The 800-acre Weidman Property is located off Route 54 between the border of northern Worcester County, Maryland and Sussex County Delaware. This property is enrolled within the Natural Resource Conservation Service's (NRCS) Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and the use of the property is being donated to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program for environmental education. Specifically, the Weidman property contains fields of cultivated soybeans, native forest habitat, tidal and non-tidal wetlands, and water access, making this an excellent opportunity for learning about the unique qualities of the Maryland Coastal Bays Watershed.

The goal of the MCBP environmental education experience is to immerse young peoples in the natural environment while providing them with fun, hands-on activities where they will learn about the environmental and cultural value of the coastal bays watershed. The most important outcome of this experience is that each person will leave the farm with a greater appreciation of the environment.

Activities

Bay Critters: Using seine nets and sieve buckets students will work as a team in the bay to catch fish and other critters, which they will work to identify.

Water Quality Monitoring: Using WQM kits students will work together to test the dissolved oxygen, ph, temperature, salinity and visibility to determine the health of the water in various locations on the property; from this they will learn about how to create a healthy bay environment.

Wetland Delineation: Students will study the vegetation, soil texture and color, and water resources at various sites on the property to learn what qualities deem an area a wetland.

Oyster Habitat: Students will learn about oysters and how scientists are rebuilding oyster beds with Taylor Floats. They will observe oyster spat that has been in a Taylor Float for over a year. They will identify and observe critters that live in this benthic community.

Salt Marsh Walk: Through a guided walk students will discover the importance of the salt marsh and identify critters, plants, and historical landmarks along the way.

Forest Scavenger Hunt: A scavenger hunt through the woods leads students on an exploration of their natural surroundings and its inhabitants.

Adopt a Tree: Students will personally connect with nature when they "adopt" a tree to closely and carefully examine. Leaf and bark rubbings make a fun art project!

Name That Tree: Tree species can be identified by looking at several different features: leaves, bark, twigs, flowers, fruit, seeds, and shape. Students compare and contrast various trees and attempt to identify them with the use of guides. (recommended for 8th grade and up)

Nature Writing: Students will draw inspiration from, and appreciation for, nature as they practice creative writing and sketching.

UnNature Trail: This fun activity introduces the concepts of protective coloration and adaptation in addition to teaching about the importance of a litter-free environment. It also works to enhance observational skills and visual awareness.