Ed Programs

2009 Marks NATUR'E NICHE'S- TENTH YEAR of providing animal rescue and fun educational programs for schools, libraries, camps and youth groups!

Check out video footage of FOX-11 Allison Struve on "Good Day Wisconsin" and see some of our "Creature Teachers" at the Valley Pet Expo put on by Big Dogz Productions! Search Google video:Reptile fun at Valley Pet Expo or You tube videos for Nature's Niche/Stevens Point.

We offer several programs that range from reptiles to rain forests and network with other wildlife presenters and environmental education performers who give every thing from hawk and owl programs, night hikes and campfire sing-a-longs! Each presenter has a different fee. check out the Wisconsin DPI website to learn more.

NATURE'S NICHE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The animals used in our programs are adopted or surrendered by local wildlife hospitals, humane societies and private individuals. They make up our cast of "Creature Teachers"(tm) and each has a special story!

"Remnants of the Rainforest" (tm)
Live animals such as creepy crawly arthropods, amphibians, birds, mammals, lizards, turtles and snakes found in the rainforest's make up the animals of this program!

"A-Lotta Squamata"(tm)
Live amphibian & reptile program including a 15ft python and other snakes, lizards, turtles and a Abby a 50 pound land tortoise!

"Scales and Tails"(tm) Live snake program including our large python Monty and many other of his cool snake friends!

"Creatures of Mystery"(tm)
Exotic animals from around the world and their bizarre ways. Some of these animals are helping the medical field or used to solve crimes.

Audience ages: Tailor made for all ages.
Program Length: 1- 1.5 hours
Program Setting: Mainly Indoors
Group Size: up to 300
Program Fees: $250.00 with in 100 miles of our location. NO MILEAGE FEES ON ANY PROGRAMS!!!

If you schedule a second program for the same day and location the cost is $150.00 and additional programs are $100.00 each.

Locations in state beyond 100 miles-$350.00 first program, $250.00 for second program on the same date and physical location.

Out of state-$700.00 for first program, $350.00 for a second program on the same date and physical location.

ADDITIONAL FEES

Outdoor programs pose real risk for the animals by catching a cold to over heating, being attacked by wild or domestic animals, escaping and being bitten by disease transmitting insects. In order to reduce this risk we charge an additional $100.00 fee.

Programs not held on the main floor such as in a basement or on a second or third floor will have an additional $25.00 fee per level added. This fee reduces the risk of having to hold up the elevator or in some cases reduces the set up time in libraries or schools that only have stairs. It also increases our liability because animals would be located in 3 different locations and cannot be watched properly. It would also require extra staff to stand and wait. This would also be a work out for the performer before and after a program to walk up and down several flights of stairs in schools or libraries that don't have elevators. Please indicate if you will have programs on another floor and describe your layout before we arrive.

Schools, libraries, camps or youth group organizations in the same area or system can get a reduced rates if you call and reserve multiple bookings or share dates with other locations.
Call: 715-341-7149 (Call this number if you are reserving WINTER equipment from Nature Treks or you are interested in education programs only!)

RIVER EDUCATION PROGRAMS

We offer river education programs to groups through Nature Treks and includes a pond/river ecology study unit complete with games, collection, id, release. This program enhances
any groups canoe or kayak outing on the Central Wisconsin Rivers. A $2.50 fee per individual will go to our support of the Plover River Alliance and other non-profit groups who are committed to protecting rivers, lakes and water quality in the area! We also have a large voyageur clipper canoe that holds from 8-12 pass depending on group weight and individuals age for Wisconsin River outings with youth groups, office outing or small family groups. Call 715-254-0247

HAWK AND OWL PROGRAMS

There are many great wildlife rehab centers that provide school programs and the funds raised go directly to helping wildlife.
In northeastern Wisconsin contact Marge Gibson at the Raptor Education Group Inc. in Antigo. 715-623-4015 or visit the web-link above.

In central Wisconsin area contact Randy or John Segal in New London at the Wind River Wildlife Center. 920-982-6825

We are often asked if we will transport injured animals to the local wildlife rehab centers. We are happy to help but if you have an injured wildlife question please contact your local wildlife centers on what to do before attempting to help wildlife. Our service is free but we will ask you to make a donation to the centers to help cover their cost of animal care. We are also a private shelter for abandoned exotic reptiles and are often asked by individuals what the laws are. Please check out the Wisconsin Reptile web site to be informed. *We hold a special permit from the Zoning Dept. to do rescue work in the Portage County and Stevens Point area. We have worked closely with the local Humane Societies and Law Enforcement Depts. to provide an outlet for the many animals that are lost, confiscated, injured and abandoned. However some people may want to own certain unique species but remember not all exotic animals make the best pets or you may not be allowed to keep them.

Learn more about animal rescue groups in your area and ways to take better care of your pets by attending the Fox Valley Pet Expos put on by Big Dogs llc.