The Learning Barge

Plan A Beautiful Day Of Learning On The Water

The Elizabeth River Project's Dominion Energy® Learning Barge is our amazing floating river laboratory and classroom. Since 2009, nearly 100,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade have hopped aboard to learn about everything from wetlands, wildlife restoration and sea-level rise to the iconic Chesapeake Bay blue crab. Treat your students to a day on the Learning Barge, and they’ll know how to treat the river for life.

Everything you need to know about your trip to the Learning Barge

About the Barge

The only vessel in the world with a LIVE tidal wetland on board
Six hands-on learning stations teach SOL-linked lessons on river ecology
Designed by the University of Virginia School of Architecture, winning more than a dozen national awards.

Over a decade of education and stewardship!

13 Years

on the Water

96,000

K-12 visitors

1 Great

Way to Learn

Thanks to all 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.

The Learning Barge on Wheels!

Our all-new Learning Barge on Wheels is the new 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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Learning Barge

Learning Barge on Wheels

Preferred Season

Summer: June 20 - July 29

Fall: Oct. 1 – Dec. 13

Spring: March 31 – June 5

Preferred Time

Morning

Mid Day

Late Afternoon

Comments

Summer Mace

Assistant Director of Education

Summer received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with an emphasis on Marine Biology in 2017 from Old Dominion University. Starting as an educator on the Learning Barge, she quickly realized her passion for environmental education and the importance of providing meaningful and positive learning experiences for the next generation of river stewards. Going into her third year as Learning Barge Manager, she is ready to continue sharing her love of the Elizabeth with students of all ages aboard her favorite education vessel!

Kathryn Petersen

Senior Educator

Katie is a 2020 Old Dominion University Graduate who received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology and a minor in Environmental Health Science. She has previous experience interning at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and working with organizations such as Keep Norfolk Beautiful. Katie is passionate about environmental education, and excited to teach young minds the importance of keeping the river healthy for generations to come!

Shannon Yerabek