WELCOME TO

EARTH'S CLASSROOM

Where nature is our blackboard, and adventure sparks education.

OUR MISSION

To use experiential education to advance awareness, understanding and appreciation of ecology, cultural history and their interrelationship.

Join over 79,500 Participants and Counting!

Discover More

Upcoming Events

MO Maple Syrup Making!
Fri, Feb 28
Earth's Classroom
Feb 28, 2025, 12:40 PM – 3:00 PM
Earth's Classroom, 3649 Pump Station Rd, Rosebud, MO 63091, USA
Feb 28, 2025, 12:40 PM – 3:00 PM
Earth's Classroom, 3649 Pump Station Rd, Rosebud, MO 63091, USA
Discover the sweet side of Missouri! Join us for a hands-on maple syruping experience as we explore the science, history, and flavors of syrup making. Bring your own mug for hot drinks and treats! Meet at EC at 12:45 PM—see you there!
RSVP

Dances with Woodcocks
Sat, Mar 01
Earth's Classroom
Mar 01, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM CST
Earth's Classroom, 3649 Pump Station Rd, Rosebud, MO 63091, USA
Mar 01, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM CST
Earth's Classroom, 3649 Pump Station Rd, Rosebud, MO 63091, USA
Experience the magic of spring with the American woodcock's sky-high dance and unique "peenting" song! Join us for an evening hike to uncover this fascinating bird's ritual and other springtime serenades. Trust us—it’s exhilarating!
RSVP

Salamander Breeding Grounds
Sat, Mar 01
Earth's Classroom
Mar 01, 2025, 7:30 PM CST – Mar 02, 2025, 9:30 AM CST
Earth's Classroom, 3649 Pump Station Rd, Rosebud, MO 63091, USA
Mar 01, 2025, 7:30 PM CST – Mar 02, 2025, 9:30 AM CST
Earth's Classroom, 3649 Pump Station Rd, Rosebud, MO 63091, USA
Grab your flashlight and warm clothes for a night of salamander spotting! Explore Missouri’s fascinating amphibians, from the spotted salamander to the Hellbender, and learn their unique stories.
RSVP

Fundamental Bedrocks of Interpretation: A Professional Development Day for Outdoor Educators
Mon, Mar 17
Earth's Classroom
Mar 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CDT
Earth's Classroom, 3649 Pump Station Rd, Rosebud, MO 63091, USA
Mar 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CDT
Earth's Classroom, 3649 Pump Station Rd, Rosebud, MO 63091, USA
Enhance your impact as an outdoor educator, inspiring connections to our natural and cultural recourses
Learn more

STORIES FROM PARTICIPANTS

"This was the most inspiring group of events I have ever been involved with and Bill and Jodi are so educated and full of energy it makes you enjoy every moment with them!"

- Hannah S.

CONNECT WITH US

Bourbeuse Bluebell Race 2025
Registration is OPEN for Earth's Classroom's biggest fundraiser of the year! Join us on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for an exciting 18.2-mile paddle down Missouri’s most crooked river—the beautiful Bourbeuse River, just south of Rosebud.
Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just looking for a fun, memorable day on the water, this race has something for everyone.
📅 When: April 5, 2025
📍 Where: MDC Tea Access, south of Rosebud
💡 Why: Support outdoor education and enjoy an adventure while you’re at it!
We’re also seeking River Hole Sponsors to help make this event a success. Businesses can show their support by sponsoring the race and contributing to outdoor education. Details are on our website!
📲 Register or learn more here: www.earthsclassroom.org/event-details/bourbeuse-bluebell-race-2
Let’s paddle for a cause and make this the best year yet!

MO Maple Syrup Making! 🍁
Limited spots available! Reserve yours today by calling 573-437-7628.

🗓 Date: Saturday, February 8th, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:45 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Where: Meet at Earth's Classroom, then caravan to the directors’ home

Details:
🍁 Ages 8+
🍁 Members: $6 | Non-Members: $8
🍁 FREE for Gasconade County R-2 families from OES, GES, OMS 😊

Join us for a hands-on adventure through the forest as we explore the science of tapping sugar maples, the history of syruping in Missouri, and the sweet rewards! 🍂 Bring your own mug for hot drinks and tasty treats.

📞 Don’t wait—reserve your spot now!

