Experiential, Problem-based
Learning Experiences
For more than two decades, Bamberger Ranch Preserve has been providing custom-designed educational programs for school groups from all over central Texas. Our state Board of Education-certified staff is proud to offer science-based, hands-on learning experiences, including topics such as the importance of biodiversity, the uniqueness of Texas Hill Country habitat and species, and the natural history of central Texas.
The typical educational visit can vary. We offer day-long or overnight programs. Prices will vary depending on the length of your stay.
Why Choose Us for your
Educational Experience?
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Lessons & Activites
A sampling of our educational offerings are below.
Earth Sciences—we offer hands-on activities and lessons on soils, geology, astronomy and change over time with dinosaur tracks, fossil collections, and star gazing
Life Sciences—we offer lessons on beekeeping, pollinators, bird watching, native plant identifications, bats, and much more
Watersheds, water cycles and aquatic collections are used to analyze a body of water’s biotic health
Topics specific to state testing requirements can be addressed.
All age groups are supported regarding safe practices, choosing the disposal or recycling method of materials/resources wisely, and developing scientific inquiry and constructing hypotheses.
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On-site at the Preserve
— Cretaceous-period dinosaur tracks
— Marine fossil beds for collection
— Spring-fed fresh-water creeks and lakes for aquatic studies
— Nature trails that demonstrate native flora with a wide range of biodiversity
— Managed herd of endangered species of African antelope, the Scimitar Horned Oryx
— Man-made bat cave—the Chiroptorium
— Heritage conservation at Hes’ Country Store
— Watershed and rain machine demonstration
— Biodiversity specimen collections including birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and more
— Outdoor classrooms for nature education
— Margaret Bamberger Research and Education Center
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Our Credentials
Our amazing educational staff have academic credentials in:
— Wildlife Management
— Biology
— Zoology
— Environmental Sciences
— Environmental Education
— Conservation Biology
The Ranch also boasts a group of talented volunteers, featuring:
— Texas Master Naturalists
— Wildlife Rehabilitators
— Plant Experts
— Birders
In 2006, the Bamberger Ranch Preserve was honored by the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality and Governor Rick Perry with the
Texas Environmental Excellence Award in Education.
Educational
Offerings
School Visits
The length of stay and the depth of interpretation can be custom designed to suit your program’s needs. Day-trips of the ranch can be as short as 3 hours or as long as 8 hours, depending on the school’s requirements. School field trips have a maximum capacity of 70 students at one time.
Pricing for all programs is based on the amount of staff and time required, as well as the school’s budget. Day trips for school children are generally $15 per person, including adults and teachers, with a $350.00 minimum. Overnight field trip prices are tailored to programs, lodging requirements, staff time and participation. Reservations tend to be booked 9-12 months in advance and space is extremely limited.
Lodging is available for schools who have the ability to spend the night. Lodging is at the Center and can sleep around 40 people in bunk bed style. Twenty camping cots are also available if needed.
Let us help you design or customize your school field trip to your curriculum or specifications.
Check back periodically for other educational events featured here throughout the year.
Selah Campers canoe and fish on the lake.
Fifth grade student journals
“My greatest passion in life is igniting the fire in the lives of our youth so that it can spread like wildfire and create the positive change needed in this dying world. This always begins with Bamberger Ranch.”
— Ms. Victoria Martinez, Master Teacher, San Antonio Independent School District
Contact us.
selah@bambergerranch.org
830.868.2630
2341 Blue Ridge Drive
Johnson City, TX 78636