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, over 100,000 students from kindergarten through university have come 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! Contact us at 757-828-4216

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

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!

15 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.

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.

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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Shannon

Shannon Yerabek

Learning Barge Education Manager

Shannon graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geographic Science with a concentration in Environmental Studies. She has previous environmental education experience and is passionate about sharing environmental stewardship actions with the Learning Barge students!

Hailey

Hailey Lauritsen

Environmental Educator

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 an Environmental Educator on the Learning Barge. 

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. 

Anna

Anna Spiller

Seasonal Educator

Anna has a background in environmental education teaching students about local plants and wildlife in group day hikes in the hills of southern California. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Environmental Studies and a concentration in History of Human-Environment Relations. Since moving to Virginia, Anna has enjoyed hiking and adventuring with her dog at local state parks and backpacking in Shenandoah. She’s looking forward to teaching students about their local river ecosystem aboard the Learning Barge!

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 others about conservation and the importance of local watersheds. In her free time, she loves hiking with her husband, hanging out with her two cats, and baking new recipes. 

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N'Dea Boxley

Seasonal Educator

N’Dea is a 2024 Norfolk State University graduate with a B.S. in Biology. Growing up she has always been interested in animal and environmental science. She hopes to one day pursue a career in zoology or marine biology. She enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her family. She is excited to start her new journey with the ERP and looks forward to working with the local community as a new seasonal educator on the Learning Barge! 

 
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Emma Wesley

Seasonal Educator

Emma Wesley is from Bethesda, Maryland. She graduated from James Madison University in 2021 with a masters degree in elementary education. She was a 5th grade teacher in Virginia Beach for two years. She enjoys  working with children as they bring wonder and excitement to the world. This past year, she was working in Colorado as a Seasonal Environmental Educator. This experience increased her passion for conservation and environmental protection! 

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.
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Set Up Preferences(Required)
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Audio/Visual Needs(Required)
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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)

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

Entry Data

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Sample Data

Bacteria

Observations

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