Wild Fridays: Forest School

Fall 2024

Grades 2nd-7th (Ages 7-13)

Meets 9AM-12PM at various locations in La Crosse area

Fall Semester: (14 weeks)

· Sept. 6: Lower Hixon trailhead, La Crosse

· Sept. 13: Brice Prairie Refuge, Onalaska

· Sept. 20: Upper Hixon: Mathy tract, La Crosse

· Sept. 27: La Crosse River Conservancy - 3015 S Kinney Coulee Rd, Onalaska

· Oct. 4: Hass Tract – Easter Rd., La Crosse

· Oct. 11: Greens Coulee, Onalaska

· Oct. 25: Chad Erickson Park: 3601 Park Lane Dr., La Crosse

· Nov. 1: Great River Landing, Onalaska

· Nov. 8: Riverside Park, La Crosse

· Nov. 15: Pettibone Park, La Crosse

· Nov. 22: Lower Hixon trailhead, La Crosse

· Dec. 6: Upper Hixon: Mathy tract, La Crosse

· Dec. 13: Myrick Park: 789 Myrick Park Dr, La Crosse

· Dec. 20: Goose Island - W6488 County Rd GI, Stoddard

Nature-based Interdisciplinary Learning:

This unique enrichment program offers youth the opportunity to learn and play outdoors in a healthy, natural environment. We incorporate seasonal learning, scientific observations and artmaking for creativity. Youth are encouraged to learn experientially through observation, inquiry, creative problem-solving, and collaboration. Each weekly session blends a mix of guided learning and free play.

Students will experiment with a variety of art mediums in an expressive style, including oil pastels, watercolor painting and colored pencils for sketching. Youth will decorate a nature journal and make artwork to take home. All learning materials will be provided, including: nature journal, art materials and 

curriculum. Dress to be outdoors on the trail in comfortable walking shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Bring water bottle and snack in a small backpack.

Learning Overview:

Students will:

· Explore the natural sciences through a variety of guided field ecology experiences

· Utilize writing and artmaking as tools for observation, reflection, communication of ecological knowledge, and understanding connections between human cultures and nature.

· Gain inspiration from the life work of famous naturalists and scientists such as Aldo Leopold, John Muir, Rachel Carson, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and many more.

· Engage in collaborative play and independent thinking in healthy, natural environments.

· Create an ongoing nature journal to document learning and discoveries.

Fall Semester:

Botany

Outdoor Skills: Fort building and Firemaking

Outdoor Exploration

Environmental Studies: watershed, water quality, waste and recycling

Mindfulness Practices: silent meditation, sit spot, forest bathing, freewriting

Nature Journaling: watercolors, drawing and oil pastels

Hiking

Space is limited – paid registration is required. No drop-ins please.

Cost: $350/semester for 14 weeks OR $30/individual week

Instructor:

Dr. Jan Wellik, EdD has a doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Environmental Education. She is the author of Nature Writing Field Guide for Teachers and Embodied Nature: a nature poetry collection. She is a Lecturer at UW-La Crosse in Environmental Studies since 2009 and currently teaches Mindfulness in Nature. She is the founder/director of Eco Expressions nature writing & art program since 2004: www.EcoExpressions.org Email Jan with any questions: jan.wellik@gmail.com