For Teachers

Our environmental education field studies will give your students a hands-on, real-world experience. Schedule a class today!

school field studies

Our premier environmental education programs specialize in field studies for 4^th-12^th graders. They are STEM-based and aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS. Our curriculum is the result of a partnership with regional school districts, wildlife and conservation organizations, and research institutions.

Each program gives students the opportunity to observe, collect and analyze data for a real-world experience. This scientific-inquiry method using field and laboratory investigations helps them solve problems, make informed decisions and consider an environmental science career path.

Want to book a class?

Review the program schedule, description, pricing and TEKS overview.
Email Carol Garrison or call her at 972-474-9100 to schedule your program.

scholarships

The generosity of two philanthropic supporters allows us to offer scholarships that cover program and bus fees for schools that otherwise would not be able to attend.

David Keith Sands Education Fund

The DKS Scholarship offers up to $300 toward program costs and is available to all schools.

How to apply:

Verify that your school meets the eligibility criteria.
Email the scholarship application to Carol Garrison or mail it to John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, 655 Martin Lane, Combine, TX 75159.

David Keith Sands (1950-2009) was the younger brother of John Bunker Sands. David and Bunker held a deep love of the outdoors and the environment and conservation. An avid outdoorsman and bow hunter, the wilderness was his sanctuary. David particularly cherished times at his ranches in New Mexico and South Texas with family and friends.

Lyda Hill Foundation Fund

The Lyda Hill Foundation Fund offers qualifying schools admission and transportation scholarships for field studies.

How to apply:

Verify that your school meets the eligibility criteria.
Email the scholarship application to Carol Garrison or mail it to John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, 655 Martin Lane, Combine, TX 75159.

Lyda Hill Philanthropies believes that the long-term success of our economy, health and communities is tied directly to the health of our planet. The organization seeks to fund projects that drive public awareness and appreciation for our natural world and resources as well as organizations that educate and advocate for sustainable conservation of our most precious natural resources and spaces.

professional development

Are you a classroom teacher looking for professional development? An informal educator? A homeschool parent? A Scout or youth leader? We’ve got great environmental education workshops for you in an incomparable wetland setting.

We provide TEA-approved Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit with all our workshops. Workshops offered include Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, Project WET and Texas Aquatic Science. Most of our workshops are in the summer. Custom workshops are available on request, allowing you to focus on areas where your students need assistance.

To find out more, email Carol Garrison or call her at 972-474-9100.

“Through this training, I have been encouraged to bring in real plants to show off their different adaptations rather than just looking at pictures. Such a common sense ah-ha moment.”

– Mesquite ISD Teacher, November 2021

Summer 2023 Professional Development Schedule

Below are the dates for our summer 2023 workshops:

Project WILD, Thursday, June 22, 2023

Texas Aquatic Science, Thursday, July 13, 2023

Project WET, Thursday, 27, 2023

Stay tuned for more detailed information about each workshop.

high school summer science camps

Our environmental academic summer camps are full of discovery and fun with an academic twist.

ASI: Aquatic Science Investigation

ASI 2023 application due May 5th!

ASI 2023
June 5-9

ASI promotes scholarship and student success for high school students interested in environmental systems and natural resources. A major goal is for students to become aware of water as an important Texas natural resource and the need to conserve it. With a focus on STEM activities and an individual project to be done during the camp, students leave with knowledge and experiences that benefit them in the classroom environment. Students spend the week at the Wetland Center, participating in day trips to other wetland venues. Below is more information. Please email all completed applications to nujita@wetlandcenter.com.
Take a look to see what to expect at ASI:

Teen Sustainability Summit (TSS!)

TSS 2023 Application due May 5th!

TSS 2023: June 26-30

The Teen Sustainability Summit promotes sustainable energy and conservation of natural resources. The goal of this week long program is for participants to become familiar with natural resources and their impact on them and to learn how they can support sustainable practices in their own lives. Students will spend the week at the Wetland Center, traveling to sites that use sustainable practices such as wind or solar farms, farm-to-table businesses and a sustainable dairy farm. Students will determine the next best solution for sustainable practices as they experience different venues and share their insights with their peers. Please email all completed applications to nujita@wetlandcenter.com.

Read a Review from a Former Camper!

Learn more about the camps from 2022 camper Mehak.