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 757-828-4216
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Amanda Zachritz
Seasonal educator
Amanda is originally from south Florida where she studied marine biology with a minor in environmental studies at FAU’s Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College. She has always loved working outdoors and educating on conservation and the importance of watersheds. In her free time, she loves hiking with her husband, hanging out with her two cats, and baking new recipes.