Environmental Concern promotes the public understanding and stewardship of wetlands with the goal of improving water quality and enhancing nature’s habitat. This is accomplished through outreach and

education, native species horticulture and the restoration, creation and enhancement of wetlands.

www.wetland.org

Environmental Concern Inc. 201 Boundary Lane • Post Office Box P

St. Michaels, Maryland 21663 410-745-9620

Environmental Concern is a cer fied MD Green Center. We’ll help your school become a Cer fied Green School!

• EC conducts environmental educa on programs for students and teachers, at your school or at our Wetland Learning Center in St. Michaels, MD.

• EC provides professional development opportuni es for teachers in various environmental topics.

• EC provides design and installa on services of schoolyard outdoor habitats. For a full list of requirements to become a

Maryland Green School, visit www.maeoe.org.

Do you want to be a Maryland Green School? Environmental Concern can help!

Restora on The EC Restora on Division restores degraded wetlands and constructs new wetlands to improve water quality,

manage storm water, enhance habitat, stabilize shoreline erosion and mi gate wetland loss. The Restora on Division has restored over 35 miles of

shoreline in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Educa on

The Educa on Department trains teachers and professionals, develops curriculum and educa onal

materials, promotes schoolyard wetland habitat development, and conducts innova ve outreach

programs with the goal of increasing the understanding and apprecia on of wetlands.

Nursery

EC maintains the na on’s first wholesale wetland plant nursery. In addi on to opera ng as a

wholesale nursery to the industry, EC’s nursery is an integral part of educa on and research endeavors.

EC propagates 120 species that are na ve to the Northeast US.

Environmental Concern Inc. Wetland stewardship since 1972

Copyright 1985 Environmental Concern, PO Box P, St. Michaels, MD 21663 www.wetland.org

Get Ready, Get Wet, Go! to Environmental Concern for all your wetland education needs!

Environmental Concern 201 Boundary Lane PO Box P St. Michaels, MD 21663

For more information, visit www.wetland.org or call 410-745-9620

WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands WOW! introduces par cipants to wetland ecology through a study of the three parameters of wetlands: vegeta on, soils and hydrology. Par cipants will also learn about wetland func ons and values by u lizing K‐12 cross curricular, inquiry based ac vi es. Leave with a wetland resource guide with over 50 hands‐on, mul disciplinary ac vi es in lesson plan format, and ideas for student ac on projects. “The most comprehensive introduc on to wetland issues and defini ons.” ‐ North American Associa on for Environmental Educa on (NAEE) 

POW! The Planning of Wetlands Par cipants will learn the step‐by‐step process for crea ng or enhancing wetlands on school grounds or within the community. POW! guides par cipants through wetland design and construc on with the goal of u lizing the habitat as an outdoor classroom. Leave with cross curricular ac vi es that allow students to par cipate in the design, installa on and monitoring of a schoolyard wetland habitat. Workshop includes the newly revised and updated POW! curriculum guide.

Educator Professional Development

Environmental Concern will: • Provide promo onal materials. • Process registra ons. • Assist in recrui ng par cipants. • Prepare workshop materials. • Teach the workshop(s).

The Hos ng Organiza on will: • Provide the loca on. • Recruit par cipants. • Provide some basic resources. • Receive 2 free spots in the workshops. • Be highlighted as a partner.

Hos ng a Wetland Workshop is an exci ng and fulfilling experience. Like any partnership, both par es are responsible

for crea ng a successful workshop.

Workshop Details:

• A minimum of 12 paying par cipants is required per workshop. • You can host one, two, or all workshops. • Each course is a day‐long workshop. Shorter programs can be arranged if necessary. • There is no cost to the partner.

Know ’em and Grow ’em (KEGE): Wetland Plant Iden fica on for Educators

This course provides educators with an understanding of wetland plant ecology and adapta ons, and the resources to iden fy plant species in the field. Materials will also cover na ve and non‐na ve species and plan ng ps. Educators will gain valuable tools to increase students’ interest in wetland plants, and inspira on to construct schoolyard wetland habitats.

Become a partner and host a workshop!

