The Kelleys Island Schools Field Station provides STEM and wildlife-based conservation and environmental education that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. All curriculum materials are backed by sound educational practices and theory, and represent the work of many professionals within the fields of education and natural resource management from across the country.
KELLEYS ISLAND SCHOOLS
FIELD STATION
Offering K-12 and College Field Experiences
The Lake Erie Islands offer an unmatched learning and research environment.
The Kelleys Island Schools Field Station is the perfect outdoor classroom to introduce students to various environmental science concepts.
Hallmarks of a transformative learning experience:
Gain hands-on learning experiences
Connect with professionals
Participate in Citizen Science projects
We aim for students to ask questions, collect data, and make discoveries!
FIELD EXPERIENCES
GENERAL ECOLOGY
Students study how organisms relate to one another and their physical environment. By examining the interrelated nature of biology and
earth science, students explore biodiversity, population distribution, cooperation and competition between species,and ecosystem interactions.
GEOLOGY
Geologic time, glaciation,and fossilization are complex concepts for students to understand. On Kelleys Island, geology comes to life as students
have an opportunity to explore the best examples of geology. Students explore the iconic glacial grooves, Alvar, quarries,and fossils of ancient
marine invertebrates that lived on the seafloo around 400 million years ago!
ENTOMOLOGY
Kelleys Island has no shortage of insects. Students will explore multiple habitats to collect and identify a variety of species. Depending on the time of year, students will participate in one of many Citizen Science projects on the island. Projects include the Monarch Watch tagging program and using Nature’s Notebook to track the seasonal events of plantsand animals.
HERPETOLOGY
Nothing engages students quite like the study of amphibians and reptiles. Something about these creatures' slithery, slimy, otherworldly features
captivate students’ imaginations and awaken curiosity. Kelleys Island has recently seen a remarkable comeback of the Lake Erie Water Snake. This success story is a great case study for students to learn and understand what efforts are required to help save endangered species.
ORNITHOLOGY
Kelleys Island is a premier birding area in Ohio. During spring and fall migration, thousands of birds land on Kelleys Island as they travel across
Lake Erie. Bird banding is a great way to introduce students to wildlife identification and tracking. We encourage groups to take advantage of this neat opportunity.
LIMNOLOGY
Limnology is the study of inland waters. On Kelleys Island, students will study microscopic animals, identify species using microscopes,and identify markers of water health.
DENDROLOGY
How many students can identify the trees in their backyard? Students will learn to appreciate trees' aesthetic, ecological,and economic value.
They will also learn to identify tree types and learn about different animals that impact trees and non-native species.
Check out the Kelleys Island School's Tempest Weather Station!
The Kelleys Island Schools Field Station strives to partner with a variety of organizations to support and provide rewarding opportunities for youth and adults.
Partners:
Ohio State University Stone Laboratory
Kelleys Island Audubon Club
Kelleys Island State Park
Erie MetroParks
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Erie County Community Foundation
Hancock-Wood Community Foundation
Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center
Ohio Geological Survey
Ohio Bird Sanctuary