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.
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.
Public / Private School Field Trips
Apply for a field experience at Jug Bay! School groups will join a naturalist for an exploration of a variety of habitats found at Jug Bay. Experience the marsh, learn about our local plants, animals, and birds, and explore natural science concepts.
- 50 children max per day.
- $5 pp. ($50 minimum fee). (Wetland Ecology by Canoe is $20 pp. limit 14, age requirement applies.)
- We follow AACPS chaperone guidelines. Learn more in the guidelines link below.
- Max 4 hours - between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm
Spring season applications are open from November to March (or until full) for CITF trips from early April to the end of May.
Fall season applications are open from May to August (or until full) for CITF trips from mid-September to early November.
*Our Marsh Boardwalk will be open for spring CITF*
Homeschool Group Field Trips
Apply for a field experience at Jug Bay! Homeschool groups will join a naturalist for an exploration of a variety of habitats found at Jug Bay. Experience the marsh, learn about our local plants, animals, and birds, and explore natural science concepts. Limited spaces are available.
- 10 student minimum and 25 max kids per day
- $5 pp ($50 minimum)
- Max 3 hours - between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm)
- It can be held at the Sanctuary or GNP
- The coordinating parent will be responsible for communicating with parents, sending forms, and informing of policies
- Payment is due one week before the field trip date.
- No refunds for no-shows.
Self-Led Field Trips
Bring your class or homeschool group to Jug Bay for a self-propelled field trip. Self-led field trips are held here at the Sanctuary Proper on Wednesdays and Fridays (*car and bus fee) OR at Glendening Nature Preserve** Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Self-led trips offer opportunities to lead your own trips and learn at your own pace. You will have access to informational videos about Jug Bay and the Education Coordinator can help guide you with materials to lead your trip.
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.
*$50 bus fee or $6 per vehicle required at the Sanctuary Proper.
**No fee at GNP but registration is required.
CITF for Elementary School
CITF for Middle and High School
Homeschool Hikers - Fall Series
Jug Bay also offers seasonal programs for homeschoolers.
New for fall of 2025, we are offering 2 age group homeschool classes. For students aged 10 - 13 we (usually) meet the first Wednesday of the month. For students ages 6-9, we (usually) meet the third Wednesday of the month. See below for specific details on dates and topics.
Bring your homeschoolers to explore and learn about nature! Each fall and spring we offer a series of homeschool lessons organized around a central theme. Each class covers a related topic in that theme. This fall we focus in on Arthropods. While it is not mandatory to attend all sessions, it is recommended to get the whole picture. We offer a short informative lesson, outdoor time, and finish with an activity or craft. We look, feel, listen, and discover all things nature. Dress for the weather - we will always opt for outside!
Fee: $10 per child.
To register, follow the link following each program date or hit the "sign up today" button below.
Program Dates:
September 10, 2005 - Arthropods- Insects (ages 10-13)
September 24, 2025 - Arthropods- Insects (ages 6-9)
October 1, 2025 - Arthropods- Arachnids (ages 10-13)
October 15, 2025 - Arthropods- Arachnids (ages 6-9)
November 5, 2025 - Arthropods- Crustaceans (ages 10-13)
November 19, 2025 - Arthropods- Crustaceans (ages 6-9)
December 3, 2025 - Arthropods- Fossils (ages 10-13)
December 17, 2025 - Arthropods- Fossils (ages 6-9)
Summer Camps
Send a Kid to Camp Campaign
Camp not only provides children with a community of caring adults who nurture experiential education that results in self-respect and appreciation for human value, but it also helps build self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect. At our nature camps, kids have a chance to connect with nature, explore curiosities of the natural world, create some powerful core memories, and make new friends!
Unfortunately, not all kids have the monetary means to access camp. If you'd like to help change the life of a child by helping them attend one of our nature camps, please consider donating today.