Field Studies
Field studies coupled with classroom activities are an integral part of Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences. Find a field study program that gets your students' feet wet and hands dirty.
Find a Program Near You
Begin by choosing the criteria for your search. Matching field study programs will be displayed as pin-points on the map below. Click on a pin-point for details about each program. Be sure to scroll through all your results using the "next" button at the bottom of the page.
If you know of a great field study not included in the Bay Backpack let us know by suggesting a field study.
Create Your Own Field Study
Learn how to create your own field study at a local park or on your school grounds.
Theme
- All Themes
Habitats and Critters- History and Culture
- Land Use and Agriculture
- Pollution and Pressures
- Restoration
Level
All Levels- Early Learning
- Elementary School
- Middle School
- High School
Length
All Lengths- Day Trips
- Multi-Day Trips
Organization
All Organizations- Abbott's Mill Nature Center
- Accokeek Foundation
- Adkins Arboretum
- Alice Ferguson Foundation
- Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring
- Amry Corps of Engineers
- Anacostia Watershed Society
- Anita C. Leight Estuary Center
- Annapolis Maritime Museum
- Apple Ridge Farm
- Aquatic Resources Education Center
- Arlington Echo
- Audubon Naturalist Society
- Black Hill Nature Center
- Blackbird State Forest Education Center
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
- Brandywine Valley Association
- Cacapon State Park
- Calvert County Parks
- Calvert Marine Museum
- Carbon County Environmental Education Center
- Carroll County Outdoor School
- Casey Trees
- Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center
- Chesapeake Bay Field Lab
- Chesapeake Bay Foundation
- Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
- Churchville Nature Center
- Clearwater Nature Center
- Delmarva Discovery Center
- Discovery Creek
- Echo Hill Outdoor School
- Environmental Concern
- Fair Hill Nature Center
- Fairview Outdoor Education Center Facilities
- Frederick County Outdoor School
- Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center
- George Washington Carver Outdoor School
- Gifford Pinchot State Park
- Great Valley Nature Center
- Greenwood Furnace State Park
- Harford Glen Environmental Education Center
- Hawk Mountain
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
- Hickory Environmental Education Center
- Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation
- Horn Point Laboratory
- Howard B. Owens Science Center
- Howard County Conservancy
- Indian Springs WIldlife Management Area
- Irvine Nature Center
- Jamestown 4-H Educational Center
- Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
- Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
- King's Gap Environmental Education and Training Center
- Lancaster County Environmental Center
- Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center
- Little Buffalo State Park
- Little Pine State Park
- Living Classrooms Foundation
- Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region
- Locust Lake State Park
- Mariners' Museum
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- Maymont
- Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Visitor's Center
- Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
- Millbrook Marsh Nature Center
- Montour Preserve
- Mt. Pisgah State Park
- National Aquarium in Baltimore
- National Arboretum
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Nauticus
- Nixon County Park Nature Center
- Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center
- North Bay Adventure
- Northumberland County Conservation District
- Oregon Ridge Nature Center
- Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Hill Farm
- Parker Dam State Park
- Pemberton Park
- Phillips Wharf Environmental Center
- Pickering Creek Audubon Center
- Prince Gallitzin State Park
- R. B. Winter State Park
- Renfrew Institute for Cultural and Environmental Science
- River & Trail Outfitters
- Rock Creek Park
- Rogers Environmental Education Center
- Saturaday Environmental Academy
- Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
- Shenandoah National Park
- Sideling Hill Exhibit Center
- Sizerville State Park
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
- Strawberry Hill Nature Center
- Stroud Water Research Center
- Sultana Projects
- Susquehanna Riverlands
- The Schuylkill Center
- The Watermen's Museum
- The Wildlife Center of Virginia
- Thorpewood
- Tuckahoe State Park
- Tuscarora State Park
- Valley Falls State Park
- Virginia Living Museum
- Virginia National Estuarine Research Reserve at VIMS
- Wildwood Lake Sanctuary
- William Schmidt Environmental Center
- York County Solid Waste Authority
Keywords
- All Keywords
- adaptation
- agriculture
- aquatic grass SAV
- beaver
- biodiversity
- blue crab
- boats, canoes and kayaks
- culture and watermen
- development
- dissolved oxygen
- economics
- ecosystem and biomes
- erosion
- experiments and investigations
- fish
- food web
- forest
- geocaching (GIS/GPS)
- green development
- habitat and niche
- identification
- invasive species
- John Smith and colonial times
- land use
- litter, trash and recycling
- Native American
- nitrogen and carbon cycle
- non-point source
- orienteering
- oyster
- photosynthesis
- point source
- pollution
- population growth
- predator prey relationships
- renewable resource
- restoration
- salinity
- schoolyard habitat
- sediment, soil and rocks
- smart growth
- stormwater
- stream study
- student action
- water and energy conservation
- water cycle and movement
- water quality
- water testing
- watershed
- weather
wetland- wildlife
Wetland Discovery
Students will explore animal and plant adaptations through wetland investigations. Stations will focus on how wetland plants are adapted to their watery environment, beaver bioengineering, microscopic wetland organisms, pollution, and the wetland web of life. Students will use scientific equipment, create nature sketches, participate in ecological games, and build beaver dams. The program is aligned with standards LS4aa–e, LS6, and LS8a–c.
