About Eco Adventures

Our Facility, Our Staff & Our Animals Hands-on Environmental Activities for Kids

Welcome
Owned by Nat Geo's herpetologist/personality/book author-Dr. Brady Barr and marine biologist wife-Mei Len Sanchez-Barr, Eco Adventures provides a variety of hands-on conservation programs in hopes to inspire young conservationists.  Part of our mission includes housing many rescued and misplaced animals. Eco Adventures houses over 100 native and exotic animals on display and as animal ambassadors.   Our one of a kind facility features a simulated rainforest full of animal exhibits and a glowing volcano, an  "Underwater Pier" discovery room, an outside sluice and fossil Dig, and an outside field and classroom (Pixie Hollow) that neighbors the Severn Run Wildlife Area – 1700 acres of pristine wilderness!  With each visit, you will notice something exciting and new: new animals, new exhibits, new themed decorations- and friendly and knowledgeable staff! It is our pleasure to offer extraordinary experiences in hopes to connect the public with nature! So go ahead...
Experience the Extraordinary!

Thousands have enjoyed and attended our programs, appearances at festivals and special events!

Each year at our "Earth Day Extravanganza", we raise funds for a different conservation organizations/projects and for camp scholarships. In 2018, we gave out 12 full scholarships to students in need.

At Eco Adventures, we are committed to providing the finest in conservation education. We offer enriching hands-on learning experiences through weekly classes, after school programs, camps, field trips, outreach programs, scouting events, special programs and more – all led by top-notch scientists & educators. On top of our educational programs, our parties and corporate events are sure to be the talk of the town.

Eco-Travel: Get your family ready to travel to Costa Rica to our rainforest reserve. This is the only interactive, hands-on and family-friendly travel-ed opportunity in Central Maryland!

Certifications

  • USDA: Animal Welfare ACT class C:Exhibitor
  • DNR (Dept. of Natural Resources) Endangered Species Permit
  • Scientific collecting permits
  • Captive reptile and amphibian permits
  • Anne Arundel County Petting zoo license (SPCA)
  • MD Health Camp Certification License
  • CPR and First Aide certified

Our Qualifications & Instructors

Our owners and instructors are qualified environmental educators, herpetologist, marine biologist, animal keepers/trainers, artists some with advanced degrees. Our Directors are members of Zoo and Aquarium Association: Crocodilian Advisory Group, and International Crocodile Specialist Group.

Co-owner Dr. Brady Barr served for over 20 years with National Geographic TV/book author and serves as a scientific expert for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. He won numerous awards for his books including the NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book for “After a While...Crocodile”. He also won the very prestigious “Most Distinguished Alumni” award in 2017 from College of Education for Indiana University. Aside from being associated with National Geographic, Dr. Barr is currently a member of the Endangered Species Coalition of the Council of State Governments and the International Crocodilian Specialist Group.

Our Directors


Eco Adventures

Mei Len Sanchez-Barr

Executive Director
Marine Biologist/educator

Mei Len's varied career is a testament to her lifelong passion for the conservation of the environment and its inhabitants. Her commitment to endangered and threatened species such as the Florida manatee, sea turtles, and alligators, has earned her accolades from the mayor of Miami, Florida. 

Eco Adventures
Eco Adventures

Dr. Brady Barr

Dr. Brady Barr is a reptile specialist and television personality.

In over 15 years, he’s traveled to more than 80 countries for National Geographic Television to host over 100 wildlife documentaries—more than anyone in National Geographic’s history.

In the process he’s worked with just about every animal imaginable—from crocodiles, alligators, and snakes to bears, sharks, lions, hippos, and more.

Among his many notable achievements, Brady was the first person to ever capture and study all 23 species of crocodilians in the wild.  He’s driven by a desire to get to know crocodiles and other species in their natural habitat so that we might best know how to save them in the wild (about a third of all crocodilians are endangered).

Our Staff

Eco Adventures

Lydia Shreeve

Camp Director/ Programs Coordinator

Eco Adventures

Amanda Naus

Lead Instructor/ Volunteer Liaison/ Animal Care Volunteer


Eco Adventures

Nerissa Bixler

Animal Care Specialist/Lead Instructor

Eco Adventures

Genia Von Diezelski

Volunteer

Birthday Party Supervisor

Nathan Mitchell

Lead Instructor

Eco Adventures

Lee Ann Walker-Illig

Volunteer


Eco Adventures

Heather Carmichael

Lead Instructor

courtney

Courtney Hamm

Volunteer and Intern Program Specialist

Lead Instructor