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	The St. Jones Reserve, a component of the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, offers site based and outreach environmental educational programs for grades K-12. On-site programs are offered at the St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, Delaware located ½ mile east of the John Dickinson Plantation and south of the Dover Air Force Base. Outreach programs are available for classroom presentations at local schools. The St. Jones Reserve Curriculum provides students with an opportunity to learn what makes an estuary unique and provides them with the tools to make difficult decisions about the future of these valuable resources. We have targeted K-12 with an emphasis on middle school grade levels. However, most of the programs can be tailored to meet the needs of any grade level. These programs include both pre and post activities as well as an on-site visit to the Reserve. School programs are available September-June and are scheduled from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information and registration, call the St. Jones Reserve at (302) 739-3436.
A Fishy Situation Beach Ecology Boat Trip - Salt to Fresh Horseshoe Crabs are for the Birds How Much is Too Much? Muckless Marsh Walk St. Jones Estuary - Past to Present Watersheds Water Pollution and Water Quality Horseshoe Crabs Introduction to the Estuary Non-Point Source Pollution/Watersheds
Muckless Marsh Walk Time: 30-45 minutes Grades: 5-12 The Muckless Marsh Walk introduces students to the St. Jones Estuary through a walking tour of the Reserve. Along the way, the values and functions of estuaries, watershed health, and wetland ecology are discussed. Students will identify plants and animals of the tidal salt marsh ecosystem. How Much Is Too Much? Time: 2 hours Grades: 5-12 NOTE: There is an optional boat component to this program with a maximum number of participants of 14. Students will participate in numerous activities that will educate them about the importance of wetlands and about critical land use decisions. Students will learn how a wetland deals with sediment and nutrient runoff and what can happen when there is too much in the ecosystem. They will observe demonstrations to deepen the understanding of the values and functions of wetlands. Through a series of discovery activities, students will formulate opinions and brainstorm ideas on how to keep our estuaries healthy. A Fishy Situation Time: 30-45 minutes Grades: 5-12 Using an estuarine fish as an example, students will look at how the form of a fish correlates to its function for survival. Students will also have the opportunity to observe while an instructor dissects a fish and explains internal adaptations for living in an estuarine environment. Beach Ecology Time: 2 hours Grades: 5-12 The goal of this program is to determine the relationships of plants and animals and how they adapt to three different beach environments: dunes, sandy beaches, and the coastal water zone. Students will determine why animals and plants can survive in one area but not in another. They will use field guides to identify plants and animals in each of the unique habitats. Activities will also include active participation in beach combing, seining, and getting up close and personal with a horseshoe crab. Boat Trip – Salt to Fresh Time: 1-2 hours Grades: 5-College NOTE: Limited to small groups 13 students max – canoe 14 students max - boat Students will experience the St. Jones estuary from a 24’ Carolina skiff or by canoe. They will sample water, discuss what influences salinity changes, and learn about the tidal process. The history of the area will be discussed with a focus on the John Dickinson Plantation and how the river was a navigable, profitable waterway. There are three different options for this activity and the length of time allotted varies with each option. Watershed Pollution and Water Quality Time: 45 minutes Grades: 6-12 This program is an in-depth look at watersheds and non-point source pollution. Students will be challenged to think critically about how pollution enters the watershed and what forms of pollution are most harmful. Students will hypothesize about the health of the St. Jones estuary and conduct two water quality tests to test their hypothesis. This program can be combined with “Watersheds” for a program to last one-hour. Watersheds Time: 30-45 minutes Grades: 5-12 This program focuses on the water cycle and run-off pollution. Through demonstrations and a boardwalk hike students will comprehend the important role wetlands play in protecting our drinking water and how people’s activities can affect the health of the watershed. Students will obtain a basic understanding of what a watershed is and how humans are an integral part of keeping the watershed healthy. St. Jones Estuary – Past to Present Time: 4 hours Grades: 3-8 Staff from the John Dickinson Plantation (Delaware Division of Cultural and Historical Affairs) in a cooperative effort with the St. Jones Reserve staff will present the history of the St. Jones River and the surrounding area. Students will become aware of the human impact on the estuary as we examine early settler use of the land at the Plantation and learn about the historical and modern uses of the estuary’s natural resources. Other activities may include the Muckless Marsh Walk and some water quality monitoring. Horseshoe Crabs are for the Birds Time: 2 ½ hours Grades: 7-12 Students will focus on the delicate balance that exists between all living things. They will investigate the management issues of and the scientific relationships between horseshoe crabs, shorebirds, and humans through hands-on, problem solving activities.
Introduction to the Estuary Time: 45 minutes All Grades A slide presentation and age appropriate activities provide an introduction to the values and functions of the estuary. This is also helpful as an introductory activity for an On-Site visit. Slides present an overview of the plants and animals of the estuary and give an introduction to the Reserve and its surrounding property. The instructor will bring plants and animals to the classroom depending on their availability. Non-Point Source Pollution/ Watersheds Time: 1 hour Grades: 4-8 Students will learn to identify non-point sources of pollution and understand their effects on the overall health of a watershed. Pollution prevention techniques will be discussed so that students may begin to take action themselves. The watershed program takes an in-depth look at watersheds and non-point source pollution. Students will learn how pollution enters the watershed and what types of pollution are most harmful. Horseshoe Crabs Time: 30-45 minutes All Grades Learn about Delaware’s oldest and most interesting creature, the horseshoe crab. A St. Jones naturalist will discuss the horseshoe crab’s anatomy, life history, ecological and economic importance, and the possible reasons of their recent decline. Live horseshoe crabs will be included depending on their seasonal availability.
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