Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary offers field trips, camps, and programs to give children the opportunity to learn about and experience nature. Activities range from water quality testing to catching frogs along the marsh boardwalk. Our mission is to immerse children, the future stewards of the planet, in the wonders of science and the natural world.
Children spend less time outdoors than ever before. Children who are connected to nature have better health, higher satisfaction with life, and pro-environmental behaviors. Bring the children to Jug Bay where they can experience, explore, and learn to appreciate nature while considering the impacts of human activity on it.
Become a Jug Bay Volunteer Naturalist
Do you love nature and teaching kids?
Become a Volunteer Naturalist educator and share your love of nature with children at Jug Bay! Our field trips rely on a dedicated group of volunteer educators. We provide the training. Contact Beth at rpsieg21@aacounty.org for more information.
Classrooms In The Field (CITF)
Classrooms in the Field are hands-on field experiences for students from kindergarten to college. Our outdoor programs are tailored to meet the needs of students and teachers alike, actively involving students in the learning process and introducing them to many facets of ecology and scientific research, while meeting state core curriculum standards.
In-Person Field Trips
Sign up your child, family, learning pod, scout troop, or school group for a field experience at Jug Bay! Groups will join a naturalist for an exploration of the marsh and forest. Experience the marsh, learn about our local plants, animals, and birds, explore the beauty of nature! 50 child max per day. $3pp. ($30 minimum fee).
Spring season applications are open from November to March (or until full) for CITF trips from early April to end of May.
Fall season applications are open from May to September (or until full) for CITF trips from Mid-September to Mid-November.
Self-Led Field Trip
Bring your class, homeschool pod, or other group to Jug Bay for a self-guided field trip. Watch videos, borrow an explorer bag with educational materials and activities, and spend the day teaching your charges about nature. Available on public days – Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays* (Mar-Nov) from 9 am to 5pm. ($30 minimum fee.)
Click below to fill out the field trip application and register your group. Also, sign up for our Educator's Newsletter for deadlines and information.
CITF for Elementary School
CITF for Middle and High School
Preschool Program
Jug Bay offers a monthly program for preschoolers and their parent/guardian.
Bring the little ones to explore nature! Learn about a nature topic and then head out to experience the Sanctuary. We look, feel, listen, and discover at preschooler speed. Dress for the weather - we will always try to go outside! Parents play along with their children.
Ages: 3-5. Fee: $10 per child. To register click the "Sign up today" button below or on each date.
If you would like to stay after the program to explore the Sanctuary, an entry fee of $6 per car is required or you can sign up to become a FOJB member ($35 for a family) and pay no admission fees until the end of December!
Program Dates:
Homeschool Hikers!
Jug Bay also offers seasonal programs for homeschoolers. (4 in the Fall and 4 in the Spring)
Bring your learners to explore and learn about nature! We cover a different nature topic each visit and then head out to experience the Sanctuary. We look, feel, listen, and discover. Dress for the weather - we will always try to go outside!
Ages: 6-10. Fee: $10 per child. To register click the "Sign up today" button below or click on each date.
If you would like to stay after the program to explore the Sanctuary, an entry fee of $6 per car is required or you can sign up to become a FOJB member ($35 for a family) and pay no admission fees until the end of December!
Program Dates: