Field experiences include transportation and will depart from and return to the Virginia Beach Convention Center, unless otherwise noted.

Tuesday, November 13 – Wednesday, November 14 (overnight trip)

A. ***CANCELLED*** Experience Maryland's Three Es: Eastern Shore, Exploration, and Eats $225

Explore the Delmarva Peninsula with the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, and discover a land where time moves in step with the tides. Visit a state model Green School, go native at a native plant nursery/wetland education center, tour a cutting-edge environmental lab, test the Bay waters by boat, and learn how to pick crabs and cook a crab cake on famous Smith Island. Includes ground transportation from Baltimore, MD, to Virginia Beach, overnight accommodation, all meals, educational resources, and an interpretive boat ride. Appropriate for adults; activity level is easy to moderate.
Suggested gear: Comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for outdoor activities
Suggested readings: Beautiful Swimmers by William Warner; Chesapeake by James Michener; Island Out of Time by Tom Horton

Tuesday, November 13

B. Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne 9:00A– 5:00P $100

Experience the story of America's beginnings at Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne.  A guided tour of Jamestown Settlement will highlight the cultural origins and interactions between the Powhatan Indians, English settlers, and Africans. You’ll have time for lunch on your own and further exploration of the galleries and riverfront discovery area before heading to Historic Jamestowne, site of the first permanent English colony in North America. There a park ranger will provide you with a unique perspective on the history of Jamestown with time for your own exploration. Appropriate for all ages; activity level is easy to moderate. Click here to learn more about Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestown.
Suggested gear: Comfortable walking shoes.
Travel time: ~1 hour 25 minutes each way.

C. The Mariners' Museum: Visit a National Marine Sanctuary Without Getting Your Feet Wet! 9:15A – 3:30P $90

The Mariners' Museum is a place filled with fascinating stories and rare artifacts that celebrate the spirit of the open seas. On this field experience, a docent will guide you through the museum. Over lunch, you'll meet with educators from NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary who will introduce you to the world of national marine sanctuaries, America's underwater treasures, and how NOAA is involved in shipwreck protection and preservation. You’ll then have the opportunity to explore the USS Monitor Center’s interactive theaters, full-scale replica, and hands-on conservation activities on your own. Come aboard! Lunch included; appropriate for all ages; activity level is easy. Click here to learn more about The Mariners' Museum and NOAA's Monitor National Marine Sanctuary.
Travel time: ~1 hour each way.

D. TFC’s Materials Recovery Facility Tour 9:15A -11:45A $60

What happens to a recyclable after it's collected from the curb? Learn about the fast-paced sorting process in a tour of Tidewater Fiber Corporation's new state-of-the-art Materials Recycling Facility. Appropriate for ages 13 and older; activity level is easy.  Click here to learn more about Tidewater Fiber Corporation.
Suggested gear: Close-toed shoes required; clothing appropriate for visiting a recycling/trash facility.
Travel time: ~30 minutes each way.

E. Navigate the Lynnhaven River Aboard the Baywatcher! 9:30A – 4:30P $105

Join the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's award-winning environmental education program for an on-water investigation of the Lynnhaven River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. Trawl for aquatic life, collect water quality data, examine restored oyster reefs, and more from aboard CBF’s “floating classroom”, Baywatcher! Space is limited to a maximum of 15 participants. Lunch included;appropriate for ages 8 and older, activity level is easy. Click here to learn more about the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Travel time: ~20 minutes each way.

F. ***FULL - Registration has closed*** Canoe Broad Bay! 9:30A – 4:30P Cost: $90

Join the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's award-winning environmental education program for an on-water investigation by canoe of Broad Bay, a tidal tributary of the Lynnhaven River and Chesapeake Bay. Use seine nets to collect and identify aquatic life, collect and analyze water quality data, and examine restored oyster reefs, wetlands, beautiful First Landing State Park Natural Area, and more! Lunch included; appropriate for ages 8 and older, activity level is easy to moderate.  Click here to learn more about the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Travel time: ~15 minutes each way.

G. Environmental Justice in Action: Bayview Citizens for Social Justice 10:30A – 2:30P $95

Hear the inspirational story of Bayview, VA, a once impoverished community originally settled by slaves where less than ten years ago 85% of the population did not have indoor plumbing.  Alice Coles, one of the founding members of the Bayview Citizens for Social Justice, will provide a tour and will discuss how  local efforts are transforming this former shantytown into a healthy community. Lunch included; appropriate for adults, activity level is easy.  Click on the following links to learn more about Bayview, VA and Alice Coles: CBS News, Washington Post article, New Internationalist article.
Travel time: ~1 hour each way.

