The Aquarium is closed Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17, due to a facilities-related issue. Unfortunately, we are unable to welcome guests while we resolve this situation. Please check back here for any impact to opening hours for Saturday, October 18.
Weekend Work-Study Experience
Multiple Days
9 - 11
Stipend Provided
Main Aquarium Campus,
In the Field
The Leaders for Environmental Action Fellowship (LEAF), formerly the Henry Hall Fellowship, exists to create a green Baltimore City. We define green Baltimore as a city that is physically, culturally and behaviorally eco-conscious; one in which environmentalism is practiced by many for the benefit of all. The Fellowship is for Baltimore City high school students curious about and interested in urban conservation and environmental justice. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend based on attendance, provided by the National Aquarium during the school year and by YouthWorks during the summer. LEAF aims to:
Fellows will focus on "Growing Our Community" and investigate two major environmental impacts on Baltimore City: water quality and tree canopy. While learning more about how these impacts affect the city's environment and residents, LEAF fellows will also take tangible action.
Water quality has a great impact on Baltimore City. Numerous tributaries course through four subwatersheds within the city's boundaries, transporting sediment, nutrients and pollutants. Fellows will learn the importance of these waterways, how they have changed over time and how to test the health of the water. Primary outdoor activities include water quality testing and oyster gardening.
Despite its urban nature, Baltimore City's environment is also influenced by foliage and greenery. The city is taking part in a statewide initiative to increase the number of trees. Fellows will learn how important trees are to the environment and humans, how to plant and maintain trees within a city, and how to remove invasive plants that outcompete trees and other native plants. Primary outdoor activities include tree planting and invasive plant removal sessions.
Outside of investigating the impacts of water quality and tree canopy on the city, fellows will also participate in other community engagement activities, like gardening and trash cleanups. They will share the knowledge gained over the year with others by mentoring middle school students throughout the summer and creating a final project to share with National Aquarium guests at the end of their program year.
Programming is split into three parts to comprise a full year:
To participate in LEAF, students must:
For any questions, please email the Leaders for Environmental Action Fellowship advisors at leaf@aqua.org.
The National Aquarium is dedicated to creating an environment that is inclusive, equitable and accessible to people from all backgrounds. We cannot successfully change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet without connecting with and appreciating the broad diversity of identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that make our community unique.
