Mighty Acorns Returns for 10th Year with New Homeschool Program
Posted on October 14, 2025
COL celebrates a decade of helping students build knowledge, curiosity, and care for the natural world through hands-on learning.
Chikaming Open Lands (COL) is proud to announce the return of Mighty Acorns for its 10th year of connecting children to nature through hands-on, science-based learning. Since launching Michigan’s very first Mighty Acorns program in partnership with River Valley Schools in 2016, the program has grown to serve New Buffalo and Bridgman schools and now reaches approximately 350 students each year. This fall, COL is excited to expand access even further with the addition of a brand-new Homeschool Mighty Acorns program.
Developed by educators, naturalists, and scientists through the Field Museum in Chicago, Mighty Acorns integrates classroom curriculum with outdoor exploration on COL preserves. Aligned with federal education standards, the program gives students in grades 3–5 opportunities to:
- Explore nature through guided field experiences three times a year (fall, winter, spring)
- Reinforce classroom lessons with interactive games
- Participate in stewardship activities such as removing invasive species and building trails
- Develop a personal connection to the land through free exploration
A special legacy of the program remains visible today: the Mighty Oak Loop trail at Robinson Woods Preserve was named in honor of Mighty Acorns students who helped build it.
New This Year: Homeschool Mighty Acorns
For the first time, homeschool students will have the opportunity to participate. The pilot program launches this fall with the 3rd-grade curriculum, which focuses on birds. Families will attend one field day each season at a COL preserve. Specific locations and details will be provided to registered participants prior to the start of the program. Registration for Homeschool Mighty Acorns is now open.
Applying Knowledge Beyond the Preserve
In addition to the new homeschool offering, COL is also working with select 5th grade classes to expand the program’s reach beyond COL preserves. These students will apply their knowledge to broader, project-based learning opportunities, connecting what they’ve learned about stewardship to real-world applications in their own communities.
Planting Seeds for Future Growth
COL is currently seeking funding to offer Mighty Acorns to more school districts in Berrien County, creating more opportunities for children to experience hands-on environmental learning in our community.
“Every year, we see how Mighty Acorns sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and creates a sense of ownership among students,” said Grace Fredenburg, Education & Outreach Coordinator at COL. “Watching them grow in their understanding and love for nature, and then apply that knowledge in creative ways, is the most rewarding part of my job. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum and hope to bring the program to even more students in the future.”
To learn more, visit www.chikamingopenlands.org/mighty-acorns.
