Elms Environmental Center

The home of outdoor environmental science for St. Mary's County Public Schools.

What is Your Connection to Nature?

Connections to Nature: Looking Inside, Going Outside

The 2025 Ocean Awareness Contest invites students aged 11-18 to share their relationship with the natural world through art, writing, performance, film, or multimedia. Winners may be awarded up to $1,000. Submissions are due on June 9, 2025.

Maryland Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (MAEOE)

Funding Opportunities Open

MAEOE is accepting applications for the following grants:

MAEOE is also offering one on one support via Grants Application Office Hours from November 5 through December 20.

More information can be found on MAEOE's funding opportunities webpage.

The Value of Outdoor Environmental Education Programs for Girls and Youth of Color: Cultivating Positive Dispositions toward Science and the Environment, 16 September, 2024.

"Findings showed not only that Outdoor Environmental Education experiences can support positive dispositions toward science and the environment, but also that these outcomes are particularly pronounced for youth of color and girls."

Test and Improve your SOMD Bird, Frog, and Tree ID Skills 

with a Fun Online Game!

Brown Thrush on branch
Bull Frog
Red maple leaf in fall
Fifth graders canoeing

Field Studies, Elms to Go, MD Green Schools, FAQs

Monarch laying eggs

Free native plants are available for community based projects and for sale to the general public.

Basic birding class in session

There are many ways to be a part of the excitement at The Elms. 

Audubon Christmas Bird count participants

New events are added regularly.

fourth graders dipnetting

Student work, animals of the Elms, cool links...

aerial photo of the Elms site

"The Elms" is the home of outdoor environmental science for St. Mary's County Public Schools.