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Be a Leader
Thank you for helping to lead a group of students on their International Crane Foundation field trip. Your main responsibility as a chaperone or leader will be to supervise your group. This introduction will allow you to answer general questions that students commonly ask, but don’t worry; we don’t expect you to be an expert! If you have questions about these magnificent birds or the places where they live, please ask.
Preparing for the field trip:
- Brief students on the field trip. Students should be properly dressed for the weather. This includes comfortable shoes, raincoats, and warm clothing. We will go outside even if it is raining.
- Collect admission fees from the students.
- Prior to the field trip, give each chaperone a copy of the "Chaperone Instructions" and "Introduction to Cranes" located in ICF’s activity packets.
If you have any questions about the activities or the field trip, please call the ICF Education Department at (608) 356-9462, ext. 127 and we will be happy to help you.
Day of the field trip:
Have the bus drop your students off at the Cudahy Visitor Center before parking. Please plan on arriving 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour to organize your group and to allow time for a restroom break, if needed. An ICF Naturalist will greet you, show the students into the theater, and direct you to the Gift Shop where you can pay for the group.
1. Introduction
The Naturalist will welcome your class, show a short slide show, and brief everyone on the activities to follow. After the introduction, your class may be divided into two or more groups. Each group must have one or more chaperones. The groups will be led by a Naturalist and will participate in all of the activities, though not necessarily in the same order.
2. Crane Tour
The Naturalist will lead your group to the Johnson Exhibit Pod, where you will see thirteen species of adult cranes. Two other species will be observed at the Wattled Crane Exhibit and the Amoco Whooping Crane Exhibit. The Naturalist will lead the discussion on crane biology, current threats to cranes, the role of habitat protection in endangered species conservation, and ICF's work in international crane conservation.
3. Nature Trails
Exploring our nature trails gives students an opportunity to learn about the ecosystems that cranes use in the wild. The Naturalist will introduce your students to ICF's restored wetland, prairie, and oak savanna ecosystems, and will explain the importance of Crane City, our main breeding facility.
When finished with the tour, the Naturalist will ask for final questions and then lead your group back to the Cudahy Visitor Center. If your students plan on shopping, please do not allow more than 10 students in the shop at one time. Please help supervise students in the Gift Shop after the tour.
For Common Questions click here.
We hope you enjoy being a chaperone and THANK YOU for volunteering!
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