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 Sarah Kempfer at rpkemp00@aacounty.org for more information.
Classrooms In The Field (CITF)
Our Education Coordinator, Sarah Kempfer has accepted a new opportunity with the Alice Ferguson Foundation and will be leaving us soon. To provide time to make this transition, we are reluctantly closing the application for Fall field trips. Please feel free to register for the 2022 season and thank you for your patience in receiving a response.
If you or someone you know would be interested in this position, encourage them to apply! Details on the position and application process are on our Careers Page.
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.
Please note there are changes to our programs caused by the COVID 19 pandemic:
In-Person Field Trips
Sign up your child, family, learning pod, scout troup, or school group for a field experience at Jug Bay! Groups of about 10 people 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! Masks are required. $3pp
Live Virtual Field Trips
Invite a Jug Bay naturalist to join your live virtual student meeting and we will take them on a hike to explore the marsh ecosystem. Discussion and Q & A as technology allows. Encourage students to explore their own nearby nature. $3 pp. $30 minimum
Virtual Field Trips
Have your class watch a recorded hike on the marsh boardwalk and schedule a question and answer period with a naturalist. Encourage students to explore their own nearby nature. $3pp. $30 minimum.
Self-Led Field Trip
Bring your children, homeschool pod, or other small group for a self-guided hike at Jug Bay. Borrow an explorer bag with educational materials and activities. Available on public days – Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 5pm. (Park entrance fee of $6/car)
Click below to fill out the field trip application and register your group. Also, sign up for our Educators 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: $6 per child. Pay at Visitor Center upon arrival. To register click the "Sign up today" button below.
Program Dates: October 8, November 12, December 10, January 14.