Virtual Animal Adventures (schools and camps)

Can’t come to us? We bring the ADVENTURES to you! Take a break from the real world and join us for a new way of learning! Our expert Eco instructors will guide you through different habitats and topics and still include Eco Adventure’s amazing animals, artifacts, exhibits, and activities in an interactive virtual presentation. Kids can not only see our instructor in real-time but can ask questions and interact along the way- all in an exciting and fun format. This is no ordinary presentation! Are you ready to “Experience the Extraordinary”?
Fees: $250 for up to 100 people
$350 for up to 200 people, over 200 people or for special events please call to inquire

Rainforest Safari Adventure

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Discover why this habitat is one of the most important and endangered habitats on earth and how we can protect this critical resource. Did you know that 50% of all biodiversity comes from the rainforest through medicines, spices, fruits and so much more! Learn about animals that you may find in each layer of the rainforest and the cools ways that animals can camouflage for survival. Use all your senses - from smell to sounds to sights of this mysterious endangered habitat and even watch our volcano rumble with smoke! Join us in a quest to learn about the importance of saving our precious rainforests and what part you can take in conservation wherever you live!

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Amazing Animal Adaptations

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Survival of the fittest is what this world is all about. What other way to learn about survival than to see the coolest adaptations animals have to offer from the ability to glow in the dark to quills and spines to poison and venom to slime. What are the best adaptations for each habitat -- desert, rainforests, aquatic, wetlands? Meet a chameleon and see it change color right in front of your very eyes. Or watch a spiny hedgehog puff out his spines or roll into a ball. This world keeps changing and only the animals that can adapt will survive.

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Animal Feeding & Training Demo

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In this exciting presentation, you will learn what it takes to be an animal trainer. What are some animals that we didn’t know could be trained? Learn about the pros and cons of working with animals along with the basics of positive reinforcement. Do you like to touch worms, mice, and fish? Are you extremely patient? Do you like psychology? If you said YES to all of these- then join us in a real animal training session and perhaps train a dragon, alligator, or a mammal…Get your target pole and clicker ready to train away!

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Cute and Cuddlies

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Many people hold mammals near and dear to our hearts and meet different animals from all over the world s from scaly to hairy....ou’ll be sure to love these cute and cuddly animals.

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Animal Super Powers

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Which animal has the strongest bite, can climb walls, has the ability to virtually disappear, or can even stretch like a rubber band? Participants beware: would you brave enough to let a tarantula crawl up your belly or have the strength to wrestle a giant snake or an alligator? Get all the answers in this fascinating exploration of the superpowers of some of nature’s most amazing animals. Super-Villains are not welcome at this presentation! Capes are optional

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Animal Rescue 911

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When an animal is in distress it is up to experts to come to the rescue, and that is exactly what this program is all about. Sometimes it's a box turtle but at times it can be a gigantic crocodile or a half-ton manatee. Each and every rescue requires different expertise. You will learn all about why animals need rescuing- or when they don’t need our help! Meet some of Eco Adventures very own rescued animals and learn about their amazing backstories: from Walle, our alligator that was found in the icy waters of Lake Michigan to our terrapin babies that were discovered taped to the body of an apprehended smuggler to Flaco, the caiman left behind in a deserted house by irresponsible owners. These amazing animal stories are living, breathing examples of many of the conservation issues in today’s world, from poaching to pollution to entanglement to irresponsible pet ownership, and much more! Experience an exciting demo on how we catch some uncooperative alligators or the “Mock Rescue” of a dolphin. You will learn how to make a difference with the power of knowledge...and Animal Rescue 911!

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Behind the Scene: Animal Keeper

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Have you ever wondered what it is like to take care of animals and to provide them with a level of care that meets all of their needs? What are the specific needs of animals such as alligators, snakes, tarantulas, tortoises, turtles, armadillos, hedgehogs, and more? How does our staff take care of the over 100 animals at Eco Adventures? In this presentation, you will learn about all of this and the specific needs of some of our very own animals. Did you know that we need to trim very small nails on hedgehogs, scrub some slimy scales, weigh our animals to ensure proper weight/health, feed nutritious diets, bathe for proper hygiene, and soak shedding reptiles? Meet some of our animals, learn about their specific needs and get a first-hand view of the instructor bathing one of our animals (it’s a secret, so you’ll have to come to find out who). We hope you are ready to help take care of our animals in this exciting program!

