Environmental Learning

We know that there’s a lot to learn about the great outdoors and that experiencing nature is the best way to learn about it. We also know that our Environmental Learning programs are the best way to do both! All of Fossil Rim’s programs include hands-on activities and other experiential opportunities, making them the perfect way to enhance your learning. Join us for one of our exciting experiences as we explore the science of conservation!

Pick Your Program!

Whether you are by yourself or bringing the whole herd, Fossil Rim has a learning experience that is perfect for you!

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

Workshops, classes, and events perfect for you or your family.

GROUP PROGRAMS

Treat your group, troop, or school to a one-of-a-kind experience.

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Individual and Family Programs

Expand your knowledge or learn something new! Our individual and family programs are perfect for increasing your understanding of the world around you.

Workshops

Photography Workshops

See Fossil Rim through a different lens! Our photography workshops are great for aspiring photographers of all skill levels. Join professionals in the field and learn the best way to get photos of wildlife with the best subjects: the animals of Fossil Rim.

  • Photo Workshops include a classroom session as well as a session aboard our open-air tour vehicles.
  • Participants must bring their own cameras and equipment.
  • Workshops last approximately 4 hours.
  • Pricing: $150 per person.
  • Private workshops are available for a flat rate of $800 for up to five people.
  • *All requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of your preferred date.

Individual and Family Programs

Coming Soon! 

Our new T.W.A.N.G learning programs will answer all the burning questions you might have about the environment. From scat and scales to fossils and foraging, these series are something you won’t want to miss. Follow our social media pages for the latest information about these exciting upcoming programs!

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group programs

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True Texans
8 - 10 years

'State' of Texas
11 - 13 years

Conservation Conundrum
11 years and up

Half-Day (4 hrs)

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Full-Day (6 hrs)

Overnight (24 hrs)

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Half-Day Programs

Our Half-Day, 4-hour programs are the perfect choice for groups that are looking for a taste of Fossil Rim. Your group will spend your time here with our experienced Environmental Engagement Staff and participate in a number of educational activities (including a trip into the park aboard our open-air tour vehicles) that are designed to increase your knowledge and respect for the natural world.

Half-Day programs are available throughout the year and requests must be made at least three weeks in advance. Due to the nature of these programs, we ask that all participants be at least 3rd Grade or above.

  • Minimum Group Size: 10 participants
  • Maximum Group Size: 80 participants
  • Pricing: $50 a person + 1 free adult/chaperone for every 10 students
  • *All requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of your preferred date.

Full-Day Programs

If your group can’t get enough of Fossil Rim, we’ve got you covered! Our Full-Day, 6-hour programs are the perfect way to spend the day learning and enjoying the outdoors. Our Full-Day programs include all the same great activities as our Half-Day programs, but with more surprises and opportunities to see and learn about Fossil Rim in new ways!

Full-Day programs are available throughout the year and requests must be made at least three weeks in advance. Due to the nature of these programs, we ask that all participants be at least 3rd Grade or above.

  • Minimum Group Size: 10 participants
  • Maximum Group Size: 80 participants
  • Pricing: $70 a person + 1 free adult/chaperone for every 10 students
  • *All requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of your preferred date.

Overnight Programs

Overnight programs are immersive experiences that expand on our Full-Day programs and provide new ways to see Fossil Rim. Your group will spend the day with our Environmental Engagement staff exploring the nature of conservation, and then spend the night in our rustic bunkhouses overlooking the Texas Hill Country. It’s no wonder Fossil Rim’s Overnights are our most popular program!

Overnight programs include two meals: dinner and breakfast. Fossil Rim's four bunkhouses each contain seven bunk beds for a total capacity of 14 individuals per bunkhouse. All bunkhouses are equipped with AC and Heat as well as a bathroom, shower, and separate room for adults/chaperones. Fossil Rim requires one adult/chaperone per bunkhouse.

Overnight programs are available throughout the year and requests must be made at least three weeks in advance. Due to the nature of these programs, we ask that all participants be at least 5th Grade or above.

  • Minimum Group Size: 10 participants
  • Maximum Group Size: 56 participants
  • Pricing: $110 a person + 1 free adult/chaperone for every 10 students
  • *All requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of your preferred date.

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Current Group Program Themes

True Texans

What makes you a Texan? Is it the way you put up with the summer heat? Is it the way you walk and talk? Find out what makes Fossil Rim's animal residents, both native and exotic, model Texans. We'll put those adaptations to the test in the ultimate Texas Showdown!

Recommended Age Range: 8 - 10 years (3rd - 5th Grade)
Topics Covered: Habitats, Ecoregions, Adaptations, Native Texas Wildlife

The "State" of Texas

There is a plot afoot and we need your knowledge to get to the bottom of it! Join Fossil Rim's Environmental Forensics Task Force as we explore the "state" of our state and learn the who, what, and why of environmental problems in Texas.

Recommended Age Range: 11 - 13 years (6th - 8th Grade)
Topics Covered: Wildfires & Dendrochronology, Pollution & Oil Spills, Watersheds & Land Management

Citizen Science Academy

In this day and age, scientists aren’t just sitting in labs mixing chemicals. They can be found everywhere! Hone your scientific skills, become a citizen scientist, and help Fossil Rim with one of our park-wide science projects.

Recommended Age Range: 11 - 13 years (6th - 8th Grade)
Topics Covered: Citizen/Community Science, Scientific Method Practices, Environmental Technology

Conservation Conundrum

Conservation isn't always black and white like a zebra, and Fossil Rim could use your help with our latest conundrum. Become a conservation consultant as you take a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes at a world-renowned conservation center and get the inside scoop about how places like Fossil Rim help impact the future of wildlife.

Recommended Age Range: 11 years and up (6th-12th Grade)
Topics Covered: Diet & Nutrition, Captive Breeding Programs, Enrichment, Veterinary Science

Scouting with a Texas T.W.A.N.G.

Scouts are notoriously known for being problem solvers and environmental stewards, making them perfect candidates for Fossil Rim's S.W.A.T.T. (Scouting with a Texas T.W.A.N.G.) Program! This program is designed with scouts in mind— throughout your time at Fossil Rim your troop will participate in a park-wide citizen science project along with other learning opportunities and skill refreshers aimed at creating lifelong environmental stewards and advocates. Includes official T.W.A.N.G. patches upon completion of the program.

Recommended Age Range: Juniors & Cadettes (Girl Scouts); Bears & Webelos (Scouts BSA)
Topics Covered: Citizen/Community Science, Environmental Ethics, Environmental Technology

Finishing Fossil Rim’s Become a Citizen Scientist! Post-Program also qualifies:

  • Girl Scouts for the complete Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey 
  • Cub Scouts for parts of the Fur, Feathers and Ferns Adventure (Bears) and Into The Wild (Webelos)
  • Boy Scouts for parts of several merit badges: Environmental Science, Exploration, Fish & Wildlife Management and Mammal Study
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