WildWonder
Nature-based Education with Schools Program
What is WildWonder?
WildWonder is a nature-based education program for schools that has students learning and growing in nature. The nature-based learning experiences we offer include nearby nature lessons at school, field studies in parks and natural areas, and stewardship projects.
Why WildWonder?
WildWonder brings an innovative, nature-based approach to education with the unique opportunity to integrate our natural world into lessons for improved academic performance, wellness, and community development during the school day.
Who is WildWonder for?
We work with K-12 schools throughout Greater Rochester. These experiences are available to students in any grade and ability. Reach out today to start planning a WildWonder Experience.
The Services We Offer
Nearby Nature Lessons
Lessons that provide students with direct experience with nature on or near the school grounds to achieve academic and wellness goals.
Field Studies
Curriculum-aligned experiences within Greater Rochester that provide nature immersion connected to academic knowledge and wellness objectives.
Stewardship Projects
Hands-on action projects that engage students in activities that better our community and local environment.
Scheduling a WildWonder Experience
Reach out to us at wildwonder@rocecology.org
Call or Text: 585-851-1648
Complete the WildWonder Request Form
WildWonder Program Guide
View a PDF with curriculum options and details about getting your class connected to nature.
Program Rates
For one class of 25 or Less:
One Hour Nearby Nature Lesson: $200
Half-day Field Studies: $475
Full-day Field Study: $750
Bundles:
2 Nearby Nature lessons + half-day Field Study: $850
2 Nearby Nature lessons + full-day Field Study: $1100
Additional costs (e.g., shelter, transportation, lunches) may apply.
We do everything we can to make these opportunities available to all classes. Generous community support makes it possible for us to cover expenses associated with these experiences. Please reach out to discuss options. wildwonder@rocecology.org
“Absolutely outstanding on every level. Students were excited and engaged.”
“On a scale using a “Fist to 5”, most students went above the 5; students loved seeing animals in their environment such as the deer and frogs, students enjoyed using the microscopes and looking at the water life from the creek”
“Students were focused on the tasks that REP presented to us and excited to participate. Back at school, students recounted their activities accurately using new vocabulary that was introduced which is evidence that students retained information through their experiential learning.”
We are grateful for our supporters
Rochester Ecology Partners appreciates the support of our community. Our programs are made possible with support from businesses, individuals, and school communities. If you would like to contribute your time, talent, or treasure to our work please reach out or make a donation today. contact@rocecology.org
Example Lessons and Field Studies We Can Lead
Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!
What makes a bug a bug? Using a variety of tools, including nets and magnifying glasses, students will get down on the level of bugs to explore their features and behaviors.
Local Landforms
The land we walk on did not always look like this. Many different elements can change and shape land over time, creating the landforms we see today. By walking through a local park and/or using models, students will recreate and investigate the natural processes that transform Earth’s surface.
The Fabulous Four Seasons
Each season is important and unique in its own way. By exploring nature in its current season, students will make seasonal observations and inferences and apply them through games and hands-on activities.
Multiplication & Division in the Wild
Students will use nature manipulatives to create models that extend their understanding of multiplication and division. They will also apply that knowledge to real mathematical examples from the natural world, such as how many flowers a bee can visit in a day or the number of acorns a squirrel needs to survive winter.
Alignment With Standards
Whether it is sitting under a tree writing a poem or building a reed raft to float across a pond it is easy to find ways these experiences are not only aligned with standards but are often superior ways to meet them. We strive to make sure activities align with not only content but culturally responsive and SEL standards.
Standards Alignment
- New York State Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework
- New York State Social Emotional Learning Benchmarks
- Common Core ELA standards
- Common Core Math standards
- Next Generation Science Standards
- New York State Social Studies Framework
Inclusive and Equitable
We design our lessons intentionally to reflect the diversity of the students we serve – ensuring that multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and youth from communities with limited access to nature feel seen, supported, and included in all lessons.
Every effort is made to ensure every child gets the opportunity to experience nature-based learning in ways that work for them. Let us know how we can best support your students.
The Impact of WildWonder
In the 2025-26 school year, Rochester Ecology Partners facilitated 5,921 hands-on nature-based learning experiences across 17 schools through 228 scheduled events.
These experiences include:
- 144 school-based Nearby Nature lessons
- 82 Field studies in local parks and natural areas.
- 2 community-building retreats
Here’s what participating educators shared in our end-of-year survey:
- 100% said WildWonder had a positive academic impact on their students.
- 100% said WildWonder had a positive social-emotional impact on their students.
- 100% of teachers said their students were extremely engaged (8–10 out of 10), with the majority giving the highest possible rating.