Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Chincoteague Island

Chincoteague Service Learning: Preserving Barrier Island Environments

National Parks

Service Learning

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Help preserve and maintain the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge — home to the wild Chincoteague ponies — as you learn about the island’s unique music, culture and lore.

Rating (5)

Active

Program No. 2637RJ

Length

6 days

Starts at

699

6 days

5 nights

14 meals

5B 4L 5D

Chincoteague , Va.

Getting There

See travel details and required documents

At a Glance

Spend a week on the barrier islands of Chincoteague and Assateague working at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Museum of Chincoteague Island to help conserve the barrier islands’ wildlife and culture. Under the supervision of experts, assist with a variety of projects ranging from planting pollinator gardens, to repairing woodland trails and bridges, to cleaning up undeveloped beaches, to working among the Museum’s collection of artifacts and records. You will have many opportunities to discover the unique culture of this natural paradise while you engage with local carvers, watermen and wildlife experts.

Activity Level

Active

Walking up to one half mile at a time over level ground.

Best of all, you'll ...

Work outdoors amidst the wild ponies and waterfowl, or at the Museum of Chincoteague Island, helping to manage its expanding collection of local artifacts.
Walk along the islands’ undeveloped beaches helping to clean up fishing nets and debris deposited by ocean storms, or learn or refresh your carpentry skills while building walkways and structures throughout the refuge.
Enjoy an evening of entertainment featuring sea chanties and local lore of island musicians.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Billie Dayton

Billie is a Master Naturalist with extensive experience working on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in hawk-banding and waterfowl surveys. While involved in the falconry projects, she had the opportunity to live in the historic Assateague Coast Guard Station. She and her husband Jim have been full-time Chincoteague Island residents since 2002. Billie is active in many island organizations including the Museum of Chincoteague Island, the Chincoteague Island Cultural Alliance and the Tom’s Cove Visitor’s Center. She is a retired educator and psychotherapist.

Billie Dayton

Jenny Somers

Cindy Oehm

Suggested Reading List

View 9 books

Stormy, Misty's Foal

by Marguerite Henry

This sequel to "Misty" describes the events on Chincoteague during the Ash Wednesday storm in 1962. Misty is about to give birth and the book details the actions the Beebe's take to ensure a safe birth. It also covers the role Misty and her foal play in raising donations to restore the island after the storm. Available on Chincoteague at the Museum.

A Natural History of Quiet Waters

by Curtis J. Badger

This is a wonderfully well-written, easy to understand description of the swamps and wetlands of the East Coast and their importance to our environment, history and culture. It is written from the perspective of someone who has experienced them first hand. Available on Chincoteague at Sundial Books (www.sundialbooks.net)

Watermen and Wild Ponies, A Chincoteague Waterman Remembers Life on Chincoteague and Assateague

by Robert H. Mears and Lorna Gagneux

An informative and touching chronicle of the life-long friendship of two business partners who catch and sell fish, oysters and clams for over 30 years until the early 1960's. It reflects the flavor of living and making a livelihood on Chincoteague and the early settlement of Assateague. Available on Chincoteague at Sundial Books (www.sundialbooks.com)

The Assateague Ponies

by Ronald Keiper

A factual book about these fascinating animals revealing all you would want to know about their social structure, diet, range and interaction with humans. Available on Chincoteague at Sundial Books (www.sundialbooks.net).

Assateague Island 2nd Edition

by William H. Wroten Jr.

This pamphlet documents much of the unwritten history of Assateague. It gathers previously undocumented stories about the inhabitants activities and their thoughts from writings and interviews. Available on Chincoteague at Sundial Books (www.sundialbooks.net).

A Naturalist Guide to the Virginia Coast

by Curtis J. Badger

This book covers the beaches and tidal flats of the Virginia coasts and expands the experience of the natural diversity of the areas around Chincoteague, Back Bay and Cape Henry Trail. Good for the weekend birder, experienced naturalist or just plain interested observer. Available on Chincoteague at Sundial Books (www.sundiabooks.net).

Seeds of Evidence

by Linda J. White

This recently published novel involves an FBI Special Agent on leave at her Grandmother's home on Chincoteague, who becomes involved in the investigation of the murder of a young Latino boy. Available at Sundial Books on Chincoteague (www.sundialbooks.net).

Misty of Chincoteague

by Marguerite Henry

A Newberry Honor book, for children 8 - 12 years old. This is the story of Paul and Maureen Beebe and their quest to buy the elusive Phantom, a wild Chincoteague pony. On Pony Penning Day, they not only bring in the Phantom, but also her colt, Misty. It is a wonderful heart-warming tale of the efforts of two children to achieve their dream. Available on Chincoteague at the Museum.

Chincoteague and Assateague Islands (MD and VA) (images of America)

by Nan Devincent-Hays

This book provides a short pictorial and narrative description of these two barrier islands, their history and relationship. One is a small town community catering to thousands of tourists who come almost year-round to enjoy the beach and view the wildlife on the other. Available on Chincoteague at the Museum.

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6 days

5 nights

14 meals

5 B 4 L 5 D

Getting There

See travel details and required documents

DAY

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Chincoteague , Va.

Refuge Inn

Afternoon: Registration at the Refuge Inn from 3:00 to 4:30 P.M.

