Field Trip Overview
Curiosity, Reciprocity, and Stewardship
By supporting students as they learn to ask questions and explore through hands on science activities, our curriculum is designed to deepen connections between students and their surroundings. Our science lessons are updated to correlate and complement standards such as SEEd, FOSS, and NGSS. In addition, curriculum intentionally teaches skills in self-management, group awareness, responsible decision making, and communication.
Want a specific program but don’t see it on our website? E-mail us and ask! We are always happy to accommodate and create new programs!
FEATURES
725 Acres of mixed habitat
8.5 Miles of seasonal trails
Picnic Tables
2 Teaching Ponds
Trailside Benches
Snowshoeing and Groomed Cross Country Ski Trails
SELF-GUIDED PROGRAMS
Self-guided groups are always welcome at the nature center, however, we ask that you schedule your visit as you would any program. Please call the nature center at least one month prior to your visit, otherwise we cannot guarantee space for your group unless discussed with our staff. Cost is $2.00 per person (normal trail fee). No equipment will be provided.
**If your group does not call the nature center prior to your self-scheduled visit, you may be asked to leave certain areas of the preserve in order for our education and events team to conduct scheduled programming.
WHAT DO FIELD TRIP DAYS LOOK LIKE?
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Half Day Field trips (one program topic):
Our Half Day field trips run from 9:30am-11:30am or 12-2pm (We are always happy to adjust these times if available) These times reflect our start time and wrap up time, not arrival and departure.
Please arrive no more than 10 minutes prior to your field trip time.
In those 2 hours of programming we will take a bathroom break before starting or halfway through the program. Lunch is not included within the programming time
If you would like to do lunch at the preserve, please let our staff know this |
Full Day Field Trips (two program topics):
A full day field trip typically runs from 9:30am-2pm. Each session (program topic) is approximately 2 hours in length.
The full day field trip includes a 30-45 minute lunch break (determined by our staff and your staff attending) 9:30am-11:30am – Students participate in one program topic 11:30am-12pm -Students and staff enjoy lunch, inside or outside weather dependent. 12pm-2pm – Students participate in second program topic If there are two or more classes attending, classes will switch program topics after lunch.
These times reflect our start time and wrap up time, not arrival and departure. Please arrive no more than 10 minutes prior to your field trip time. |
FEES/PAYMENT
Half Day Program: $3.50 per student/$75.00 minimum ($100.00 minimum during sap season)
Full Day Program: $6.00 per student/$150.00 minimum ($200.00 minimum during sap season)
Snowshoe Rental Fee: $3.00 per adult wanting to snowshoe, there is no additional fee for students.
Ski Rental Fee: $3.00 per student and adult
Programs with food add-ons (Additional $0.50 charge): Water, Water; Survival; Sap to Syrup.
All programs involving food can be opted out of and charged the standard price.
There is no charge for teachers or paraprofessionals. Payment must be received the day of the field trip. Cash or check preferred. A credit card processing fee will be charged (3.5%).
CHAPERONE POLICIES
We allow 5 chaperones free of cost per classroom attending a field trip. If there are more than 5 chaperones per class, there will be an additional attendance fee per additional adult.
The exception to this is GPS/Geocaching and any Survival program where 1 adult is required for each small group.
As a reminder, it is chaperones, teachers and paraprofessionals job to aid students on field trip days. This can range from assisting students with tasks, to redirecting and correcting students. Our naturalists are versed in classroom management strategies; however, their main task is guiding students through activities exploring the natural world around them. If there is anything you would like our staff to know in preparing for your class, please let us know!
CANCELLATION POLICY
If your group has to cancel a field trip for any reason, please do so more than 30 days prior to your scheduled field trip date. If your field trip is cancelled less than 30 days to your scheduled date, a cancellation fee will be due of one third the total field trip cost.
If there are severe weather conditions, we will make our best effort to modify the program if necessary or notify you of cancellation as soon as possible. If the field trip is cancelled due to weather, your deposit will be refunded.
We follow the Appleton Area School District weather and temperature guidelines for determination of outdoor activities.
If your group is a no-call / no-show the entire field trip cost will be due, and you will be unable to reschedule your field trip.
LUNCH FACILITIES
Lunch will be outside September- October and April – May as long as temperatures are favorable and inclement weather is not present. Bubolz Preserve is a carry in, carry out facility. You will be responsible for clean-up and carrying out of any trash.
When lunch is held indoors, field trip groups will have an indoor classroom space to enjoy a lunch break along with garbage and recycling bins.
GROUP CONFIRMATION
Once your google request form has been submitted, you will receive an email from our School Programs Coordinator in order to schedule your field trip. A Group Confirmation Form will ONLY be emailed to you once all details are finalized. IF the field trip is scheduled more than 2 months prior to your field trip date, our naturalists will reach out to confirm again approximately 30 days to your scheduled date.
Please review and verify that the program date, time, and number of registered students as well as any additional instructions/requests are correct.
We provide a “packing list” for field trips in order for all staff and students to be prepared, however please make sure to read the confirmation email and program description in full.
FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT THE DAY OF
Programs will be held rain or shine and will be outdoors! Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Please arrive on time for your program in order to complete all topics and activities.
Please have students wear name tags to assist our naturalists in interacting with your group.
While it is not required, it is highly recommended that to bring a change of clothes, socks, and shoes.
Chaperones and teachers are expected to maintain discipline while assisting in encouraging exploration and participation.
Enjoy your visit!
SCHEDULING
Scheduling is handled on a first-come, first-served basis subject to program availability. Register as early as possible to ensure your dates are available.
TO REGISTER
Returning schools and teachers will receive access to request field trips for the 2026-2027 academic year on May 21st.
Field Trip Registration Opens to everyone on May 28th, 2026
To Register for a program with the Log School House at Bubolz Nature Preserve:
Please register your class by following the link above to fill out a request form. Specify what program topic(s) you are interested in, and which program you would like the Log School House portion to be incorporated into.
Incorporating the Log School House into a Bubolz program includes:
Up to 45 minutes spent in and around the Log School House
Time for students to experience sitting in the Log School House and reading a story book
Practice writing with Quill pens and ink
A short recess with games of the 1800’s
Programs that can be combined within the same 2-hour field trip experience include:
Sensory
Trees
New Plants
Tracks & Scat
Birds and Beaks
All of these programs will have portions cut from them to allow time for the Log School house experience. This can affect what science standards are being met, and what activities are completed.
The Log School house building has a capacity of 30 people (including students and adults). If you are looking to bring out a group larger than 40 students, chaperones will be responsible in monitoring students at the playgroup while teachers and our naturalist guide half the students through activities at the Log School House.
If you have questions about this experience, please reach out to Hannah Wentzel at [email protected]