C.H.I.R.P. Environmental Outreach Programs
Help the City of Palm Coast protect the environment ~ Join C.H.I.R.P (Children Helping in Resource Protection) and make some noise for nature.
Navigation Menu
Enroll your class in one of the following events and come along for adventure... Learn about the environment, see wildlife, help combat invasive species, and other fun activities. The City of Palm Coast Green Team is hosting the following programs for school year 2024-2025:
- Linear Park Eco-station Rotation
- Long Creek Nature Preserve Eco-station Rotation
- The City comes to you
The City covers travel costs associated with the C.H.I.R.P program. However, it is the responsibility of the head teacher to arrange transportation (busing) for the event and provide the invoicing for the City to arrange payment. Invoices must be submitted within 6 months of the original program date for the City to cover the transportation costs.
Topics covered by C.H.I.R.P.
These topics are subject to instructor availability and park location.
What's in the Water: City staff will perform a water quality test on the City's canal system. The test will cover pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and phosphates in the water.
Wet and Wild with Whitney Lab: Whitney Lab trained docents showcase marine life in a hands-on opportunity to introduce students to marine biology by exploring how animals breathe, find and eat food, protect themselves and survive in their environment.
Park Ecology Nature Walk: A guided tour through the wilds of Linear Park or Long Creek discussing invasive nonnative plants and their effect on Florida's ecosystems, along with wildfires and the benefits of prescribed burns.
Animal Control: The City's Animal Control officers will explain responsible pet care, what to do if you encounter a stray animal or unknown animals and the catch pole capture demonstration.
Venomous vs. Non-Venous: Central Florida Zoo presents the secret life of the endangered Florida Indigo Snake.
Featured Creatures: presents a wildly exciting and interactive educational experience with live animals. The program consists of animals, questions and answers, and lots of fun learning about the animal kingdom and their habitats. Students will learn how they play a role in the protection of Florida's environment and wildlife.
Florida's Mangroves: A Florida Certified Arborist will discuss the ecological role of mangroves as a shoreline stabilization, the strange reproductive methods of mangroves, mangrove's role as nursery grounds and a physical habitat for a wide variety of vertebrates and invertebrates.
Head teachers are asked to text message or call the CHIRP coordinate when busses pull out of the school.
Prior to park arrival students need to be broken down into designated groups determine by City staff. It helps staff if each class wears a particular color shirt to designate them from other students. This is not a requirement but it helps staff keep track of all students during rotations.
Students should dress appropriately for the outdoor environment and current weather conditions. If it's raining the morning of the event, the program will be cancelled and NOT rescheduled till the following year. Please call or text the City coordinator for details. Your class will have first choice of next year's program dates.
Students need to bring a reusable water bottle as the city will provide igloos of ice and water (cups are not provided). Students and teachers are responsible for cleaning the park of their trash before leaving. Teachers are responsible for hand sanitizers and/or wipes for their class.
Snacks and fundraising activities associated with snacks are NOT permitted during the program.
Students that are disrupting the program will be asked to leave. All teachers are responsible for their student's behavior during the day's events.
If an emergency arises during the program, notify on site City staff immediately. They'll arrange for immediate care of the student or students.
