Field Trips
Field Trips at Merry Lea
Below is a list of the standard Field Trip Programs offered at Merry Lea. Each program description includes: field trip season, grade level, maximum number of students*, program overview and academic standards correlation.
We also offer custom programs. Custom programs may combine 2-3 of our standard programs or you may request a program about birds, renewable energy, wild edible plants, wetland restoration and insects. All custom programs have separate pricing.
*Please note: if bringing more than the maximum number of students listed, you will need to reserve more than one field trip date. Already know what program you’d like? Book your field trip now using our online registration system with the button below!
Click here to book now!
Spring 2024 Waitlist
*Spring 2024 field trip registration is full – join our waitlist!
Fall 2024 Waitlist
*Fall 2024 field trip registration is beginning to fill up but there are still a few spots left. If the dates that are left do not work for your schedule, please join our waitlist!
Field Trip Options
Autumn Adventures
September - November
Discover how animals and plants prepare for winter by observing evidence and using all 5 senses in the forests, meadows, and wetlands at Merry Lea. Students fly like a sandhill crane, scamper like a squirrel, explore plant characteristics and much more to experience how Indiana’s wildlife is adapted to survive winter.
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Biodiversity
April - November
Students discover the diversity of life at Merry Lea first-hand by exploring multiple ecosystems on our trails. In each habitat, students identify native organisms and discuss the interconnections of mammals, insects, plants, humans, and more. Assess the importance of biodiversity by flipping logs, interpreting abiotic features, and meeting the flora and fauna of Merry Lea.
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Exploring Merry Lea Teaching Farm
September - November
Merry Lea Teaching Farm is a unique edible ecosystem where students taste their way to an understanding of humans, farm, and habitat connections. Students delve into soil ecosystems, search for pollinators at work, and meet our animals living at the farm. Making apple cider provides students a memorable example of how food can be processed before we consume it.
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Exploring Nature
April - May
Students explore seasons as spring wakes up around them! Get out on the trails and investigate adaptations, the diversity of life, and ecosystem interactions. Dip for pond creatures, play concept-reinforcing games, and experience spring in Indiana.
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Nature’s Recyclers
April - November
We know about paper, plastic, and glass, but how does nature recycle? Through interactive exploration, students visit forests, prairies, and wetlands to learn that everything in the natural world is eventually broken down into its basic parts. Get face-to-face with some wriggly recyclers, and discover why decomposition is such an important process in nature.
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Rock Cycle
April - November
Dig into northeastern Indiana’s rich geological history! Students discover the impact glaciers had on this area by seeing glacial activity up close. Hike down an esker, move through layers of topsoil and glacial till to find a peat bog, explore and identify rocks in an abandoned gravel pit, and use models to understand how glaciers changed Indiana’s landscape.
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Trees are Terrific!
April - November
The marvelous world of trees is diverse in function, characteristics, and uses. Students explore trees’ anatomy and physiology, life cycles, identifications, and roles within different ecosystems. Examine leaves, seeds, buds and more as students hike among the trees, compare and contrast living tree examples, and participate in trail-based activities designed to spark curiosity and learning – all about trees!
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Water Quality
April - November
What, if anything, is wrong with our water? How did it get that way? What can be done about it now? Students address these questions using modern equipment and techniques to conduct water sampling experiments. Explore a lake ecosystem in canoes and waders to assess biological indicators, pollution, siltation, and human impacts on water quality.
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Winter Nature
January
Enjoy the wonders of winter! Students explore how people, plants, and animals cope with winter by using their senses in the wintery woods and meadows. Outdoors they search for signs of life and survival strategies used by native plants and animals. Indoors they warm up while engaging in fun and educational winter-themed activities.
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Wonderful Wetlands
April - November
Immerse students in a wetland ecosystem by putting on waders to dip for small animals, identifying these critters, and hiking around the wetland. Throughout each activity and game, students recognize physical and biological components of each wetland type and the important functions of wetlands.
Learn MorePlease read all of our policies: includes payment, preparation and more.
Fee Structure
Refund Policy:
Cancellations: If you cancel a program, you will be charged:
- 100% of program fee for cancelling less than 1 week before program
- 50% of program fee for cancelling 1 week to 4 weeks before program
- No fee for cancelling more than 4 weeks before program
Please double check your master calendar and transportation reservations well in advance of your visit to Merry Lea.
Exceptions: The above policy does not apply to cancellations due to dangerous weather, unscheduled school closings or unforeseen emergencies. If Merry Lea cancels a program, we will call and email when the decision is made and will provide a full refund. If you have questions about whether or not a session will occur, please contact us.