Student Programs at DuPuis

Student Field Studies Program

The Student Field Studies program at DuPuis Management Area is a unique and exciting way for secondary students to learn about Florida’s natural habitats. Students engage in many educational (and fun!) activities while exploring DuPuis’ diverse ecosystem. . In addition to the many fun activities at DuPuis, students can learn about nearby Lake Okeechobee’s history, flora and fauna, and environmental challenges.

Explore the Pine Flatwoods

Situated in the Pine Flatwoods, students are able to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment at DuPuis. Students can hike the Habitat Trail, and get the opportunity to participate in many hands-on activities including scavenger hunts, identifying plant species, and measuring the height of pine trees with a simple clinometer

Exploring the Cypress Swamp

Students learn about cypress swamp plants and wildlife as they are guided on a trail that winds through the pine flatwoods, cypress swamp and opens into a beautiful wetland vista. At the end of the boardwalk students will sit under the shaded pavilion to answer questions about what they’ve learned. If time allows, students will write a paragraph as they reflect and listen to the sounds of the cypress swamp.

For more information about the Student Fields Studies Program at DuPuis, contact:
Kim Kanter
kkanter [at] sfwmd [dot] gov
(800) 432-2045, x3339.

Student Service Learning

FAU/CES coordinates a student volunteer service-learning program focusing on land stewardship and water conservation projects. Students provide environmental service to assist partners, learn about native habitats and develop a volunteer ethic. Student service projects include butterfly gardening, installing native plants and maintenance of the Habitat Trail.

Environmental Summer Camp: Our Lands Remembered

Our annual summer camp is coordinated in partnership with Indiantown Middle School. Every year, we host approximately 25 underserved, Hispanic campers that have a great learning experience at DuPuis! Summer campers explore the native ecosystems which wind through the pine flatwoods and cypress swamp. The camp theme is Our Land Remembered and students conduct a reading from the story every day. Both an educational and fun experience, campers learn about Florida’s history and unique ecosystems. Students get to participate in many fun games and activities such as cane-pole fishing. Their favorite field trip is to the nearby High Horse Ranch with Florida Cracker, Iris Wall, who happily hosts the campers with lemonade and a buggy ride around the ranch!