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Information
Our nature programs provide an opportunity for your group to practice science and connect to nature. Nature educators lead your students through a variety of activities to help them learn about the plants, animals, and geology of Portland.
View our report! Find out what our program accomplished during the 24-25 fiscal year.
Request a Program
By filling out this form, you will be added to a list to receive an email when we begin scheduling for the 2026-27 school year. Our program is adjusting to budget cuts, and we have reduced capacity during the 2025-26 school year.
Click here to request a program or join our e-mail list
Field Trip Topics
| Topic | Age/Grade Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
Amphibians | 3rd-12th grades | Study frogs and salamanders at a pond and in the forest. Collect data and learn how to protect these sensitive creatures. March-May only. Click here for more information. |
Bees of Portland | 1st - 12th grades | Learn about these important creatures and pollination through observation and data collection. May - August only. Click here for more information. |
Birds | 2nd - 8th grades | Using binoculars and guides, we will become familiar with our common local birds. Click here for more information. |
| Pre-K - 2nd grade | Learn about the most common urban bird, the American Robin, through play, imagination, and observation. | |
Habitats of Oaks Bottom | Kindergarten through high school | 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. Click here for more information. |
Ladybug Nature Walk - early childhood program | Ages 2-6 | Slow nature walks for young children. Walks incorporate observation, imagination, and sensory play. Click here for more information. |
Volcano Adventure | 3rd - 12th grades | 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. Click here for more information. |
Beavers & Ducks | Kindergarten through adult | Visit Errol Heights Park with us - a place where two iconic Oregon animals thrive! Click here for more information |
We may also be able to build a custom program for your school, club, or organization. Please inquire.
Locations
We can do field trips in any PP&R park or natural area. We may also be able to do programs in your schoolyard.
You can choose park that is close to you, or request one of our most popular field trip locations:
| Area | Popular Parks for Programs |
|---|---|
| Southeast |
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| East |
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| North |
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| Northeast |
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| Southwest |
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Cost for programs
Field trips are charged per participant. Each participating school or organization should choose the appropriate cost for their situation.
Rates for the 2025-26 school year.
- $7/participant - Schools and programs located in Portland
- $10/participant - Schools and programs located outside of Portland. Due to high demand for our programs, teachers from schools outside of Portland can request up to one field trip per school year.
- $0/participant - Schools that qualify for federal funds (Title I, Head Start), or other organizations. We may also be able to reimburse you for the cost of transportation.
We offer priority scheduling to schools and organizations located within Portland as well as groups identified in the Parks Local Options Levy, such as communities of color, seniors, teens, households experiencing poverty, immigrants and refugees, and people living with disabilities.