Martha's Dream
For over 25 years, the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary has been a valuable part of the Kansas City area. It is the result of one woman's dream to provide safe habitat for wildlife in a growing community and quality environmental education for all ages. This dream has become the mission of staff and volunteers who contribute their time and talents.

18,000 visitors attend scheduled programs and 17,000 people came to explore on their own in 2001. Our goal is to help each visitor learn about the environment, as well as experience the peace, solace, and beauty of nature.

Program Fees and Length

To ensure that each child has a meaningful hands-on experience and to assist in fulfilling Missouri Show-Me Standards we will strictly adhere to the following "Group" sizes upon your arrival at the Sanctuary. Your classroom may be divided based on our "Group" requirements:

Pre-K and Kindergarten: a "Group" is defined as up to 22 people (children and adults) with a maximum of 18 children.

1st through 6th Grades: a "Group" is defined as up to 30 people (children and adults) with a maximum of 26 children.

Each school classroom may have teachers and classroom aides at no charge who will not be counted as part of a "Group." Two (2) supervisory adults per "Group" are also free and will not be counted as part of a "Group." All other adults will pay the individual fee and will be counted as part of a "Group."

Program Extras
Pre-visit Information: Sanctuary Rules: While our programs encourage hands-on learning, we ask that students not pick flowers or leaves, or collect other natural materials, unless otherwise directed by the naturalist. Following these guidelines will protect the resources at the Sanctuary and make them available for others to enjoy in the future. Please review these rules with your class before your visit.
Weather Accommodations: Many of our programs involve outdoor time. If severe weather threatens, the MLTNS staff will be prepared with alternative indoor activities for your program. Only in cases of extreme weather will MLTNS cancel a scheduled program. We will close if Liberty schools close due to weather.
Dressing for the weather is very important. Because the majority of our programs are outdoors, students and adults should dress for the conditions. Everyone should wear shoes that completely enclose the foot. Please no sandles, crocs, or water shoes/socks.
Name tags that an be easily read by the naturalists are encouraged for students and teachers.
Gift Shop: Please include extra time to visit our gift shop as part of your field trip experience. We have nature-related items starting at 50-cents. We ask that adult chaperones please stay with the children to monitor activity.
Picnic Shelter must be reserved prior to your visit in order to insure it is reserved for your group (no fee). Tables seat a total of 20 people along with 80 additional bench seats around the sides of the shelter. Please bring a trash bag to carry out trash.
Exhibit Area is open for your class to explore either prior to or following your program.
Arriving on Time is crucial for a successful program. Please set aside time for line-up and restroom breaks prior to the start of your program.
Show-Me standards are met or exceeded in each program.

Sensory Safari
Pre-K - Kindergarten
Fee: $5 per child
Offered year-round.
During this popular program your students will have the opportunity to explore the natural world using their senses.

They will discover the sounds, smells, sights and textures found outdoors through hands-on exploration. We'll also meet a live animal up close and personal to learn how it uses its senses to help it survive.

Cold-blooded Critters
Pre-K - Kindergarten
Fee: $5 per child
Offered year-round.
Have your students discover the differences and similarities between reptiles and amphibians, and observe the characteristics of each group through hands-on interactions. Students will also enjoy a nature hike and explore the movement and behavior of these animals in their habitats.

Habitat Homes
1st-3rd Grades
Fee: $6 per child for 90 min. program
Time of Year: Year-round
Students will be introduced to the importance of habitats and learn what all plants and animals need to survive.We'll head to the trails and involve each student in the teaching process through the use of biofacts and natural items found within the prairie, forest, and wetland habitats. A live animal will also be introduced.

Ecosystem Investigations
4th-6th Grades
Fee: $6 per child for 90 min. program.
Time of Year: Year-round
Here is an opportunity for students to take an in-depth look at samples of different ecosystems found in Missouri. Students will explore and study forest, grassland and wetland habitats found at the Sanctuary. They will record plants and animals found in each ecosystem. This will culminate with an understanding of the components of each ecosystem and their functions within, whether a specialist or a generalist.

ANIMAL CLIQUES

Insect Intrigue
Pre-K - Kindergarten
Fee: $5 per child
Offered May - October
What young child isn't fascinated by those creeping, crawling little bugs? From dragonflies and grasshoppers to butterflies and ants, insects truly do intrigue young children. During this special program, your youngsters will be introduced to the world of insects, from what makes an insect an insect to searching for them with nets in hand. We'll release all our buggy friends at the end of the program.

Feathered Friends
1st - 3rd Grades
Fees: $7* per child for 90 min. program.
Time of Year: Year-round
Students will soar to new heights as they learn about the world of birds. We'll start with an indoor introduction to birds and then head outdoors in search of robins, cardinals, hawks and more. This program will conclude with the children making their very own bird feeder to take home.

* The cost per student includes an additional $1 fee for feeder materials and bird seed.

Wild About Wetlands
4th-6th Grades
Fees: $6 per child for 90 min. program.
Time of Year: April 15 - September 30
This program will literally immerse your students in the world of wetlands. They will learn through firsthand observation and investigation what organisms are found in our creek and pond environments. From water beetles and dragonfly larvae to tadpoles and fish, students will begin to understand both the importance of healthy wetlands and the organisms found in each system.