Organization(s): Adkins ArboretumLocation: 12610 Eveland Road Ridgely, MD 21660 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Elementary School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: wetland, adaptation
Day Trips to Fairview
Programs focus on animal studies, astronomy, campfire, canoeing, challenge course, fishing, geology, hiking, orienteering, weather study, stream study and adventure activities.
Organization(s): Fairview Outdoor Education Center FacilitiesLocation: 12808 Draper Road Clear Spring, MD 21722 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: water cycle and movement, wetland, habitat and niche, orienteering, predator prey relationships, stream study, water testing, wildlife
Marsh Walk & Otter Habitat
This program is recommended March through October. Explore the relationship between marsh creatures both above and below the water. This outdoor exhibit is a living study of the plant and animal communities that inhabit saltwater, freshwater, and upland marshes. Includes a visit to our otter habitat where students interact with these most social of animals. Students learn the critical role the marsh plays in protecting the environment and investigate the clues animals leave behind to identify inhabitants in the marsh. Our Maritime Exhibit explores over 400 years of life on the Patuxent River, touching on Native Americans, colonists, boat builders, watermen, military training, recreation and research. We offer three different field trips in this area.
Organization(s): Calvert Marine MuseumLocation: 14200 Solomons Island Rd Solomons, MD 20688 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: wetland, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, Native American, wildlife, fish
Distance Learning Programs
If you can't come to the museum, we can come to you through our Distance Learning Programs. We are very excited to offer these programs to people in our region, across the country and around the globe.
Organization(s): Calvert Marine MuseumLocation: 14200 Solomons Island Rd Solomons, MD 20688 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, wetland, land use, watershed, culture and watermen, ecosystem and biomes, erosion, forest, habitat and niche, John Smith and colonial times, Native American, sediment, soil and rocks, wildlife, fish, economics
Visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refugee
The Refuge includes over 25,000 acres, composed mainly of rich tidal marsh. At the Refuge, visitors will find a beautiful Visitor Center, a Wildlife Drive, four hiking trails, three paddling trails, miles of cycling roads, hunting/fishing/crabbing opportunities, and adventures in environmental education.
Organization(s): Blackwater National Wildlife RefugeLocation: 2145 Key Wallace Drive Cambridge, MD 21613 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: boats, canoes and kayaks, invasive species, wetland, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, wildlife
How about Habitat
Experience and compare firsthand the variety of habitats Maryland has to offer. Explore stream, lake, wetland, meadow, and forest habitats and examine their inhabitants, structure, and ecological role in the greater environment. Available throughout the year. Offered as a single lesson or a series of lessons. We can also come to your school to do a pre-lesson to better prepare students for their field experience. Age range is Kindergarten to 5th grade. Location is Black Hill Visitor Center or can be flexible. Curriculum support for: skills and processes, earth/space, life, and environmental.
Organization(s): Black Hill Nature CenterLocation: 8787 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Elementary School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: wetland, forest, habitat and niche
Fish and Aquatic Resources Education Lessons
Students discover interesting facts about a variety of local fish and aquatic species and communities. The Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) houses a living collection of local fish species and other aquatic wildlife in 20-1,500 gallon display tanks. Scheduled programs include hands-on demonstrations and activities on the following topics: Fish Biology – learn basic fish anatomy and identification of local species Chesapeake Bay watershed – discover how individual actions impact our local habitats and wildlife Water as a Resource - investigate the importance of water for humans and animals Wetlands – explore local wetland habitats and how they function Teachers acquire additional activities to use with their students after a visit to the AREC. Teachers will be given support and assistance to answer any scientific questions relevant to our local urban fish and aquatic species.
