PreK - 12 & Family Programs

Merry Lea offers many programs for schools and public events for all ages.

Merry Lea provides environmental education for people of all ages to come away with a sense of place and hope.

We provide opportunities in the outdoor world that provoke interest in life-long investigation and encourage stewardship. These outdoor experiences help inspire exploration and foster a sense of wonder, as students develop knowledge, behaviors and skills that will contribute to a healthier world.

Field Trips

Discover the vibrant ecosystems at Merry Lea, and the plants and animals that call this place home. Go hiking along trails, discover critters under a log and more. Topics vary across age groups, environmental focuses and seasons.

At Your School Programs

Explore your school grounds or nearby natural space facilitated by Merry Lea educators. These indoor or outdoor programs are designed to lead your class in a close-up observation of their place.

Live Distance Learning Programs

Merry Lea educators will connect with your classroom through Zoom! Enjoy real-time interaction with an experienced educator, curated videos and engaging activities.

Homeschool Programs

Each year, Merry Lea hosts programs for homeschooled students covering a range of natural history and environmental topics, taking advantage of Merry Lea’s wonderfully diverse landscapes outside.

Junior & Teen Indiana Master Naturalist Programs

These programs feature various nature topics for local youth to discover Indiana’s outdoor world through hands-on activities, outdoor investigations, volunteering, and learning from local experts across different career paths, interests and organizations.

Nature Preschool

Students spend each morning learning in their indoor classroom at Central Noble Primary before exploring Merry Lea’s outdoor classroom in the afternoon: rain, shine or snow.

Child & Family Events

Check out our ongoing and annual events for children & families.

PROWL After-School Program

PRogram for Outdoor Wilderness Learning (PROWL) is an after-school program for Central Noble K – 5th grade students. Students explore the local wilderness of Merry Lea with hands-on activities focusing on different habitats. We learn through hiking, playing, creating and having fun!

Other Upcoming Events

Check out what programs, workshops, or events are coming up soon!