Course Descriptions

Prairie Hike

With almost 200 acres of prairie to explore, participants in LOMC’s Environmental Education program are presented with myriad opportunities to experience florae and faunae and learn about this once abundant ecosystem. Population expansion west in the early days of our country burned and tilled the grassland prairies and used the healthy soil to support a farming lifestyle. LOMC supports both remnant and restored prairie plants, including many that do not exist in abundance anywhere else in the world.

Ravine Hike

Erosion, topography, history, wildlife and forests are a few of the possible topics that can be covered on a hike up Milkhouse Ravine. Carved through generations of water flow, ravines offer a picture of what the bedrock under the topsoil looks like. This hike takes participants all the way to Barber’s Cliff, a wonderful sandstone outcropping, offering guests a beautiful view of the Rock River Valley. Depending on the school’s curriculum, other activities and games can be included on this hike.

Orienteering I

Even with all of our modern direction‐finding technology, GPS units, digital compasses, etc., this equipment is not used 100‐percent effectively unless basic compass skills are understood. LOMC’s unique course encourages individual compass use and understanding of directions and degrees. We also cover basic cartography.

Orienteering II

Once students have become proficient with a compass, they have a chance to try their hand at geo‐caching with a portable Global Positioning unit. Unlike a Garmin, these units teach latitude, longitude and altitude as students search the prairie for paths to information posts with hidden surprises. We also show how GPS can be used in conjunction with computers to create more detailed and exact maps.

Astronomy

Depending on group size, this nighttime activity varies in its activities. Activities can include telescope observation, star chart usage, star lore, and constellation identification, but other activities can be added upon request. This program utilizes LOMC’s new Observatory Platform, built in the summer of 2007 to both lift participants above tree lines and give reference points for direction finding.

Animal Tracks

Almost every animal on Earth leaves evidence of its existence and travels. Whether a broken twig, footprint or garbage, some evidence it was there remains. Students learn how to identify particular tracks and have a chance to make a plaster cast of an animal track to take home to remind them of the lessons of this class. Also addressed are the tracks they leave, such as litter.

Pond Study

A favorite of teachers and students, this class takes participants on an adventure of ecology around and in the 7.5‐acre Paul’s Pond. We use an underwater video camera to show participants what the pond looks like under the water as well as around it. From deer to ducks and cup plants to dragonfly larvae, we poke, prod, dig, and observe the life existing around this wonderful resource. We also begin basic lessons in Osteology by observing various bones from different creatures that inhabit LOMC.

Wilderness Survival

This class explores skills necessary in the event of a disaster or smaller emergency. Fun‐filled activities could include a game of Survival Scenarios: shelter building, fire building and basic first aid. Understanding dangers in different environments helps make students more aware of their surroundings. All of these lessons can be applied to every‐day life, such as the STOP methodology: Stay calm, Think, Observe, Plan.

Wilderness Survival

This class explores skills necessary in the event of a disaster or smaller emergency. Fun‐filled activities could include a game of Survival Scenarios: shelter building, fire building and basic first aid. Understanding dangers in different environments helps make students more aware of their surroundings. All of these lessons can be applied to every‐day life, such as the STOP methodology: Stay calm, Think, Observe, Plan.

Archery

LOMC has revived its archery program. Let practiced, trained staff share this incredible hand‐eye coordination activity with your students. After learning basic archery techniques, students will try their hand at three different distances. In addition to physical advancement, participants learn about force, air resistance and other basic physics principles.

Owl Pellets

Since owls do not digest everything they swallow, they regurgitate a compact pellet, containing bones, fur and teeth. In this class, students dissect a sterilized owl pellet and learn about the adaptation capabilities of different species of animals. Story Telling A look into a dying art, this class teaches methods of telling a story, reasons stories are told and even giving participants a chance to tell a story. Funny tales, folk lore, old Native American and many other types of tales are on the menu for this course.

Team Building A

Activities in this class build basic mental principles of functioning in a community. Participants will build listening, cooperative and problem‐solving skills through games and challenge activities.

Team Building B

This class brings a more physical regimen of activities to help emphasize positive communication skills, understanding of individual capabilities and needs, and can be adjusted to meet the needs of an individual group.

Team Building C

Utilizing our 13‐element low ropes challenge course, LOMC Facilitators push students to go outside their normal comfort zones and try things they may not have had a chance to experience yet.

Fishing

Stocked with bluegill, grass carp and largemouth bass, Paul’s Pond is an excellent environment to teach participants about the sport of fishing. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment, but LOMC has all the necessary rods, tackle and bait necessary.

Canoeing

LOMC will teach your participants canoeing skills and strokes, with a ratio of one lifeguard to every 25 students. Depending on the time of year and water conditions, canoeing does not have to be limited to LOMC’s pond. With a close proximity to the Rock River, LOMC can accommodate groups of 36, including an LOMC lifeguard, on a half‐day river trip. After canoeing down the river, participants can enjoy a pack‐out lunch at Castle Rock State Park before being shuttled back to the facility.

Crate Stacking

A high‐adventure challenge, participants are harnessed in and secured to a belay line before attempting to create a tower of milk crates to climb. This activity is an excellent confidence booster for individuals, as only one person attempts the activity at a time, while receiving help from a classmate.

Other activities

LOMC also offers a wide variety of seasonal activities and other classes including, but not limited to, cross‐country skiing, a birds‐of‐prey presentation and a trip to the Byron Forest Preserve. We also maintain partnerships with other organizations, such as the Red Cross and IDNR and can readily facilitate training courses, such as First Aid/CPR and Hunter’s Safety courses. Some of these additional programs do have an added equipment costs. If your organization has other ideas in mind, please call LOMC and we will put together a program custom‐designed to your needs.

Why Environmental Education?

Why LOMC for EE?

Course Descriptions

Sample Schedules

Meal information