Education is at the heart of Aullwood’s mission. We provide activities and programs that enrich lives through education and stewardship of birds and ecosystems. Aullwood's dedicated Education Team teaches programs that tie to the Ohio Learning Standards and support classroom concepts. We teach about the interconnectedness of life and explaining the importance of our role in the preservation and conservation of our planet.   

Aullwood Audubon conducts business according to our conservation education beliefs and values regarding stewardship, scientific study, and people. We value and believe in:  

• the inquiring minds of children and their innate desire to learn
• natural history learning through hands-on and field experiences
• the idea that everyone is a teacher and everyone is a learner 
• enhancing lives by developing a sense of wonder and providing close contact with nature
• empowering experiences which foster appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of the Earth
• environmental education promoting lifelong behaviors which protect the natural environment
• teaching stewardship by example
• respecting and protecting the Earth's diversity
• the intrinsic value of green space, agricultural land, and wilderness
• sound scientific principles underlying quality environmental education
• the importance of understanding ecological concepts and processes
• advancing our mission by maintaining a welcoming and friendly atmosphere 

Scheduling a Field Trip for your Group

Please note: Aullwood does not provide general tours of our property or our Thomas Dambo troll exhibition.

If your school or group is interested in one of our naturalist-led or self-guided programs, please review our JANUARY 2024 AULLWOOD AUDUBON PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS AND GROUPS BROCHURE, available at the bottom of this page under "Downloadable Resources.” Then complete our VISIT, TRIP AND PROGRAM REQUEST FORM to begin scheduling your visit. All programs are held as scheduled, rain or shine. In case of severe weather that prevents outdoor exploration, hands-on indoor activities will be conducted. Cancellations must be made 14 days in advance of the program, otherwise the school will be billed for the cancelled program. 

Outreach Programs

Outreach programs provide exciting, entertaining and educational assemblies for elementary students and organizations. Our assemblies feature the musical and artistic talents of Environmental Educator Chris Rowlands, a nationally-recognized performer teaching children about nature through innovative programs. Chris creatively blends music, art, comedy and education to create high energy, fast paced shows which teach and inspire young people. The Environment Magazine honored Chris by awarding him its first E Award for his environmental education programs. Details on Music and Art Residencies, as well as assemblies are found in the JANUARY 2023 AULLWOOD AUDUBON PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS AND GROUPS BROCHURE. All requests for programs must be submitted online — please click on our VISIT, TRIP AND PROGRAM REQUEST FORM to begin your request.

Scouting Programs

Find out more about our scout programs on the Scouting Programs page.

Homeschool Programs

Aullwood can be a valuable resource for homeschool groups. Students gain a better understanding of science, conservation, natural history and agriculture through unique hands-on and discovery experiences. Many of our preK-12 school programs can be tailored to mixed grade groups. A $75 minimum program fee applies. To review our formal school program offerings, see our JANUARY 2024 AULLWOOD AUDUBON PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS AND GROUPS BROCHURE. All requests for programs must be submitted online — please click on our VISIT, TRIP AND PROGRAM REQUEST FORM to begin your request.

Resources of the Earth and Agriculture Discovered and Shared (R.E.A.D.S.)

Aullwood READS is an innovative program for elementary students enrolled in an after-school program. This model initiative, for 15-20 children in 2nd-4th grades, integrates reading and writing skills with hands-on experiences in nature and farming. The students visit Aullwood once a week for 90-minute sessions for 10 weeks. Aullwood naturalists and volunteers provide hands-on learning experiences for the children at Aullwood’s nature center and sustainable farm. Caring adult volunteers tutor children, helping them read books on nature and farming that relate to that day’s hands-on, outdoor activities to improve their reading skills and attitudes toward reading, nature and agriculture. This is a grant-funded program for schools within a 45-minute drive from Aullwood Audubon. If you would like us to consider collaborating with your school, please contact Arras Wiedorn, Manager of Public Programs, at arras.wiedorn@audubon.org or 937-890-7360 x217.

Avian Art Program

The Aullwood Avian Art program brings Outreach Environmental Educator and artist Chris Rowlands into your classroom to teach students about birds and art. This program covers the cost of art supplies and instruction about bird biology, the importance of birds, why they should be protected and various artistic methods to create a dramatic picture that tells a story about the bird’s natural history. The Aullwood Avian Art Program would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors, Robert and Annette Marquardt. This program is sponsored in memory of Robert’s mother Enid Marquardt, a teacher who taught for 30 years in the Dayton school system and loved birds. If you are an art teacher interested in having your school participate in the Avian Art Program, contact Arras Wiedorn, Manager of Public Programs, at arras.wiedorn@audubon.org or 937-890-7360 x217.

Aullwood's Head Start Nature / Farm Preschool

Aullwood Audubon Farm is the site of Miami Valley Child Development Centers' farm-based preschool. Please contact the Miami Valley CDC directly for more information at 937-236-7655 or visit their web page at http://www.mvcdc.org

Downloadable Resources

Aullwood Audubon Programs for Schools and Groups January 2024 (PDF)