Education Programs

• Oral Presentations
• Education Raptors
• Classroom Visit with Raptors
• The Raptor Box
• Spring Hikes
• Environmental Education Days
• Educator's Guide
• Brochures, Pamphlets, and Guides

Oral Presentations

BLM staffmembers are available to conduct talks and/or hikes covering topics about birds of prey, vegetation, geology, archaeology, recreation, grazing, wildland fire, wildlife and fisheries in southwestern Idaho.  Presentations appropriate for all age-groups can be made at schools and universities, churches, nursing homes, summer camps, career fairs, community events, etc.  in Boise and the surrounding area (within a 2 hour one-way drive).

Classroom Visit with Raptors

BLM staff may bring one or more of our education raptors along during presentations. These birds will captivate any group with their beauty and strength.  Contact Education Specialist Barbara Forderhase to schedule a visit, phone: (208) 384-3485 

Spring Hikes

Led by NCA staff, hikers learn about and experience first-hand the NCA's plants, animals (reptiles and birds), geology and cultural history, while highlighting recreation and teaching outdoor skills and ethics.  Hikes are scheduled on Saturdays from April through June.  Most hikes are designed for ages 9 and older (younger children may be bored with the details).

Environmental Education Days (EE Days)

Each spring the BLM hosts Environmental Education Days for area 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classes at the Dedication Point Interpretive Site. The event is a one-day, outdoor laboratory for teachers and students to learn about a desert ecosystem firsthand.

Participants take a walking tour and explore habitat concepts at four stations:

• "Critter Man" - a discussion of raptors and other wildlife found in a desert ecosystem (with live critters).
• "Desert Hunt" - a scavenger hunt allowing students to observe details of a desert environment.
• "Canyon Overlook" - a view of the nesting habitat along the Snake River from the canyon rim.
• "Quick-Frozen Critters" - a game of "freeze tag" that emphasizes the importance of habitat to desert animals of the area.

EE Days are free and open to any schools wishing to participate, but advance scheduling and trip preparation are required. Tour times are assigned on a first-to-call, first-scheduled basis. To find out more, contact Barbara Forderhase, phone: (208) 384-3485.

Lower Snake River Plain Ecosystem Discovery: An Educator's Guide

A mini-guide tool that will assist teaching about the Lower Snake River Plain ecosystem and environments. Developed for grades 1 through 8, the guide can be easily modified for all grade levels.

Additional Brochures, Pamphlets, and other materials

NCA brochure (592K pdf)
Raptor Identification Guide (379K pdf)
Teacher's Field Trip Guide - (290K pdf), similar to the Driving Loop Tour
Raptor Facts - Basic information on birds of prey (107K pdf)
NCA Legislation (41K pdf)

Four Rivers Field Office  |  3948 Development Avenue  |  Boise, ID 83705
208-384-3300  |  Fax: 208-384-3493  |  Office hours: 7:45am - 4:30pm, M-F