Lesson Plan Details 


Habitat Cache with Compass (FBCEC)

TopicHabitat and Management - Species and Habitat Management
Habitat and Management - General
Outdoor Skills - Map and Compass (Orienteering
Participants will use a compass to find eight caches on
Fred Berry Conservation Education Center grounds.
Each cache will have items that represent one of the
eight habitats. Each group will present what they found.
(Instruction in using a compass is required.)
Grade Level7 - 12
Recommended SettingIndoor or outdoor classroom
LocationFred Berry Conservation Education Center, Yellville, AR
Education Program Coordinator, 870-449-3484
Duration2 - 2.5 hours
Suggested Number of ParticipantsUp to 24
  • Use a compass and a map to locate a hidden cache.
  • Analyze the area where the cache is found.
  • Compare observations of the eight habitats. (Digital presentation is optional.)
Key Terms*





Maps of FBCEC

Eight caches with items that represent its surrounding habitat

Digital cameras (optional)


Eight habitats have been identified at FBCEC grounds on Crooked Creek. They include a gravel bar, riverfront forest, limestone bluff, forest, limestone glades, woodland, non-native grassland (pasture) and pond.


  1. Confirm that participants can use a compass and read a map of the area. Tell them they will be using the compass and coordinates to find a cache.
  2. Explain that the caches will be in the eight habitats. Each group will be assigned one cache, and each cache will have items that represent its habitat.
  3. Upon finding the cache, participants will note the habitat’s characteristics and add two or three items to the cache that represent the habitat. Participants will return and share what they found, explaining the role of the cache items they investigated. They can use research materials found in the classroom if they do not know how the items relate to the habitat.
  4. Each group will use the map to show where their cache was. If the maps are laminated, they can circle the location with a dry erase marker.

Note: It will be useful to participants to have access to field guides for the area of study.



Photograph the items in the cache and the surrounding area with a digital camera. The cache can then be returned to its hiding place. Participants can share their photos with the larger group.


Describe the eight Ozark habitats at FBCEC.

Related Documents

Cache – a small container hidden outdoors for others to find


Compass – a device that determines directions with a magnetic needle that turns freely on a pivot and points to magnetic north