Our programs are flexible and customizable for groups of all ages. We offer short presentations, extended workshops, and immersive day camps, with pricing based on program length, content, and group size. In addition to meeting our wildlife ambassadors, many programs incorporate our remarkable scientific collection of specimens, artifacts, and teaching materials gathered from generations of scientists and educators.
Which plants call Alabama home? Explore the state’s native, invasive, and endangered plants – including the state flower! Along the way, participants discover how plants grow, survive, and provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Discover the incredible diversity of snakes found in Alabama, including native, venomous, and invasive species that interact with the ecosystems in our community. We explore how to identify common snakes, understand their ecological role, and separate common myths from facts. This program emphasizes safety, conservation, and the importance of protecting local wildlife.
Can you tell a native tree from an invader? Participants learn to identify trees by their unique characteristics while discovering which species are native and which are invasive. Along the way, this program explores the critters that live in and around trees, learning how trees support wildlife.
Learn how to identify the differences between venomous and nonvenomous snakes found in Alabama by examining key characteristics. We then explore fascinating snake species from around the world, comparing survival strategies. This program emphasizes practical safety skills and snake ecology – replacing fear with knowledge and confidence.
Think weeds are just unwanted plants? Think again! Join this program to discover the surprising world of Alabama’s wild weeds and herbs, both native and invasive. Participants will learn how to identify common plants, explore their role in the ecosystems, and discover how many have been used as natural remedies and medicines for generations. Participants will leave with a new appreciation for the wild weeds growing in Alabama.
As birds begin to sing with the rising run and owls call into the night, Alabama's backyards come alive with sound. Explore the ecology of local bird species, learn to recognize them by sight and sound, and discover how to support them at home.
Creepy Crawlies come in all shapes and sizes! Explore the exciting world of insects, learning how these “small but mighty” critters survive and thrive. We discover why creepy crawlies are essential to life on Earth – and why they are worth celebrating!
Celebrate the season with purpose! This seasonal program is a festive experience that blends holiday excitement with meaningful environmental learning. We highlight how everyday choices, especially during high consumption seasons, impact wildlife locally and globally. Participants will gain important strategies for protecting habitats, reducing waste, and being more mindful by giving back to the planet.
Get up close and personal with nature’s coolest critters! Our signature Critter Crew program introduces participants to a variety of native and exotic rescued wildlife ambassadors. We will explore the science behind their amazing features. This program is fun, interactive, and full of remarkable critters that play important roles in healthy ecosystems.
Not all critters sleep through winter – some transform to survive it! In this seasonal program, participants explore brumation, hibernation, migration, fur, feather changes, and other winter surviving strategies. By learning about local species and comparing them to critters from other climates, participants gain a deeper understanding of wildlife in winter and the amazing ways critters prepare for the cold.
Get ready to dig deeper into the world beneath our feet! Participants will explore unique rocks and minerals, examine real specimens up close, identify rock types, observe preserved fossils, and discover how different stones are formed and used. We also uncover hidden surprises inside rocks, like sparkling geodes and UV-reactive minerals that glow under black light, revealing nature’s secret treasures.
Take a closer look at the incredible design of critters! In this guided program, participants will explore the anatomy of a critter such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals while learning how the body systems work together for survival. This educational experience encourages curiosity, scientific thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the amazing diversity of life.
Does it have a backbone or not? Participants discover the differences between critters with backbones and critters without backbones as they compare anatomy, movement, and survival strategies. With a focus on local species and a quick look at fascinating critters from around the world, this program helps participants understand how critters are classified and why it matters.
Mystery grows everywhere – from forests to kitchens and laboratories! Participants explore the world of fungi, learning how mushrooms and other fungi grow, spread spores, and interact with plants, critters, and humans. The program highlights the surprising ways fungi impact both nature and everyday life.
Step into the tiny, fascinating world hidden all around us! Participants use microscopes to uncover secretes that are invisible to the naked eye – from pond water and plant cells to insects and more. Learn how to properly use a microscope, prepare and examine slides, and investigate the details that make each specimen unique.
Who helps plants grow and ecosystems thrive? Participants explore the fascinating world of pollinators – including bees, butterflies, beetles, birds, and more – and discover how pollination works. Pollinators support plants, which in turn provide food and shelter for other wildlife, showing how even the smallest creatures make a big impact.
What stories do bones tell? Participants examine skulls and skeletons to uncover clues about how critters move, hunt, and survive. By comparing different species, participants uncover how bones reveal important clues about an animal’s life in the wild.
From the tales we read to the tails we meet, this program combines reading and wildlife education. Participants enjoy an engaging book then meet wildlife ambassadors that help bring the story to life!
From our neighborhoods to the bottom of the ocean, trash and pollution affect critters everywhere. In this special Earth Day program, join us as we explore how litter travels through waterways, harms wildlife, and impacts habitats across Alabama and beyond! Participants learn how to reduce, reuse, and recycle in ways that make a real difference for the critters that share our planet.
Is it venomous or poisonous—and why does it matter? Participants learn the scientific difference between venom and poison, how toxins are delivered, and why these mechanisms help critters survive and defend themselves. Participants gain a clear understanding of one of nature’s most misunderstood concepts.
What makes water so unique? Uncover the interesting characteristics of water that make life on Earth possible as we dive into Alabama's streams, ponds, and wetlands. From tiny droplets to entire ecosystems, participants discover how water supports wildlife, shapes habitats, and connects all living things.
Can you solve the mystery? Participants examine fingerprints, tracks, clues, and evidence to solve wildlife-inspired cases. As the mystery unfolds, participants use careful observation and teamwork to piece together the story behind the critter clues.
Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? These are just a few of our most popular programs. We also offer specialized topics and fully customized experiences designed to fit your group's needs. Reach out — we’d love to build something just for you!