Padilla Bay

On-site educational programs are offered to schools and civic groups upon request. Group size is limited to a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 60.

Different Types of Groups

School groups (Scroll down for more details)

Other Youth Groups (Scroll down)

College Classes (Scroll down)

Adult Groups (Scroll down)

The Preschool-Kindergarten program includes basic estuarine awareness and vocabulary development through story, body movement (Estuary Aerobics), and a seven-minute video. This is a 1 to 1.5-hour indoor program. Level 1 curriculum materials may include activities applicable to teachers in this category.

Kindergarten through third grades can request a 1.5-hour indoor program. This includes an introduction to estuarine ecology through interactive creative dramatics (the Estuary Soup Chef skit), the Padilla Bay film, and a tour of the exhibits. The conclusion includes a presentation about appropriate behavior at the beach. The Level 1 curriculum is intended to support this program.

Fourth through eighth grades are eligible for a four to five hour program (long program) which includes work both indoors and in the field. This full-day program may include the Estuary Soup Skit, the Padilla Bay video, exploration of the mud flats, plankton sampling, and the "chalk talk" showing how estuaries have changed in Puget Sound over time due to human development. The "short program" takes about an hour and a half, is entirely in the building and includes everything that the long program has except the visit to the beach and use of the classroom with microscopes.The Level 2 curriculum supports this program.

High school classes can come to our facility for a field trip led by our high school specialist. Lessons on variety of subjects and activities are available to meet your educational objectives. Please contact the Reserve to discuss how our special skills can meet your needs. The Level 3 (high school) curriculum is appropriate for students studying estuaries anywhere in Washington State. This nearly 200-page text uses Padilla Bay as the example with a focus on eelgrass and mud flat habitats. It includes a section with student reading assignments with questions at the end of each chapter. There are also ideas for student activities and other resources such as an annotated field guide to animals found at the beach in Padilla Bay.

Home School groups can schedule a program with a minimum of 10 students. We recommend you begin with an introductory program as described above in the Preschool to high school section. Then if you want more depth of study in subjects such as eelgrass, crabs, migration, echinoderms, water quality monitoring, etc. we have a wide selection of lessons to choose from. We recommend that home scholars acquire all three levels of curriculum because each has activities that may be applicable to younger students. We also have a curriculum library and can provide specialized expertise to home educators. You should also get your name on our teacher automated email list

for information about workshops and special student activities. Many home schools make good use of our Public Programs.

Teacher workshops are advertised in our Newsletter. Padilla Bay Reserve is a Washington State Clock Hours Provider. Add your name to our teacher email list for information about workshops, clock hours, and special student activities.

Other youth groups include scouts, summer youth programs, ESL, and those with special needs. We can design an educational program that meets your needs. Please contact the Reserve.

College classes usually request a brief lecture on eelgrass ecology and the geologic and human history of the area before a visit to the eelgrass beds. We are capable of addressing other more specific scientific subjects. We also have a 15-minute video that includes interviews with several researchers. Please contact the Reserve to discuss your specific needs.

Other adult groups include seniors, tour groups, ESL, civic groups and those with special needs. These groups usually enjoy a brief introduction to estuaries, a video, Q/A, and a tour of the exhibits. Please contact the Reserve to discuss your specific educational needs.

Group scheduling for each calendar year begins in September of the preceding year. The spring season fills quickly with school groups and is usually full by the end of September. We do keep a waiting list. Please contact the Reserve to find out about available dates and times. It's easiest to schedule a program on the phone because there are so many variables but it can be done via email.

You probably want to schedule your visit around the tide. Any tide less than +3.0 feet will begin to expose mud flats around the edges. Any tide less than zero empties the bay. To find out what the tide is doing during your visit contact the Reserve or go to the tide predictor.

All programs are free, though donations are gladly accepted. Checks can be made out to the Padilla Bay Foundation.