Special Programs and Educational Opportunities at NBS 

Don’t miss these exciting opportunities to introduce your class to Rhode Island’s unique natural history!  With an innovative approach to environmental education, these engaging programs are guaranteed to spark your students’ interest in the environment.  
  



O - Outreach option.  This class can take place in your classroom or school.
F - Fieldtrip option.  This class can take place at the Norman Bird Sanctuary.


Program Choices

Nature Overnights – Are you and your class hungry for an extended nature experience?  Join us for a nature overnight at the Norman Bird Sanctuary!  Choose two 1.5 hour programs (one to be held in the evening, and one the next morning) and a night hike.  Bring your sleeping bags and spend the night in one of our indoor classrooms, or choose to camp out in tents.  An NBS educator will be onsite at all times, and breakfast is included in this unique fieldtrip option.  Offered select Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year; please call for more information.  (F)

Program Cost: $40 per child, with a minimum of 8 students required.  The first 3 chaperones are free ($15 for each additional chaperone). At least two teacher/chaperones are required to attend and spend the night with the students.


Nocturnal Nature – Take your class on an after-hours adventure at NBS!  Explore the mysteries of the night by meeting nocturnal animals and discovering the senses that animals use to survive after dark.  (F) 

Program Cost: $8 per student.  The first three teachers and parents are free; additional chaperones may attend for $3 each.


Beach Night Hike – The beach at night is a beautiful and fascinating place.  This class is similar to our “Nocturnal Nature” class, but also explores the real-life marine animals that glow in the dark.  We’ll also touch on coastal ecology and the mysterious, pitch black world of deep sea fishes.  (F – Evening Program only; Seasonal) 

Program Cost: $8 per student.  The first three teachers and parents are free; additional chaperones may attend for $3 each.


Owl Prowl – An annual favorite!  We’ll begin with a brief lesson on owls and other birds, complete with biofacts and an owl pellet dissection.  Then we’ll hit the trails in hopes of encountering one of these fascinating birds of prey. (F – Evening Program only; Seasonal) 

Program Cost: $8 per student.  The first three teachers and parents are free; additional chaperones may attend for $3 each.

Nature Buddies – We want to be your nature resource!  With our “Nature Buddies” program, an NBS educator will visit your classroom once a month with specialized programs, animal presentations, and other environmental activities.  Each program will build upon previous activities and can be scheduled at your convenience.  We can tailor the programs to your curriculum or will create something fun and different for your students to discover.  This can be designed for any age group and is a great opportunity for your class to build a special relationship with one of our educators. 

Program Cost: Varies; please call for more information.



Assembly Programs - Do you have a large group of students to accommodate?  We can bring our education presentations to your school assembly or festival.  Program choices include Meet the Animals, Birds of Prey, and Hooray for Herps, though other programs can be designed to meet your school’s needs.   

Program Cost: $125. There is an additional $25 travel fee for schools outside of Newport County.

Scheduling Options

Please click here for more information about scheduling an education program with NBS.