You’re Invited to Visit Forest Park Forever’s New Online Nature Classroom
As families and schools in St. Louis adapt to the ongoing pandemic, Forest Park Forever’s Education Team has been hard at work developing new ways for local learners to stay connected to the Park. In that spirit, Forest Park Forever is excited to launch their new Online Nature Classroom.
“We wanted to create accessible options for everyone in this new virtual space,” says Ellie Stevens, Forest Park Forever’s Education Coordinator. “Whether you are a classroom teacher, a grandparent helping out with virtual learning, the leader of a scout troop, or teaching a homeschool group, we’re eager to support your learning community.”
In keeping with previous years, the Education Team is ready to support learners PreK through 12th grade, through both a series of live virtual interactions and resources that you can use at your own pace.
You can visit their website now to find a series of favorite outdoor learning activities and to take advantage of their “Ask the Expert” program. Through this offering, adults can schedule a short virtual visit with a member of the Forest Park Forever team. Participants will have the opportunity to chat with the knowledgeable professionals who work in the Park. You can choose from a list of provided topics or suggest one of your own.
The education team will be adding free resources throughout the coming school year. Schedule a virtual field trip, where FPF staff will take you on a live tour of their favorite parts of Forest Park’s Nature Reserve. Participants in these 30-minute programs will get to experience beautiful green spaces in the Park and engage with educational activities aligned to Missouri Learning Standards.
“We’re bringing you the very best parts of the Park, and our favorite tools to use when we lead outdoor learning,” says Stevens. “We hope this initiative reaches a whole new audience and helps us stay connected with the folks who have been using Forest Park as an outdoor classroom for many years.”
In addition to these live interactions, educators and learners can also take advantage of a video series being launched later this month that will let you connect to Forest Park at any time. With over 180 acres of Nature Reserve in the Park, these videos will help you get to know the plants and animals that call the Park home, and pinpoint great spots to observe them for yourself. They will also feature information about navigating the Park and finding the amenities you will need while you are there- especially if you visit with kids.
“There is no question that our kids need as much time as possible outside, and now more than ever,” says Stevens. “We hope everyone who visits our Online Nature Classroom feels inspired to visit Forest Park in person. If there is one thing that we want families and educators to know at this time, it’s that the Park is here to be your outdoor classroom, and we want to help you make the most of it!”