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Fear Factor

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Don’t make eye contact...think good thoughts...cross your fingers. Please, please, please, not the spider. These are all thoughts that might run through your mind as you experience Fear Factor! In this new virtual version of Fear Factor, participants will be picking coconuts and our instructor will flip it over to see what animals they will meet. Will it be a creepy tarantula? Or glow-in-the-dark scorpion? Snake or cute creature?? OR will it be a dare or trivia question that you are willing to do? Join us in this game of “Fear Factor” where participants decide which way the presentation will go.

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Animal Olympics

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Do you love watching gymnastics at the Olympics? Seeing the flexibility and agility of humans is incredible, but there are plenty of animals that are even more awesome! Discover and meet some amazing animals and adaptations that help them maneuver through their habitats while you discover your own skills! What is the longest bullfrog frog jump?....7 ft. Human “frog jump”?… 3 ft...! How long can a sea turtle hold its breath? You?
What about speed? Balance? Whether animals can climb trees without arms or legs, jump 6 ft or 3ft, or use their tail as another arm... these animals have what it takes to go for the Gold!
**Must have ample space to do physical “challenges”

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Aliens Among Us

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There have been recent reports of animal sightings so outlandish, so freakishly different, that there is growing concern about what they are, where they come from, and what do they want. Could they be.....aliens living among us? Some of these bizarre beasts have been described by eyewitnesses as having multiple brains, possessing eyes in the back of their heads, drinking through their behinds, and even having the ability to grow new limbs. Many of these reports are unsubstantiated and need to be investigated immediately. Time is of the essence...Earth’s survival could be at stake. This is urgent so you have been assigned to be Top Secret Eco-Investigative agents, where you will help create your own example of an alien for a “Most Wanted Poster”. With the help of live animals, you will ascertain whether these aliens have slime, multiple eyes or limbs, or special adaptations or powers?? If you choose to accept this assignment, you will be tasked with separating fact from fiction and determining whether there are aliens living among us. And hopefully, you will be able to assure all Earthlings that they are in no present danger.

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Disappearing Act: Endangered Species

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Put your thinking caps on -- as novice detectives, you will put your heads together to figure out the Who, What, Where, and Why our animals are disappearing. Take a look at some artifacts like skulls, pelts, skins, shoes, specimens, purses, medicines, and investigate what animals they once were and why they have become endangered. Then meet some LIVE animal representatives of the species and talk about what we can do to help keep our earth’s most endangered species on the planet.

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Pampered Pets

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Pets are our best friends-AND part of your family for LIFE. They provide comfort and help us to build a bond with animals from a young age. But pets can be a lot of responsibility too. Every individual animal has specific needs and relies on you to survive, thrive, and be happy! Our instructor will talk about what animals make a good pet and what animal doesn’t. If you have been thinking of getting a pet or already have one- Let us know which one(s)! For this program, we will be discussing all the pros and cons of each one and answer your questions: What does it need? What foods do they eat? Financial responsibilities? Enrichment requirements?... and also how difficult is it to take care of them... no one likes cleaning up poop but it has to be done! Make a pledge to become a responsible pet owner and celebrate the privilege of having a pet for life!

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Fossil Frenzy

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Buried in the ground are the bones and imprints of creatures that lived on this planet back in ancient times. Our instructors will take you outside to our fossil dig area where you will learn about animals that went extinct millions of years ago... even in our own Chesapeake Bay! From amazing marine invertebrates like corals, oysters, and sea lilies to sharks and rays. Then meet living animals that have been around since before the time of the dinosaurs!

