Sample Schedule |
Photos from Previous Years
Small town hospitality, Native American artifacts, wild
ponies and more await you in one of the most dynamic settings on
Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Experience Chincoteague and Assateague
Islands as MSC ecologists help you explore their rapidly changing
coastal ecology through collection and experimentation aboard a working
research vessel. Immerse yourself in the beauty of untouched ecosystems
while learning from local experts during daily field trips and lectures.
Personally interact with local artists, watermen and carvers while
exploring the maritime history, legend and lore surrounding the
islands’ famous wild ponies. Enjoy the appeal of this quaint seafaring
town and learn about the diverse inhabitants of the barrier island
ecosystems.
Day 1
3:00 - 5:00
pm Check in with Elderhostel Coordinator &
Comfort
Suites
5:00 - 5:45
pm Group welcome and schedule overview
6:00 - 7:00
pm Dinner at
Maria's
Restaurant
7:30 - 9:00
pm Evening speaker *
Day 2
8:00 -
9:00 am Breakfast at Maria's Restaurant
9:00
- 12:00 pm Driving tour of Chincoteague Island
Beach walk and Birding on Assateague Island
12:00
- 1:00 pm Lunch at Maria's Restaurant
1:00 - 4:00 pm Oceanographic research
cruise on MSC vessels
6:00 - 7:00 pm Dinner at Maria's
Restaurant
7:30
- 9:00 pm Evening speaker *
Day 3
8:00 -
9:00 am Breakfast at Maria's Restaurant
9:00
- 12:00 pm
Chincoteague National Wildlife
Refuge speaker
Visit the Herbert Bateman Visitor Center
12:00
- 1:00 pm Lunch at Maria's Restaurant
1:00 - 4:00 pm Afternoon speaker *
6:00 - 7:00 pm Dinner at Maria's
Restaurant
7:30
- 9:00 pm Evening speaker *
Day 4
8:00 -
9:00 am Breakfast at Maria's Restaurant
9:00
- 10:30 am Maritime forest ecology walk
to
the
Assateague Lighthouse
11:00 am Check out of hotel and program
Lunch to-go
*
Speakers and demonstrations/exhibits for this program include:
wildlife painting, local history, the Chincoteague ponies and Native
American artifacts.
