School and Community Outreach
Can’t make it to the Aviary? We can bring our avian ambassadors to you! Tracy Aviary provides educational, fun, and interactiv presentations at schools, daycare centers, preschools, nursing homes, adult day care facilities, libraries, colleges, and many other community organizations. Each program is 30- to 60-minutes long, dependent on the age group of participants, and includes live birds, interactive activities, and animal-related artifacts to support the program messages. We constantly strive to meet the needs of teachers and students in our community.
On-site Field Trips: Please note that any of the following programs can also be provided here at Tracy Aviary as an addition to a field trip. Prices for both offsite and onsite presentation are below.
*See Pricing below for information regarding FREE wetland-focused programming!
Presentation Programs
Our presentation programs explore a menu of ecological topics with a little help from some of our Bird Show Stars. These programs may be presented for groups of up to 35 participants.
Beaks, Feet and Feathers
Have you ever wondered why there are so many colors, sizes, and shapes of birds? In this program we explore the ways specific adaptations enable birds to perform specific jobs. Tracy Aviary staff will bring live birds to introduce participants to the world of beaks, feet and feathers. (Pre-K appropriate, K-2nd Grade Science Core Connections)
Adaptations and Habitats
Did you know that birds look and act differently depending on where and how they live? In this program Tracy Aviary staff are joined by live birds as participants learn about both behavioral and physical adaptations, and how they specialize each bird to help it thrive in its habitat. (3-5th Grade Science Core Connections)
Wildlife Conservation
Birds are fascinating and important animals in our world, worthy of both our enjoyment and protection. Tracy Aviary staff are joined by live birds in this program designed to facilitate student thinking about the relationships between birds, humans, and our shared environment.
Interactive Programs
Our interactive programs focus on an educational activity lead by Tracy Aviary Bird Experts, along with a nose-to-beak experience with one or two of our Bird Show Stars.
Build-A-Bird
Our Build-A-Bird program introduces audiences to the basics and intricacies that make birds so unique. From their wings and feathers to their bones and gizzard, birds are exquisite flying machines. Participants will recreate these avian adaptations with fun props, as well as view and review some of these adaptations up-close on one or two of our Aviary birds. This program may be presented for groups of up to 100 participants.
The Avian Web
Birds in Utah occupy a variety of niches. During this program, participants will create a web of Utah plants and animals, including birds, and identify connections that keep ecosystems in balance. As a climax to the program, the group will be visited by a live Aviary bird and learn all about its personal and ecological story. This program may be presented for groups of up to 18 participants.
Egg-Smasher 3000
Just how is an egg such a clever adaptation for birds? During this program participants will be introduced to a collection of egg specimens and help Tracy Aviary staff run the Egg-Smasher 3000– a device designed to test how much weight an egg can stand. Participants will also get an up-close encounter with one or two of the Aviary’s own egg-laying wonders! This program may be presented for groups of up to 100 participants.
Wetlands and Migration NEW, FREE THROUGH GRANT FUNDING (**see Pricing for details)
Migration can be tough, so why do birds do it, and what helps them along the way? This program turns participants into migratory birds and sends them on a journey that reveals the importance of wetland stopover zones. Along the way, we’ll also have up-close encounters with migratory and wetlands birds. This program may be presented to groups of up to 25 participants. (Participating students must be capable of reading and writing independently. This program requires a 20×20 clear space to facilitate the activity.)
Eggs and Environments NEW, FREE THROUGH GRANT FUNDING (**see Pricing for details)
Explore the perils of pollution and meet birds that highlight the importance of keeping environments healthy in this interactive program that employs the mighty egg as a window into the devastating effects pollution can have on wildlife. Using an Enviroscape participants will also learn how pollution moves in a watershed and what we can all do to help wetland habitats. (On-site programs only)
Special Program
Birds in Art
This program provides artists of various disciplines an up-close look at stunning avian subjects. Two birds will be modeled for your painters, photographers, sculptors or sketch artists, including at least one bird in flight. Our birds will be accompanied by one of Tracy Aviary’s Bird Experts to enhance the experience with details of each bird’s personal and ecological history. Because of its intimate nature, this program is restricted to a maximum of 20 participants.
Booking a Program
Scheduling a live bird program is easy! Simply choose your desired program from this menu, fill out our Live Bird Program Request and an Aviary representative will contact you to answer questions and arrange final details.
Please note that live bird outreach program availability may be limited during summer months due to our on-site shows.
Pricing
Presentation and Interactive Programs (2-4 birds)
Up to 35 participants.
Consecutive programs must be in the same location.
Cost: $100 for first program. $75 for second consecutive program. $50 for subsequent consecutive programs.
Large Group Programs
Although Tracy Aviary strongly recommends smaller group sizes for maximum interactive experience of participants, any of our presentation programs can be provided as large group assembly programs. Large groups may be up to 150 participants.
Cost: $250 per program.
Birds in Art (1-2 birds)
Up to 20 participants.
Cost: $75 per program.
An additional travel charge of $1 per round trip mile for distances of greater than 50 mi. round trip will apply. Discounts for multiple programs on the same day at the same facility are available.
**FREE WETLAND-FOCUSED ON-SITE AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS Offered Spring 2013-Spring 2014
Tracy Aviary is excited to offer grant-funded program opportunities for schools, community groups, and other organizations, courtesy of Utah Department of Water Quality. From Spring 2013 to Spring 2014 your group can take advantage of a free wetlands-focused outreach program, or on-site program or tour for visiting field trips. Programs must be reserved in advance and are subject to staff availability. For scheduling, please use the above request form. For grant funded, on-site tours for field trip visits please go to our Tours and Field Trips page.
Adding a Program to Your Aviary Visit
Our programs can also be presented here at the Aviary. The cost is in addition to admission fee.
Cost: $1.50 per participant, minimum program fee $50.
