Chesapeake Bay Reserve, Virginia

Education

The Chesapeake Bay-Virginia Reserve provides technical training and general education programs for a wide range of audiences both at the reserve sites and at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

Under the Coastal Training Program, reserve staff conduct targeted training courses for adult decision-maker audiences on coastal management issues affecting estuarine environments. Course topics include wetland delineation, wetland plant identification, salt marsh restoration and functional values of warm season grasses and riparian buffers.

The general education program works to provide field experiences for selected student (grades 3 through college), teachers and public audiences at reserve sites. Programs are designed to enhance awareness and understanding of the estuary and emphasize the interrelationships of coastal habitats and human activities. Staff also support local schools with in-school marine science programs.