Nature Reach
Working out of PSU’s Biology Department since 1985, we have a commitment to providing natural history and environmental education outreach programming to school and community groups.
The Mission of PSU’s Nature Reach Program is to provide quality environmental education for all while fostering an appreciation for and connection to animals and our natural world.
You won’t find another entity in this region that can do what we do here at PSU Nature Reach. We go to directly to classrooms with live animals, we provide summer programming, we help teachers become better educators, and we provide valuable, real world training to college students who want to go into careers from veterinary medicine to wildlife management. We provide opportunities for transformational experiences through hands-on learning.
Nature Reach is only partially supported by PSU. We primarily depend on program fees, grants, and especially generous donations. View endowment brochure
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Summer Camp Programs and Reading Program
Pre-K Summer Read Prog.
$5/student, 15 students max
Look for pop-up announcements in July!
These 30 minute sessions for 3-5 year olds feature a story about animals. Children are introduced to a LIVE animal from the story. Camps are 10-10:30am.
Kindergarten Camp
$25/student, 15 students max
June 24, 2025
For students who have completed Kindergarten. Students will receive hands-on learning, outside play, snack, and interaction with live animals!
1st - 3rd Grade Camp
$80/student, 15 students max
June 16-20, 2025
For students who have completed 1st-3rd grades. The camp is 9am-12pm each day with an open house at 11:30am on Friday, June 16th.
On-Campus Programs
Live Animal Tour
Cost: $3 per student
Maximum group size: 30
The tour features our LIVE animal collection on the beautiful Pitt State Campus. Presentations typically run 50 minutes.
*See Brochure Description
Raptors, Birds of Prey Assembly Program
Cost: $100
Maximum group size: 150
During this 45-50 minute program the presenter will use LIVE birds to demonstrate how these powerful hunters of the sky have intrigued humans for years.
*See Brochure Description
Free programming to area schools
Thanks to a generous donation we are currently able to offer FREE on-campus and off-campus programming to area schools! Contact us to find out if your school qualifies.
Off-Campus Programs
Natural History Reserve and Raptor Tour
Cost: $90 per program + transportation
Maximum group size: 30
Your group will get a chance to see our famous raptors at home! We will talk about how these animals survive in the wild and their importance to the natural world. The tour will also include a brief introduction to strip mining and the wildlife common to the area.
Special Topics
Cost: $90 per program + transportation
Maximum group size: 30
If you would like to see another presentation topic, don’t hesitate to ask. We can usually accommodate special topics.
So, What Are We All About?
Our Vision is to Help Create a Citizenry that:
- Understands the process of science
- Is environmentally literate
- Treats animals and their environments in a respectful and responsible way
- Promotes healthy, responsible, and sustainable practices at home and in their community
- Has a connection to the outdoors in multiple and meaningful ways
Our Goals are to:
- Spark an interest in science and the environment
- Provide quality, nature-based environmental education programing to the surrounding region
- Provide academic resources, hands-on experience, and inspiration for students
- Encourage engagement in the outdoors
Found an Abandoned or Injured Animal?
If you find an abandoned or injured wild animal in this area, contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism at (620) 231-3173.
Nature Reach is no longer a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility. We cannot take in injured or abandoned wildlife.
The closest rehab facility is Operation Wildlife.
Resources for Pitt State Students
Other Resources and Contacts
Nature Reach Office
Delia Lister
Department of Biology
328 Heckert-Wells
Pittsburg State University
1701 South Broadway
Pittsburg KS 66762
Phone: 620-235-4727