Looking for something fun to do with your group?
How about a program with the Chattanooga Nature Center!
CNC is located at the base of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Our facility consists of mountains, forests, meadows, wetlands, and creeks with abundant wildlife, plants, and interesting geological formations.
Notable features include the Discovery Forest Treehouse, the Wildlife WanderLand (where you can see wildlife native to Tennessee), Lookout Creek, and the many trails available at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Botanical Garden, and Lookout Mountain. We’ll be glad to help you in planning your trip to the Nature Center.
Field Classes
We only offer these programs at CNC.
SELF-GUIDED EXPLORATION – All ages
Take your campers on a nature walk and set your own pace. Advance reservations required. In case of rain, self-guided programs will need to be rescheduled due to limited indoor facilities. Special supplemental materials may be available upon request.
2 hrs $4
ON THE BRINK: THE ENDANGERED RED WOLF – All Ages
Campers learn about basic red wolf adaptations and behavior, the amazing story of their rescue from the brink of extinction, and how the national RedWolf Recovery Program is helping to restore these important predators to their natural habitat in the southeastern United States. After a short writing activity, students meet CNC’s red wolves in the Wildlife Wanderland.
Maximum class size: 50. 1.5 hrs $4
Wildlife Programs
These programs can be done at your place or CNC.
PREDATOR PREY CONNECTION – Grades 3-12
Campers will meet a snake, a bird of prey, and nature’s “garbage collectors”, the opossum, in this educational program about the importance of the predator/prey relationship. They will then get a chance to touch some animal artifacts at the end of the program.
Maximum class size: 50. 1 hr $4
CREATURE FEATURES – Grades K-2
Campers will meet a variety of native wildlife species while learning about their features that help them to survive in the wild. They will then get a chance to touch some animal artifacts at the end.
OWL PELLET DISSECTION – Grades 4-12
“Owl Aboard” for this presentation and lab. Meet CNC’s resident owls and then identify the owl’s diet by examining the skeletal remains found in an actual owl pellet.
Maximum class size: 50. 1.5 hrs $5.50
BIRD ADAPTATIONS – All ages
Meet native birds of prey nose to beak and learn how these raptors are equipped for survival in our local forests. A CNC naturalist will explain the special adaptations of the raptors and answer campers’ questions.
Maximum class size: 50. 1 hr $4
NOCTURNAL ANIMALS – Grades K-5
Campers learn about nocturnal animal adaptations by meeting some native animals and by participating in hands-on activities that demonstrate how animals use their senses at night.
Maximum class size: 50. 1hr $4
CREEPY CRAWLERS – All ages
Get up close and personal with some of nature’s most amazing creatures, as you meet CNC’s native reptiles and amphibians. Discover how important reptiles and amphibians are to biodiversity and to the balance of nature.
Maximum class size: 50. 1 hr $4
ANIMAL CLASSIFICATION—Grades 3-12
Campers learn firsthand the characteristics scientists use to classify amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, while meeting some of CNC’s animal ambassadors.
Maximum class size: 50. 1 hr $4
Grades K-8: Caves & Critters
Students explore the most famous cave on Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, and then at CNC, meet some of the critters that inhabit southeastern forests.
Maximum class size: 75. 3 hrs $8
Call Ruby Falls for reservations, (423)821-2544.
Scheduling
Call 423-821-1160 ext. 107 to schedule your program today!
Program fees are from $4 to $6 per camper, with a minimum of $90 for programs at CNC, $120 for traveling programs and $80 each for multiple programs. Up to three presentations may be scheduled for the same day at your camp. Camps more than 10 miles away will also be charged mileage.