Photo courtesy of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Reserve.

We are all looking forward to being together again on the coasts. But for now, many Reserves must protect the safety of staff, volunteers, friends, and community members by closing public facilities and rescheduling public programs. (Check in on your Reserve.)

In the mean time, you can bring the beauty and wonder of estuaries into your living room, thanks to Reserve educators. Virtual walkabouts and tours, live “ask-a-naturalist” sessions, videos, story maps, lesson plans, wildlife discovery stories, e-libraries—NERRS educational resources are responsive to a range of interests and learning needs.

Weekly Feature: All About Sharks! With the ACE Basin Reserve

Kids K-5 can learn about the ways in which Reserve biologists study, track, and protect sharks! This virtual program explore the paths of these apex predators and discuss why they are an essential part of our estuarine and ocean ecosystems. Students will also examine fossilized teeth to determine identifying characteristics between shark species. Happening December 3, 9-10AM EST.

Wherever you are, here are a few simple ways to join the Reserves’ online learning community, deepen your understanding of what makes estuaries special, and prepare for when we can all experience them safely again.

1. Take a virtual tour of our Reserves.

Reserves are remarkable places that protect 1.3M+ acres of public land and water. They are home to hundreds of species of birds, fish, and plants that are endangered or of concern, as well as precious cultural resources. Find the Reserve closest to you and plan a future trip.

2. Stay in touch & access online learning.

NERRA is tracking how the COVID-19 is impacting Reserve facilities and collecting links to online resources created by Reserves around the country and our friends at NOAA. We will update this resource every week. If you are from a Reserve and would like to update the information for your site, please contact us info@nerra.org.

3. Share your story.

Nothing would make us happier than being outside, enjoying spring at one of our 29 Reserves. The next best thing is to hear from you—do you have a favorite estuary moment you want to share? Something to keep us going until we can all be together outside? Contact us at info@nerra.org to share.

***

Want more Reserve stories delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to our newsletter.