We offer school programs where Calvert Steward volunteers teach along side staff naturalists
CHESPAX Programs Representing the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River, CHESPAX is the environmental education program for the Calvert County Public School System. It is a unique program in which the Board of Education staff works closely with local, state and regional partner agencies to provide hands-on environmental education curriculum for the students of Calvert County. Calvert County Natural Resources provides the field trip portion of the curriculum for every public school 1st grade class (Animal Habitats, fall and spring), 3rd grade class (Terrapins, spring), and 5th grade class (Oyster Reefs, fall). These field trips follow a set and rehearsed program so that each class receives a similar enriching experience.
Other in-county groups (non-CHESPAX) May include day cares, home-school groups, private schools, middle or high school classes, or other public school grades who want some more time in the parks between CHESPAX visits. These programs are more specialized to the teacher or group’s needs, though volunteers will typically lead standard activities like dip-netting in the pond/swamp, fossil searches, or swamp walks.
Out of county groups Many schools from surrounding counties come to us to allow their students time to connect with nature. These are typically larger groups and activities usually include dip- netting in the pond/swamp, seining in the bay, learning about the importance of wetlands, and searching for fossils on the beach.
Schedule is subject to change. Staff will verify the qualifications of Calvert Stewards
If you are interested in helping with public programs see Naturalist
