Project Based Learning Electives provided by the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy
Love Creek: Outdoor Explorers Fall 2026
All students must complete a project for these classes.
Love Creek Nature Center
- 9292 Huckleberry Road Berrien Center, MI 49102
- Instructor: Lamanda Hilty, Park Naturalist
- Email: lhilty@berriencounty.org for information.
- Format: In-person
- Additional registration at location is NOT required.
- Grades: K-3
- Day/Time: Specific Fridays at 1:30 PM, one evening class at 6:45 PM (see schedule below)
- Classes begin September 4th
During this class we will explore the outdoor world of Berrien County. Each class will have a topic that is usually based on what is “happening” outside that particular month. This class is presented as a supplement to your science studies at home and will be as “hands-on” as possible. Classes will be on specific Fridays and will meet at Love Creek Nature Center or other county parks. An email reminder will be sent out on the Wednesday before each class, this will include items to bring and/or a specific location to meet if necessary.
- September 4 – Incredible Insects
- September 18 – Fall is a Time to Prepare
- October 2 – Visit a Bog *At Mud Lake Bog*905 E Elm Valley Rd, Buchanan, MI 49107
- October 16 – Night Hike *6:45-8:15 PM
- October 30 – Owls and Owl Pellets
- November 13 – Meet the Decomposers
- December 4 – Winter Bird Adaptations
- December 18 – Animal Tracks and Signs
Outdoor Explorers Syllabus
*Please note: it is important to make as informed a decision as possible when choosing your student's Community Resource classes. Most locations will allow a student to drop a class after one meeting, at no charge if it wasn't a good fit for the student, but not all. Some classes plan ahead based on the number that have signed up and have purchased materials, hired teachers, etc. and there might be a fee for class time or materials given to the student if the student drops after one or two meetings. The school cannot pay for classes that students do not complete, so choose wisely; if you do not take the class off of your student's schedule by the deadline, you may be asked to pay for the class time incurred prior to dropping the class.
Teacher of Record: Tom Hurst