#MapleSyrup #OutdoorEducation #MissouriOutdoors #EarthsClassroom

🔥 FSCE in Action! 🔥
This past Sunday, our Field Science Career Experience (FSCE) students dove into Fire Ecology! They kicked off the day learning from Jody about the importance of fire in maintaining ecosystems and how to safely conduct a controlled burn—mastering techniques, terminology, and reading the weather and wind.
Then, they suited up for a hands-on experience! Under the guidance of Bill and Jody, who bring hundreds of hours of certified expertise, the students helped burn 4 acres of prairie and 3 acres of open woodlands. Each student got to use a drip torch, carry water packs, and work with fire suppressors.
🔥🔥 What an unforgettable day of learning, teamwork, and conservation!
#EarthsClassroom #FireEcology #HandsOnLearning #FSCE #ControlledBurn #OutdoorEducation #PrairieRestoration

🎉🎂 Another year older yet still a kid at heart,Happy birthday to Bill, the ultimate powerhouse—leading swiftwater rescue classes, dominating whitewater kayaking, and sharing his unmatched knowledge of Missouri native plants.
We’re so grateful for all you do, Bill! Here’s to another year of adventure and inspiration. 🥳🎉

🔥 The team at Earth’s Classroom has been hard at work preparing our prairies and open woodlands to be burn-ready for the next FSCE program: Fire Ecology!
Controlled burns are a vital tool for restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, and managing Missouri’s beautiful landscapes.
Check out this quick clip of Jody demonstrating to her team how to safely start a burn—just a glimpse of the work that goes into stewarding our natural spaces.
#FireEcology #ControlledBurn #HandsOnLearning #EarthsClassroom #ConservationInAction

🎁 Give the Gift of Adventure! 🎁
This holiday season, treat someone to a 3-day, 2-night canoe trip through the breathtaking rivers of the Ozarks! We offer three set trips: one for middle schoolers, one for high schoolers, and one for adults only.
What’s Included?
Delicious home-cooked meals, tents, and educational gear
Canoes, paddles, PFDs, and safety equipment
Expert paddle instructors to guide and teach
Adventure, education, and unforgettable memories await!
Message us to reserve a spot today!
👉 here's the link: https://earthsclassroom.org/posts/family-public-programs/

WE HAVE A MATCH!
That’s right—every dollar you donate will be DOUBLED thanks to a generous match! 🙌 This incredible opportunity will help us purchase a much-needed work vehicle that’s vital to keeping our programs running smoothly.
Watch the video for details, and if you feel inspired to support Earth’s Classroom, donate today via:
💳 Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/earths-classroom
✉️ Mail: “Earth’s Classroom”
3649 Pumpstation Road, Rosebud, MO 63091
Let’s make this match GROW together—your impact will go twice as far! 🌍💪

🌟 Meet Erik – Our New AmeriCorps Member! 🌟
It’s time to introduce Erik, the second of our incredible AmeriCorps members serving with Earth’s Classroom this year! Like Taelor, Erik will spend the next year helping us grow as an organization, connect with our community, and share the importance of outdoor education.
Read more about Erik below and get to know the newest addition to our team!
“Erik is an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer serving with Earth’s Classroom, where he is committed to expanding environmental education across Missouri. His work includes broadening program reach, aligning lessons with state standards, supporting fundraising and grant writing efforts, and creating outdoor learning opportunities that inspire both students and educators.
Erik’s connection to Earth’s Classroom began with an unforgettable 5th-grade field trip and grew deeper through his participation in the Field Science Career Experience program in 2009. As an Eagle Scout with a passion for outdoor activities like mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, camping, and hunting, Erik has spent countless hours learning from and living in nature. This role has deepened his appreciation for the natural world and fuels his passion for helping others understand and protect our ecosystems.”
#AmeriCorps #EarthsClassroom #OutdoorEducation

🌟 Meet Our New AmeriCorps Members! 🌟
We’re excited to introduce Taelor Vanous, one of the newest members of the Earth’s Classroom team! For the next year, Taelor will be serving with us through AmeriCorps, helping to grow our organization, expand awareness of our mission, and build her own professional skills along the way.
Learn more about Taelor below and join us in giving her a warm welcome!
“I’m currently serving my second term as an AmeriCorps member at Earth’s Classroom. Prior to this, I completed my first term at Maramec Spring Park in St. James, MO. I’m a college student planning to study Marine Biology and Conservation, with a strong commitment to protecting our planet’s ecosystems. Growing up near Seattle, Washington, I spent a lot of time outdoors—hiking, exploring forests, and looking for wildlife. These experiences, along with learning about different cultures, sparked my love for the natural world and shaped my connection to it.
After spending five years in Phoenix, Arizona, where I graduated high school, I moved to Missouri, where I’ve lived for the past five years. Here, I am also involved with the Conservation Leadership Corps through the Conservation Federation of Missouri, working to protect the state’s natural resources. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, hanging out with family and friends, and taking my dog, Pretzel, on walks. I’m excited to be part of Earth’s Classroom this year, where this experience is deepening my commitment to conservation and environmental education while equipping me with the skills to make a meaningful impact.”
stay tuned for our next post to meet another amazing member of the team! 👀