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Crazy for Camo

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Have you ever wondered why animals are so hard to find in nature? They just seem to have a special skill at hiding from us, and for good reason, for in nature, it's eat or be eaten! Camouflage is everything in the ultimate game of hide and seek! In this program, you will take a closer look at how certain animals can change color, hide, build structures that camouflage, or are masters of illusion and mimicry! How do they do it? You will get all the answers as you see various live animal examples -- from camo to albino animals to colorful warnings of poison. Find out who is the friend or the foe and how animals are dependent on colors to survive!

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Motion Madness

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Animals have many marvelous means of movement! From slithering to rolling to jumping to flying, there are quite a few ways to move around. Some types of animal locomotion have inspired human technology, and even self-defense techniques like martial arts. In this very active class, students will learn about different types of locomotion by moving along side of our live animal demonstrations. Who has a better jump, a tree frog or a kid? Can you walk like a gator or slither like a snake? We will be testing humans against animals and all answers will be revealed!

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Creepy Crawlies

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Did you know the most numerous animals belong to a group called Arthropods? Those creepy crawly insects and arachnids? What is the difference? They all have weird numbers of legs anyway, right? But these crawling, flying, climbing, digging, hissing, metamorphosing, buzzing friends are found just about everywhere you go on the planet. Are you the type to go out and look for bugs? Catch fireflies? Better know how to tell them apart and discover how amazing they are! Meet a glow-in-the-dark scorpion, hairy tarantula, giant millipede, and more!

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Slithering Snakes

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What actually makes a snake, a snake?? Snakes might just look like a head attached to a long tail, but they are much, much more than that! Their engineering and body plan has made them into one of the most successful animals on the planet. You will learn all about these amazing animals' unique adaptations, anatomy, locomotion, and way of life - with a great variety of our live snake collection. We can observe these reptiles in motion and even see a snake eat...if you dare! (*we will save this to the end if you do not want to watch them eat)

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Leaping Lizards

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Did you know that there are over 4,000 species of lizards? Meet a few of our scaly friends! From geckos to bearded dragons to chameleons and even a uromastyx! These interesting animals take many different shapes and sizes. Learn about how they can survive in the different extreme corners of our Earth and the interesting, rare adaptations that make it possible.

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Turtle Tacular

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This class is for serious turtle lovers! See the difference firsthand between aquatic and terrestrial turtles. Learn about threats to all turtles including our very own Diamondback terrapins and sea turtles. Then get ready, set, …Go! Who will win in a turtle race… terrestrial or aquatic turtles? Break up into teams and root for your turtle to win! It’s everything you need to know…so to speak…about those critters with a shell and a beak!

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Awesome Amphibians

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Amphibians are incredible animals and a very important part of ecosystems worldwide. Known as an “indicator species” they are known to be the first species that disappear when something goes wrong in a habitat. They are also the most quickly vanishing type of animal on planet earth. What animals are amphibians besides frogs? How do they change as they grow up? What amphibians live near me? Learn more about these amazing creatures in this program about animals who breathe with their skin!

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Crazy Crocodilians

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You may know how to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile, but what about their cousins? Did you know that there are 24
species of crocodilians on the planet? They have some of the coolest adaptations and survival skills throughout history! Did you know crocs ate
Dinos?? Talk about crazy! We have a few for you to meet in this compare and contrast lesson on crocodilians!

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Hooray for the Bay

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Open your eyes and ears as we introduce you to “near nature” -- things you can find in your very own back yards here in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Learn what to do if you encounter one of these backyard beasts and how to safely interact with them. Our instructors will explain what to look for -- animal signs, clues, and ecosystem indicators. What is the difference between invasive, exotic, and native species? How are our local terrestrial animals related to the Bay? These are all questions that will be answered as you see and interact with some examples of our local creatures such as snapping turtles, terrapins, box turtles, snakes, bugs, flying squirrels, and more!

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Venom vs. Poison

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We have all heard the stories... crazy animals whose bite or sting is full of VENOM and can make you deathly ill... Or other animals who make
POISON that can slay the most fearsome predator... These are no ordinary adaptations! Come explore some of nature's deadliest cocktails as you discover WHY so many animals have evolved these abilities, the difference between poison and venom, and more!! Scientists are still
struggling to uncover this amazing adaptation, and we need YOUR help and ideas too--just try not to get stung!

