Research 4 Reptiles

Wanted to share with you about an amazing organization — Research 4 Reptiles.

Research 4 Reptiles, LLC. is a privately-owned company, founded by Holly Zak, whose mission is to provide challenging, hands-on, field-based programs for participants ages 12 years to adult to inspire enthusiasm for and understanding of native Illinois reptile and amphibian species.

This is not your ordinary outdoor education program!

What makes their programs different from the usual outdoor education classes ?

  • Participants assist in real herpetological research whereby they help survey areas for species.
  • Participants help to identify species, mark them for identification, measure them, and record information about each animal capture.
  • Participants learn through critical inquiry, delving into research with inquiring questions!
  • Every class is limited to 8 students.
  • All classes are held outdoors at prairie/pond sites within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington, Illinois (approximately 15 miles south of Joliet).
  • Species conservation and environmental protection is emphasized.
  • Best of all, the data collected from research is compiled and given to biological staff at Midewin for species’ management purposes!
3 juvenile painted turtles at Buttonbush Pond

Other opportunities you can find on their website:
If you have a herp lover they have gift certificates available that might make a great Christmas gift.

Also, be sure to check back in January to find  OPEN ENROLLMENT for summer programs!

Contact info: Research 4 Reptiles, LLC.
508 Pheasant Chase Drive
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
Email: research4reptiles@comcast.net
Phone: 630-337-0757
Website: www.research4reptiles.biz
This is a sponsored post from a paid advertiser with our site. For more information about advertising with the Chicagoland Homeschool Network, please email me at info@chicagolandhomeschoolnetwork.com.

Homeschool Outdoor Education

walcamp logo
Walcamp is a year-round outdoor ministry offering facilities and a variety of programs for youth and families, churches and other groups. Walcamp is located on 180 acres of forest and open fields on the Kishwaukee River in Kingston, IL, about 70 miles west of Chicago and 15 miles north of DeKalb, IL

They offer outdoor education classes geared especially for homeschoolers, and have one coming up in May.

Here is the info from Walcamp’s website:

Aquatic Antics
May 20, 2010 – 1:00pm -5:00pm

Ever wonder what life adventures take place under water? Prepare to get wet when you join Walcamp’s aquatic life for a day of creek stomping, amphibian searching, canoeing, and more as you discover many wonders of God’s creation.

The cost is $10 per participant and siblings under 5 are free. They encourage parents to participate as well. Participants should come prepared for water — towels, dry clothes, water shoes, and no flip-flops.

To register your students and family for a Homeschool Days event, please call 815.784.5141 or email Debra, registrar@walcamp.org at least 2 weeks before the event date.
If you are interested, you can also set up your own group activity by contacting Ben at 815.784.5141 or emailing media@walcamp.org.