WOW! Facilitator Training

During this training (WOW! is a pre‐requisite) par cipants con nue their study of wetlands, prac ce addi onal ac vi es included in the book, but not covered during WOW, and learn the processes of leading WOW! Workshops, and protocols of the na onwide WOW! Facilitator Network. Workshop includes WOW! Facilitator Manual, and access to years of facilitator informa on and tools.

Rain Gardens as Outdoor Classrooms

This one‐day course introduces educators to the concept of rain gardens and their value as schoolyard habitats. Par cipants will understand how rain gardens benefit the environment by improving the watershed and how they can be used as an extension of the classroom. Par cipants will leave with the basic knowledge of how to plan, design and implement a rain garden from start to finish.

• To help the environment. • To increase learning. • To improve behavior & health. • To connect students to nature.

• Costs vary based on size of project, complexity, availability of labor, and other considera ons.

• Costs can range from as low as a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

• Environmental Concern will work with your school to develop a plan that fits your budget.

How much will the  habitat cost? 

Create: Marshes, Wet Meadows, Rain Gardens, Small Ponds,

Vernal Pools, or Pollinator Gardens as Outdoor Classrooms

Schoolyard Habitats

 

Why Build A  Schoolyard  Habitat? 

Let Environmental Concern Be Your Wetland Habitat Provider  

Ini al Site Visit Environmental Concern (EC) staff will meet with you to discuss project goals, and create a project plan.

Habitat Design EC staff will help turn your ideas into a detailed plan including computer aided drawings.

Plant Selec on Wetland plant experts will help select the quan ty and types of na ve species best suited to your site. Plants can be provided from EC’s na ve plant nursery.

Project Supervision EC staff will oversee excava on, and lead students during the plan ng day.

Youth Habitat Programs EC staff will customize interac ve lessons to familiarize your students with their new habitat.

Educator Habitat Programs EC staff will train educators how to incorporate the habitat into the school’s curriculum.

Watershed Adventures at your School How it works: Select from our K‐5th grade lessons. An EC Wetland Educator will travel to your site to teach interac ve wetland and watershed focused lessons. Students will experience the exci ng world of wetland habitats without having to leave your building.

Availability: Available year‐round at schools in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC and Delaware.

Dura on: Half and full day op ons, from 3 to 8 classes per day.

EC provides: • K‐5 curriculum correlated to the MD, VA,

and DE state curriculum standards. • Fun, interac ve wetland lessons and

ac vi es led by a skilled Wetland Educator.

• Pre and post student assessments. • Curriculum materials for your use before

and a er the visit.

The school provides: • A standard sized (or larger) classroom

space (some programs will require tables).

• Schedule of classes (including loca on, mes, par cipant #s and grades) at least

2 business days prior to programs. • Teacher or chaperone must stay with

each class. Cost: From $100 ‐ $210 per day, plus mileage (depending on loca on and selec ons).

Let Environmental Concern compliment your existing science and watershed curriculum. Our programs are a great way to work towards

fulfilling the Environmental Education Standards and MWEE criteria! Class are correlated to the MD, DE, and VA standards.

Grades K‐2 Half Hour Programs

Wetland Charm: Kindergarten Students will learn about wetlands and

their importance through a cra .

Plants Make a Wetland: Grade 1 Students will study wetland plants

and their parts through stories and hands‐on ac vi es.

Wetlands and Birds: Grade 2 Students will focus on wetland birds

and their adapta ons through hands‐on ac vi es.

Grades 3‐5 Full Hour Programs

What’s the Ma er?: Grade 3 Students will trace energy as it

changes forms, and moves through the Wetland food web.

Diversity of Life: Grade 4 Students will explore the adapta ons

that plants and animals have developed that allow them to survive in wetlands.

Cause and Effect: Grade 5 Students will inves gate how wetlands

affect water quality by tes ng and comparing water quality results. 

Wetlands on Wheels: Classroom Edition

Wetland Adventure Introduces students to wetlands while focusing on the concept of watersheds, human and wildlife connec ons, and wetland adapta ons. Program compares several wetlands with fun interac ve ac vi es.

The adventure doesn’t stop once it gets cold. Contact us about winter programs.

Age: Grades 3 ‐ 5

Dura on: 3 ‐ 4 hrs

Cost: $10/par cipant

Aqua c Adventure Introduces students to wetland ecology focusing on the concepts of biodiversity and interrelatedness using a compara ve study of chemical, physical, and biological water quality indicators collected from salt and fresh marsh systems.

