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CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — Mud, wetlands, wildlife and the Potomac River can teach a pretty good science lesson. The Alice Ferguson Foundation has spent more than 70 years helping students discover that for themselves. Now, a $15,566 fiscal 2027 grant will support outdoor, STEM-focused science education for Charles County Public Schools third graders and their teachers.
The Charles County Charitable Trust awarded the funding to the Alice Ferguson Foundation, an environmental education nonprofit based in Accokeek. The organization connects students and families with nature through hands-on environmental education, outdoor experiences and community stewardship.
In 2025 alone, the foundation reported serving 3,536 students through hands-on environmental education programs. In addition, hundreds of community members participated in other programs and environmental initiatives.
The foundation’s environmental education campus gives students access to wetlands, marshes, forests and Potomac River shoreline. Through its education programs, students investigate real ecosystems and observe wildlife. They also study watersheds, water quality, erosion, pollinators, habitats and sustainability. Since 1954, the foundation has introduced more than 1 million students from Maryland, Virginia and Washington to outdoor learning.
For Charles County, the new grant will specifically support outdoor STEM education for third-grade Charles County Public Schools students and teachers. However, the goal goes beyond simply teaching science outdoors. The organization uses those experiences to show young people how their actions affect the natural world. Students also learn what they can do to help protect it.
The Alice Ferguson Foundation’s programs are not limited to school groups.
Families can explore community and educational programs throughout the year. These include outdoor activities and events at the farm. In addition, the foundation maintains a free educational resource library. It includes lesson plans, classroom activities, outdoor activities and videos. The resources cover subjects ranging from biodiversity and watersheds to pollinators and water quality.
Residents who want to get their hands dirty can volunteer with the Alice Ferguson Foundation. For example, opportunities include Potomac River watershed cleanups, gardening, animal care and farm projects. Volunteers can also help with facility projects, administrative work and events. Students can also find opportunities to earn service-learning hours. Residents can donate directly to the foundation. Contributions support outdoor education, environmental stewardship and community programs. Donations also support scholarships that help students participate in educational experiences.
The Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Environmental Education Campus is at 2201 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD 20607. Residents can call 301-292-5665 or email info@fergusonfoundation.org. For education questions, email education@fergusonfoundation.org.
The $15,566 award is part of $1.5 million in fiscal 2027 funding from the Charles County Charitable Trust. The trust awarded the funding to 57 nonprofits serving Charles County residents.
Learn More: Alice Ferguson Foundation
Programs: Environmental Education Programs
Free Resources: Environmental Education Resource Library
Volunteer: Volunteer Opportunities
Donate: Support The Alice Ferguson Foundation
This grant is one of 57 awards totaling $1.5 million being distributed to nonprofits serving Charles County residents in fiscal 2027 through the Charles County Charitable Trust.
Founded in 2016, the Trust helps strengthen the county’s nonprofit community through grant funding, training, resources and opportunities for organizations to collaborate. Its new home, the Vivian Mills Center for Nonprofits in La Plata, provides affordable office and meeting space for local organizations and honors the Trust’s first executive director, Vivian Mills. Residents can learn more about the Charles County Charitable Trust, explore its fiscal 2027 grant program or donate to help support local nonprofit initiatives.
The BayNet is highlighting all 57 grant recipients to show how the funding is being used, who it helps and how residents can connect with the nonprofits serving their community.
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Martel is a Maryland native with roots deep in PG County and stories from every corner of the state. A journalist by both creative instinct and personal challenge, he approaches the craft as more than… More by Martel Spears
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