Discovering the Outdoors at Prophetstown State Park

Surrounded by the blossoming prairie at Prophetstown State Park, a group of students sit in a circle, giddy with excitement as Jenna Parks Freeman brings out a frog. The students are visiting the park as part of the Discover the Outdoors field trip grant program, and while interacting with the park’s various education ambassador animals is just one portion of the day’s adventures, their smiles and continuous questions showcase the power of getting kids outdoors.

Discover the Outdoors, offered in partnership with Indiana State Parks, provides Hoosier students with hands-on educational experiences at state park properties. Park staff lead students on adventurous days that explore the natural and cultural history of Indiana’s public lands. Educators from any school, school district, or home school group in Indiana are encouraged to apply.

Denise Fox, the educator who helped organize this trip, has used the Discover the Outdoors program with multiple classes and school types. Now leading these trips for Tech Trep Academy, a K-6 virtual public school, Fox has worked closely with Prophetstown staff on numerous occasions.

“I love sharing Prophetstown with students so they can see the history and science lessons come alive in an outdoor environment,” Fox said. “Tech Trep students come from across the state to visit when we host these field trips.”

Parks Freeman, the state park’s interpretive naturalist, is one of those DNR staff members who regularly lead these adventures. She is a natural at engaging with children of all ages and creating exciting programing, and the students are quick to express their curiosity about the natural world with her guidance.

“Jenna does a phenomenal job of leading exciting investigations of the park and all of its surroundings,” Fox added.

While some of the students were learning about amphibians and fens, a unique type of wetland ecosystem in Indiana, others were a short walk away with Annemarie Drummond, one of the park’s seasonal naturalists. Emotions varied as Drummond allowed them to interact with another of the park’s education ambassador animals, a fox snake. The group then set out for a walk around the area where Drummond had set up stations about other species, including the thirteen-lined ground squirrel and coyote.

Wildlife is usually a topic that grabs students’ interest, but this group was also deeply engaged with the unique prairie ecosystem of the park. Outfitted with field guides and magnifying glasses, the students wrapped up their trip exploring the edge of the prairie and identifying an array of insect and plant species.

Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, Discover the Outdoors has given more than 20,000 students an adventure they’re sure to remember. You can help us inspire the next generation of conservationists by donating to the INRF today.

Applications for the 2024-25 school year will be accepted until June 30, and educators can now request up to $500. Learn more about applying here.