The outdoor classroom environment at Hults offer many advantages to visiting groups, including breaking up the routine of indoor classroom lectures and increasing the diversity of environmental education.  More important, however, is the opportunity for students to learn about the natural world through hands-on experiences. 

At Hults, visitors can experience wildflowers of the prairie, hike on a trail through a mature hardwood forest, gain an understanding of soil conservation, identify animal tracks, study a wetland, and observe the interactions of plants and animals in natural areas.

Programs are led by a Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management Graduate Assistant and student volunteers.  Visitors can choose from existing programs or others can be developed to fit a group’s curriculum. 

Teachers or group leaders who wish to lead their own sessions are permitted to do so, but must first attend a teacher’s workshop that will introduce them to the facilities, trails, and safety regulations.  “Teacher Boxes” are also available in the Hults Classroom.  These tubs contain materials relevant to carrying out programs centered in the wetland, prairie, and forest.  They are geared to students in K-8 and include items such as field guides, magnifying lenses, and insect nets.

Guided programs and facility usage are offered free of charge. Visitation to Hults Environmental Learning Center is by appointment.  For more information, or to schedule a visit, please contact Connie Tyner, NREM Administrative Coordinator, at (765) 285-5780; email ctyner@bsu.edu