Supporting wonder and exploration through stewardship of YOUR public lands! 

Black Hills Parks & Forests Field School provides educational programming that helps people enjoy, understand, and appreciate the ecology, wildlife, geology, and cultural history of the Black Hills and Nebraska Panhandle.

Types of Programs

Upcoming Programs and Events

Free/Reduced Fee Rate programs: These are are great for families, people of all ages and abilities, and those new to exploring the outdoors

Paid Workshops: In these programs, we explore deeper into topics and participants will walk away with hands-on skills

  • Nature Connection Workshops: Great for families, children ages 8 and up, photographers, hunters, naturalists, and anyone with curiosity and wonder of the natural world
A man and a woman kneeling in grass. The woman is pointing at something in the dirt.
Meet the instructors!

Julie Plachta and Tom Tonkin have taught about the outdoors for various organizations such as “Tracks and Trees” and “Wilderness Awareness School” for several decades, combined. They have also conducted wildlife inventories for multiple county and state agencies on a professional level. Now, they are delighted to be bringing some of their previous experience to the residents of the Black Hills, and sharing their passion for connecting people with the natural world.Bring new programs to life with a donation!

Bring new programs to life with a donation!