Muckless Marsh Walk 
Time: 30-45 minutes
Grades: 5-12
The Muckless Marsh Walk introduces students to the St. Jones Estuary through a walking tour of the Reserve. Along the way, the values and functions of estuaries, watershed health, and wetland ecology are discussed. Students will identify plants and animals of the tidal salt marsh ecosystem.
How Much Is Too Much?
Time: 2 hours
Grades: 5-12
Students will participate in numerous activities that will educate them about the importance of wetlands and about critical land use decisions. Students will learn how a wetland deals with sediment and nutrient runoff and what can happen when there is too much in the ecosystem. They will observe demonstrations to deepen the understanding of the values and functions of wetlands. Through a series of discovery activities, students will formulate opinions and brainstorm ideas on how to keep our estuaries healthy. (NOTE: There is an optional boat component to this program with a maximum number of participants of 14.)
Beach Ecology
Time: 2 hours
Grades: 5-12
The goal of this program is to determine the relationships of plants and animals and how they adapt to three different beach environments: dunes, sandy beaches, and the coastal water zone. Students will determine why animals and plants can survive in one area but not in another. They will use field guides to identify plants and animals in each of the unique habitats. Activities will also include active participation in beach combing, seining, and getting up close and personal with a horseshoe crab.
A Fishy Situation
Time: 30-45 minutes
Grades: 5-12
Using an estuarine fish as an example, students will look at how the form of a fish correlates to its function for survival. Students will also have the opportunity to observe while an instructor dissects a fish and explains internal adaptations for living in an estuarine environment.
Boat Trip – Salt to Fresh
Time: 1-2 hours
Grades: 5-College
Students will experience the St. Jones estuary from a 24’ Carolina skiff or by canoe. They will sample water, discuss what influences salinity changes, and learn about the tidal process. The history of the area will be discussed with a focus on the John Dickinson Plantation and how the river was a navigable, profitable waterway. There are three different options for this activity and the length of time allotted varies with each option. (NOTE: Limited to small groups, 13 students maximum - canoe; 14 students maximum - boat.)
Watershed Pollution and Water Quality
Time: 45 minutes
Grades: 6-12
This program is an in-depth look at watersheds and non-point source pollution. Students will be challenged to think critically about how pollution enters the watershed and what forms of pollution are most harmful. Students will hypothesize about the health of the St. Jones estuary and conduct two water quality tests to test their hypothesis. This program can be combined with "Watersheds" for a program to last one-hour.
Watersheds
Time: 30-45 minutes
Grades: 5-12
This program focuses on the water cycle and run-off pollution. Through demonstrations and a boardwalk hike students will comprehend the important role wetlands play in protecting our drinking water and how people’s activities can affect the health of the watershed. Students will obtain a basic understanding of what a watershed is and how humans are an integral part of keeping the watershed healthy.
St. Jones Estuary – Past to Present
Time: 4 hours
Grades: 3-8
Staff from the John Dickinson Plantation (Delaware Division of Cultural and Historical Affairs) in a cooperative effort with the St. Jones Reserve staff will present the history of the St. Jones River and the surrounding area. Students will become aware of the human impact on the estuary as we examine early settler use of the land at the Plantation and learn about the historical and modern uses of the estuary’s natural resources. Other activities may include the Muckless Marsh Walk and some water quality monitoring.
Horseshoe Crabs are for the Birds
Time: 2½ hours
Grades: 7-12
Students will focus on the delicate balance that exists between all living things. They will investigate the management issues of and the scientific relationships between horseshoe crabs, shorebirds, and humans through hands-on, problem solving activities.
