Dakota County Newsletter - Fall/Winter 2025 - Where instruction comes alive

School Nature Programs introduce children to outdoors

Sometimes the best learning happens outside of the classroom.

For tens of thousands of students, Dakota County Parks is bringing educational lessons to life.

In places like Spring Lake Park Reserve and Lebanon Hills Regional Park, students receive hands-on learning about bison, birds, water health, geology and more.

Our outdoor educators — certified naturalists and recreational professionals — align learning to state education standards in science.

The program has grown over the years by working with area schools. Numbers soared in the 2010s. We’ve watched a steady increase of students participating in postpandemic years. School Nature Programs hosted 253 school visits with nearly 21,000 students from 2020–2024.

Wide-ranging benefits

Students receive more than outdoor education. They absorb benefits simply by experiencing nature.

Research shows nature makes children healthier, happier, smarter and more environmentally aware.

Whether it’s a nature program or a regular trip to the park, there are mental and emotional health gains.

Students watch, feel and learn as classroom concepts come alive outdoors.

Through these programs, students reap the rewards of Dakota County’s investment in natural resources. They’re learning to be stewards of the land and students of the outdoors.

Visit www.dakotacounty.us/parks, search school programs, to learn more.