Organization(s): Aquatic Resources Education CenterLocation: Anacostia Park Washington, DC 20020 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: water cycle and movement, wetland, watershed, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, wildlife, fish
Poplar Island Restoration Tour
Poplar tours and educational programs are available to the public Mondays through Fridays, from March through November. Students will receive an abbreviated tour of Poplar Island while participating in a variety of wetland activities. A variety of topics such as water quality, erosion, relationship to the Port of Baltimore’s economic impact, wetland studies, terrapin studies, birding, Maryland’s Dredged Material Management Program, and restoration techniques can be tailored to fit your group.
Organization(s): Amry Corps of EngineersLocation: 21548 Chicken Point Rd. Tilghman, MD 21671 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Restoration
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, wetland, ecosystem and biomes, erosion, habitat and niche, restoration, water quality, wildlife
Books, Bogs, and Bugs
Books, Bogs, and Bugs provides an introduction to wetland habitats using developmentally appropriate books, crafts, and activities.
Organization(s): Environmental ConcernLocation: 201 Boundary Lane St Michaels, MD 21663 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: wetland, wildlife
Wetland Survivor
Wetland Survivor puts physical, mental and strategic limits to the test! Participants must rely on their wetland knowledge as they compete in field-day style challenges which introduce them to the functions and values of wetlands. It's a great day full of challenges, rewards, and surprises!
Organization(s): Environmental ConcernLocation: 201 Boundary Lane St Michaels, MD 21663 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: wetland
Wetlands on Wheels
The Wetland on Wheels is a 38' mobile classroom that visits elementary schools and events in the Delmarva area. Highly qualified wetland educators travel with the mobile classroom to events and schools. During school visits educators teach wetland lessons to children in grades K -5
Organization(s): Environmental ConcernLocation: 201 Boundary Lane St Michaels, MD 21663 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, wetland, ecosystem and biomes, experiments and investigations, habitat and niche, wildlife, fish
Wetland Youth Leadership Program
Through this day-long workshop students will not only be trained in wetland ecology, but equipped with leadership tools that will help them to make a difference in their environment and community. This program is ideal for Service Learning and Ecology Clubs, or any high school students with an interest in nature and their community. This is a fun, hands-on way for students to explore wetlands and build their confidence as a youth leader.
Organization(s): Environmental ConcernLocation: 201 Boundary Lane St Michaels, MD 21663 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: wetland, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, wildlife, student action
Aquatic Adventure Program
This program introduces students to wetland ecology focusing on the concepts of biodiversity and interrelatedness using a comparative study of chemical, physical, and biological water quality indicators collected from salt and fresh marsh systems.
Organization(s): Environmental ConcernLocation: 201 Boundary Lane St Michaels, MD 21663 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: nitrogen and carbon cycle, pollution, wetland, biodiversity, habitat and niche, water quality
Exploring By Canoe Program
Learn basic paddling skills while exploring Abbott's Pond, home to beaver, turtles, waterfowl, and the occasional otter. Use seine nets and microscopes to collect and examine aquatic organisms. Learn how historic Abbott's Mill influenced the environment in the 1800's. Canoes, paddles and life preservers included in cost, no canoeing experience required.
Organization(s): Abbott's Mill Nature CenterLocation: 15411 Abbott's Pond Road Milford, DE 19963 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: boats, canoes and kayaks, wetland, watershed, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife, fish
Overnight and Extended-Day Programs
Overnights and Extended Days are a special adventure for everyone! One to three day programs are developed collaboratively with school leaders, assuring that educational standards and objectives are integrated into program design. The nature preserve supports a variety of forested, field and wetland habitats along Johnson and Tantrough Branch. Hiking trails, boardwalks and teaching stations provide unique education opportunities discovering the natural wonders of Southern Delaware.
Organization(s): Abbott's Mill Nature CenterLocation: 15411 Abbott's Pond Road Milford, DE 19963 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, History and Culture, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, wetland, land use, food web, adaptation, watershed, biodiversity, ecosystem and biomes, forest, habitat and niche, predator prey relationships, water quality, wildlife
Chesapeake Bay Ecology Program
This hands-on, 90-minute program allows students to explore the Chesapeake Bay estuary through its history, bounty, and ecology. Beach seining, aquaculture, and seagrass restoration activities help students to understand the complex nature of estuarine systems and our coastal environments.
Organization(s): The Watermen's MuseumLocation: 309 Water Street Yorktown, VA 23690 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, wetland, watershed, oyster, blue crab, aquatic grass SAV, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, restoration, water quality, wildlife, fish
Strawberry Hill Educational Programs
Strawberry Hill programs are fun as well as educational, featuring hands-on activities that involve all the students. Programs can range from 90 to 240 minutes in length. Programs are offered both at Strawberry Hill and at your site. Programs cover a diversity range of topics such as watersheds, wetlands, ecology, adaptation, energy.
