Lynnhaven River NOW actively partners with schools, both public and private, located within or serving students from the City of Virginia Beach, to provide projects, presentations and programs emphasizing water quality education and environmentally focused curriculums. Schools located within this service area in and around the Lynnhaven River watershed can benefit from watershed presentations and classroom activities available on request, but subject to availability.

Many projects can be initiated at schools to add outdoor learning opportunities on grounds while also helping to improve water quality. Schools can install Rainbarrels, Scoop the Poop Boxes, Rain Gardens, or Buffer Gardens to green their school grounds with valuable learning components. Gardening Oysters to be planted on the Lynnhaven River allows students to study living systems and watershed ecology in a hands on, real world restoration project.

In addition to project support, Lynnhaven River NOW recognizes schools providing outstanding environmental education with the Pearl School Award. Any school within Lynnhaven River NOW’s service area is eligible to apply.

Classroom programs such as Growing Wetlands in the Classroom, Exploring Water Chemistry through Earth Science and World Water Monitoring Day offer educators the chance to bring wetland education into the everyday classroom experience. Partnering with NOAA on the Phytoplankton Monitoring Network, Lynnhaven River NOW offers assistance in launching new phytoplankton monitors in the Lynnhaven area.

Professional development opportunities are available for teachers throughout the year in Virginia Beach Schools sponsored trainings as well as independent workshop opportunities.

Students can apply for a various Internships that offer experience working with a grassroots, environmental organization focused on local water quality issues. These volunteer positions provide valuable, real-world experiences that help to enhance college applications and resumes.