Field Studies

Our hands-on Field Studies program offers students from preschool to middle school an unforgettable environmental learning experience. For years, Awbury has provided children across Philadelphia with the chance to explore and connect with our historic and ecologically diverse landscapes.

With core areas like The Farm, ponds, wetlands, meadows, woods, and the iconic Francis Cope House, students will dive into a unique outdoor classroom filled with adventure and discovery! 

We offer a variety of field study programs that blend science, arts, and other educational areas. Each program takes students on an adventure through different ecosystems—exploring trees, birds, animals, and plants—while including hands-on activities. Programs run between 1.5 to 2 hours, giving students plenty of time to dive into nature! 

History of Field Studies Program

Awbury Arboretum’s Field Studies program offer in-person and virtual ecology lessons in partnership with Let’s Go Outdoors (LGO) 

Over the past 13 years, LGO has facilitated fun outdoor experiences in collaboration with and on-site at Awbury Arboretum. In 2021, Awbury hired LGO to helm its Field Studies programming.

Should you have any questions email LGO at info@letsgooutdoors.net

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Who is the Field Studies program best suited for?

Programs are suitable for pre-K through middle school and are free to public & charter school students in the School District of Philadelphia.

Do you offer busing at this time?

Awbury Arboretum generally does not include transportation, which must be handled by school/organization; but we offer limited funding for school buses.

What’s the cost?

Public schools must pay a $50 refundable deposit to hold the date. If the school cancels within 72 hours of the trip for reasons not involving severe weather conditions, Awbury will keep the deposit. The deposit will be refunded withing 2 weeks after the field trip takes place.

Non-district schools, private schools/organizations, youth groups, or daycares: $18 per student (up to 50 students), payable in advance.

Do weather conditions affect the program?

Field Studies lessons take place in rain, shine, or snow! We only cancel a visit in extreme weather, such as torrential rain, lighting, or when excessive heat warnings have been issued. We will reach out by 9am the day of the lesson if we need to cancel for inclement weather.

Available Field Studies Programs

History, Nature, and Play

Age group: All ages

Description: An introduction to field studies, exploring three key areas: the Cope House, nature discovery, and play in the English Landscape.

Wildlife, Water, and Wilderness

Age group: All ages

Description: A mix of watershed learning and pond exploration, where students discover the animals, plants, and trees connected to Awbury’s waterways. Ideal for supporting science lessons on the food web, water cycle, or watershed studies.

Awbury Landscapes – Travel from Farm to House

Age group: All ages

Description: A scenic journey starting with map reading, touring Awbury’s urban farm, exploring the English Landscape, and ending at the Victorian-era Cope House. Great for groups interested in architecture, design, and the connection between built and natural environments.

Go A-P-E: Agriculture, Partnerships, and Environment

Age group: All ages

Description: Students will explore the role of agriculture and the workings of an urban co-op farm, touching on food justice, sustainability, and gardening. We’ll also introduce key environmental factors like pollinators, invasive species, and wetlands, while highlighting Awbury’s community partners.

Happy Healthy Habitats

Age group: All ages

Description: Explore three key habitats at Awbury: woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Attendees will learn to identify plants and animals unique to these areas, with a focus on species found in urban environments like Awbury.

Native American Life

Age group: All ages

Description: Students will learn about Native American culture, with an emphasis on the Lenape tribe that once lived on Awbury’s land, exploring their history, dwellings, agriculture, culture, and pastimes, along with a study of Native American artifacts.

Little Explorers

Age group: pre-K to 1st grade

Description: Young children (pre-K to 1st grade) can explore nature and discover animal habitats at Awbury. Choose from:

  • The Farm Experience: Meet goats, chickens, beehives, fruit trees, and gardens.
  • The Pond Experience: Explore trails by the creek and ponds, enjoy a water-themed story, and spot animals in the wetland habitat.

Summer Exploration (available Jun-Aug only)

Age group: all ages

Description: If your group, summer school, or camp is scheduled during the summer months, you’ll take part in this program. This is an excellent option for mixed-age groups, from younger kiddos through older youth. Our guides will lead you along the Awbury landscape, offering opportunity for exploration and engagement in the natural world, seeing a variety of animal habitats, traveling different terrains, and getting a glimpse of the local partners that make Awbury their home.

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