Most outdoor programs can be scheduled ahead to suit the needs of your class, youth group or organization. To inquire about these programs,  e-mail jeannie.smith@lcra.org or call (512) 303-5073 or 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 8001.

• Academy in the Roughs (multi-day, youth programs)
• Natural science programs (one-day, youth programs)
• River programs (one-day, adult or youth programs)
• Challenge course (one- or multi-day, adults or youth programs)

Academy in the Roughs: natural science in the field
Multi-day youth programs
Academy in the Roughs is a unique two- to three-day youth outdoor education program at McKinney Roughs Nature Park. Like scientists in the field, students use scientific tools and methods to discover natural history and earth & biological science. To round out their experience, students can experience a trip down the Colorado River or do team-building on the challenge course.

All programs are aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and are grade-appropriate. Choose from a variety of program topics covering:

• Water Conservation
  Students become aquatic scientists in the field and lab. By collecting biological samples and chemical data in order to test and analyze water quality, students can draw conclusions about the quality of life in and around the water. Learn the unique features of wetland and rivers and the adaptations of aquatic vertebrates.
• Wildlife Conservation
  Students become animal detectives to learn about animal habitat and signs; entomologists in the field by capturing insects--observing and identifying them up close; and biologists as they touch live reptiles and observe amphibians to learn about thier adaptations to live in an aquatic environment.
• Land Stewardship
  Come take a closer look at individual trees, their needs, and special adaptations. Examine different forest systems where trees are just one member of the interrelated web of life. Students use dichotomous keys to collect and analyze forest data as they progress from awareness to appreciation to personal stewardship.
• Making Connections
  By connecting team-building with outdoor learning, students learn the value of individuals through hands-on activities and recreation opportunities, including challenge course and river rafting. Groups practice communication skills while tackling real conservation issues.

Ask about scheduling a program: e-mail jeannie.smith@lcra.org or call (512) 303-5073 or 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 8001.

Natural science programs
One-day youth educational programs

Water Conservation

• Aqua-ology
  The presence of certain invertebrates is a biological indication of water quality, as some invertebrates are more sensitive to water pollution than others. Students learn how to classify organisms according to pollution tolerance and why good water quality is vital to a balanced ecosystem. Students also conduct a site assessment and further analysis to provide a “reading of the landscape” perspective.
• H20 Studies
  Take the mystery out of chemistry. Students determine the quality of the Colorado River or a McKinney Roughs pond by conducting the same chemical tests used by scientists in the field to indicate parameters of dissolved oxygen, pH, air and water temperature and nitrogen.    
• Build-a-River
  The water you use today may have quenched a dinosaur’s thirst or been suspended in a glacier! The amount of fresh water on our planet is finite, as the drops of water cycle from the earth to the sky and back again as rain, snow, or ice. Investigate water’s unique characteristics and stages, and discover the role played by trees and other plants in the water cycle. Students branch out as they apply problem-solving skills to create a watershed with its own river, then calculate the rate and flow of that river.The effect of changes, natural and manmade, is channeled into their investigations.
• Frankie the Fish
  Students will differentiate between point-source and nonpoint-source pollution as they follow the imaginary journey of Frankie the Fish. Frankie begins his life in a state fish hatchery, but he is eventually released into a Texas river. Students follow Frankie in the river and complete a data and observation sheet of his adventures. As they complete this hand-on lab they recognize that most water pollution is caused by human activity within the watershed.
• Water Coursing Through Time 
  Through an interactive simulation, students will recognize that it is vital for water users to consider each other’s needs and to share this finite resource. This activity also will illustrate how multiple users of water resources can affect water quality and quantity. They also examine the complexities of providing water for all water users beginning 200 years ago to the present.

Wildlife Conservation

• Adaptations of Aquatic Vertebrates
  Many reptiles and amphibians spend at least part of their lives in an aquatic habitat. Students get an up close look at live snakes, alligators, turtles, toads and salamanders and learn about the metamorphic stages that allow amphibians to transfer from water to land habitats.
• Amazing Insects-Beginning 
  Students are introduced to the world of some of earth’s smallest creatures as they learn insect body parts and how to use physical characteristics to identify insects. Students collect organisms and observe their behavior and body parts.
• Amazing Insects-Intermediate
  Discover the adaptive nature of the largest classof animals and how insects can be beneficial as well as harmful to humans. Students perform field investigations to gather data about physical and behavioral characteristics of insect orders.
• Animal Trackers
  Students become animal detectives as they learn about "signs" that naimlas leave behind. They will identify animals by their tracks and explore the diet, behavior and anatomy of native Texas animals then, take a hike to discover animal signs in the wild.

