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The Learning Barge

Plan A Beautiful Day Of Learning On The Water

The Elizabeth River Project's award-winning Dominion Energy® Learning Barge is an innovative floating river laboratory and classroom, recognized as a national model for environmental education. Since its launch in 2009, more than 100,000 students—from kindergarten through university—have come aboard to engage in hands-on learning about wetlands, wildlife restoration, sea-level rise, and the iconic Chesapeake Bay blue crab. Treat your students to a day on the Learning Barge, and they’ll leave knowing how to treat the river for life.

Everything you need to know about your trip to the Learning Barge! Contact us at 757-828-4885

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Interested in environmental careers? Check out our new Blue Green Career Guide!

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About the Barge​

The Learning Barge is the only vessel in the world with a living tidal wetland on board—an award-winning floating classroom and laboratory that empowers the next generation of environmental stewards. Designed by the University of Virginia School of Architecture, this innovative platform has earned national acclaim for its cutting-edge design, sustainability, and impact. On board, six hands-on learning stations deliver SOL-aligned lessons in river ecology, wetlands, water quality, and climate resilience.

The Learning Barge has been recognized with more than a dozen prestigious awards, including honors from SeaWorld Busch Gardens, the Virginia Governor’s Office, the U.S. EPA, and leading architecture and green building councils.

Field Trips

Over a decade of education and stewardship!

16 Years
on the Water
100,000+
K-12 visitors
1 Great
Way to Learn

Shop Exclusive Apparel

Get your hands on exclusive Learning Barge apparel now available at our new Merch Store! Show your support for education and environmental conservation with our stylish and comfortable designs.

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Thank you to The Blocker Foundation, our lead funder,
and all of the generous donors who keep the Learning Barge afloat.
Without your help, none of our learning programs would be possible.
Do Something Beautiful. Support the Learning Barge today.
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Learning Has Never Been So Fun!

The Learning Barge on Wheels!​​

Our Learning Barge on Wheels is the sister ship to the Learning Barge. It delivers fun learning and river science activities right to your school parking lot, or even to a small group of kids in your neighborhood. 

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Plan a Visit

Field Trips

Name(Required)
Choose Your Experience(Required)
Preferred Season
Preferred Time
Hailey

Hailey Lauritsen

Learning Barge Education Manager

Hailey graduated from George Mason University in 2020 with a B.A. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies with a concentration in Conservation and Sustainability. She began working in environmental education while still in college and loves that it allows her to interact with animals and kids. She is very excited to connect with the local community as the Learning Barge Education Manager.

Abbey

Abbey Marquardt

Education and Engagement Specialist

Abbey graduated from Penn State University in May of 2023 receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. She has volunteered with many youth programs acting as an educator and mentor for children. She herself was a girl scout from pre-k to 9th grade. She is excited to continue working with children in her job aboard the Learning Barge. When she is not acting as an educator, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and binge-watching sitcoms. 

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Madeline Garrett

Seasonal educator

Madi is excited for this opportunity to start her teaching career. In the spring she’ll start her Education Bachelor’s Degree. Her dream is to teach elementary school grade students and possibly become a history and arts professor one day. 

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Elise Pieren

Seasonal educator

Elise is originally from the Oregon Coast. She is currently finishing her Marine Studies degree with a minor in Marine Conservation and Management at Oregon State University’s Liberal Arts Ecampus. She has always had a passion for marine and terrestrial life, frequently being outdoors with activities like hiking, horseback riding, and boating. Her favorite animal is the North Atlantic Right Whale, and it is her dream to help contribute to their population rising. She enjoys using photography and communication as tools to inspire others to value and protect the ocean, rivers, watersheds, and their inhabitants. 

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Courtney Fox

Seasonal educator

Coutney graduated from Old Dominion University in 2025 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science. She loves working in nature and is excited to protect the environment through education aboard the Learning Barge! In her free time, she enjoys playing card games, going to the beach, and exploring local coffee shops. 

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William McCormick

Seasonal educator

William was born and raised in Norfolk, and enjoys fishing, boating, and crabbing in the Elizabeth River. William graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Gordon College, in Massachusetts, where he played lacrosse. William loves the wetlands he grew up on and is excited to share his passion and energy with the youth on the Learning Barge this season.  

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Erin Haubold

Seasonal educator

Erin graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. While her favorite animal is the Black Vulture, she has a deep fascination with all bird species. She is passionate about teaching biology and advocating for environmental conservation. Erin is excited to pursue her passions as an educator aboard the Learning Barge. 

River Academy Lecture Hall Request

Thank you for your interest in the Elizabeth River Project’s River Academy Lecture Hall. We’re delighted that our site is in high demand. As the River Academy Lecture Hall is operated by a small non-profit with a big environmental mission, please help us make sure your event is a great fit.

Please fill this form out at least 30 days in advance of the event.

NOTE: This form does not confirm your reservation, reservations are confirmed upon ERP receipt of signed contract and paid deposit.

