Elms Environmental Center

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

Bird Watching in Maryland ... en español!

Guia-de-Observacion-de-Aves Spanish Bird Watching Guide.pdf

Environmental Explorers Summer Day Camp

Environmental Explorers Summer Camp was a BLAST !!!

Look for registration for SMCPS's Summer 2024 camps come April!

Dates: July 10 - 13, July 17 - 20, July 24 - 27, 2023
Times: 8:00 - 2:00
Location: Elms Environmental Education Center, St. James Church Road (NOT Elms Beach Park)
Age/Grades: Rising 3rd Grade - rising 8th Grade

Cost: $200

Description: Environmentally-focused outdoor nature camp for students entering grades 3-8. Students will explore, play and create in a variety of natural settings ranging from the Chesapeake Bay to marshes, ponds, forests and fields. Possible activities will include seine fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, dipnetting in the marsh and pond, birdwatching, capture and study of insects, turtles, and amphibians, games, nature journaling, Native American STEM skills such as making fire, cordage, and fletching arrows, and nature arts, crafts, and dance.


We are proud to be recongized as a 2023 MAEOE Green Center!

Green Center Press Release 

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

with a Fun Online Game!

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.  

We have been creating video based lessons, for all grade levels. Completed videos may be found HERE or on our YouTube channel.