Environmental Education

Hampton Roads Environmental Education Program

The Hampton Roads program offers students a floating classroom to explore local waterways and deepen their knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay.

Virginia
A couple dozen teachers and students stand and smile on the stern of a boat.
Kyle LaFerriere
A couple dozen teachers and students stand and smile on the stern of a boat.

Directions | Program Overview (PDF) | Information for Parents & Guardians

Program capacity: 30 participants (grade 4 and above).

Near the southernmost portion of the Chesapeake, students aboard the field investigation boat Jenny S. explore the Elizabeth, Lynnhaven, and James Rivers while investigating the relationship between the land and the water. The Hampton Roads Environmental Education Program offers students a floating classroom to explore local waterways and deepen their knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay. Investigations include sampling and identifying aquatic species and their connection to local environmental issues. Students also perform water quality tests and analyze the results to understand the effects of human activity on the estuary, local ecosystem health, and system dynamics and what we can do to improve it.

We are looking forward to moving to our new climate-friendly green boat, the Macon Memories, later this year.

Groups may select from one of four locations: Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth or Virginia Beach at the Brock Environmental Center.

Bring the watershed to life before and after your CBF Student Field Program using our curated list curriculum-based Resources for Teachers and Students.  

Meet Our Team

Meet our passionate team of experts, dedicated to inspiring future Bay stewards through hands-on learning and unforgettable experiences.
View All People
  • Education

    Josh Gilliland

    Hampton Roads Program Captain/Educator

  • Connor Trexel wears a yellow vest and holds a turtle while sitting in an orange kayak.
    Education

    Connor Trexel

    Hampton Roads Program Manager/Educator

Related Resources

Explore our resources to learn more about the Bay and how you can help protect it.
View All Resources
Resource Directions to the Brock Environmental Center & Mobile Oyster Restoration Center
Directions to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Brock Environmental Center and Mobile Oyster Restoration Center.
Resource Resources for Teachers and Students
Dive into environmental education resources about the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers, and streams, including blogs, videos, student investigations, and more. Perfect for teachers, parents, and students in the classroom and at home.
Resource Apply for a Student Field Program
CBF Education offers one-day and multi-day field programs for students and teachers to get outside with us and learn about the Bay, its rivers, and streams.
Resource Information for Parents and Guardians
These are the forms that your child will need (including health forms and packing lists) for our one-day and residential (overnight) programs.
Resource Student Field Programs Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about CBF's Student Field Programs.
Resource Safety and Educator Certification
We are committed to the safety of all our participants.

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