The Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon (TFSE) provides a variety of opportunities for formal and informal educators and adult lifelong learners to strengthen their skillset and enhance their teaching of environmental science by incorporating engaging hands-on activities to their lesson plans and programs.

Workshops include certification in the national programs-Project Wet (PWet), Project Learning Tree (PLT), and Project Wild (PWild) -- and “community scientist” based projects. PWet, PLT, and PWild are correlated with state and national academic standards, including early childhood standards from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the North American Association of Environmental Educators (NAAEE) as well as Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, and the C3 Framework. Participants receive a copy of the educational activity guide. Fees for the workshops may apply and include supplies and activity guides. Space is limited and registration is required. State of Illinois licensed teachers may earn ISBE credit for participation and completion of some workshops.

Upcoming Workshops:

Illinois RiverWatch Training: Become a RiverWatch community scientist!
Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ILRiverWatch
Fee: $50

July Workshop Series - Certify as a PWet, PLT or PWild educator and receive the activity guides!
Fee: $50 per workshop
All offerings are from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Project Wet’s Getting Little Feet Wet & Project Wild’s Growing Up Wild
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Pre-K-2nd grade

Project Learning Tree
Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Pre-K-8th grade

Project Wet
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
3rd-8th grade

Project Wet
Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
This is for High School educators and will include macroinvertebrate sampling at the Emiquon Preserve and work in TFSE’s laboratory.