🌿 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! 🌍
At Earth’s Classroom, we teach students how small changes in their habits can make a big impact on the environment. Our waste disposal station is more than just a trash bin – it’s a learning tool!
Reduce: The best way to fight waste is to avoid it in the first place. If we stopped consuming single-use items, would companies stop production? Or perhaps they’d start creating more sustainable, consumer-friendly products?
Reuse: Clean bags, bottles, and containers can have a second (or third!) life. How many items could you reuse this week instead of tossing?
Recycle: Recycling takes energy and isn’t always perfect, but it’s better than the landfill. Remember, reducing comes first for a reason!
And don’t forget about composting! Organic waste gets turned into rich soil that nourishes plants, completing the natural cycle.
We encourage our participants to bring reusable containers for their lunch and drinks – together, we can make a difference! 🌎
📸: Bill in action, teaching the next generation of eco-champions 💚 #ReduceReuseRecycle #Composting #EarthsClassroom #EcoEducation

🔥 The Power of Fire 🔥
Fire is more than just cooking, heat, and light. During one of our programs, Jody demonstrates the art of making fire with flint and steel, captivating students and sparking curiosity about its deeper importance.
What other crucial roles does fire play in shaping our ecosystems and history? 🌍 Come find out firsthand in one of our hands-on programs! You’ll explore the fascinating ways fire connects us to the natural world.
Ignite your curiosity! Contact us to book your class or organization and experience this unforgettable lesson for yourself.
#EarthsClassroom #OutdoorEducation #FireMaking #HandsOnLearning #DiscoverNature

✨ Discovering Indigenous Cultures ✨
This week, 2nd graders from St. James Elementary explored the rich history of Native Americans in Missouri.
Students learned about the many types of lodges Indigenous people used—proving there’s so much more than just tipis! They also discovered how fire was used to enrich soil for growing crops and attract wildlife for hunting.
Another highlight? Learning Indigenous sign languages! Students practiced signs for words like bear, moon, sun, and prairie, - a fascinating way different nations communicated. 🐻🐍
We loved sharing these lessons with curious young minds! 💛 #EarthsClassroom #IndigenousHistory #OutdoorEducation #HandsOnLearning

🌿 6th Grade Adventure Day with Wild Bill! 🌿
This past Friday, we had a blast hosting 6th graders from Lonedell Elementary at Earth’s Classroom! Led by the legendary Wild Bill, the students dove into Missouri Mammals and Southern Fur Trade programs. They explored what makes an animal a mammal, learned to identify native species, and discovered the history of fur trading in the region. And for a true pioneer experience—they got to throw tomahawks! 🪓
Thanks to Lonedell Elementary for an unforgettable day in the outdoors. 🌲✨ #EarthsClassroom #OutdoorEducation #MissouriWildlife #SouthernFurTrade #HandsOnLearning

🌿 Last week, we had a great time with the students at Forest City Village School in St. James, exploring Missouri Mammals and Aquatics! 🦝🐟
Interested in bringing outdoor education to your organization? Contact us to choose a topic and set up an event!
#EarthsClassroom #OutdoorLearning #MissouriMammals #EnvironmentalEducation

🌟 Field Science Certification Experience (FSCE) 🌟
Last night, our amazing high school students dove into Mammalogy for this month’s FSCE session! They explored mammal identification by studying skulls, unique physical traits, and even made plaster casts of animal tracks.
These students were selected for this year-long program to build hands-on skills and earn a Field Science Certification. Each month, they explore a new topic that prepares them for future careers and education. To wrap up the program, they’ll take on a 3-day, 2-night canoe trip to apply everything they’ve learned in the wild. 🚣‍♀️🌲
We’re excited to see what comes of these awesome outdoor enthusiasts!

🌍✨ Welcome to the official Instagram page of Earth's Classroom! ✨🌍

We’re excited to share our journey with you, starting with this throwback from 25 years ago, when we began our mission to connect our community with the great outdoors right here in Rosebud, MO.

Join us as we explore, learn, and grow together! Follow along for updates, tips, and stories from our outdoor adventures. We can’t wait to engage with all of you and celebrate our love for nature as a community!

#EarthsClassroom #OutdoorLearning

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@earths.classroom

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR BOURBEUSE BLUEBELL RACE SPONSORS

We’re incredibly grateful for the generous support of our Bourbeuse Bluebell Race sponsors! Your contributions make this event possible and help further Earth's Classroom's mission of environmental education and outreach.

Thank you for paddling alongside us to make a difference!

(Click a logo to visit their website)

EARTH'S CLASSROOM

WELCOME TO

EARTH'S CLASSROOM

OUR MISSION

​Upcoming Events

STORIES FROM PARTICIPANTS

CONNECT WITH US

​

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR BOURBEUSE BLUEBELL RACE SPONSORS

Upcoming Events