Norman Bird Sanctuary > a 300+ acre wildlife refuge near Newport RI, offering over 7 miles of hiking trails.

School Programs at NBS

We offer a variety of age-appropriate environmental education programs for early childhood, elementary, and middle and high school students. Choose from a full slate of innovative and engaging field trip programs, outreach courses, afterschools, and other special programs! We also offer specialized education courses
for homeschool groups.

Scheduling Information

For more information or to book an education program, please call NBS at (401) 846-2577, or e-mail education@normanbirdsanctuary.org. Please register early! Dates are filled on a first come, first served basis.

In order to help us best serve the needs of your group, please have the following information ready when you call or e-mail:

Organization name, address, and phone number
Contact name, phone number, and e-mail address
Name(s) of programs and program type (field trip, in-school outreach, afterschool, or special program)
Date(s) and time(s) desired, including 2 alternative dates
Number of students and chaperones
Grade level(s) of students
Special physical and behavioral needs, allergies, or other medical conditions
Any special goals and objectives for the trip, or other concepts to emphasize
Whether you wish to schedule time in the NBS gift shop

Field Trip Scheduling Options: We offer a number of different scheduling options to fit your needs. Early education programs (PreK/K) are generally single visits of 45 minutes – 1 hour, while older grades can take advantage of our full or half day field trips. Get the most out of your trip by selecting two or three 1.5 hour programs, along with a picnic lunch in our apple orchard.

Outreach Scheduling Options: Outreach programs are generally 45 minutes for preschool and kindergarten groups, and 1 hour for older students. Longer programs may be available for an additional charge.

Please note that each program is limited to 25 participants to ensure hands-on experiences. Auditorium-style presentations are also available for large groups.

Multiple Program Discounts: We can offer discounted rates for groups booking 3 or more programs per academic year. Please call for more information.

Financial Assistance: We strive to make quality environmental education experiences available for every child! Partial scholarships may be available based on need; please call for more information.

Program Confirmation: After booking a program, you will receive a confirmation packet via e-mail or postal mail. Please review your contract, pre-visit checklist, directions, and teacher/chaperone reminders. For field trips, you will also be provided with a permission form to send home to students.

Download your forms here:

Fieldtrip checklist
Outreach checklist
Fieldtrip permission form - Side One and Side Two

Payment/Cancellation Policy: Payment is due no later than the date of the field trip. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover). Please notify NBS at least two weeks in advance of any cancellation or change to your program; all groups cancelling less than two weeks before the date of the program will be billed 50% of the total program fee.

Inclement Weather: NBS holds programs rain or shine. However, in the case of severe weather, a backup class may be held indoors. If you are concerned about the weather on the morning of your trip, please call the NBS education cell phone at (401) 248-4074 as early as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

Feedback

It is our goal to be an exceptional community resource and the leading environmental education center in the region! Please help us meet your needs by completing the post-program evaluations that will be handed out after the program.