06/11/2026
For years, students at Ridge and Valley Charter School have experienced learning far beyond the classroom. During a year-long Delaware Watershed study, 6th and 7th graders traveled to Cape May where they spent time exploring the beaches, took a boardwalk bird walk, and visited the Cape May lighthouse and the Bayshore Center museum before heading out to tag horseshoe crabs with the American Littoral Society under the rising moon.
The study began with local stream investigations of tributaries to the Delaware River, where students explored erosion, habitat, water quality, and soil and stream health. The curriculum crosses all subject areas – from math and science, to art and language arts – through hands-on and service learning as the students take active roles in contributing to the ongoing health of their local watershed and beyond.
At Ridge and Valley Learning Circles, we believe experiences like these show the power of hands-on ecological education to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and community connection.