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Don't see the topic you are interested in? Just ask - we can adhere to just about anything! Eco Adventures is a Conservation, Education, and Enrichment facility in Millersville MD. We do in-house programs as well for camps, private tours, field trips, outreaches, scouts, birthday parties, special events, and more! www.ecoadventures.org 410-987-1300 ecoadventuresmd@gmail.com

Library Programs 2021: "Tales and Tails"

Can’t come to us? We bring the ADVENTURES to you! Take a break from the real world and join us for a new way of learning! Our expert Eco instructors will guide you through different habitats and topics and still include Eco Adventure’s amazing animals, artifacts, exhibits, and activities in an interactive virtual presentation. Kids can not only see our instructor in real-time but can ask questions and interact along the way- all in an exciting and fun format. This is no ordinary presentation! Are you ready to “Experience the Extraordinary”?
Fee: Please call to inquire

Animal Tales: Believe it or not!

This crested gecko used its tongue like a windscreen wiper to clear droplets of water from its eyes and nose. The yellow creature stuck out its inch-long, pink tongue, which looks like a small rasher of bacon...Photographer Ian Schofield, 34, snapped away as it then whipped its tongue back and forth across its scaley face at Knowsley Safari Park, Liverpool. SEE OUR COPY FOR DETAILS...© Ian Schofield/Solent News & Photo Agency.UK +44 (0) 2380 458800.

What is the largest snake on the planet?? Who is the strongest animal? What are the wackiest, ugliest, cutest, fastest, weirdest animals on the planet? Do YOU know the answers to these unbelievable questions? Here’s your chance to put your brain to the test and find out! ! In this unique virtual program, participants will learn all about the myths, legends, and tall tales...about animal TAILS? It's thought that the Gila monster tail can shoot out flames? Can it? Is it true there is an animal that shoots blood out of its eyes? Are there real dragons... and how did the legends come about? Why do some snakes grasp their tails in their mouths and roll around like a hoop? What animals use their tails as a 5th appendage? Or even expel their tails at the sign of danger?? In this program, we will separate fact from fiction as we pull back the curtain on tales about tails with interactive TRIVIA questions and meet some live animals …from furry creatures to creepy crawlies, to scales and tails!
*Recommended for any age group -Animal Trivia Bingo handout PDF additional $40

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Bedtime Tales (with Tails)

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Snuggle up with your PJs and your favorite teddy bear, as we prepare for some BEDTIME TALES! After the sun goes down, and the moon rises,... guess who comes out to PLAY! Do you see BIG eyes, fur, scales, and tails? Do you hear crickets and croaking sounds? Don’t worry, it’s no monster in your closet. Join us as we pick out a favorite book about nocturnal creatures and watch the books come to LIFE...with a hedgehog, Pacman frog, baby gator, furry opossum or kinkajou, and even a glow in the dark scorpion! You don't have to stay up late for this one, just sign up now for Bedtime Tales!!
*Recommended for ages PreK-7 -Short Bedtime story activity PDF extra $40

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Tails from the Wild Side with Dr. Brady Barr

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Dr. Brady Barr is a world-renowned National Geographic scientist and TV personality (and Eco Adventures’ owner), who has traveled the globe working with some of the most dangerous animals on Earth. He is also an award-winning children's book author, that has shared his tales of adventure in numerous books for kids. In this program, Dr. Barr will be on hand to share the behind-the-scenes tales of what really happens in the bush. What it's like being chased by a hippo, scarred by a shark, shocked by an eel, or pooped on by a snake, Dr. B will tell all, and bring his books to life with fun-filled stories and anecdotes from what went on behind-the-scenes, before he put pen to paper, in all your favorite Dr. B Children's books!
*Recommended for ages 5 and up
Autographed National Geographic books can be ordered through our website.
Scrapes with Snakes, Crocodile Encounters, Chomp! , Everything Reptiles, “Whatever Happened to the Classroom Turtle?” After While...Crocodile…

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It's Alilve: Storybook Comes to Life

