BHPFA Field School
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
Free/Reduced Fee Rate programs: These are are great for families, people of all ages and abilities, and those new to exploring the outdoors.
- Field Notes Presentation: A Naturalist Journey of Wonder and Exploration- Nature trivia meets story time! Ignite your curiosity and spark your sense of wonder
- SheJumps Events: Click the link to learn more. These are events and programs that welcome all women and girls
- Black Hills National Forest Exploration Programs: A series of summer family programs with our partner Black Hills National Forest. Dates and more info coming soon!
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
Bring new programs to life with a donation!
Field Notes Presentation: A blend of nature trivia and story time!
Black Hills Parks and Forests Association invites you to this FREE presentation that will ignite your curiosity and spark your sense of wonder! Through captivating pictures, videos, and stories, we’ll explore the lost arts that our ancestors knew, including animal tracking, plant identification, survival skills, and the secret language shared by birds and creatures of the wild. You’ll test your knowledge as we dive into questions about the natural world and uncover the hidden meanings behind animal signs and calls. With each story and description, you’ll gain new insights and practical skills that bring the wonders of nature to life. Come test and share your knowledge and join us for an fun-filled journey! Plus, we’ll share how you can support our public lands alongside the Black Hills Parks & Forests Association.
Upcoming Dates: No registration required! (more info and dates coming soon!)
- Tuesday, March 25, 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm, Trailhouse, Custer, SD
- Wednesday, April 2 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm Sage and Smiles, Hot Springs, SD
- Saturday, April 26, Dakota Tech Earth Day Celebration, Rapid City, SD
- Wednesday, June 11, 6:30-8:00 pm Sturgis Public Library, Sturgis, SD
Photo by Marcus Heerdt
Nature Connection Workshops
Connect with nature while learning valuable hands-on skills to further your exploration! Our workshops are perfect for beginners and families to seasoned outdoors people including naturalists, photographers, hikers, and hunters.
Looking to build comradery among your team? Our workshops are a great way to build communication, collaboration, teamwork, and trust within a workplace or group. Our instructors would be glad to schedule an experience with your group today! Reach out to bhpf@blackhillsparks.org
Costs:
- Individual (18 and up): $40.00
- Children Under 18: $20.00 (Min. age for workshops is 8 years old)
- Family Rate: $100.00 (Two adults, 1-2 children)
BHPFA members get 15% off workshops! Use your member code at check out to receive rate!
Schedule
Total Class Time: 4hrs
First 1-2 hours Inside
We build the foundation and learn skills to practice out side!
Last 2-3 hours Outside
We expand on participants’ curiosities, give them the tools to learn more on their own, and to continue their interest in the subject
Please note: The second half of these workshops include standing and walking over uneven terrain. Dress in layers, wear sun protection, appropriate footwear, and bring water and lunch/snacks. If you have concerns or questions, please reach out to bhpf@blackhillsparks.org
Upcoming Nature Connection Workshops and Registration
Nature’s Clues: A Workshop in Animal Tracking and Signs
Step into the wild world of nature and see it like never before! In this hands-on workshop, we’ll go on a journey of discovery as we unlock the stories animals tell through the signs they leave behind. Through observation, curiosity, and wonder we’ll learn how to navigate the natural world by using our senses to follow the clues around us.
Together, we’ll explore animal tracks, scat, physiology, and other mysterious signs to answer questions like:
- Who left this track behind?
- Was the animal hunting, exploring, or feeling nervous?
- What does the set of tracks tell us about its size, gender, or even if it’s pregnant?
- Does it have horns or antlers?
- Why is the animal in this location and how does it relate to the nearby ecosystem?
The natural world is filled with wonders and mysteries. Each sign has a unique story to share. Join us for a fun-filled adventure where we’ll uncover the hidden lives of animals and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible world around us and the animals we share it with!
Next program: April 19th 9am – 1 pm Program meets at the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center
Photo by Marcus Heerdt
Nature’s Soundtrack: Decoding Animal Communication
Have you ever wondered how to tell if a hawk or coyote is near, or when a deer is quietly slipping away, just by listening to the sounds of nature? In this course, participants will learn how to tune into animals’ communication systems to understand what’s happening around them—even when the creatures are out of sight.
Discover how to interpret the calls, movements, and behaviors of wildlife, and gain the ability to detect nearby predators, prey, and other species. You’ll also learn techniques for moving through nature without alerting wildlife, allowing you to observe animals you might have otherwise missed. This class is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, from naturalists to hunters and photographers. Families and individuals of all ages are welcome to join and connect with the wild world around them.
Next program: May 17th 9am – 1 pm Program meets at the Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center
Secrets of Wind Cave’s Prairie: An Ecological Adventure
Explore the hidden treasures along the trails in Wind Cave National Park. There are countless worlds of struggle and beauty, hidden in plain sight. In this course, participants will explore some of the most fascinating ecological stories and processes that make Wind Cave National Park’s prairie ecosystem unique. Through classroom instruction and exploration in the field, participants will learn about a wide range of topics in natural history and ecology, and see how careful attention can bring new depth to your experience of the natural world.
No workshops scheduled at this time, more info coming soon!
Cancellation Policy for Nature Connection Workshops (paid programming)
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- Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the event date will receive a 100% refund. Optional donations made during registration will not be refunded.
- Cancellations made within 3-6 days in advance of the event date will receive a 50% refund. Optional donations made during registration will not be refunded.
- No refunds will be given for cancellations within 48 hours of the event, as this does not give us adequate time to fill the spot.
If BHPFA must cancel an adventure due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund of your payment.
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!