Trip activities are designed to encourage awareness of major issues affecting the watershed and of human impacts both negative and positive. Topics include agricultural and industrial influences, toxics, urbanization and development, biological indicators, group cooperation and problem solving, community dynamics, best management practices, habitat, and area matters influencing water quality. Field education content is readily compatible with classroom studies in order to accommodate teacher instruction objectives and Virginia Standards of Learning. In addition to encountering the Bay s abundant branches by canoeing and scientific exploration, VWEP encourages positive action from all participants in being fully outfitted to conduct local conservation projects. Guided group projects may include stream and riverbank restoration, riparian buffer plantings, habitat restoration, school yard habitat, and species collection reports for Department of Game and Inland Fisheries databases.
Participants learn about wetlands, flood plain ecology, and fisheries.
Conservation projects include tree plantings, bird house boxes, mapping beds of submerged aquatic vegetation, and waterway clean-ups. All canoe ventures teach canoeing skills, so that participants can continue to explore the Bay long after the trip has ended. By testing water quality and using biological sampling tools, trip members gain insight into the Bay s daily moods aboard the traditional workboat Chesapeake. Washington DC Potomac River Program Trip participants learn about the dramatic recovery of the Potomac River and the environmental issues that threaten its future. They also travel the Anacostia River and learn about its potential future health.