Student Field Trips

Field trips are offered to Monday through Friday and begin at 9:00am. All of the programs are available for children age three and up.

Programming is designed to:

• Educate students about local natural history and agriculture
• Inspire students to become active stewards of land and resources
• Connect students to forests, fields, livestock and land
• Facilitate a meaningful hands-on experience
• Create a positive experience emphasizing fun and learning
• Integrate State of Maine science and social studies standards.

There is a fee of $3.00 per student. One adult chaperone is admitted free with every 5 students, and $4.00 per additional adult.

In addition to the field trips listed below, Pineland Farms can design a morning or day program based on an organization's specific topic request within facilities capabilities. For more information, please please contact us. Visit the directions page to find the Valley Farm Education Center.

Field Trips

Sheep, Shepherds and Sweaters
Spend a morning on the farm during lambing. Students will investigate the wonders of sheep and wool by participating in hands-on activities. They will have the opportunity to card, spin and knit wool. They will learn about sheep farming in Maine by exploring the care of our flock. History (B, C), Geography (B), Economics (A, D)

Learning to Grow
Come learn about seeds and what they need to grow. We will explore the needs of plants through games, hands-on investigation and projects. Students will examine the life cycle of a plant, seed anatomy and growth. We will be getting down and dirty so dress appropriately! Science (A, C, D)

Field to Forest
Join us for an exploration of Pineland's many ecosystems as we investigate the connections between non-living and living components of both fields and forests. Activities, including identification of plants and animals, soil analysis and habitat observations, will increase student awareness of successional change and the relationships humans have with their environment. Science (A, B, E, F, H, I, J)

Winter, Wonder and Habitat
Borrow Pineland's snowshoes or bring your own as we trek in search of the variety of critters that call Pineland home. Students will have the chance to explore different types of habitats including fields, forests and farmyards. Using field guides and our feet and senses, we will discover what it takes to be a Maine animal in winter! Science (A, B, J, M)

Aquatic Adventures
Wondering about water? What is a watershed? Take some time out to discover the important role water plays in our lives and the natural world. Grab your boots and investigate stream habitats, the water cycle and our local watershed. Science (B, F, J, M)

Wetland Wonders
What are the functions and values of local wetlands? How are wetlands classified? Answer these questions together during a cooperative field exploration of the soils, hydrology and vegetation unique to wetland ecosystems. Prepare to get muddy as we explore one of Pineland's wettest habitats! Science (A, B, D, E, H, J, M)

From Moo to You
Meet the Wilson-Dale Holsteins at Pineland Farms and learn about dairy farming in Maine. Students will investigate the processes by which milk is produced as well as explore the social and economic issues surrounding Maine agriculture. Let's head to the barn and discover all that it takes to bring milk to our tables! Science ( B, H, M), Economics (A, B, D)