information.
Ranger-guided Tours: To schedule a Ranger-guided tour, please click the link below:
Self-guided Tours: To schedule a Self-guided tour, please click the link below:
Lava River Cave
Location:
• 1 mile from Lava Lands Visitors Center Directions to Lava River Cave
• off of Highway 97; Exit 151/Cottonwood Rd.
• Lava River Cave at Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Programs details:
• Field trip recommended for grades 3rd and up
• At teacher’s discretion, younger students may attend the field trip, but please be aware of safety and supervision issue for young students
Students will take a self-guided tour through a volcanic lava tube. Before entering the cave, a 15 minute Ranger Talk will be provided to help the students prepare and navigate the cave. During the Ranger Talk, there will be a brief discussion about White Nose Syndrome (WNS) and the protection of our bat species.
Preparedness:
• Cave is 1 mile in length
• Approximately 1.5 hours to hike the entire cave
• The average temperature is 42 degrees Fahrenheit
• Wear close-toed shoes and warm clothing
• PLEASE DO NOT wear shoes, clothing, or bring in gear that has been in any other cave or mine. This is to protect the bats from WNS
• Bring your own flashlights/headlamps
• Initial access descends 150 stairs, there are uneven surfaces throughout
• Prior to your visit, please inform your students, chaperones and staff about WNS and the cave restrictions on clothing and gear
Limitations:
• Programs held at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
• 75 people maximum per program
• May 1 through September 30
• Maximum of 3 private vehicle waivers provided
Fees:
• All of our educational programs are FREE of charge and are scheduled on a first-come first-serve basis. Forest Service regulations does allow for school groups and other bona-fide educational institutes to obtain a waiver of Monument and Forest entrance fees, provided to scheduled groups.
• Visiting outside of the program time limitations will be charged the normal entrance fees ($25 per bus of 15 people or less, $50 per bus of 25 people or less, $100 per bus of over 25 people, $5 per car)
• Groups larger than 75 must schedule separate program times
• Additional vehicles will be charged $5/car (Ed. vouchers provided to a maximum of 3 vehicles)
• $5 per light rental
White Nose Syndrome (WNS):
White Nose Syndrome is a new disease that has killed over 6 million hibernating bats in North America since 2006. This disease is caused by the fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which is often visible on the noses and skin of infected bats. The fungus thrives in cold temperatures of caves and mines. The disease acts as a skin irritant, causing infected bats to awaken from hibernation too often, prematurely burning up their fat and water reserves before emerging in the spring. Affected bats have been seen flying during the day, or found dead or dying outside caves during winter.
In the interest of preventing the spread of White-nose Syndrome to bats that reside in the Cave, we ask that you not wear or bring into the cave any clothing, shoes, or gear you have used in any other caves or mines.
For schools with a restricted travel budget, there are a limited number of travel grants to assist with busing. In order to make a registration, be prepared to discuss your field trip objectives. You will need to provide a contact name, phone number, email, and group size. Please email dyf.scheduling@discovernw.org for more information. To schedule a tour, please click the button below:
Newberry Caldera
Location:
• 24 miles south of Lava Lands Visitors Center
• off of Highway 97; Paulina-East Lake Rd.
• Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Programs available:
Groups can self-guide around the many natural attractions of Newberry Caldera (Ranger led programs are not available at this time)
• Big Obsidian Flow hike
• Paulina Peak hike
• Paulina Falls hike
• Explore the Paulina Visitors Center and learn about the volcano through interpretive signage
Limitations:
• May 1 (weather dependent) through September 30
• Maximum of 3 private vehicle waivers provided
Fees:
• All of our educational programs are FREE of charge and are scheduled on a first-come first-serve basis. Forest Service regulations does allow for school groups and other bona-fide educational institutes to obtain a waiver of Monument and Forest entrance fees, provided to scheduled groups.
• Additional vehicles will be charged $5/car For schools with a restricted travel budget, there are a limited number of travel grants to assist with busing. In order to make a registration, be prepared to discuss your field trip objectives. You will need to provide a contact name, phone number, email, group size.
To schedule a self-guided tour of the Newberry Caldera, Benham Falls East Trailhead, or Lava Cast Forest, please follow the link below.
Project S.N.O.W. (Studying Nature Outside in Winter)
Location:
• At the U.S. Forest Service hut at Mt. Bachelor’s West Village
Programs details:
• Project SNOW program targeted for 4th grade
• Field trip recommended for 3rd-5th grade Students learn to snowshoe and discover the winter environment at Mt. Bachelor. Students use field based and experiential approach in science inquiry to assess nivean environments; using snow tools, animal tracking and seasonal adaptation studies. Students address physical, life and earth science standards as well as winter safety and preparedness.
