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)
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.
Field trips can be specifically designed to meet your student's interest and curriculum requirements. Most topics can be adapted to most ages.
Check below the different CITF programs we offer and fill out the field trip application to register your school. Also, sign up for our Educators Newsletter for deadlines and information.
CITF for Elementary School
Adapt to the Habitat
Explore and compare life in the woods, creek, and marsh. How do they adapt?
Classification Investigation
Mammals, amphibians, reptiles and more! Learn how they fit together.
Creek Exploration - Get a Net
What can you find in the creek? Is the water clean or polluted?
Helping Hands for Healthy Habitats
Give back by helping with a Jug Bay project!
Life in the Forest
Explore the forest! Dig in the dirt, look under logs, listen for birds, find and appreciate nature's treasure.
Pond Exploration (Spring Only)
Explore the springtime pond! Can you catch a salamander?
Wetland Ecology
Experience our tidal marsh, watch an osprey, find a tree frog! Learn why wetlands so important!
CITF for Middle and High School
Amphibian Adventures
Learn frog calls and search for salamanders. Amphibians teach us so much!
Forest Succession Survey
Learn forest ecology concepts and use research methods to survey and evaluate two forest plots.
Helping Hands for Healthy Habitats
Complete a stewardship project to give back to the Sanctuary.
Life in the Forest
Explore the forest and learn about the diverse plant and animal life.
Plankton Investigation
Collect and observe Patuxent River plankton through a microscope Learn about their life cycle and importance.
PLANS II
Experience the marsh, explore plankton under a microscope and test oysters' ability to filter feed.
Pollinators and Plants
Learn about plants and insects living in the butterfly garden. Compare diversity in the meadow and forest.
Pond Exploration (Spring Only)
Look for life in the pond and learn about salamanders' complex life cycle.
Stream Ecology and Survey
Collect physical, chemical and biological data for stream quality assessment.
Watersheds and Water Quality
Run water quality tests comparing different sites.
Wetland Ecology
Experience the freshwater tidal wetland, learn about habitat, diversity, and ecological role.
Wetland Ecology by Canoe
Experience Jug Bay and the Patuxent River by canoe. Learn about the ecological role, diversity and history.
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. To register call 410-222-8006 or email jugbay@aacounty.org
Program Dates: March 5, April 2, May 14, June 4.