Can’t get away from school for a field trip?

The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center will come to you!

We offer a variety of outreach programs that are hands-on and make a meaningful addition to your curriculum. Programs and rates are described below. To discuss scheduling a program, please contact aperis@bayrestoration.org or call 443.786.0378. Then, complete and return the Outreach Program Request Form found on the Teachers Resource Page.

Birds of Prey Program- Appropriate for all ages, 1-2 hours

During this program, participants will meet several different species of raptors, and discover the special adaptations of these birds of prey. Through up-close observations and discussions, the participants will learn about the unique visual and auditory adaptations, as well as other features that put these hunters at the pinnacle of the food chain. Special attention will be given to the importance of raptors to an ecosystem, especially the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Finally, participants will conduct a pellet dissection and use identification materials to determine the diet of an owl.

Remarkable Oyster- Appropriate for 3rd grade through adults, 1-2 hours

Discover the amazing filtering ability of this important mollusk and its effects on Chesapeake Bay water quality. Participants will learn about the life cycle of an oyster and the process of restoring the oyster population that many restoration organizations are currently engaged in. Participants will also explore the importance of oyster reefs so vital to the Bay’s biodiversity by learning different reef structures and configurations and the success of these artificial habitats. Finally, participants will examine live reef shell looking for a myriad of inhabiting organisms that live within the Benthic Community.

Hooray for Horseshoe Crabs – Appropriate for pK-Adults, 0.5-1.5 hours

Students participate in a program designed to give them a basic understanding of the Horseshoe Crab – Lymulus Polyphemus – and its importance as a resource to three distinct groups: HSC provide an important food source for migrating shorebirds, Fisherman harvest HSC to be used as bait and HSC are important for medical research and human health – BIRDS, BAIT & BLOOD.  Program includes handling of models or live crabs (in season, generally May-August), a lively presentation with many artifacts to investigate, a short video, and a review game (optional).

Critters of the Chesapeake – Appropriate for pK-6th, program time depends on number of programs selected

Let CBEC’s educators take over instruction for the day (or most of it) and bring 2-4 of our critter focused programs to you!  Cost is per class, with up to 4 programs running concurrently, so we can accommodate up to 4 classes at a time.  Choose from Remarkable Oysters, Birds of Prey, Hooray for Horseshoe Crabs, and Welcome to the Watershed to create a hands-on, exciting in-school field trip!  Programs can be adjusted to run 45 minutes to 1 hour each.

Off-Site Education Program Rates

Cost of programs includes Program Fee and Travel Fee. For large groups, you may schedule multiple sessions of selected program. Reduced rates for additional sessions!

Birds of Prey (recommended for up to 30 students at a time. May be presented assembly-style for large groups)
• $150 for 1 presentation, $100 for additional sessions, OR $450 full day (up to 7 hours)

Hooray for Horseshoe Crabs (up to 30 students at a time)
• $150 for 1 presentation, $100 for additional sessions, OR $450 full day (up to 7 hours)

Remarkable Oyster (up to 30 students, max of 2 presentations in one day)
• $150 for 1 presentation, $100 for additional session

Critters of the Chesapeake

• $150 per class, up to 3 classes

Travel Fee
• Up to 30 miles from Grasonville, MD: $20
• 30-50 miles: $50

  • Generally not available if more than 50 miles, but feel free to call to discuss