WETLANDS ENRICHMENT TOURS
•The Hermitage Museum and Gardens consists of an early 20th century historic house museum with a world‐ wide art collection surrounded by twelve acres of formal gardens, natural woodlands and educational wetlands. The property is bordered on three sides by the Lafayette River, a tributary of the tidal estuary that threads through Hampton Roads. •The Hermitage is located in the back of Lochhaven neighborhood in Norfolk, off of Hampton Boulevard between ODU and Norfolk Naval Base. Hermitage Museum & Gardens 7637 North Shore Road Norfolk, VA 23505
Wetlands Enrichment Tours at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens
• The WET program is a hands-on outdoor activity which takes students on a tour of our restored native Wetlands, along the Lafayette River. •The Th program covers the h following f ll i SOL points: i Grade 4: 4.1.b, 4.5.d, 4.5.f, 4.8.a, 4.8.b Grade 6: 6.1.j, 6.7.a-g, 6.9.a, 6.9.d Life Science: LS.1.d, LS 1 d LS.7.c, LS 7 c LS.10.b, LS 10 b LS.12.b, LS 12 b LS.12.d, LS.12.e
• With Wi h help h l ffrom volunteers l and d community i organizations the Wetlands restoration began in 2006. In which over 5,000 native marsh grasses were p planted to create a ½ acre Livingg Shoreline
•With help from volunteers and community organizations the Wetlands restoration began in 2006. In which over 5,000 native marsh grasses were planted to create a ½ acre Living Shoreline.
• The Wetlands Enrichment tour (WET) consists of an introduction & three 10 to 12 minute activities. •Students will be divided into three groups. Each group will rotate and participate in each activity. •The program will teach students what a wetland is, functions of wetlands, and whyy wetlands are important. •Key vocabulary terms in this program include erosion, invasive
plants, phragmites, water table, habitat, hydrophytes, living shoreline, sediment and pollution. .
Activity 1Upland Run-off Demonstration
• Using a model representing the wetlands, students learn about the flood buffering and filtering effects of the wetlands and the important role they play in protecting our water ways f from pollution. ll i
Activity 2Buffer Zones & Plant Material Identification • Students are taken along the path which connects the upper land wetlands with the buffer beds . In this area students will be able to identify, touch, and smell the native wetlands plants which help prevent erosion, provide food and habitat for the wildlife.
Activity 3 Boardwalk Observation & Matching Activity • Students walk to the boardwalk positioned over the wetlands where they observe the tidal pool and oyster reefs. They will also get a chance to observe & touch some wetlands creatures, oyster shells & barnacles. They also participate in a wetlands vocabulary activity.
To register your class/group or for more information please contact Truly Matthews, Public Programs Coordinator at 423-2052 ext 203 or programs@ thehermitagemuseum.org