At the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum (AWHM), education is at the forefront of our mission. We believe in the power of learning to shape a bright and informed future for our community. Our programs aim to engage and inspire students, educators, parents, and supporters alike.
Our Commitment to Education
The AWHM is dedicated to protecting, preserving, promoting, and providing educational opportunities through the arts, science, and history. We strive to be a passionate advocate for Coastal Virginia’s environmental and conservation needs by keeping the past alive to inform and educate future generations.
2023 -2024 Educational Programs and Partnerships
VBPS Partners In Education
We are proud Partners in Education with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Our collaboration includes participation in various STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) nights. Just this year, we participated in four STEAM nights at four different Virginia Beach public schools.
Albemarle Pamlico National Estuary Partnership Grant
Earlier this year, the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership awarded a grant to our museum. This funding enables middle and high school students to cultivate wild celery in the classroom and then transplant it to Back Bay. Wild celery is a vital food source for wildfowl, offering students a hands-on understanding of the significance of local ecosystems. Thanks to this grant, we will also be hosting an overnight teacher workshop in Back Bay and False Cape in July 2024. This workshop aims to educate teachers about the southern watershed ecosystem and the significance of waterfowl in our region. The ultimate goal is to integrate these insights into lesson plans to better educate our youth.
Project Partners: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, False Cape State Park, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), Mud Puddle Science, SAVY Aquatic Restoration LLC
Internships and Student Involvement
Our museum is currently hosting four students from the Brock Environmental Studies Program. These interns collaborate closely with our director on diverse projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
For internship opportunities at the museum, please contact Director@awhm.org.
Nature & Reading Children’s Program
During the April 2024 spring break, we launched our first week-long educational program in collaboration with Mud Puddle Science, led by the experienced environmental educator Jody Ullmann. This program educated our youth about local animals, their significance, and their roles in the ecosystem. Topics included the interrelationship between red knot shorebirds and horseshoe crabs, fostering a deeper connection to our natural surroundings.
Winter Wildlife Festival
In collaboration with the City of Virginia Beach’s Winter Wildlife Festival, AWHM hosted a Paint and Learn workshop as part of the festival’s Thursday Workshop series. Participants of all ages had the opportunity to learn how to paint duck decoys. Decoys are one of the earliest forms of American folk art, originating with Native Americans. This workshop highlighted the historical and artistic significance of decoys.
Education is key to furthering our mission and continuing our good work. Whether you’re a prospective student, educator, parent, or supporter, your involvement helps us protect, preserve, promote, and provide for the future of Coastal Virginia’s wildfowl heritage.
Ready to take the next step? Contact our director at director@awhm.org to discuss how you can become part of our educational community. Together, we can educate and make a meaningful impact in our community.