Search for School Programs at Drumlin Farm

Many animals learn to make city landscapes and suburban backyards their habitat. Learn how unique adaptations help them to thrive in these ever-changing environments.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

Observe signs of local wildlife as you explore sanctuary habitats; field, forest and wetland. Investigate adaptations that help animals survive (and thrive) in New England’s changing seasons, changing climate and varied ecosystems. Please choose one of the following: mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, or insects.

Explore field, forest, and wetland habitats to create an in-depth study of life cycles, adaptations, food webs, and habitats. Please choose one of the following focus groups: mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, insects..

Observe native wildlife and discover how animals  use their five senses to interact with their habitats and each other.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

As we continue to expand where we live, work, and play, many animals have had to adaptby making backyards and city parks their habitat. Investigate how birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians survive within a changing ecosystem and climate.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

Observe native birds of prey and learn how specialized adaptations help them see, hear, fly, and catch food. Investigate the role that birds of prey play within their ecosystems.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

Observe native birds of prey as you learn about behavioral and physical adaptations they use to hunt and catch prey. Investigate the role that birds of prey play within their ecosystems.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

Learn how our local ecosystems are changing over time and how the way humans live impacts our climate.  What is the balance between Earth’s limited resources and our basic needs? Investigate Drumlin Farm’s sustainable farming practices and land management techniques as we discuss what we observe and climate-friendly changes we can make in our communities.

Investigate the life cycles of wild and domestic plants as you study the relationship between structure and function in an investigation of seeds and how they travel. Observe how the roots, leaves, stems, and flowers function together to help the plant grow and reproduce. Discover the important role pollinators play and explore how plants help landscapes stay resilient and healthy.

Learn about the unique adaptation of egg-laying as you study egg development and compare and contrast various animals that lay eggs,including reptiles, amphibians or insects.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

All living things are connected. Observe native animals, and learn about their adaptations, habitats, and interrelationships with each other, humans, and the environment.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

Learn about growing crops and raising livestock as you help us with our daily chores in our fields and barns. Explore how and why we grow and raise what we produce, and how food gets from the farm to your table. Observe different earth-friendly farming practices and discuss how they support healthy food and a healthy planet. Depending on the season, participate in planting, weeding, harvesting, or caring for livestock.

What’s the connection between habitats and adaptations? Compare the physical and behavioral adaptations of local animal species and how these relate to their role within an ecosystem.

Please note this can be either an in-classroom program with live native wildlife or outdoor schoolyard investigation or combination of both.

Learn how landscape, geology, and climate determine theinterdependent structure of local ecosystems. Investigate habitats to collect data as you compare and contrast the different flora and fauna you document. Learn about how our local habitats are changing over time and the importance of biodiversity.

Study a variety of native wildlife and learn where they live and why. Through observation and inquiry, investigate New England habitats and how different animals adapt to different ecosystems.

Please note this can be either an in-classroom program with live native wildlife or outdoor schoolyard investigation or combination of both.

Birds aren’t the only animals that lay eggs! Observe and compare other egg-layers such as reptiles, amphipians, or insects.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

Observe mouse families to learn about their behaviors, adaptations, and habitats. Discover how these fascinating animals use their senses to interact with their habitat and each other. 

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live animals.

(February-March)

Explore the history and production of this traditional New England crop. Learn about the structure, function and seasonal adaptations of maple trees as we transform sap into syrup. We’ll examine the trees, collect sap, do some taste-testing and learn about sugaring equipment of today and yesteryear.

Study mouse families and learn how they interact with each other and their habitat. Observe mice at different life stages as they investigate their surroundings, eat, care for their young, and create shelter.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live animals.

Explore our fields and forests as if it were 1,000 years ago. What would you eat? What tools would you use to survive? How has  the way we  live  and  interact with  the natural world changed over time? Through a variety of hands-on activities and explorations, investigate the delicate relationships among plants, animals, people, and the natural resources we share.

Investigate the interdependence of people, land, and wildlife through a variety of hands-on activities. What is our relationship to the first people who lived here? Compare and contrast our current way of life and how it has changed over the centuries through our use of land, resources, and technological developments.

Investigate the interdependence of people, land, and wildlife through a variety of hands-on activities and explorations. Compare and contrast our current way of life and how it has changed over the centuries through our use of land, natural resources, and technological developments. How have our changing interactions with the natural world effected local habitats, ecosystems and climate?

Use dip nets and other scientific equipment to collect and discuss data and study organisms that live in and depend on wetland habitats. Discover their unique life cycles as you explore the water and surrounding upland habitat.

Use aquatic sampling equipment to collect, identify, and compare physical, chemical, and biological aspects of pond and vernal pool ecosystems. Study the unique adaptations of organisms that require these habitats to complete their life cycle. Develop observational and critical thinking skills by learning to use identification keys and field guides while collecting and analyzing data.

