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Patuxent Research Refuge
National Wildlife Visitor Center School Programs

School Programs are offered year round.

• Naturalist led programs - the Winter Programs, see below - are offered mid-November through mid-March.
• Interpreted tram tours are offered spring through fall. Exact dates of the tour season vary by year. See Tram Tours for tram schedules and reservation information.

Winter Programs (revised January 2004)

The following naturalist led programs will be offered mid-November through mid-March for school groups whose teacher has attended a General Orientation Workshop at the National Wildlife Visitor Center (see Teacher Workshops). Reservations required for all programs at time of field trip registration.  Program group size limited to 20 students.  Reservation forms available at orientation or call 301-497-5898.

WALKING WITH WOLVES PreK – 3rd grade

Students will recognize and identify different ways that wolves adapt to their environment. During this program, students will learn about the basic needs of wolves and how their habitat helps provide for those basic needs.

OTTER’S TALE K – 4th Grade

Students will join us in exploring the ocean world, as we follow a day in the life of a California Sea Otter. During this program, students will learn about the characteristics that allow the sea otters to adapt and survive in a cold and watery habitat.

SUITCASE FOR SURVIVAL 5th – 8th Grade

Students will investigate wildlife trade in endangered and threatened species. The students will identify various products confiscated by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife law enforcement and analyze how humans have a major impact on various endangered and threatened species. The students will also investigate what can be done to help endangered and threatened species.

CRANE CRISIS 9th – 12th Grade

Crane Crisis introduces the students to the plight of the endangered Whooping Crane in an interactive presentation. Students will be given background information on how this species became endangered and how researchers are working to reestablish the crane population in North America.