Education Programs
fostering a better future for all living creatures
Education is a core pillar of our mission at the Sanctuary.
Between private and public presentations and Sanctuary tours, we provide roughly 50 educational programs every single year.
Our team of non-releasable education ambassador animals helps our human neighbors forge deeper, more personal connections to our wild neighbors. We aim to not only foster interest in protecting wildlife but also to equip each and every audience member with the knowledge and tools they need to be an ally for wildlife.
Our goal is not just to inspire, but to empower!
meet the ambassadors
learn about & schedule a program
Who are rockfish wildlife sanctuary'S education programs for?
Anyone and everyone! We can cater to any age group, curriculum, or theme, from teaching kindergartners about feathers and birds to speaking with retired folks about wildlife-friendly landscaping practices. We believe it is never too early nor too late to start learning about wildlife.
Does rws come out to schools and other off-site locations?
Yes! We travel to about 35 different schools, organizations, festivals, and events per year to meet the folks who make our sanctuary possible while introducing them to the very species they help us support. For interested teachers, we are committed to enhancing your school’s science curriculum through experiential learning. We can work alongside you to ensure we help your students meet the Virginia Standards of Learning depending on their grade level and needs. By bringing the environment to your classroom, we aim to enhance the themes your students are learning in exciting, novel ways.
Rockfish outreach staff will arrive at your school or meeting space with two or three of our education ambassador animals, depending on your interests and curriculum. Our programs can range from 30-90 minutes. We can present to any audience size and typically spend 2/3 of the time period presenting our animals and information while the rest of the time is devoted to answering questions. We have species-specific coloring sheets and informational booklets available to bring along, if that would be beneficial for your audience.
Can My group come to the sanctuary for a tour?
While our facility is typically closed to the public, we are happy to organize a special tour for your group so that your students or community group can learn about wildlife rehabilitation and the species we advocate for. This option may not be a great fit for your kindergarten class, as our animals require calm and quiet visitors, but it might just be the perfect way to introduce your small group (no more than 20 folks) to the wonderful world of working with wildlife.
When you arrive at our sanctuary in beautiful Nelson County, we will spent some time walking through our main facility building and will explore the outdoor enclosures for our education animals, offering an opportunity to see all of our education ambassador team up close while answering any questions you may have. Tours typically range from 60 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on your schedule and interests.
Is there a fee for rws educational programs?
Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary is an entirely donor-funded organization, and we receive no state or federal funding. Because of this, we have fee of $150-200 for private on-site tours, depending on group size and day. Fees for off-site programs depend on distance we need to travel, ambassadors requested, day, and audience size, but they are usually between $150-300 with additional mileage reimbursement as requested. However, we are committed to keeping wildlife education accessible and will try to work with you if cost is prohibitive. Programs for public school systems are free!
I'm bored TODAY! Can I come visit the sanctuary?
No. We are closed to the public for "drop in" style visits so that we can maintain a natural setting for our wildlife patients. As a result, we do not permit visitors without a pre-arranged viewing time. Please do not come to the Sanctuary to visit without a confirmed scheduled tour.
That said, we do love hosting visitors for guided tours of our education ambassador enclosures! If you'd like to schedule a tour, please send us an email or fill out the inquiry form below. We look forward to sharing the Sanctuary with you!
If you’re interested in scheduling an educational program, field trip, or tour with RWS, please send an email to sarah@rockfishwildlifesanctuary.org to get the ball rolling. We look forward to meeting you!
Please note that we are closed to the public in order to maintain a natural setting for our wildlife patients. We do not permit visitors without a pre-arranged viewing time. Please do not come to the Sanctuary to visit without scheduling a tour.
If you'd like to schedule a visit, please send us an email or fill out the inquiry form here. We look forward to sharing the Sanctuary with you!
We appreciate your patience and flexibility in scheduling educational events as we receive a large volume of requests.
SUBMIT
Wildlife Hotline: (434) 263-4954
5450 Wheelers Cove Rd.
Shipman, VA 22971
Our phone number should only be used for wildlife emergencies, like a suspected injured or orphaned animal or a pressing wildlife help question. If you have other general inquiries, we would appreciate you contacting us via email or the contact form so we can keep our phone line open for wildlife in need. Thank you!
We are open for intakes 365 days per year. We accept new patients between 9AM-4PM. Call first, please!
Our wildlife crisis hotline
VISITING THE SANCTUARY
CONTACT US
Our phone number should only be used for wildlife emergencies, like a suspected injured or orphaned animal or a pressing wildlife help question. If you have other general inquiries, we would appreciate you contacting us via email or the contact form so we can keep our phone line open for wildlife in need. Thank you!
Our wildlife crisis hotline
VISITING THE SANCTUARY
Thank yoU!
We will respond as soon as possible.
If you have found an injured or orphaned wild animal and need advice, please visit:
Wildlife rehab emergencies
Wildlife Hotline: (434) 263-4954
5450 Wheelers Cove Rd.
Shipman, VA 22971
We are open for intakes 365 days per year. We accept new patients between 9AM-4PM. Call first, please!
CONTACT US
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copyright © 2018–2025 Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary unless otherwise attributed.
Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. EIN 51-0498181.
Thank you for supporting our mission to help native wildlife in Virginia and beyond.