U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - for Kids!

eNature.com  This site provides free electronic field guides for amphibians, birds, butterflies, fishes, insects, mammals, native plants reptiles, seashells, seashore creatures, spiders, trees and wildflowers. It also has a section on animal tracks, and the birding section provides information on range, breeding, etc., with photos and bird songs.

Baltimore National Aquarium   Special events happening all the time, for example, Fridays after Five Program, Eco Trek Sleepover (shark theme), Breakfast with the Dolphins, Kids Behind the Scenes, etc. 410-576-3800, 501 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, Md, 21202.

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp   Located in Prince Frederick, Md., this park has one of the northernmost stands of bald cypress trees in North America. A short boardwalk trail enables visitors to experience the majestic quality of the cypress trees and the tranquility of the swamp. Exhibits offer an interactive look at local wildlife and cultural history of the area.

Calvert Marine Museum   Visit the Drum Point Lighthouse, the Cove Point Lighthouse, a 100-year-old BUGEYE (Chesapeake work boat), and other maritime wonders of the Chesapeake Bay. (410) 326-2042. Check their website for really unique special events.

Charles County government “Queen of Trash”   Lowry Phelps coordinates Charles County’s recycling program. She is glad to come out and talk to groups about conservation and recycling, and she even brings free gifts for the kids. She is very good with kids and loves what she does—a great combination.  PhelpsL@GOVT.CO.CHARLES.MD.US

Facchina   A large, local construction company with diverse project load. They are willing to arrange visits to construction sites and have experts like engineers, surveyors, planners come out and talk to the boys. Contact: Charles McPherson: 301-934-8733.

Flags Pond Nature Park   Located on the Chesapeake Bay.  Hiking, beach, observation platforms, two ponds, and visitors center with wildlife displays.  Historical sites including "Buoy Hotel" an old shanty house. Tel. 410-535-5327

Great Backyard Bird Count   Held every year on President’s Day weekend and hosted by the Cornell Ornithology Lab, this bird count allows scouts to join with thousands of other people in this conservation effort that allows for a snapshot of bird populations up and down the eastern seaboard. The site itself is a great resource for bird facts, identification, etc.

Isaak Walton League: Look for their open houses for kids, which feature swamp tours, animal exhibits, crafts, fishing, and much more.

Jug Bay Natural Area: Nature center available for interpretive nature hikes. Also, the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Driving Tour, offers a 4-mile, self-guided driving tour that connects the Patuxent River Park with the state's Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary. Patuxent River Park, 16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, 301-627-6074; TTY 301-699-2544.

Maryland Science Center   Great for a day trip or museum offers opportunity to sleep overnight in the museum with workshops, planetarium show, and IMAX film.  601 Light Street, Baltimore. Camp-In Contact: 410-545-5955

NOAA   It is more than just weather—NOAA deals with oceans, satellites, fisheries, climate, charting, navigation, and coastlands. Check out their “Cool Sites for Everyone” and “Primarily for Students” sections on their site.

National Building Museum   Great building, super staffing, and they like scouts so much that they have a scout coordinator: 202-272-2448. They offer special free days of activities to fulfill requirements for various ranks, free family days, plus they regularly offer classes in things like buildings, bridges, origami, etc., for a small fee. Boys earn signoffs and a NBM badge. Located at 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC, 20001, across the street from the Judiciary Square Metro stop (Red Line)­­­­­­­.

Patuxent River 4-H Center   An open space environmental education facility located at 18405 Queen Anne Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. 301-390-7259; TTY 301-699-2544

Patuxent River Watershed Cleanup   See description for Potomac cleanup below. For more information and to register your site or group, call the Project Coordinator, Mike Tolker at 410-798-6761. Patuxent River Civic Association, Box 611, Upper Marlboro, MD  20773, Hotline: 301-249-9761.

Potomac River Watershed Cleanup   Coordinator: Wende Pearson, Alice B. Ferguson Foundation. With over 100 cleanup sites throughout DC, Md, Va, it is only three hours of a Saturday to make a major impact on this key natural resource in our community. You provide the time; they provide the place and the gloves.

Port Discovery   The Children's Museum in Baltimore provides experiences that ignite imaginations, encourage learning, and nurture growth through play. Tours and special overnight programs available for scouts. Group discounts available.  

U.S. Forestry Service