Mission: Provide educational opportunities for all visitors while protecting and promoting the natural and historical diversity and integrity of McConnell Springs.
All education programs meet specific Next Generation Science Standards, program topics can be adjusted to meet the demands of educators.
Adaptations of Plants and Animals of the Bluegrass
Central Kentucky is home to a variety of interesting plants and animals, this program is designed to introduce students to some of these organisms and teach how they have adapted to live in their natural environment. This program includes discussion about the topic and an immersive field experience.
Animals of the Bluegrass
During this program, students will learn about a variety of animals that live in the Bluegrass Region and why these animals live in this ecosystem. This program includes discussion about the topic, an immersive field experience, and live animal encounters.
Geology of the Bluegrass
McConnell Springs is home to interesting geological features that are prime examples of karst topography. Students will learn how these features have formed and see real examples of the geology of the Bluegrass. This program includes discussion about the topic and an immersive field experience.
Habitats of the Bluegrass
McConnell Springs is home to three distinct habitats and a variety of animals. Students will learn about these specific habitats and the ecosystem that they create throughout the park. This program includes discussion about the topic, an immersive field experience, and live animal encounters.
History of the Bluegrass and McConnell Springs
As a National Historic Site, McConnell Springs is a great location for students to learn about the early pioneer history of America as well as the history of the park itself. Students will see historic structures that are original to the site and learn how McConnell Springs has always played an important role in the development of Lexington. This program includes discussion about the topic and an immersive field experience.
Insects – Butterflies and Dragonflies
As a natural oasis in an urban setting, McConnell Springs is home to countless varieties of insects. Students will learn about insects and go out into the field for hands on learning. This program includes discussion about the topic and an immersive field experience.
Plants of the Bluegrass – Tree and plant identification
As an urban forest the park is home to hundreds of species of plants. Students will learn the parts of plants and how they grow as well as basic tree and plant identification. This program includes discussion about the topic and an immersive field experience.
Water and Water Quality
As a location with sensitive waterways, water education is an important topic at McConnell Springs. Students will observe different bodies of water in the park, learn about water quality, and what impacts the water. This program includes discussion about the topic and an immersive field experience.
Story Walks
This program is designed for Pre-K students. Pages of nature themed stories are posted around the trails at McConnell Springs and students get to read the pages of the story with their guide as they take a hike through the park. Between reading the pages the guide will tell students about the park and relate discussion to the topic of the story.
About the owl
One of the highlights of the education program at McConnell Springs is collecting and analyzing owl pellets (regurgitated bone, hair, feathers, etc.). Although this sounds gross, it is completely sanitary — and the children have a vicarious thrill in sorting out and identifying the various remains. Then, the students create art designs using these items — the results of which are both humorous and enlightening. These are displayed in the Kentucky-American Water Company Education Center.