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Let’s step into stories of long ago and learn about the animals that are so popular in legends, myths, and fairy “tails”. Join Eco Adventures, as we experience magic in our own way! Our very own “Earth Fairy” will open the pages in a magical book and tell stories about some amazing creatures, but wait… with a little help from pixie dust... the characters to come alive!! In this very unique program, a real-life hedgehog “pops” from the pages, or a baby gator yelps for attention, or see Ka the snake from Jungle Book, maybe the spider from Charlotte's Web, as kids get to actually meet the real, living, breathing version of the animal that they have just experienced in popular children's tale/book. Learn about the legends of mermaids, Medusa with a head full of snakes, dragons, and more. “Once Upon Time” is about to come to life at Eco Adventures.
*Recommended for any age group - Matching “Fairy tale story with animal” activity printable PFD additional $40

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Rescued: Scales and Tales

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In this exciting adventure, you’ll meet some of our many rescued, scaly animals and learn their stories of how they came to their forever home at Eco Adventures. From poacher stories of terrapin turtles stuffed into suitcase and snow boots to be shipped to Asia to “Walle” our gator who got caught in a turtle trap- in CHICAGO!?...and worth mentioning we saved two Argentine Tegus (considered invasive species) from sure death in Florida. Many of our animals were abandoned or rehomed animals such as “Harley” the Blue and Gold Macaw. Learn about responsible pet keeping and meet our 65 lbs Sulcata tortoise named Maximus-and more! All true stories that will make your heart melt...because don’t ALL creatures whether furry, scary, scaly and even creepy deserve a little TLC? Tune in!
*Recommended for any age group -Why animals need rescuing printable activity PDF additional $40

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Slithering Snakes

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What actually makes a snake, a snake?? Snakes might just look like a head attached to a long tail, but they are much, much more than that! Their engineering and body plan has made them into one of the most successful animals on the planet. You will learn all about these amazing animals' unique adaptations, anatomy, locomotion, and way of life - with a great variety of our live snake collection. We can observe these reptiles in motion and even see a snake eat...if you dare! (*we will save this to the end if you do not want to watch them eat)
Recommended for ages 6+. Dr. Brady Barr is available for this program.
PDF printable Venomous or Not? activity additional $40

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Tales and Turtles

Diamondback Terrapin

This class is for serious turtle lovers! See the difference firsthand between aquatic and terrestrial turtles. Learn about threats to all turtles including our very own
Diamondback terrapins. Hear the rescued tales of many of our turtles including Max, our 65 lbs Sulcata tortoise, our one-eyed snapper, See our turtle pond exhibit with their roommate friend “Flaco” the caiman, and more! It’s everything you need to know…so to speak…about those critters with a shell and a beak!

*Recommended for any age group -with endangered turtles around the world printable PDF additional $40

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Crazy Croc Tales with Dr. Brady Barr

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You may know how to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile, but what about their cousins? Did you know that there are 24 species of crocodilians on the planet? Dr. Brady Barr, a National Geographic herpetologist, TV personality, and award-winning book author (AND Eco Adventures owner) is the only person to have worked and captured all species of crocodilians in the wild! Meet some croc, caiman, and gator friends LIVE and hear the close call stories of their captures and happy releases- and also behind the scene stories of filming in the field such as the time Dr. B tried to release a giant croc in Africa only for him to turn around and go back into their inflatable boat with his jaws open!! Talk about crazy close calls- all in the name of science! Tune in for this great adventure and Q & A time with Dr. Brady Barr.
*Recommended for any age group - With “Where in the World?” printable PDF Match the croc to their country with clues. additional $40

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Don't see the topic you are interested in? Just ask - we can adhere to just about anything! Please email us for a quote: with the number of possible registrations/participants, the number of presentations, live or pre-recorded, if you want printable worksheets, or to be able to post on website/FB for a certain period of time. Presentations with Dr. Brady Barr are more expensive. This will determine the price. Start at $375 depending on details, additional printout $40 extra. Inquire about other options.

Eco Adventures is a Conservation, Education, and Enrichment facility in Millersville MD. We do in-house programs as well for camps, private tours, field trips, outreaches, scouts, birthday parties, special events, and more!
ecoadventuresmd@gmail.com