ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Bombay Hook
offers hands on nature studies for
grades one through twelve, allowing students to experience the several
habitats
on the refuge – from tidal salt marsh to freshwater impoundments,
upland
fields, and forests.
Program
Opportunities:
1. Wildlife Tour of the Refuge. Tour
includes description of management
techniques used to enhance habitats, description of various habitats,
history
of the refuge, and identification of birds and other wildlife found on
the
refuge. Available for grades
one through twelve. Refuge guide or
teacher guided tour.
2.
Nature Walks. A total
of five tails (three leading to observation towers) range from one
quarter to
one mile in length and emphasize wetland values, habitat distinctions,
and
wildlife can be visited. Available
for grades one through
twelve. Refuge guide or teacher guided
walk.
Most school
groups will
select a combination of the above program opportunities based on the
school’s
curriculum objectives, grade level, and length of time the group will
be on the
refuge. Refuge staff can assist in
planning the day’s activities.
Planning for
the Visit:
Teachers can
obtain
material for each of the four lesson plans, as well as other
information
necessary to prepare the class before the visit by contacting Tina
Watson, Outdoor Recreational Planner at
302-653-6872. It is expected that there
will be classroom preparation before the visit as will as follow-up
after visit
so that this can be a successful learning experience.
One day
training
programs for teachers, scout leaders, and volunteers are held
periodically to
prepare those in charge of visiting classes or groups.
Contact Tina Watson, Outdoor Recreational
Planner at 302-653-6872 for information about the training programs.
Facilities:
A twelve-mile
auto trail
winds through the upland area of the refuge and connects with the five
walking
trails. The Visitor’s Facility at the
entrance to the refuge includes administrative office, restrooms, an
auditorium, exhibits, and a Refuge Store.
Picnic tables are located outdoors and adjacent to the Visitor’s
Facility. No food or beverages are
available on the refuge. Students,
teachers, chaperones, and bus drivers must bring boxed lunches. There are no restroom facilities on the
refuge other then those in the Visitor’s Facility.
All activities are outdoors, except for
videos and staff talks which are held in the auditorium of the
Visitor’s
Facility.
Tips for a
Safe and Comfortable Visit:
Long sleeves
and long
pants that can be tucked into socks to discourage mosquito, fly, and
tick bits
are strongly recommended, as is proper footwear for walking in
sometimes wet
areas. Insect repellent also can be
helpful; however, teachers and chaperones should supervise its use. A tick check should be conducted after the
visit.
Teachers and
chaperones
should instruct students to walk in the middle of the paths when on the
walking
trails in order to avoid contact with poison ivy.
Chaperones:
A 1 to 5
ratio of
chaperones to students is ideal, particularly for the lower grades, and
this
ratio should not exceed 1 to 10 for any age group.
Proper supervision of students is necessary
at all times and is not the responsibility of Refuge Staff. Chaperones should understand that this is a
classroom activity and a learning experience for the students, not a
vacation
day.
Things to Remind Students:
Things for
the Teacher to do:
Consider
participating in one of the one day training programs for teachers.
Obtain lesson
plans from the Bombay Hook website (or by calling Tina Watson).
Get
chaperones for your class – 1:5 recommended ratio.
Consult with
your bus driver to determine the exact time your bus must return to the
school from Bombay Hook and make sure the Naturalist conducting your
visit is made aware of this time. The bus
is used to transport the children to different locations on the Refuge.
Arrive
at the
refuge at the scheduled time so that the activity plan for your class
is not disrupted.