H. Close-Up with Sea Turtles & Sharks  10:30A– 2:00P $40

Discover the amazing world of sharks and sea turtles at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Participants will take a closer look at the 300,000-gallon Norfolk Canyon Aquarium, which houses four species of sharks, and the 70,000-gallon Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium that is home to four species of sea turtles. Learn about the natural history and husbandry of these remarkable creatures from educators and exhibit curators.  You'll also have an opportunity to explore the rest of the aquarium and have lunch on your own. Appropriate for all ages; activity level is easy. Click here to learn more about the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
Suggested gear: Close-toed shoes.
Travel time: ~15 minutes each way.

I. Waterway Recycling Center Tour 1:00A - 4:00P $60

Join the local Hampton Roads chapter of the US Green Building Council for a tour of Waterway Recycling, followed by an overview and discussion of the US Green Building Council's LEED building rating system. Waterway Recycling is one of the most technologically advanced and productive construction and demolition debris recycling operations in the world, diverting as much as 95% of construction debris from landfills.  Appropriate for ages 16 and older; activity level is easy. Click here to learn more about Waterway Recycling Center and the US Green Building Council.
Suggested gear: Close-toed shoes required; facility is outdoors-dress for November weather; ear plugs are recommended.
Provided gear: Protective eyewear and hard hats.
Travel time: ~30 minutes each way.

J. SPSA’s Waste-to-Energy Plant Tour 1:30P - 4:00P $60

The Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA) is the regional waste management authority for South Hampton Roads. On this behind-the-scenes tour of SPSA’s Waste-to-Energy System (WTE), you’ll see where over 50% of the region’s waste is put to beneficial use by converting trash into steam and electrical energy. Appropriate for ages 18 and older; activity level is easy. Click here to learn more about the Southeastern Public Service Authority.
Suggested gear: Close-toed shoes required.
Travel time: ~30 minutes each way.
 

Sunday, November 18

K. Birding on the Eastern Shore  7:00A – 12:00P $70

Cross the Chesapeake Bay to sight wintering sea birds with the Virginia Beach Audubon Society.  We’ll visit a banding station at Kiptopeke State Park, the site of bird population studies since 1963, and bird watch along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and at the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. Don’t forget your binoculars! Appropriate for ages 10 and older; activity level is easy. Click here to learn more about the Virginia Beach Audubon Society, Kiptopeke State Park, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, and the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge.
Suggested Gear: Comfortable walking shoes, sneakers, or hiking boots; dress for potentially cold and windy weather; binoculars.
Travel time: ~1 hour each way.

L. Hike First Landing State Park 8:30A – 11:30A $45

Join an interpreter and explore First Landing State Park. Take an adventure back in time as you walk through the Indian Community and experience the habits and lifestyles of the tribes that inhabited the area. Then enjoy a nature-filled walk on the Bald Cypress Trail to unravel the mysteries of this unique environment. Learn about the vegetation and the type of animals that live within this Maritime Forest, where subtropical and temperate plants thrive together. Appropriate for ages 6 and older; activity level is easy to moderate. Click here to learn more about First Landing State Park.
Suggested Gear: Comfortable walking shoes; dress for potentially cold and windy weather.
Travel time: ~20 minutes each way.

M. Jamestown Settlement: Three Cultures Tour 9:00A -3:30P $85

Experience the story of America's beginnings at Jamestown Settlement. A guided tour of Jamestown Settlement will highlight the cultural origins and interactions between the Powhatan Indians, English settlers, and Africans. You’ll have time for lunch on your own and further exploration of the galleries and riverfront discovery area.  Participants can be dropped off at Norfolk Airport if needed. Appropriate for all ages; activity level is easy to moderate. Click here to learn more about Jamestown Settlement.
Suggested gear: Comfortable walking shoes.
Travel time: ~1 hour each way.

N. Seals Behind the Scenes 9:00A – 12:00P $65

This behind-the-scenes experience at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center explores the fascinating world of harbor seals and the people who care for them each day. Participants will learn about the natural history of seals and also gain a better understanding about animal training techniques, including specialized training that ensures the health and veterinary care of the seals.  You'll also have time to explore the rest of the aquarium on your own. Space is limited to a maximum of 8 participants. Appropriate for all ages; activity level is easy. Click here to learn more about the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
Suggested gear: Close-toed shoes.
Travel time: ~15 minutes each way.

O. ***CANCELLED*** The Mariners' Museum: Visit a National Marine Sanctuary Without Getting Your Feet Wet! 11:00A – 5:00P $90

The Mariners' Museum is a place filled with fascinating stories and rare artifacts that celebrate the spirit of the open seas. Over lunch, you'll meet with educators from NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary who will introduce you to the world of national marine sanctuaries, America's underwater treasures, and how NOAA is involved in shipwreck protection and preservation. A docent will guide you through the museum and you’ll then have the opportunity to explore the USS Monitor Center’s interactive theaters, full-scale replica, and hands-on conservation activities on your own. Come aboard! Participants can be dropped off at Norfolk Airport if needed. Lunch included; appropriate for all ages; activity level is easy. Click here to learn more about The Mariners' Museum and NOAA's Monitor National Marine Sanctuary.
Travel time: ~1 hour each way.