School Field Trips and Nature Walks

View our report! Find out what our program accomplished during the 24-25 fiscal year.

Request a Program

Fill out this quick intake form to request a program for the 2026-2027 school year. Expect a response in late August or early September. 

Field Trip Request Form

We offer priority scheduling to schools and organizations located within Portland as well as groups identified in the Parks Local Options Levy.

Field Trip Topics

Topic	Description
Amphibians View full size image of Small green tree frog	Study frogs and salamanders at a pond and in the forest. Collect data and learn how to protect these sensitive creatures.   March-May only. 3rd grade through adult.  Click here for more information.
Bees of Portland View full size image of Black and yellow bumble bee	Learn about these important creatures and pollination through observation and data collection.  May - August only.  1st grade through adult. Click here for more information.
Birds View full size image of drawing of a woodpecker flying	Students learn to use binoculars and guides to become familiar with common local birds.   3rd grade through high school.  Click here for more information.
Habitats of Oaks Bottom View full size image of American Beaver	How do animals, plants, and other living things survive? Visit a forest, a meadow, and a pond. Use a scavenger hunt to find different components of each habitat. First grade through high school. Click here for more information.
Habitats of Powell Butte View full size image of Oak tree leaf, acorn and gall.	Hike through an oak savanna and a conifer forest as we search for clues about the animals that depend on each habitat.  Kindergarten through high school options. Click here for more information.
Ladybug Nature Walk - early childhood program View full size image of Illustration of a red ladybug with black dots.	Join us on a slow nature walk, specifically for young children. Children learn early science skills through observation, imagination, and sensory play.   Ages 2-7. Click here for more information.
Volcano Adventure View full size image of exploding volcano	Portland is one of the few cities in the U.S.A. that has a volcano within its borders. Hike to the summit of Mt. Tabor and explore the explosion site. 3rd grade through college. Click here for more information.
Beavers & Ducks View full size image of Mallard duck	Two iconic Oregon animals—beavers and ducks—thrive together in several Portland parks. On this field trip, we'll look for signs of beavers and discover how their engineering improves water quality and creates habitat for many other creatures. Kindergarten through high school.  Click here for more information.

We may also be able to build a custom program for your school, club, or organization. Please inquire.

Cost for programs

Rates for the 2026-2027 school year:

• $85 for up to 12 students
• $170 for up to 24 students
• $210 for up to 30 students
• $0 Title 1, Head Start 
• For schools located outside of the City of Portland, add $50 to the cost.  

Why bring your class on a PP&R field trip?

• Science Learning - Our field trips bring science to life through hands-on investigations that connect to Next Generation Science Standards.
• Belonging in Nature - We strive to help every student feel welcome and connected in nature while becoming familiar with local plants and animals. Through these experiences, students build a sense responsibility and appreciation for nature. 
• Social Emotional Learning Skills - During each program, students are encouraged to practice teamwork, healthy risk taking, and empathy for the delicate plants, bugs, and other living beings that we encounter.  
• Fun and Joy! Learning happens best when we are laughing, moving, and engaged. We aim to provide a joyful experience for students, so that they continue to view nature as a place to learn, play, gather, and recharge. 

View full size image of Tree Frog in a person's hand.

"For most of our students, that was the first time they collected data with hands on experience. It was also the first time that most of the students had seen a frog up close." 
Middle School Teacher

View full size image of Studying Bees on a Pollinator Field Trip

"Today was awesome! We saw kids conquer fears, embrace creativity, and observe wild animals living in an urban environment."
3rd Grade Teacher

View full size image of Students on a field trip

"The respect that each student received was exceptional.  We have done field trips outside and at nature preserves, but I do not feel that the students were listened to or able to give their thoughts and feedback with so much respect and time for each student to be listened to as we did on this field trip." 2nd Grade Teacher

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