Volunteer Teacher-Naturalist Phil White has fond memories of leading field trips at Indian Creek Nature Center, “I always enjoyed watching the kids run around and then having them sit up on the hill with all the pine trees, shut their eyes, and listen to the wind they had never heard before. Here at the Nature Center they can get up close and get personal with nature and have a new experience.”
Experiences like this can open a new world for children who may be visiting Indian Creek Nature Center (or even getting immersed in nature) for the first time. Indian Creek Nature Center opened its doors to more than 2,500 school children on field trips during 2023. Many of these children create precious memories by the time they finish the field trip, and some of them may have heard field trip stories from their parents.
Indian Creek Nature Center began providing immersive outdoor experiences for area school children as early as 1974. Over the decades, countless children have benefited from firsthand learning about the trees, wildlife, life cycles and ecosystems they discussed in their science classes.
The longevity, and growth, of Indian Creek Nature Center’s field trips is possible thanks to community support from organizations like GreenState Credit Union, the 2024 lead sponsor.
“GreenState feels that school-based programs can and should also happen outside of the classroom itself. Field trips at Indian Creek Nature Center focus on fostering appreciation for the environment, hence teaching our children the importance of nurturing our land. This is an excellent way to experience nature and incorporate STEM involvement as well.” said Tara Wachendorf, VP/Public Relations Director for GreenState.
GreenState understands how immersive outdoor experiences provided at the Nature Center impact children, and our community as a whole. “We appreciate the importance the Nature Center places on nature, conservation, and recreation. All are very important for a happy and successful society,” Wachendorf said. “GreenState focuses on giving back locally. It makes this state a great place to live, work and play!”
Much like the teacher-naturalists who volunteer to lead field trips, GreenState employees volunteer to make a difference in their communities.
Wachendorf shared, “GreenState staff volunteered over 6,000 hours in 2023, and although we are spread across Iowa and into Illinois, we focus on group opportunities as much as we can, whether that is picking up trash along the highway, or serving meals at the local Ronald McDonald House.”
Whether picking up trash, investing in outdoor education, or striving to make all their office locations net zero carbon, GreenState is invested in helping area children receive all the benefits of time in nature.
“We hope all children learn that being outside and in nature is ultimately healthy for their bodies, minds, and overall health,” said Wachendorf. Taking kids outdoors to explore boosts their health and builds deep connections with nature itself.
Teacher-Naturalist Phil White recalls teachable moments that allowed students to fall in love with nature. “I remember a time when we were over at the prairie by the barn and I was teaching a bee program. I had all these elementary kids and right in the middle of them a mole pops up in the center of the trail. So, we spent ten minutes talking about moles and watching this mole push the dirt out through the hole. It was an experience. I loved it.” It’s safe to say the kids likely loved their field trip experience, as well.
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My granddaughter, Katy began summer camps when they were still in the barn. Jan Aiels was her counselor. She went every year, until her last year at Amazing Space.
Katy just graduated high school this year and heads out to college this fall.
She would be a great person to interview about her experiences at ICNC. She still raises Monarchs with us and volunteers at Monarch Fest.