We love educating the people of Indiana about ecology, and we have a variety of field trip opportunities that cover all ages! Generally, our field trips are for groups of 15-20 people due to the narrowness of the trails and staff required. If you have a group larger than that please email Sarah to see if we can accommodate. Check out our program options below.
Discover the EcoLab’s past, present, and future on this walk. Our tour start with discussing our founder Jens Jensen and his unique approach to landscape architecture that formed our wetlands into what it is today. From there we discuss the importance of wetlands to Indiana, key plant and animal species found that season, wetland’s impacts to humans, and current challenges to preserving these lands. Students are challenged to use their “ecology eyes” to see how our family of beavers impacts our wetland formation. Your guide will also draw upon their personal expertise to highlight interesting facts about wetland animals, plants, and more. Some common animals we see on these walks are Great Blue Herons, frogs, turtles, and much more!
This walk is open to all ages and all seasons. Walks usually last around an hour.
Can’t get enough of the EcoLab? We get it! That’s why we offer an extension to your history and wetland tour to take a deeper dive into ecology. Groups can participate in a research opportunity like water sampling or tracking Eastern Box Turtles. If you want to make a difference in the environment, we offer service opportunities like native planting and invasive species removal.
These trip extensions are best suited for middle school ages and above. Some service opportunities are available to younger grades. Your guide will reach out in advance to help determine what is the best project for your group. Extensions are approved based on group age, season, and resource availability.
If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind trip for your high school group, look no further! Our Restoration Ecologist will break down college-level theory and scientific concepts using examples seen in our property. The information shared in these walks are actual topics taught to Marian's biology undergraduates! After your walk, you will help gather data for our university-led research projects on the property. This field trip is perfect for those in AP, IB, or other advanced science classes, as well as any high schooler interested in making science a career.
This trip is offered year-round to high school and college aged groups only. Field trips last about two to three hours.
Are you a school club, scouting group, or other community group wanting a guided walk of the property? We have trips for that too! Along with our Wetland and History tour, we offer special trips to suit your group’s needs.
The EcoLab staff offer several free public community walks throughout the year. Our most popular time for these are from May-August. Some themed tours we offer annually are wildflower walks, history tours, night hikes, Monarch Butterfly Tagging, bird walks, and more. Check events.marian.edu, our Instagram (marianuecolab), or our Facebook page (Marian University Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab) to see when we are offering our next walk!
If you have an idea for a specific themed walk, reach out to Sarah for more information.
You can reserve our most popular walk for your own group! The EcoLab transforms into a bat paradise in the summer time. Join our Restoration Ecologist on a night hike to discover more about these flying mammals and other nocturnal animals. You can also try your hand at special technology that can identify bats through their echolocation.
These tours are available from June 20th-August 20th only. Event will be postponed if rain is forecasted in order to protect our equipment.
We have a long history of helping local troops earn their badges. Our staff will work with your troop leader to discuss your badge needs and formulate activities that will help you earn your badge. Scouting groups also visit us to participate in community service work.
We are honored to have helped several scouts with their Eagle Scout projects. If you are interested in doing your project on our grounds, reach out to Zach Sylvain (also an Eagle Scout!).
Your field trip experience makes an impact in your local environment! All proceeds from field trips go directly to help fund our restoration efforts. We thank you in advance for helping us preserve this land so we can educate students for years to come.
| Field Trip Type | Cost per Student |
| 1 hour field trip | $4 |
| 2 hour field trip | $6 |
| 3 hour field trip | $8 |
Teachers and adult chaperones are not charged for field trips. We accept check and invoice payments.
Fill out this information questionnaire. It will help us get to know your group better. One of our staff members will email you within a few business days of your request. We look forward to your next EcoLab adventure!
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Marian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection
of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
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Students may make a complaint to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.
Marian University is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.
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