Credit: USFWS Environmental Education

Welcome to our Educator Resource Page. This page is designed for educators who are interested in bringing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System into the classroom or for educators who want to get their class out on the Refuge. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge has many programs that can be modified to meet the needs of you and your students. We currently offer the following programs:

• Refuge Orientations
• Trail Walks
• Guided Tours of the Wildlife Drive
• Refuge System Puppet show for grades K-5
• Visitor Center Tours for grades K-5
• Marsh Explorations
• Woodland Explorations
• Career Awareness Programs grades 7-12, college level
• Mobile exhibits on Blackwater for your upcoming event
• Assistance to scout troops looking to complete nature-oriented merit badges
• Educational Videos - call for list

Note: All programs must be arranged in advance by calling 410-228-2677 or by emailing Maggie Briggs at maggie_briggs@fws.gov

All of the above listed activities are free to any educational group. Programs can be designed to accommodate young children and special populations. The Wildlife Drive entrance fee is waived for all educational-institution guided tours. The Visitor Center is free to all.

Online Resources

View the Chesapeake Bay Estuary Program Resource Guide to see the classroom aids, fact sheets, and informational packets that are available to educators.

Visit the wildlife picture quizzes page and list of education resources on the Friends of Blackwater website.

Also, visit the Raptor Cams page on this website to learn more about the Blackwater Refuge Osprey Cam and Eagle Cam, which schools can access via the Friends of Blackwater website. The raptor cams have provided thousands of students with a rare look at the nesting behaviors of these two entertaining species.

Additional Resources

Email or call the Refuge for information on obtaining a copy of the "Blackwater Environmental Education Manual" or for information on using the new environmental education building located at the entrance to the Wildlife Drive.

Read the May 7, 2008 press release regarding the success of the first classes at the new environmental education building.

Credit: USFWS Environmental Education Building

Credit: USFWS Food Chain Workshop