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Chattanooga Audubon Society
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  • EVENTS & PROGRAMS
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Picture
view our field trip guide

Educational Programs

Chattanooga Audubon Society is committed to protecting our natural, historical, and cultural resources. Our programs cover a variety of topics within those areas and are designed to meet educational standards.
Picture
Schedule a Program

​History

Footsteps Through History   2 hours | 3rd-8th grade  ⎸$10 per student┃Chaperone $7
Step back in time with your students as we uncover the layered history of Southern Tennessee during a period of immense upheaval and change. We’ll discuss the Trail of Tears, the impact of settlers post-removal, and how the rail system impacted this area. Students participate in trade simulations, hike the Cherokee Arboretum trail, historic train trestles and tracks, and tour our historic cabin.

Archaeology Meets History  2 hours⎹  3rd grade +  ⎸$11 per student┃Chaperone $7
hands-on educational experience that brings to life the history and archaeology of the Mississippian period during the era of Spanish contact. During the program, students will rotate through three engaging stations: an introduction to archaeology where they examine replica artifacts and learn how archaeologists interpret evidence; a guided “Hike Through History” to explore the encounter between Spanish explorers and the Coosa chiefdom; and a pottery-making station where students create their own clay pinch pots inspired by Mississippian designs. This interdisciplinary program encourages critical thinking, creativity, and cultural appreciation while exploring one of Chattanooga’s most significant archaeological sites (archaeological site 40HA84). 

​Water

Fun in the Water  1.5-2 hours (Seasonal)┃ Preschool + ┃$9 per student ┃Chaperone $7
Enjoy a short hike through our woods to the South Chickamauga Creek where your group will get in the water with dip nets to discover the wealth of wildlife our waters carry. We will examine local fish, macroinvertebrates, mollusks and more while we have a fun splash in the water.

River Adaptations  2 hours (seasonal)┃ 2nd grade +┃$10 per student┃Chaperone $7
What does it take to survive in a river ecosystem? Step into the river community to find out. Use a kick-net to collect macro-invertebrates, use a secchi disk to measure water transparency, and investigate how aquatic macro-invertebrates are adapted to find food, breathe oxygen, protect themselves and move against the current in a river ecosystem.

Natural Resources

Beaks, Feet and Feathers  2 hours┃ 1st grade+┃$10 per student┃Chaperone $7
Birds have special physical adaptations of beaks, feet, and feathers that enable birds to exploit resources and survive within the habitats they live in. Students will explore bird adaptations through a bird beak adaptation activity, hikes, and nest nest-building activity. 

A Bug's Life  1.5-2 hours┃ Preschool + ┃$9 per student┃Chaperone $7
With sweep nets and bug boxes in hand, set off to discover the many amazing insects that inhabit Audubon Acres. During our exploration, we will get a close-up look at these fascinating creatures and learn how they eat, fly, jump and enrich our world. Depending on the age of the group we will hike out to a forest area near Little Owl Village and compare insect life from one side of South Chickamauga Creek to the other.

A Logs Life  1.5-2 hours┃ K-3rd grade┃$11 per student┃Chaperone $7
After a tree falls in the forest, it creates another life as home to a variety of creatures. Learn about the life cycle of trees, decomposition and discover the many creatures that depend on forests. Get an up-close experience in their unique habitat. Logs Life Booklet included.  

Communities and Ecosystems  2-2.5 hours  ⎸ 3rd-8th grade  ⎸$10 per student┃Chaperone $7
Diverse ecosystems that provide for the needs of countless organisms are around every corner. Dive into our creek, wetland, forest, and field communities and discover the interdependent layers of life within each. Discover similarities and differences between these communities using scientific tools and hands-on activities. 

Exploring Adaptations Through Skulls & Pelts   1.5 hours | 2nd-8th grade |$9 per student | Chaperone $7 
Get up close with real animal skulls and pelts in this hands-on science program that brings wildlife adaptations to life! Students become wildlife detectives as they observe skull features like teeth, eye placement, and size to uncover clues about what animals eat and how they survive in their environment. Then, they’ll match each skull to a pelt and learn how fur patterns, texture, and thickness help animals thrive in Tennessee’s ecosystems. Through interactive rotations and group discussion, students will sharpen their observation skills while learning about food chains, predator/prey relationships, and the unique adaptations of native mammals.



Self Guided Programs $6 Student ┃ $7 Chaperone ┃ Cabin opened, add $4 per student.  
Discover the beauty and wonder of nature at your own pace with our self-guided program at Audubon Acres. This program is designed for groups who wish to explore the natural world while enjoying the freedom to do experiments, water surveys, and other learning at their own pace.


We also offer custom educational programs tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of your group. Whether you're a school, homeschool group, scout troop, or community organization, our programs are designed to inspire curiosity, foster a love of learning, and provide enriching experiences in nature, science, history, and more.​

Minimum charge of $150 per program
*Exception-Footsteps through History and Archaeology Meets History $200 
​
Schedule a Program

Program Add-ons

  • Owl Pellet Dissection- Each student receives their own pellet to dissect
  • Bird Calls - Create your own Audubon bird call to take home 
  • Golden Eagle Talon replica -Can be made into a key-chain or necklace 
  • Incredible Insect
  • Leaf/Flower Press
  • ​Tree Cookie Necklace
  • ​DIY Bird Feeder
  • My Bug Jar Craft Kit
  • Logs Life Booklet
  • Water Net

These activity kits can be added to any program for $5.00 per student per activity.*^
To purchase add-ons class numbers need to be received no later than 3 weeks prior to the program. Those sent after 3 weeks will incur the shipping charges to receive your add-on in time. Minimum of 25 students or additional charges may apply 
*Footsteps through History
​^Owl Pellets are $7 per student
Images from Nature Watch

During the Beak Feet and Feathers program our Students got to see 2 Baby Barred Owls! They happened to be in one of the trees. We have decided to make this program an annual tradition! Teacher Hamilton County School

Sanctuaries

Audubon Acres
Maclellan Island
Audubon Mtn.

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© COPYRIGHT 2025
Chattanooga Audubon Society
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
  • VISIT
    • Camp with us!
    • Facility Rentals >
      • Weddings
      • Recurring Rentals
      • Corporate Experiences
      • Birthday Parties
      • Scouting
      • Group Visits
    • Audubon Acres >
      • Hours & Admission
      • What To Do >
        • Hiking Trails
        • Water Access >
          • Paddle South Chickamauga Creek >
            • Creek Guide
        • Exhibits >
          • Robert Myers Collection
          • C.E. Blevins Egg Collection
      • Sanctuary Rules
      • Birds & Wildlife
    • Maclellan Island
    • Audubon Mountain
    • Mackey Branch Wetland
  • EVENTS & PROGRAMS
    • Walker Farm Pioneer Days >
      • Volunteer for Pioneer Days
  • LEARN
    • Field Trips
    • TN Naturalist Program
    • Maclellan Island Goats
    • Audubon Outdoor Academy
    • Wauhatchie Forest School at Audubon
  • ABOUT
    • History
    • Staff & Board >
      • Job Postings/Internships
  • SUPPORT
  • CONTACT
    • Email List
  • SHOP