Preparedness:
• Snowshoe hike 1.25 mile in length
• Approximately 2 hours to snowshoe the entire route
• Typically below freezing temperatures (check weather reports that day)
• Wear warm boots, layered clothing, snow pants, winter coat, hat and gloves (If some youth need to borrow winter gear, please request this during the registration process)
• Snow depth can vary; expect uneven surfaces and snow terrain
Limitations:
• Programs held at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM
• 2 classrooms per program
• Early January through late March (no field trips during last week of March for Oregon Spring Break)
Fees:
All of our educational programs are FREE of charge and are scheduled on a first-come first-serve basis. Forest Service regulations does allow for school groups and other bona-fide educational institutes to obtain a waiver of Monument and Forest entrance fees, provided to scheduled groups. For schools with a restricted travel budget, there are a limited number of travel grants to assist with busing.
In order to register, be prepared to discuss your field trip objectives. You will need to provide a contact name, phone number, email, and group size. Please email laken.bose@discovernw.org for more information. To schedule a Project SNOW tour, please click the button below:
Snow Science
Snow School Location:
• At the U.S. Forest Service hut at Mt. Bachelor’s West Village
Programs details:
• Snow School can be targeted from 6-12 grade
Traveling by snowshoe, students use field based and experiential approach in science inquiry to assess nivean environments; using snow tools, animal tracking and seasonal adaptation studies. Students address physical, life and earth science standards.
Preparedness:
• Snowshoe hike 1.25 mile in length
• Approximately 2 hours to snowshoe the entire route
• Typically below freezing temperatures (check weather reports that day)
• Wear warm boots, layered clothing, snow pants, winter coat, hat and gloves (If some youth need to borrow winter gear, please request this during the registration process)
• Snow depth can vary; expect uneven surfaces and snow terrain
Limitations:
• Programs held at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM
• 2 classrooms per program
• Early January through late March (no field trips during last week of March for Oregon Spring Break)
Fees:
All of our educational programs are FREE of charge and are scheduled on a first-come first-serve basis. Forest Service regulations does allow for school groups and other bona-fide educational institutes to obtain a waiver of Monument and Forest entrance fees, provided to scheduled groups. For schools with a restricted travel budget, there are a limited number of travel grants to assist with busing.
Booking Opening Soon
Discover Your Forest educators offer programs for all age levels that can be delivered in your classroom or at your school site. These programs are available by request and custom programs can also be developed.
Kindergarten – 1st Grade
Forest in the Classroom
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.
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.
Bugs Abound
Get up close and personal with insects and other invertebrates. Students use active inquiry to explore the component parts and life cycles of bugs and butterflies. Sweep the fields and forest to discover the diversity of bugs in our region, find out how bugs move, locate and compare habitats and diets, and observe interesting characteristics.
– Please email karen.gentry@discovernw.org for scheduling a classroom visit
2nd Grade – 3rd Grade
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.
Bee SMART – Plants and Pollinators
Bees and other pollinators supply us with nearly 1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat. Students will explore the importance of pollinators and how they are connected to our food and environment. Using the Deschutes National Forest as our classroom we will head out into the field and observe two distinct habits for pollinators. Topics covered will include, Meet the Pollinators, What is Pollination?, Pollinators and Food and Insect Anatomy.
Please email karen.gentry@discovernw.org for scheduling a classroom visit
4th Grade – 5th Grade
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.
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.
Project SNOW Pre and Post Visits
In-classroom pre and post visits to help students prepare for Project SNOW** and a wrap up session after their snowshoe tour. To schedule a Pre and Post visit, please email dyf.scheduling@discovernw.org
**To schedule a Project SNOW snowshoe tour, please refer to the Project SNOW tab above
Please email karen.gentry@discovernw.org for scheduling a classroom visit
6th Grade – 8th Grade
Discover Your Forest- Citizen Science Academy
Project Budburst
Bat Acoustic & Roost Monitoring
Project Pika
Project Bluebird
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.
Please email karen.gentry@discovernw.org for scheduling a classroom visit
9th Grade – 12th Grade
Greenhouse to Greenscapes
Please email karen.gentry@discovernw.org for scheduling a classroom visit
The Lorax Reading
Celebrate Earth Day with a reading of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax by a US Forest Service Volunteer. Students will have an interactive and fun discussion about conservation while learning about Natural Resources. Sign up for a one hour time frame for a volunteer to come into your classroom!
-Limit: 2 classrooms per time slot
-Students: Kindergarten- 2nd grade
-Dates: Earth Day Week of 2021
These resources will ensure that you and your students have a safe and memorable experience on your program.
