Armand Bayou Nature Center
Field Trip Planner

WELCOME to the exciting, outdoor, field experiences offered by Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC).

Established in 1974, Armand Bayou Nature Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education and preservation. ABNC protects a 2,500-acre preserve and offers tours, exhibits and classes for the public. Over five miles of nature trails introduce visitors to bayou, forest and prairie ecosystems. The recreated Martyn Farm teaches visitors about farm life in the early 1900's.

SCHEDULING A PROGRAM
Reservations

School Field Trips can be scheduled Tuesday - Friday.

ABNC is open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 noon — 5:00 p.m. Call (281) 474-2551 to make a reservation.

Confirmation

Once we receive your reservation, a confirmation letter will be mailed or emailed to you.

Payments

Full payment due on or before the day of the field trip. Please make checks payable to Armand Bayou Nature Center. Credit and debit card payments can be taken over the phone.

Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellations must be made at least 1 week in advance to receive refunds. Exceptions are made for severe weather. Otherwise, classes are held rain or shine. No refunds will be made for absentee children. If you should bring more children than you have reserved space for, payment must be made upon entry of the group. Classes require advanced planning based on the number of student spaces reserved for each program. Please assist us in serving your needs. If the Nature Center cancels a class, every effort will be made to reschedule or a refund will be provided.

• Chaperone - A 1:10 ratio of chaperones is required.

• Dress for the weather - Old clothes and shoes are recommended, as students may get dirty. Students should wear closed-toed shoes with socks. No sandals, please.

• Arrive on time - Please call the day of the field trip to confirm the number of students and your arrival time. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before class begins. Late arrival may result in a condensed or cancelled program. Instructors will meet classes in the ABNC parking lot.

Lunches

The Nature Center provides an area with tables and benches. Please notify us when you make your reservations if you plan to picnic. Remember ABNC does not allow glass containers. Containers for recyclable cans and bottles are provided.

Special Needs

ABNC's site and programming format may present difficulties for individuals with certain limitations. ABNC makes every effort to serve students with special needs. The entry boardwalk, education building, prairie platform and bird blind are wheelchair accessible; trails and the farmhouse are not. Please discuss special needs with ABNC staff at the time of your reservation request.

PROGRAMS

ABNC offers a wide variety of exciting educational activities, demonstrations and tours that emphasize the interrelationships of plants, animals and people to their environment. Exploring, hiking, and discovery quests engage students and increase their understanding of the environment. Also, farm programs present an insight into how farmers and their families learned from nature how to use the natural environment to the betterment of all. Call (281) 474-2551 to make a reservation. All program fees include general admission.

	GRADE
PROGRAMS	K	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th	9th	10th	11th	12th
Nature Discovery
Hands-on-History
Pond Life
Bayou Studies
CP Chem Connections
Programs for Large Groups*
Reptile Studies
Other Programs
Self-Guided Hike
School Outreadh

Nature Discovery

Use your senses to observe, listen, smell and touch the natural wonders of woodland, grassland and water ecosystems. This outdoor-oriented class emphasizes awareness and appreciation of nature.

Hands-on-History

Explore the relationship between humans and the environment from a historical perspective. Study the ways a community of 100 years ago would satisfy its needs for food, clothing and shelter. Participate in a variety of activities such as cheese making, spinning, rope making and woodworking. Take home a hand-made craft.

Pond Life

Using aquatic dip nets and dissecting scopes learn to identify the many inhabitants of the Nature Center's freshwater ponds. Look at creatures as small as the whirligig beetle, catch a tadpole and watch for turtles. Learn about pond ecology and search for signs of animals that visit the pond at night.

Bayou Studies

Take a ride aboard the "Bayou Ranger" pontoon boat and explore Armand Bayou. Participate in water quality testing, sampling and scientific studies to discover the health and importance of the bayou.

CP Chem "Connections"

A hands-on, field science, TEKS correlated class geared for 4-6th graders. This extension class allows the textbook to come alive in our 3 ecosystems: Forest, Wetlands, and Prairie. $10.00/student. For more information about this unique class call Education at:281-474-2551x14.

Reptile Studies

Are snakes slimy? In this fun-filled program, participants will see a live animal demonstration and have the opportunity to touch a live snake and find out! Students will also learn what makes a reptile a reptile and which ones you are likely to encounter in your neighborhood. Students will also be using aquatic dip nets and learning to identify the many inhabitants of the Nature Center's freshwater ponds.

Self-Guided Hikes with Activity Packets

Public or Private School Groups of 10 or more (making one payment)
Teachers, lead your students on trail hikes and to areas of interest, such as the forest, prairie, bayou overlook and 1890’s farmhouse with the guidance of interpretive signage.

1:10 ratio of adult chaperones is required.

GENERAL ADMISSIONS

Prefer to enjoy the Nature Center without a program? Take a hike through the prairie, forest or down to the bayou, tour the 1800s farm grounds, view the reptile and aquatic displays in the Education Building or explore the Discovery Table filled with animal bones, shells and other interesting specimens.

Groups of 10 or more that make one payment (cash, check or charge) will receive a 10% discount on each admission.