Connecting to the Bay
Where Classroom Discovery Flows Into the Living Watershed
Connecting to the Bay is a hands-on field experience led by the Pelican’s Nest Science Lab in partnership with Flying Creek Nature Preserve and Nature Connect—designed to help students understand how everything connects to Mobile Bay.
The experience begins inside the Pelican’s Nest Science Lab, where students are introduced to watershed science through interactive, inquiry-based learning. In the lab, students may design and build their own watershed models, investigate different types of water, and explore sustainability features within the AWF Habitat Learning Lab—building a strong foundation before heading into the field.
Once curiosity is sparked, learning moves outdoors as students travel to the Flying Creek and Nature Connect campuses in Fairhope. There, students and teachers explore the natural landscape surrounding Mobile Bay, observing firsthand how land, water, plants, and wildlife are interconnected.
Through guided exploration and real-world application, students gain an in-depth understanding of our local watershed—how it functions, why it matters, and how it must be protected.
Flying Creek Nature Preserve further enhances the experience with tailored field learning opportunities that may include forestry and prescribed burns, entomology studies, and native species exploration—allowing each visit to align with classroom goals and learning standards.
By blending lab-based discovery with outdoor exploration, Connecting to the Bay helps students move beyond learning about the environment to truly understanding their place within it.
Ways to Partner with FEEF
- Sponsor Events: Support FEEF’s signature fundraisers that bring the community together.
- Corporate Giving: Direct a portion of your company’s resources toward innovative education.
- In-Kind Donations: Provide materials, expertise, or services that enhance student programs.
- Volunteer as a Team: Rally your staff to serve together at a FEEF event or project.