Maria Mitchell Association

Naturalist Leadership Program (NLP)

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Designed for middle and high school students, the Naturalist Leadership Program (NLP) educates teens about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Nantucket Island in a program that combines environmental education, outdoor adventure, and current research.

Our goal is to provide students with science-related opportunities that include:

• An outdoor adventure and service-learning program
• Involvement in scientific research and volunteer service
• Essential training needed to be an Aquarium and/or Museum Volunteer
• Eligibility to become a Counselor-in-Training for the Discovery Program's science classes
• Knowledge acquisition to help in leadership roles in future science or environmental projects

NLP participants will discover the diversity and fragility of Nantucket's marine and terrestrial ecosystems through hands-on learning and guided explorations with our qualified and experienced education, aquarium, and natural science staff. Groups will be a maximum of 6 students per week.

   
     The Marine Biology Program

      Monday - Friday (9:00am - 1:00pm)
      Member: $490.00/Non-Member: $540.00

During our ocean education program, students will explore the diverse marine ecosystems that surround Nantucket Island. Participants will study topics such as fish and invertebrate anatomy, physical oceanography, marine ecology, classification, and animal behaviors. They will participate in activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, collecting trips (including seining and fishing with rod and reel) among a variety of others. Additional learning opportunities may include fish and invertebrate dissections (including sharks), fish printing, plankton collections, shell fishing, and more! Students will have the opportunity to volunteer in our aquarium and participate in field research with our aquarium staff.

Please note: Participants must be able to demonstrate strong swimming skills in order to snorkel.

Dates:

• July 2nd – July 6th
• July 9th – July 12th
• July 23rd – July 27th
• August 6th – August 10th 

    The Terrestrial Ecology Program

     Monday - Friday (9:00am - 1:00pm)
     Member: $490.00/Non-Member: $540.00

In our Terrestrial Ecology program, we will explore the forests, fields, wetlands, and coastal areas that comprise Nantucket Island. Students will have the opportunity to participate in research projects involving snakes, owls and ospreys, endangered beetles, and spiders and insects as well as helping care for the frogs, turtles, and snakes on display in the Museum, among a variety of other activities. Other areas of focus may include freshwater fish, bird, and invertebrate dissections, research projects focused on invasive plants and animals of Nantucket, specimen collections, water quality testing, erosion studies, and much more!

Dates:

• July 16th – July 20th
• July 30th – August 3rd
• August 13th – August 17th

Register for our Teen Program today!