Age: Grades 6 ‐ 10

Dura on: 5 ‐ 6 hrs

Cost: $12/par cipant

Youth Programs

Wetland Survivor This program puts physical, mental, and strategic limits to the test. Par cipants must rely on their wetland knowledge as they compete in field‐day style challenges which introduce them to the func ons and values of wetlands. This is a perfect match for a summer camp, field day at schools or Scout and Youth groups!

Age: Grades 4 ‐ 8

Dura on: 1/2 day (3hrs) or 1 day (6 hrs)

Cost: $12/par cipant‐3hr $15/par cipant‐6hr

Find Your Muse in the Marsh Learn about marshes and leave with masterpieces. Students study the Chesapeake Bay through the crea on of fun wetland art.

Age: Grades 6 –12

Dura on: 3hr

Cost: $10/par cipant

Scout Programs Interest Projects, Try‐Its and Badges 

Our programs engage scouts in wetland ac vi es which help them develop environmental awareness skills that will allow them to complete Interest Project Awards. EC patches available.

Age: Brownies, Juniors, Cade es and Seniors

Dura on: 3 ‐ 6 hrs Cost: $10 ‐ $12/par cipant

Custom Programs

EC can create a custom program to help fit your wetland educa on needs for all ages. Come join us at our Wetland Learning Center in St. Michaels, MD where par cipants are introduced to wetlands while exploring our fresh and saltwater habitats.

All programs have a minimum of 10 par cipants.  Ask about larger group discounts. 

Many programs available year round, at your site or Environmental Concern’s Wetland Learning Center. 

Visit Environmental Concern for your next field trip!

Custom programs include: • naturalist talks; • water quality monitoring; • plant iden fica on; • wetland & nursery tour; • turtle programs; and • schoolyard habitats.

WOW! Ac vity Kits 12 different kits premade WOW! Ac vity Kits are available. Each includes the necessary materials for up to 30 par cipants.

Level: Students – Adults Cost: $15 ‐ $45 (varies per kit) plus S & H

Wetland Charm Kits Charms are made using colorful gli er confe and objects to represent characteris cs and benefits of wetlands. Kits include instruc ons, discussion points, and materials for making 30 charm necklaces.

Level: Elementary Cost: $10 ea. plus S & H

Write On! Wetlands Challenge Books

Build your wetland library while crea ng wetland stewards at the same me! Write‐on books are wetland themed books wri en by students for students with available teacher edi ons.

Level: Grades K‐6 Cost: $7 ea. (discount for complete set) plus S & H

Wetland 101 Trunk The perfect supplement for your water related curriculum, the trunk offers skulls, tracks, videos, books, Wetlands 101 PowerPoint, wetland informa on and more. Also included is the WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands! curriculum guide for you to keep. Level: Grades K ‐ 6 Dura on: 2 week rental Cost: $75 plus S & H

WOW! Ac vity Trunk This lending resource is designed for educators interested in borrowing WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands Ac vity materials for a short unit or for WOW! Facilitators leading a workshop. Trunk includes material sets of ready‐to‐use WOW! ac vi es to lead over 17 of our most popular ac vi es including Wetland in a Pan, Do You Dig Wetland Soil?, and Wetland Habitats. Level: Kindergarten ‐ Adults Dura on: 1 week rental Cost: $50 plus S & H

Educational Resources

Wetlands 101 CD for Kids This CD is a great resource for busy teachers who would like a pre‐made presenta on to help teach their students about the wonderful world of wetlands. The CD includes a PowerPoint to help answer your students’ wetland ques ons, as well as an addi onal file of teacher notes to facilitate a more in‐depth wetland discussion.

Level: Elementary level Cost: $7 plus S & H

WOW! Student Ac vity Page CD All of the WOW! Ac vity Pages available in one CD filled with digital copies of all the student pages from the WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands curriculum guide.

Level: Educators Cost: $6 plus S & H

WOW Facilitator CD: To save our facilitator’s me, this CD includes a copy of the WOW! workshop presenta on and helpful hints to execute a fantas c workshop for your community.

Level: Available only to EC trained WOW! Facilitators. Cost: $7 plus S & H