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 757-828-4216

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Field Trips

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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. 

Amanda

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.

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.

Our priority is to host groups with relevance to our mission: to restore the Elizabeth River through equitable collaboration with diverse communities, governments, and businesses. When space and staff support are available, we are happy to host such groups free of charge, but do request that you consider an organizational membership and allow us to offer the opportunity for individual memberships.

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

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.
(To restore the health of the Elizabeth River by working with our neighbors, businesses, and governments.)
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If given the go-ahead for our event, sponsor organization agrees to these Ryan Lab policies:

Yes, we will offer attendees the option to tour the Ryan Lab(Required)
Yes, we will join the Elizabeth River Project as a dues-paying organization at a level commensurate with our size and the nature of our operations.
Please see member benefits for further information: https://elizabethriver.org/donor-circles/

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.
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Youth Water Monitoring Results

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Sample Data

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