Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute
432.364.2499
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Available Year-Round
Learning for All Ages


For student groups, we provide an array of programs (described below) for Grades 1 - 8.  These are offered to Region 18 students free of charge.
For all schools, public, private and homeschool, and for all grade levels through college, we'll also create a program around your learning objectives with a guided, interpretive hike.  
For tour groups, we'll custom-design a guided, interpretive hike to Modesta Canyon or Clayton's Overlook, a guided tour through the Botanical Gardens and Cactus & Succulent Greenhouse, and a Mining Exhibit presentation.
​All visiting groups are welcomed to stay for lunch and enjoy the serene surroundings of the Pavilion.
Contact 432-364-2499 or programs@cdri.org to schedule a date for your group.

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Classroom Field Days
In addition to our student and group hikes, we offer special student field days throughout the year for area school children. These are created for various grade levels and each tailored to the TEKS for that grade level. Each event day offers 6-8 unique learning stations or activities which are divided into either a morning or an afternoon session. A description of CDRI's current program portfolio is listed below:


Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
Students in 2nd & 3rd grades learn about insects, find out which are deadly and poisonous, observe insects as pollinators up close in the garden, and learn about entomophogy while answering the age-old question: "Which is better? Spicy mealworms? Or  chocolate covered crickets?"

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Living Things
​First grade students will explore the natural world of living things from a guided hike, to learning about the life cycles of frogs and birds, the basics of what makes up a food chain, and the parts of a flower. These are all items covered in the TEKS, making this program a great review and culmination of what students have learned throughout the year.

Bird Sleuth
This exciting program was created for 7th/8th grade students. Students will learn about bills & beaks, why birds are able to fly long distances, the evolution of birds, what makes bird songs distinctive, hummingbirds, and they'll learn all about birding from the Bird Blind.
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Critter Camp
Critter Camp 9:30 -11:30 a.m., was created for children between the ages of 4-8. Pre-K and Kinder are on Day 1, followed by 1st through 3rd graders on Day 2. Children learn about animals from A-Z in the Chihuahuan Desert through games and projects. Day campers get to hike the trails, discovering interesting things about plants and animals along the way. And, of course, we provide snacks. 


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The Earth Rocks
Celebrating National Earth Science Week, 5th grade students learn about renewable energy resources; the effects of weathering, erosion and deposition; groundwater; rocks and minerals mined in the region; levers and pulleys used in mining; and they get to hike one of the trails to learn first-hand about land formations and the effects of geological 
forces at work.


Herp Day
Designed for 4th graders, students will discover the world of Herpetology which includes the study of amphibians and reptiles. They will examine venomous specimens (non-living, of course) while learning about non-venomous snakes with live specimens. Students will also learn about first aid for pets and humans in case of a snakebite.
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Junior Explorer
We will provide you and your family with an activity booklet (free) that sets you off on a scavenger hunt through the garden area. When you have completed the activities, bring the activity booklet back to the Information Desk at the Powell Visitor Center, and your child will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Both GeoCache and Junior Explorer are year-round activities, free of charge. 
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APGA
EPA Green Power Partnership
GuideStar GOLD Seal of Transparency
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ANCA
Green Mnt. Energy Sun Club
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