Our Commitment
We are committed to:
• Providing quality educational experiences related to the resources of Mt. Bachelor and Newberry National Volcanic Monument
• Ranger-led programs on the forest; however we also offer limited classroom programs
• Working closely with teacher and youth leaders to provide a learning experience that is best suited to your students
• Offering a greater understanding in the protection of natural and cultural resources in our country’s national forests
Teachers & Chaperones
Important Roles:
The role of both the teacher and the adult chaperone is a vital component to the success of this educational experience. Chaperones are an extension of the teaching staff and also need to be thoroughly prepared for this adventure. The role of the entire team is to ensure the students have a safe, fun, and educational experience.
Click the links below to download Word Documents:
Newberry National Volcanic Monument Resources
NNVM Field Trip Guide:
This NNVM Field Trip Guide is designed as a resource for teachers planning a trip to Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Since a staff member cannot provide assistance for your entire trip, this guide has been developed to provide a Teacher Checklist (of before, during, and after trip tasks), Student & Chaperone expectations, and to review important Safety Concerns.
Supplemental Materials for the Trail of the Molten Land tour videos:
Discover Your Forest and the Deschutes National Forest Volunteer Rangers prefers to have student and youth groups come visit Lava Lands in person, but sometimes this isn’t always possible. There is a video series on YouTube for the Trail of the Molten Land tour, which can be used as an alternative to the guided hike that students would participate in during their in-person field trip. To get access to these videos, please email dyf.scheduling@discovernw.org to request the YouTube links. Make sure you download and share the Student Journal, which students can complete while they watch Stops 1 through Stop 6, and the At Home Activities packet which students can choose to do with their families after they watch each video.
Student Journal for the Trail of the Molten Land
At Home Activities for the Trail of the Molten Land
Volcanic Vista:
Newberry National Volcanic Monument’s annual newspaper and guide. Includes quick information about the monument and maps to help guide you.
USGS Guide:
Provided by the US Geological Survey, this guide explains the geologic and volcanic importance/history of Newberry Volcano.
Project S.N.O.W. Resources
Project SNOW Field Trip Guide:
This Project SNOW Field Trip Guide is designed as a resource for teachers planning a trip to Mt Bachelor’s Project S.N.O.W. program. Since a staff member cannot provide assistance for your entire trip, this guide has been developed to provide a Teacher Checklist (of before, during, and after trip tasks), Student & Chaperone expectations, and to review important Safety Concerns.
Pre/Post Visit Workbook
Students will use this workbook to prepare for their visit to Mt Bachelor for a guided snowshoeing tour. This workbook will help students begin to formulate questions about the winter environment at Mt Bachelor and how to prepare themselves for this winter adventure! Please print this workbook out for students to work on before coming to your snowshoe tour. Students can refer back to this workbook after their tour to fill in any remaining questions.
Every Kid Outdoors
About:
President Barack Obama created Every Kid in a Park so fourth graders and their families could discover our wildlife, resources, and history for FREE! To help engage and create our next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates, the White House, in partnership with the Federal Land Management agencies, launched the Every Kid in a Park initiative. The immediate goal is to provide an opportunity for each and every 4th grade student across the country to experience their federal Public Lands and waters in person.
Who:
All 4th grade students!
*students can bring your family and friends with you for free
Participating Agencies:
-U.S. Bureau of Land Management
-U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
-National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
-National Park Service
-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
-U.S. Forest Service
-U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
How it works:
-Show your pass to a ranger when you enter. If there is no ranger, leave it on the dashboard of your car.
-If you visit a site that charges entrance fees per person: The pass admits all children under the age of 16 and up to three adults for free.
-If you visit a site that charges vehicle fees: The pass admits all children under the age of 16 and all adults in up to one passenger vehicle. Commercial vehicles can’t use a pass to get in.
-If you arrive at a site on bicycle: The pass admits all children under the age of 16 and up to three adults on bicycles.
-The pass doesn’t cover things like camping, boats, and special tours. Also, some sites are managed by private operators. They may not honor the pass. Check with the site ahead of time to find out.
-The pass doesn’t cover fees for local, city, or state parks or recreation areas unless they say that they accept the pass.
-Paper passes can be exchanged for plastic passes at certain sites.
For more information or to get your pass, go to everykidoutdoors.gov
We appreciate your interest in volunteering on your Public Lands! By filling out this form your answers will help us learn a bit about who you are and what kind of volunteer service best fits your interests and skills. After you submit this form, Discover Your Forest’s Community Engagement Director will follow up with you to help connect you to local forest service volunteer opportunities and/or refer you to our partnering volunteer service organizations.