Reading, writing, arithmetic, and refuge? That's right -- Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge has added another r to the traditional school curriculum.

Since its opening in October, the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center (HHBEAC) has sparked a renewed interest among teachers and students with utilizing the refuge and its resources as an educational tool. Hundreds of students have already explored the new facility and the word is still spreading. Wowed by the exhibits and educational programs, teachers have already begun vying for spring dates to bring their school groups back to the refuge and continue their wildlife-related education -outside on the Environmental Education Trail.

For many years, the Refuge has been committed to providing excellent educational programs for school groups of all ages. The HHBEAC stands as a testament to this commitment. Educators within the community have responded with enthusiasm and sincere gratitude. The various Programs offered by refuge staff are age-appropriate and based on the state mandated standards, the Standards of Learning. Program topics are geared toward wildlife, conservation, ecology, and management. In addition the National Park Service, Assateague Island National Seashore Virginia district offers an array of programs covering topics such as the salt marsh and beach environments. The two agencies work together using the refuge as their classroom and making the textbook come alive.

Teacher workshops will also be offered throughout the year, starting with a Green Eggs & Sand Teacher Workshop on June 30. The workshop, geared toward middle and high school teachers, provides information on how to incorporate a current, real-life, natural resource management challenge into the classroom. Participants in this day-long, hands-on workshop receive a wealth of materials for educating students about the linkages between horseshoe crabs, shorebirds and humans.

For more information about environmental education programs or teacher workshops at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, you can contact me at 757-336-6122 or Alison_Penn@fws.gov

Allison Penn, CNWR
Environmental Ed Specialist