Perfect Creek Education Program

Water plays a major part in defining Petersburg National Battlefield’s environmental conditions. The park is located within two drainage basins; the Chesapeake Bay and Albermarle Sound. Numerous streams and rivers drain the different park areas, creating a network of habitat for many different species of animals. Wetlands make up a portion of the battlefield's area. These transitional areas play an important role in the park’s interconnected ecosystem, serving as a buffer and providing habitat for many unique species of animals.

Students will explore one of the creeks on Petersburg National Battlefield and will begin to understand why the water cycle and water quality is important and what influences there are on them.  Trees help hold soil in place and filter out unwanted sediment to keep water clean. They shade creeks and regulate water temperature for the many aquatic species that need clean, cool water. Many different animals live in the forest near the creeks and ponds of Petersburg National Battlefield. Otters, beavers, deer, herons, salamanders, snakes, frogs, turtles and many others depend on healthy forest creeks and ponds for food, water, homes and protection.  For this reason, foresters, hydrologists, geologists, aquatic biologists and many others here at Petersburg National Battlefield work together to manage our creeks and ponds.

To achieve this, students will don a pair of rubber boots and spend some time in the creek observing, collecting and studying the many living creatures in the creek.  They will test water quality and discuss ways to preserve this habitat.

Targeted Standards of Learning for this program are:

             Life Processes 2.4, 4.4         
             Living Systems 2.5, 3.5, 3.6, 6.7   
             Resources 3.10, 4.8, 6.9            
             Life Science LS.4, LS.5, LS.7,
             LS.10,LS.11, LS.14

This program can be scheduled from March 1 through November 1.  We ask that class sizes be limited to 30. 

For more information, email our Education Specialist or call 804-732-3531 ext 228. 

Perfect Creek Education Guide