School field trips
During the fall of 2026, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will partner with The Nature Conservancy and Utah State University Extension to host the Wings & Water Wetlands Education Program for school field trips. While repairs and improvements are underway on The Nature Conservancy's boardwalk trail, the program will temporarily relocate to the Eccles Wildlife Education Center.
Although this represents a temporary change from how school field trips have been offered at the education center, we are pleased to support our partners while continuing to provide students with high-quality natural resource conservation education experiences. The Wings & Water Wetlands Education Program will be the only formal school field trip program offered at the education center this fall and is available exclusively to fourth-grade classes.
See the Wings & Water Wetlands Education Program website for more information and to register.
Please note that field trips are not being scheduled at this time for Spring 2027. Once that changes, the information will be posted here.
Self-guided visit with your class
Preschool and homeschool groups, as well as other small school groups of up to 25 people (including students, teachers and chaperones), are welcome to visit the education center and explore the trails independently during daylight hours. These self-guided visits provide a flexible, hands-on way for young learners to experience the education center and wetlands.
School groups with more than 25 people (including students, teachers and chaperones) are also welcome to explore the trails on a self-guided visit; however, a Special Use Permit* is required. Visits must be scheduled in advance to avoid conflicts with other programs, events or facility activities. We ask that these larger groups not visit the education center or trails on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in September and October. If this is something you want to pursue, reach out to us at
We are currently developing a "Wetland Explorer" activities booklet that self-guided field trip leaders will be able to download and use to help guide their group's exploration of the nature trails. Check back for a link to the booklet later this summer.
*Special Use Permits may be issued to either an individual school or a public school district and are valid for a single school year. A nonrefundable $50 application fee is required. Permits issued to an individual school are valid for all classes and school-sponsored groups affiliated with that school during the permit period. Permits issued to a public school district are valid for all schools operated by that district during the permit period. Charter schools must obtain their own Special Use Permit and are not covered under a public school district-issued permit.
Frequently asked questions
A: No. Due to staffing limitations, we cannot visit schools for activities or presentations at this time.
A: Yes. We still have activities outside in mild inclement weather such as rain. During dangerous weather (for example, lighting storms), we conduct alternative activities indoors. Making sure your students and chaperones are prepared for being outside in most weather conditions — including shoes appropriate for walking, rain jackets or umbrellas, layers for cold weather, sun protection, etc. — is vital to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Project WILD
Workshops and training for Project WILD — a national interdisciplinary conservation education program focused on wildlife and habitat — are held from time to time at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center. Visit our workshops schedule page if you would like to sign up for training. To contact the Project WILD coordinator, Marni Lee, send an email to