Organization(s): Strawberry Hill Nature CenterLocation: 1537 Mount Hope Road Fairfield, PA 17320 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, water cycle and movement, wetland, land use, adaptation, watershed, water and energy conservation, ecosystem and biomes, forest, predator prey relationships, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife
Discovering Wetlands
Upper elementary students define and explore the wetland communities of Renfrew Park. They learn the three major types of wetlands and examine the plants, animals, soils, energy flow and water chemistry of these special ecosystems. Hands-on activities involve soil sampling, water testing for pH, plant study, and macroinvertebrate investigation. Students use watershed models to see how wetlands act as sponges and filters.
Organization(s): Renfrew Institute for Cultural and Environmental ScienceLocation: 1010 East Main Street Waynesboro, PA 17268 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: water cycle and movement, wetland, watershed, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife, fish
Audubon Watershed Experience (Signature Program)
Audubon Watershed Experience is designed to connect students in a tangible way to their place in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed through meaningful experiences reinforced by comprehensive in-class activities. Through fishing, seining and bird watching, students will learn about the environment, conservation, and their own relationship to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Organization(s): Pickering Creek Audubon CenterLocation: 11450 Audubon Lane Easton, MD 21601 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, water cycle and movement, wetland, watershed, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife, fish
Emerging Scientist Project
The Emerging Scientist Project (ESP) connects high school classrooms with local NOAA resources to expose students to oceanic and atmospheric research in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program encourages students to pursue scientific careers and challenges them to seek local solutions to problems facing the Bay. ESP has been used by biology, environmental science, and other science teachers to assist in teaching standards and concepts while actively engaging their students in local environmental issues.This flexible program is designed to be carried out over the course of one semester during normally scheduled classes.
Organization(s): National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)Location: 410 Severn Ave Annapolis, MD 21403 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): High School
Program Length(s): Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: nitrogen and carbon cycle, pollution, point source, non-point source, wetland, land use, watershed, agriculture, blue crab, development, aquatic grass SAV, ecosystem and biomes, experiments and investigations, forest, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife, salinity, fish, dissolved oxygen, student action
Field Trips to the Baltimore Aquarium
Take a self-guided through the exhibits or schedule a tour with aquarium staff. Explore the wonders of the underwater world and fish from all over the globe.
Organization(s): National Aquarium in BaltimoreLocation: 501 E. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: pollution, wetland, food web, adaptation, watershed, oyster, biodiversity, ecosystem and biomes, habitat and niche, predator prey relationships, restoration, water quality, wildlife, fish
Wildlife Investigation
Come to the reserve and observe a wide variety of waterfowl and wetland birds. Visit the Nature Discovery Room for exhibits on animals native to the sanctuary.
Organization(s): Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Visitor's CenterLocation: 11704 Fenno Road Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: wetland, habitat and niche, wildlife
Watersheds and You
Explore wetlands and look for biodiversity and interdependence of plants and animals in that particular habitat.
Organization(s): Irvine Nature CenterLocation: 11201 Garrison Forest Road Owings Mills , MD 21117 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Middle School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: wetland, watershed, habitat and niche, wildlife
Sensing Nature
Children will be encouraged to use all of their senses as they explore the woods, meadows and other habitats surrounding Irvine Nature Center.
Organization(s): Irvine Nature CenterLocation: 11201 Garrison Forest Road Owings Mills, MD 21117 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters
Level(s): Early Learning, High School
Program Length(s): Day Trips
Keywords: wetland, forest, habitat and niche, wildlife
Kids’ Bay Adventures Program
This program consists of several week-long educational sessions focused on different environmental topics. Children are given the opportunity to have fun in the outdoors, while learning about science and nature in their “own backyard.” Craft projects, games, and other activities are included as part of the educational experience. This program is offered for children entering pre-K – 8th grades in the upcoming school year.
Organization(s): Horn Point LaboratoryLocation: 2020 Horn Point Road Cambridge, MD 21613 (Map It)
Theme(s): Habitats and Critters, Pollution and Pressures, Land Use and Agriculture
Level(s): Early Learning, Elementary School, Middle School
Program Length(s): Multi-Day Trips
Keywords: boats, canoes and kayaks, pollution, water cycle and movement, wetland, land use, watershed, ecosystem and biomes, forest, habitat and niche, stream study, water quality, water testing, wildlife

