School of Environmental Education
Learn More: Download Our Program Planning GuideSEE
Green River Preserve’s School of Environmental Education (SEE), offers 3 to 5-day residential outdoor education programs for both public and private schools. Our curriculum is designed for rising 5th grade through middle school and is easily adaptable for older students. Participants spend their days exploring the preserve’s waterfalls, caves, and mountain overlooks in small field groups of 10-12 students. SEE programs are available in the fall and spring. We can serve up to 120 participants each week.
Teacher Portal
Already signed up? Download trip forms, finalize details, and upload finished forms here.
Days & Rates
| Length | Students | Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 3 day program | $230 | $115 |
| 4 day program | $280 | $143 |
| 5 day program | $325 | $163 |
2019 Fall Dates
| Dates Available | School Confirmed |
|---|---|
| September 3 - 6 | The Cooper School, The Lexington School, Our Lady of Grace |
| September 10 - 13 | St. Piux X, Spartanburg Day School, Camperdown Academy |
| September 24 - 27 | Ashley Hall, Trinity Episcopal School |
| October 1 - 4 | East Cooper Montessori Charter School |
2020 Spring Dates
| Dates Available | School Confirmed |
|---|---|
| April 22 - April 24 | Casa Esperanza Montessori, 1 school opening |
| April 27 - April 30 | Rainbow Community School, Davidson Green School, 2 school openings |
| May 6 - May 8 | Porter-Gaud, Montessori School of Anderson |
| May 11 - May 15 | Summit School, Five Oaks Academy, University School of the Lowcountry |
Feel free to inquire about specific date possibilities. Please call for more information. 828.698.8828
Enivornmental Education Curriculum
SEE focuses on three basic themes: cultural heritage, ecological respect, and stewardship. We explore these themes through an inquiry-based learning approach. We believe understanding the interconnectedness between humans and nature among these themes brings respect and knowledge for one’s self, each other, and all living things.
SEE offers interdisciplinary courses of study based upon two books. The flagship program stems from, The Education of Little Tree, by Forrest Carter. The other book, The Way, is written by one of our leading mentors, Hawk Hurst. Schools are encouraged to read and study with the books prior to their program, however reading these books are not a requirement. We strive to develop collaborative programs with schools leaders to assure educational standards and objectives are integrated into program design.
During the visit, students and teachers are exposed to a multitude of Southern Blue Ridge Mountains aspects while hiking the preserve with our naturalists in the morning and afternoon. Topics may include but are not limited to the diverse Appalachian ecosystem, primitive arts and crafts, and mountain culture. The integration of the interdisciplinary unit with GRP’s hands-on field trip experience gives students a profound understanding of the three basic themes: cultural heritage, ecological respect, and stewardship.
Activities might include:
- Hiking throughout the 3,400-acre private wildlife preserve
- Hands-on experiences in field ecology
- Animal tracking
- Wildlife observation
- Field journaling and sketching
- Practicing Leave-No-Trace guidelines
- Medicinal and edible plants
- Stream ecology
- Appalachian geology, including cave dwellings
The Classroom
Green River Preserve’s 3,400 acres offers the perfect learning, exploration environment for all ages. Rich in ecological and cultural history, the stories from this land will bond you to a larger community of learners, those from centuries past. Participants may spend the day climbing to one of our waterfalls, spelunking in an old Cherokee Indian Cave, discovering rare pitcher plants in a bog, or looking out over the green river valley at one of our bald outlooks.
SEE programs have served schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kentucky.
NC
- Durham Academy
- Rainbow Mountain Community School
- Lake Norman Homeschoolers
- Our Lady of Grace
- Hickory Day School
- St. Pius X
- Trinity Episcopal School
- Providence Day School
- Charlotte Latin School
- Montessori Elementary School of Asheville
- The Cannon School
- Greensboro Day School
- Carolina Day School
SC
- Ashley Hall School
- Porter Gaud School
- Sullivan’s Island Elementary
- The Cooper School
- Christ Church Episcopal School
- Trident Academy
- Buist Academy
- The Hammond School
- Spartanburg Day School
- The Sterling School
- Five Oaks Academy
- Malcom C. Hursey
- Montessori School of Anderson
KY
- The Lexington School
Field Trip Forms
If you are interested in participating in the School of Environmental Education, please download, read, and fill out the following forms:
Please contact for more information.