Learn about the process of growing, raising, and harvesting food as you work in our fields and with our livestock. Uncover challenges involved in getting food from farm to table. What are the energy, quality of life, and ecological issues surrounding the food industry? How is food production tied to habitat protection and climate change? Depending on the season, participate in feeding, mucking, planting, weeding or harvesting.

Learn about the process of growing, raising, and harvesting food as you work in our fields and with our livestock. Uncover challenges involved in getting food from farm to table. What are the energy, quality of life, and ecological issues surrounding the food industry?How is food production tied to habitat protection? Depending on the season, participate in feeding, mucking, planting, weeding or harvesting.

Learn about the process of growing, raising, and harvesting food as you work in our fields and with our livestock. Uncover challenges involved in getting food from farm to table. What are the energy, quality of life, and ecological issues surrounding the food industry?How is food production tied to habitat protection? Depending on the season, participate in feeding, mucking, planting, weeding or harvesting.

Investigate the life cycles of wild flora and domestic crops, from seed to mature plant. Study photosynthesis, seed dispersal, and plant structures, functions, and adaptations as you conduct investigations in our forest and fields. Learn the important role pollinators play in our local ecosystems and food production.

Explore the seasons as you observe native wildlife and learn about adaptations that help animals survive year-round.  Depending on the timeof year, your students can join our teacher-naturalists for: Autumn Crawly Critters, Winter Warm and Fuzzies, or Springtime New Babies. Book all three for your classroom and save 10%.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

ecosystem, and observe native wildlife such as birds, mammals, and amphibians that depend on worms and other invertebrates for food and survival.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

Investigate different soil types and compare their properties using scientific tools. Learn what soil is made of, where it comes from, and the life cycles of the organisms that are part of this critical habitat. Explore how healthy soil supports healthy food and a healthy planet through hands-on activities in our garden and crops fields.

Observe native wildlife that directly depend on soil for food and shelter. Investigate your schoolyard or a nearby habitat to collect different soil types and compare their properties as you learn how healthy soil supports a

healthy planet and climate.

Please note this can be either an in-classroom program with live native wildlife or outdoor schoolyard investigation or combination of both.

People aren’t the only ones who recycle. Study worms and native mammals, birds, and reptiles to find out how animals recycle, too!

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

Investigate soil composition in various habitats including field, forest, farm, and wetland. As you collect and analyze samples, identify properties of soil and learn about erosion, decomposition, absorption, and other key characteristics of this critical ecosystem. Discuss how healthy soil supports a healthy food system and climate.

We’ll take you to a local wetland (pond, vernal pool or river) or bring a wetland to you! Learn about these important habitats through native wildlife observation and water sample investigation. Collect and record data as you explore plants, insects, and animals, and discover the role wetlands and healthy water play in sustaining local biodiversity and a healthy climate.

Please note this can be either an in-classroom program with live native wildlife or outdoor schoolyard investigation or combination of both.

We’ll meet you at a local wetland (pond, vernal pool or river) or bring the wetland to you! Observe native wildlife, gather water samples, and collect data to compare the physical, chemical, and biological components of these critical habitats and how they sustain a healthy climate and planet.

Please note this can be either an in-classroom program with live native wildlife or outdoor schoolyard investigation or combination of both.

Investigate bird life cycles as you observe and learn about chickens, their eggs and their behaviors.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live chickens.

Observe our resident wildlife and livestock, and compare and contrast the characteristics, adaptations, and habitat requirements of native wildlife and New England farm animals.

Explore the differences between wild and domestic animals by observing and comparing native wildlife and New england farm animals.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife and small farm animals.

Farms provide critical habitat for wild animals as well as for raising livestock and growing crops. Observe native wildlife and discover adaptations that allow them to thrive in our farm fields, forests, and barns.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

Listen  to  a  favorite children’s  book and meet a wild character from the story! Learn where these animals  live and what they eat. Our favorites include Frederick the Mouse, The Busy Tree, and Owl Babies. Customization options available as well.

Please note this is an in-classroom program with live native wildlife.

(December - March) Investigate adaptations that plants, animals, and humans use to survive winter. Learn about survival strategies including hibernation, migration, brumation, dormancy and staying active as we search for animal tracks and signs.

(December - March)
Study the many adaptations of native plants, animals, and people to a colder climate. Examine the relationship between temperature, humidity, and snowfall. Learn how winter conditions affect the survival and habits of different species, of both plants and animals - hibernation, dormancy, brumation, migration, and staying active.

Winter is a challenging time for New England wildlife and requires both physical and behavioral adaptations for survival. Our changing climate adds to the challenges native species face, how will they adapt? Observe native wildlife and learn about survival strategies such as migration, hibernation, brumation, staying active, and dormancy.

Please note this can be either an in-classroom program with live native wildlife or outdoor schoolyard investigation or combination of both.

How do wild animals cope with the changing seasons? They migrate,hibernate, brumate or stay active! Observe native wildlife and learn about unique adaptations that allow animals to survive our cold New England winters and changing climate.

Please note this can be either an in-classroom program with live native wildlife or outdoor schoolyard investigation or combination of both.