Land Stewardship

• Guided Nature Hike
  Discover the flora and fauna characteristic of four Texas regions represented along the hiking trails of McKinney Roughs. Students hone their observation skills and learn how vegetation provides habitats for a variety of organisms.
• Rock On!
  Metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary formations unfold as students investigate Texas’ geological history. Participants discover the history of aquatic and terrestrial organisms through the study of minerals, rocks and fossil specimens.
• Native Grasses
  What is the difference between a grass, sedge or forb? How many grass species exist in Texas? Students will learn the answer to these questions and more as they discover grasses and their role in the food chain. Students will also study prescribed burns, groundwater retention and soil conservation
• Trees and Keys
   Students learn how to construct and use “dichotomous keys” to identify trees. In the advanced session for grades 7 to 12, students also determine a tree’s height, diameter and circumference.
• Where am I? – Beginning Orienteering
  Students learn how a compass works and how to use it to locate points on a map. Participants use this knowledge to locate “problem–solving stations” that require critical and creative thinking skills and scientific instrumentation. This class combines earth science, map reading, practical outdoor skills and teamwork.
• Nature Orienteering
  After reviewing basic orienteering skills, students learn more advanced map–reading skills and compass manipulations to locate bearings and control points that will help them find clues to solve a mystery.
• Going Places Scientifically
  Students learn about geographic positioning systems (GPS) and how these systems are becoming integrated into everyday life. Students use GPS units (provided during the session)to collect data at various locations along a nature trail, download the data and plot it on a topographic map.

 These natural science education programs reinforce the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) objectives and the processing skills necessary for the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).

Ask about scheduling a program: e-mail jeannie.smith@lcra.org or call (512) 303-5073 or 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 8001.

River Days River Days presentation for teachers and group leaders (Powerpoint)

River programs - adventures on the water

An adventure awaits you on these LCRA river trips:

• Raft or kayak the Colorado River in the solitude of early morning light or in the heat of the afternoon.
• Float down the river on a raft under the light of a full moon. 
• Guided river trips are scheduled from March through October and can also be arranged for groups by request.
• All trips are led by professional guides and can be enjoyed by experts and novices alike with an interest in birding, boating and nature. Equipment and transportation to and from the river provided.

Kids on the Colorado
Youth learn boater safety and stewardship of the Colorado River while experiencing the excitement of a raft trip and discovering the river's flora and fauna. The route is 5.5 miles and each raft is captained by a trained guide. Youths ages 7 - 18.

Kayak the Colorado
Enjoy a serene and refreshing river trip on the Colorado River in a kayak. The route covers 5.5 miles of calm water, scenic views and abundant wildlife. Adults and youths ages 7 and up.

Light 'o the Moon Float Trip
Relax in the moonlight and cool breezes on these nighttime floats. The 5.5-mile trip down the Colorado River coincides with the full moon each month, which provides beautiful lighting to view nocturnal wildlife along the riverbanks. Participants must be able to swim. Adults and youths ages 7 and up.

Ask about scheduling a program: e-mail jeannie.smith@lcra.org or call (512) 303-5073 or 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 8001.

Challenge Course

The McKinney Roughs Challenge Course encourages team development among adult, youth, school, government and corporate groups. Using games and initiatives, low and high fixed elements and rock climbing, trained facilitators support small groups as they progress through a program designed to present physical and mental challenges and meet goals identified by the group.

Games and Initiatives are used as stepping stones to break down barriers within a group and introduce skills in communication, cooperation and compromise.

A low course uses stationary props, such as telephone poles and wooden platforms, to continue the growth of communication and problem solving skills while working toward a common goal.

A high course uses elements such as a power pole, giant swing, zip-line and rock wall to advance participants from group challenges to personal challenges with group support.

Ask about scheduling a program: e-mail jeannie.smith@lcra.org or call (512) 303-5073 or 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 8001.