Cabin at Wildflower Woods
Gene Stratton-Porter, an accomplished Hoosier author of novels and nature studies, was one of the foremost naturalists of her time. She also formed a production company that made eight of her own books into motion pictures. This location includes her original 1914 cabin and 148 acres of fields, woods and beautiful formal gardens with 35 beds along the shores of Sylvan Lake. Students can get hands-on with nature in the environmental resource center which focuses on Gene’s passions – birds, plants, moths and more.
Natural History
Art
Science
Reading & Writing
1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, IN 46784, USA
Take a trip to see us
School Group Tours
K-Grade 12
Admission is FREE for pre-registered, accredited schools or homeschool groups of 10 or more K-12 students. Free admission includes teachers and bus drivers, plus one additional adult chaperone per every five students. Additional chaperones pay the group admission rate of $7/person. Members of the Indiana Association of Homeschool Educators receive free daily admission with proof of membership.
Contact site for non-Indiana student rate.
Pre-registration required at least two weeks in advance.
Gene's Cabin
This school group tour includes a guided tour of Gene’s cabin and exploration of her gardens and grounds. Students will learn how this author and naturalist infused her personality into her home during its construction and see many of the region’s beautiful wildflowers Gene transplanted to her garden.
Indiana Academic Standards: Social Studies: 3.H.4; 3.H.7; 3.G.5, 4.H.7, 4.H.8, 4.H.9, 4.H.13, 4.H.14, 4.H.15, 4.E.1, 5.H.18; 6.H.15; IS.1.15; IS.1.38, IS.5.8, IS.5.11, IS.5.11 Art: VA:Pr4.1.4, VA:Pr4.1.5, VA:Pr6.1.1, VA:Pr6.1.4, VA: Pr6.1.5, VA:Pr6.1.6, VA: Pr6.1.7, VA: Pr6.1.8, VA:Pr6.1.I, VA: Re7.II
GUIDED TOUR THROUGH SOWERS WOODS
Length: 45-60 minutes
Fee: $2/student
Students will explore Indiana’s natural heritage and see what plants and flowers are currently in bloom.
Indiana Academic Standards: Social Studies: 3.G.8, 4.G.5, 4.G.6 Science: 3-LS2-1, 4-ESS2-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1, MS-LS1-6, MS-LS2-1, MSLS2- 2, MS-ESS3-3, HS-LS2-7, HS-ENV2-7
Explore Programs
Whether it’s at the site or outreach, we offer hands-on, exploratory and interactive programs on a variety of topics that provide your students a fun way to learn about Indiana’s people, places and things. All programs fulfill select Indiana Academic Standards. See next page for topics.
AT SITE or OUTREACH
Length: 45-60 minutes
Max. number of students: 25
Cost: $2/student
Travel fees: 30-60 miles=$20; 60-90 miles=$40; 90+ miles=$60
SPECIAL NATURE/ART/LITERATURE PROGRAM
K-Grade 12
At site, outreach
Gene Stratton-Porter wrote, drew, explored and photographed her natural surroundings. Create a similar experience for your students.
Indiana Academic Standards to be discussed at time of reservation.
TREE & LEAF ID STUDY
K-Grade 12
At site, outreach
Identify the different trees that grow in Wildflower Woods and discover the different things that affect a tree’s growth. Learn to age a tree through hands-on activities and discuss how to differentiate significant weather events just by the tree’s growth.
Indiana Academic Standards: Science: K.LS.1; K.LS.2; K.LS.3; 1.LS.3; 2.LS.2; 3.LS.2; 4.LS.1; 4.LS.2; 5.LS.1; 5.LS.2; 6.LS.2; 6.LS.5; 8.LS.9; s Env.1.1; s Env.1.2; Env.5.1; Env.5.5, K-LS1-1; 1-LS3-1; 2-LS2-1; 4-LS1-1; 5-LS1-1; MS-LS1-6; HS-LS1-5
WETLAND EXPLORATION
K-Grade 12
At site
Engage in a discussion of what a wetland is, what it does and how it works to keep our water healthy. Then, utilize our wetland exploration backpacks to dip for macroinvertebrates. Beware – students will get muddy!
Indiana Academic Standards: Science: K-PS3-1; K-ESS2-2; 2-LS4-1; MS-LS4-3; MS-ESS2-4; HS-LS2-6; HS-ENVI-5, K-PS3-1; K-ESS2-2; 2-LS4-1; MS-LS4-3; MS-ESS2-4; HS-LS2-6; HS-ENVI-5
PLANT STUDY
Grades 9-12 (program can be adjusted for younger students)
At site, outreach
Investigate plant identification methods by examining the plants that grow in Wildflower Woods. Take an up-close look at the various parts of a plant.
Indiana Academic Standards: Science: B.2.1, ENV.1.1, ENV.1.3, ENV.1.6, ENV.5.2, ENV.5.5, ENV.5.6, ENV.7.3, ENV.8.2, K-LS1-1; 1-LS3-1; 2-LS2-1; 4-LS1- 1; 5-LS1-1; MS-LS1-6; HS-LS1-5
Programs supported by
DESIGN YOUR VISIT
Educators may request a specialty program on-site or in the classroom for an additional fee. Program topics include natural history, environmental science and multi-disciplinary learning. Call 260.854.3790 for details.
