Outdoor Learning Resources
Urban Adventure Squad (UAS) is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit education organization. We support schools and communities with neighborhood-based, hands-on learning programs that focus on the outdoors and use the city as a classroom. We partner with schools, other non-profit organizations, and community groups to connect students to their neighborhoods with cross-curricular, standards-aligned activities relating to science, history, math, art, engineering, and writing, and to train teachers in outdoor learning. We also offer full-day programs during out-of-school time, like on professional development days and federal holidays, as well as during school breaks.
Urban Adventure Squad's Guide to Outdoor Learning
Are you an educator, administrator, or parent interested in outdoor learning but aren't sure how to get started? We're here to help.
Ten Things to do Outdoors in DC!
Listen to a fascinating interview with Christy Brock, Director of Programming, check out our list of adventures, and start exploring!
Urban Adventure Squad (UAS) is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit education organization. We support schools and communities with neighborhood-based, hands-on learning programs that focus on the outdoors and use the city as a classroom. We partner with schools, other non-profit organizations, and community groups to connect students to their neighborhoods with cross-curricular, standards-aligned activities relating to science, history, math, art, engineering, and writing, and to train teachers in outdoor learning. We also offer full-day programs during out-of-school time, like on professional development days and federal holidays, as well as during school breaks.
Urban Adventure Squad's Guide to Outdoor Learning
Are you an educator, administrator, or parent interested in outdoor learning but aren't sure how to get started? We're here to help.
Ten Things to do Outdoors in DC!
Listen to a fascinating interview with Christy Brock, Director of Programming, check out our list of adventures, and start exploring!
Squad as a StoryMap
Isabel Liu, a junior at Georgetown University, selected Urban Adventure Squad as the organization she would focus on for her Media and Social Justice class last semester. Isabel immersed herself in equitable outdoor learning by interviewing our team, talking to Squad families, and joining us at our partner schools to see what curriculum-aligned outdoor learning looks like during the school day. You can see her thoughtful, comprehensive final project here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c793397a3126489ba3c826feca29cde4
Isabel Liu, a junior at Georgetown University, selected Urban Adventure Squad as the organization she would focus on for her Media and Social Justice class last semester. Isabel immersed herself in equitable outdoor learning by interviewing our team, talking to Squad families, and joining us at our partner schools to see what curriculum-aligned outdoor learning looks like during the school day. You can see her thoughtful, comprehensive final project here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c793397a3126489ba3c826feca29cde4
For educators, families, and adventurers of all ages:
Click here for a variety of activities and adventures.
The OSSE Trailblazers program and resource page. Trailblazers is an environmental literacy
and outdoor learning pilot for DC Public and Public Charter School teachers during spring 2025.
Conservation Nation's Educator's Guide to Exploring Nature in Washington, D.C.
Bring these with you on neighborhood hikes:
Leaf Key for Common Broadleaf Trees in Maryland
A Beginner's Field Guide by Anacostia Watershed Society
FREE fun-for-all-ages outdoor summer activities in DC:
Friday Night Fishing with Anacostia Riverkeeper
Outdoor Skating Rink at Anacostia Park
Green Boats kayaking with Living Classrooms at Kingman Island
Take care of your favorite greenspaces and waterways!
Volunteer with:
Anacostia Watershed Society
Casey Trees
C&O Canal Trust
Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy
Rock Creek Conservancy
The Well at Oxon Run
Resources from our grant-based projects and programs:
Geocaching D.C.'s Waterways
D.C. Hidden Waterways
Writing and Advocacy in the Anacostia Watershed: Wheatley Middle Schoolers Explore Environmental Justice
Further reading:
Read about Black History in D.C.
Check out the UAS Land Acknowledgement
"Why birds and their songs are good for our mental health" The Washington Post
D.C. Coalition for Equitable Outdoor Education
Click here for a variety of activities and adventures.
The OSSE Trailblazers program and resource page. Trailblazers is an environmental literacy
and outdoor learning pilot for DC Public and Public Charter School teachers during spring 2025.
Conservation Nation's Educator's Guide to Exploring Nature in Washington, D.C.
Bring these with you on neighborhood hikes:
Leaf Key for Common Broadleaf Trees in Maryland
A Beginner's Field Guide by Anacostia Watershed Society
FREE fun-for-all-ages outdoor summer activities in DC:
Friday Night Fishing with Anacostia Riverkeeper
Outdoor Skating Rink at Anacostia Park
Green Boats kayaking with Living Classrooms at Kingman Island
Take care of your favorite greenspaces and waterways!
Volunteer with:
Anacostia Watershed Society
Casey Trees
C&O Canal Trust
Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy
Rock Creek Conservancy
The Well at Oxon Run
Resources from our grant-based projects and programs:
Geocaching D.C.'s Waterways
D.C. Hidden Waterways
Writing and Advocacy in the Anacostia Watershed: Wheatley Middle Schoolers Explore Environmental Justice
Further reading:
Read about Black History in D.C.
Check out the UAS Land Acknowledgement
"Why birds and their songs are good for our mental health" The Washington Post
D.C. Coalition for Equitable Outdoor Education