Students will use 500 micron mesh kick nets, magnifiers for macro invertebrates, and equipment to test pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen of the water.

Please note this program involves getting in the water. Tennis shoes or boots are required footwear.

POPULAR PROGRAMS

Birds of a Feather
4th-6th Grades
Fee: $7 per child for 2 hour program
Time of Year: Year-round
Birds have long-facinated us, from their flight capabilities to their beauty and lyrical songs.During this program your students will come to know the characteristics and adaptations of birds, as well as learn how to identify common birds of this area through artifacts, mounts and a slide program. We'll then head outdoors for a walk with binoculars in hand in search of our featured friends. This program will conclude with the children making their very own bird feeder to take home.

Colossal Fossil
1st-6th Grades
Fee: $6 per child for 90 min. program.
Fee: $8 per child for 2 hour program*
Time of Year: April 15 - Sept. 30
Here's an opportunity for your students to learn about fossils, from identification to how they were made. We will explore different types of rocks and why only certain types contain fossils. We'll head down to Rush Creek in search of the real thing. The students will work together to find the best fossil to take back to class for further study. Please note this program involved getting in the water. Tennis shoes or boots are required footwear for both children and adults.

*Optional Activity: Your students can make a "fossil" using plaster and seashells. The extended program requires two hours and a total fee of $8.

Pond Neighbors
Creek Neighbors
Pre-K - Kindergarten
Fee: $6 per child
Offered April 15 - September 30.
We're out to make a splash with this fun and educational program! Students are introduced to wetlands through a visit to either our man-made pond or Rush Creek. With nets in hand they will venture forth in search of tadpoles, fish and aquatic insects that call these important habitats home. We'll also explore the importance of water quality and learn how each one of us can help keep our water clean. Please note this program involves getting in the water. Tennis shoes or boots are required footwear for everyone.

WILD IN THE CLASSROOM

Off-site programs are offered year round based on availability. Off-site program fee: $165 per hour, $90 each additional hour. Class sizes are limited to the following:


Wild Missouri
What animals live in Missouri? Where do they live? How do they find food? Find out the answers to these questions and others, as this program explores animal adaptations, and habitat needs. Using a variety of natural artifacts and live animals, this program becomes an experience that everyone will remember.

Students will rotate through 2-4 themed stations depending upon group size. Themes to choose from include: mammals, birds, reptiles/amphibians, and insects. Animal artifacts may include: muskrat, beaver, raccoon, mink, otter, opossum, deer, squirrel, shunk, bobcat, gray fox, reptiles, and amphibians.

Critters in the Classroom
What exactly is a pollywog? How does a snake swallow food larger than its head? Discover differences and similarities between amphibians and reptiles through hands-on interaction and by comparing and contrasting the physical characteristics of each.

Teachers can choose any combination of five of our education animals: gray treefrog, tiger salamander, western painted turtle, American toad, ornate box turtle, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, bull snake, black rat snake, or speckled king snake.

Feathered Frenzy
Choose three of the options below to create a program that fits your curriculum/ teaching schedule:

Option 1: Students explore the diversity and adaptations of the avian world by hands-on examinations of different types of feathers, bones, and feet.

Option 2: Enjoy a slide show for visual reinforcement of birds discussed while learning bird calls and songs with the help of our Birdsong Identiflyer.

Option 3: As time and the surrounding area of the school allow, our naturalist will go outdoors with students to search for evidence of birds while learning bird calls and songs with the help of a Birdsong Identiflyer.

Option 4: Each student makes their own tennis-ball container bird feeder filled with bird seed to take home. *Note: This option requires an additional materials fee of $1 per student.

OTHER PROGRAM POSSIBILTIES

Home Schools
In addition to the programs, home school public programs are offered once a month at the Sanctuary.

Middle Schools and High Schools
Field trips for middle schools and high schools are tailored to the needs of the specific class. Modifications of the programs in this guide can be arranged for older ages, and we welcome requests for other topics. Teachers should call the Nature Center and speak to a Naturalist to discuss their options.


Call 816-781-8598 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and ask for a Naturalist. Please have the following information ready when you call:
• Program choice
• School name, address and phone number
• Grade level and number of children
• Preferred date and time with alternate (in case your first choice is not available)
• Any children with special needs

Note: It is recommended that you call well in advance of your program date to insure a place on the schedule, particularly for fall and spring programs.

Prior to your visit, you will receive a confirmation letter, your billing, a health release and pre-visit information. Please share this with all teachers attending the field trip.

Payment of your fee should be received three weeks prior to your visit. If this is a problem due to school policies or procedures, please notify us.

Rescheduling of programs can be done pending availability. No fee will be charged in the case of a school emergency or dangerous weather. If you must reschedule for any other reason, there will be a $25 administrative fee applied to your bill. As a general rule, we do not issue refunds.

Come visit before your program. Explore the Nature Center, hike the trails and get ready for your fantastic field trip. Let us know ahead of time, and a naturalist may be available to answer questions.