Dinner: 5:30 P.M. Dinner at a local venue. For your dining pleasure this program includes "A Taste of the Island." We will be enjoying a different local cuisine each evening.

Evening: This is an evening to get to know one another and be briefed on what the week has in store. Take this opportunity to sign up for one of several interesting projects for your first full day. Adjustments may be made to the schedule based on weather forecasts, project needs and trail conditions. The central mission of the program will remain the same. The evening will end with an ice cream social at the Island Creamery.

DAY

Refuge & Service Project Introduction, Local History & Lore

Chincoteague , Va.

B,L,D

Refuge Inn

Breakfast: 7:30A.M. Breakfast

Morning: Travel to Assateague Island. Enjoy a welcome by U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff and a land tour of the Refuge into normally restricted areas.

Lunch: 11:30 A.M. Enjoy lunch on the Refuge.

Afternoon: Join your work crew and follow your work schedule.

Dinner: 5:30 P.M. Dinner will be at a local venue.

Evening: Sign up for Tuesday's work project. Enjoy an evening of local Chincoteague Island history and tales. A local expert will explain the charm and uniqueness of this island.

DAY

Work on Refuge, Museum Visit

Chincoteague , Va.

B,L,D

Refuge Inn

Breakfast: 7:30 A.M. Breakfast

Morning: Travel to the Refuge and follow this morning's work schedule.

Lunch: 11:30 A.M. Lunch on the Refuge.

Afternoon: 12:30 A.M. Back to work to complete this afternoon's work schedule.

Dinner: 5:30 P.M. Dinner at a local venue.

Evening: Sign up for Wednesday's work crews. Spend an evening at the Museum of Chincoteague Island with guides who will interpret the Museum exhibits. Exhibits feature the original Fresnel lens from the Assateague lighthouse, the Beebe Ranch (including Misty and Stormy in their artfully preserved state), and the seafood and tourist industry.

DAY

Work on Refuge, Group Discussion & Review

Chincoteague , Va.

B,L,D

Refuge Inn

Breakfast: 7:30 A.M. Breakfast

Morning: Follow today's work schedule.

Lunch: 11:30 A.M. Lunch on the Refuge.

Afternoon: Follow this afternoon's work schedule.

Dinner: 5:30 P.M. Dinner at a local venue.

Evening: Sign up for Thursday's work project. Participate in group discussions about this weeks program. Participate in a review of your experiences.

DAY

Work on Refuge, Musical Entertainment

Chincoteague , Va.

B,L,D

Refuge Inn

Breakfast: 7:30 A.M. Breakfast

Morning: Follow work schedule.

Lunch: 11:30 A.M. Lunch on the Refuge.

Afternoon: Follow this afternoon's work schedule.

Dinner: 5:30 Dinner at a local venue.

Evening: An evening gathering to enjoy some sea chanteys and Celtic music sung in the local way.

DAY

Program Concludes

Chincoteague , Va.

Breakfast: 7:30 A.M. Our program ends with breakfast. Participants will need to check out of the motel by 11:00 am.

Meals

14 Meals

5 Breakfasts

4 Lunches

5 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Kosher, Vegetarian

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Display

Oct 22, 2017 - Oct 27, 2017

Oct 22, 2017 - Oct 27, 2017
Mar 18, 2018 - Mar 23, 2018

Refuge Inn

5 nights

Chincoteague

Lovely family owned inn, one of the finest on Chincoteague. Within walking distance to the Museum of Chincoteague Island. Within biking distance to Assateague Island and the Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge and the Assateague National Seashore. Beautiful sunrise views and vistas of waterfowl and marsh.

TripAdvisor Reviews

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5 Reviews

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Connie

Class of 2016

Cincinnati, OH

(5) 3 months ago

So much fun mixed with hard work and a feeling of accomplishment!

Stephanie

Class of 1998

Winter Garden, FL

(5) a year ago

If you are thinking about doing this program, stop thinking and do it!!! I went for the ponies and left with the satisfaction of giving to a Refuge and learning another piece of history from this unique part of our country.

John

Class of 2016

Newport News, VA

(5) a year ago

Excellent! If you have any interest in collecting an oral history from your family or people in your locale this is a great program to learn and train on the basics. All the leaders, especially Ennis, were wonderful to be around. They are professional, personable, and supportive. This was my first Road Scholar program and I could not be more pleased.

Barbara

Bayport, NY

This reviewer did not give a star rating. a year ago

No question - this service project in Chincoteague involved hard work. But - and I'm 76 - I'd go back in a heartbeat! Helping to maintain the ponies' habitat was rewarding and memorable. The Refuge Inn was a perfect fit for the program with biking and kayaking rental places nearby for free time. And, I'll leave you with two words - Island Creamery - which, according to TripAdvisor, has the best ice cream in the country.

Sandra

Class of 2015

San Antonio, TX

(5) a year ago

Returned last week from my first service trip with Road Scholar. Chincoteague/Assateague were perfect. I worked outdoors for two days and in the museum for two days. At 72, the pace was very appropriate for me. The leaders, Bill Spann, Billie Dayton, and Cindy Oehm are outstanding - a nice mixture of local and "comehere"; each incredibly knowledgable. I would do this again, as many participants were there for their 4-10th year; however, I want to go to for some other service trips. Chincoteague and the park on Assateague are well worth a trip.