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For Teachers

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 Orientation (30 min)
• Guided tours of Wildlife Drive (approximately 1 hour)
• Visitor center tours (grades K-5) (approximately 1 hour)
• Marsh explorations (1-1.5 hours)
• Mobile exhibits (upon request)
• Assistance to scouts (upon request)
• Educational videos (call for list; generally 20 min depending on video)

Note: All programs must be arranged in advance by calling Tom Miller at 410-228-2677 or by emailing thomas_j_miller@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.