Event Type(Required)
*Rates include up to 3 hours for meetings on weekdays and weeknights, and 6 hours for events on the weekends, including setup and takedown. Additional time will be billed at 20% per hour
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Our maximum capacity is 50 for theater or presentation style events and 30 for classroom style.
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Start Time(Required)
:
End Time(Required)
:
Set Up Time
:
Take Down Time
:
Set Up Preferences(Required)
Check all that apply
Audio/Visual Needs(Required)
Check all that apply
We would like the Elizabeth River Project to make a 3-5 minute announcement at the start of the event regarding the mission and ways to get involved(Required)
This field is hidden when viewing the form
We would like the Elizabeth River Project to make a 3-5 minute announcement at the start of the event regarding the mission and ways to get involved

If given the go-ahead for our event, sponsor organization agrees to these River Academy Lecture Hall policies:

Yes, we agree to sustainable/responsible event practices(Required)
Yes, we will adhere to start and end times (15-minute leeway) and will return the space to the condition in which you found it.(Required)

Additionally, sponsor organization agrees to these administrative/liability requirements:

  • ERP maintains insurance for its activities at the River Academy Lecture Hall. Sponsoring organizations should ensure that they have appropriate insurance coverage as well.
  • Weapons are prohibited.
  • Open flames generally are prohibited (special permission only).
  • Outdoor guests will be required to exit the Park during thunder, lightning, high winds or any circumstance deemed hazardous by ERP.
  • Waiver of Claims: Sponsoring organizations agree to release, waive all claims, discharge, and covenant not to sue Elizabeth River Project, its officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from liability from any and all claims resulting in personal injury, accidents or illnesses and property loss arising from, but not limited to, participation in the event and related tours, due to the negligence of sponsor, sponsor's employees, or event participants.
  • Notice of Claims: Sponsor agrees to provide immediate notice to ERP if any participant either files, or threatens to file, a claim arising from or related to the event, so that ERP can notify its insurance carriers.
  • COVID Statement: Participants will monitor their own health prior to reporting to any Elizabeth River Project event/activity. If any signs or symptoms of infection are present, the individual must not report to the event.
  • Photo Release: Photos of the event may be shared as part of grant reporting or posted on Elizabeth River Project website/social media unless otherwise specified by the sponsor organization.
MM slash DD slash YYYY

Ryan Resilience Lab Event Request

Thank you for your interest in the Elizabeth River Project’s Ryan Resilience Lab. We’re delighted that our site is in high demand. As the Ryan Resilience Lab is operated by a small non-profit with a big environmental mission, please help us make sure your event is a great fit.

Please fill this form out at least 30 days in advance of the event.

NOTE: This form does not confirm your reservation, reservations are confirmed upon ERP receipt of signed contract and paid deposit.

Event Type(Required)
*Rates include up to 3 hours for meetings on weekdays and weeknights, and 6 hours for events on the weekends, including setup and takedown. Additional time will be billed at 20% per hour
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Our maximum for indoor seated events is 85 theater style and 45 classroom style. For standing receptions, the maximum is 100 indoors or 125 indoor-outdoor.
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Start Time(Required)
:
End Time(Required)
:
Set Up Time
:
Take Down Time
:
Set Up Preferences(Required)
Check all that apply
Audio/Visual Needs(Required)
Check all that apply
We would like to offer attendees the option to tour the Ryan lab(Required)
We would like the Elizabeth River Project to make a 3-5 minute announcement at the start of the event regarding the mission and ways to get involved(Required)
This field is hidden when viewing the form
We would like the Elizabeth River Project to make a 3-5 minute announcement at the start of the event regarding the mission and ways to get involved

If given the go-ahead for our event, sponsor organization agrees to these Ryan Lab policies:

Yes, we agree to sustainable/responsible event practices(Required)
Yes, we will adhere to start and end times (15-minute leeway) and will return the space to the condition in which you found it.(Required)

Additionally, sponsor organization agrees to these administrative/liability requirements:

  • ERP maintains insurance for its activities at the Ryan Lab. Sponsoring organizations should ensure that they have appropriate insurance coverage as well.
  • Weapons are prohibited.
  • Open flames generally are prohibited (special permission only).
  • Outdoor guests will be required to exit the Learning Park during thunder, lightning, high winds or any circumstance deemed hazardous by ERP.
  • Waiver of Claims: Sponsoring organizations agree to release, waive all claims, discharge, and covenant not to sue Elizabeth River Project, its officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from liability from any and all claims resulting in personal injury, accidents or illnesses and property loss arising from, but not limited to, participation in the event and related tours, due to the negligence of sponsor, sponsor's employees, or event participants.
  • Notice of Claims: Sponsor agrees to provide immediate notice to ERP if any participant either files, or threatens to file, a claim arising from or related to the event, so that ERP can notify its insurance carriers.
  • COVID Statement: Participants will monitor their own health prior to reporting to any Elizabeth River Project event/activity. If any signs or symptoms of infection are present, the individual must not report to the event.
  • Photo Release: Photos of the event may be shared as part of grant reporting or posted on Elizabeth River Project website/social media unless otherwise specified by the sponsor organization.
MM slash DD slash YYYY

Youth Water Monitoring Results

Entry Data

Name(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Time(Required)
:

Sample Data

Bacteria

Observations

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