Field Trips & Tours

A docent-led visit gives your group a window into the history, geology, and ecology of this unique destination — starting at the Tuttle Farmhouse, followed by an age-appropriate Ecology Walk. From there we help facilitate the rest of your visit: the Shady Grove Filling Station exhibit, the Fossil Dig, Spring House, Gemstone Village, or a round of mini golf.

Our approach is hands-on, immersive, and student-directed. We encourage kids to get their hands dirty — quite literally — as they investigate: What is soil, and why is it so important? Which plant communities have lived here over time, and how have human choices shaped the environment?

Whether you're new to ecology or have deep knowledge of the ecosystems that populate the Desert, our teachers and guides are ecologists and artists who are passionate about the lessons and stories of this land.