Hard Bargain Farm Environmental Center - Environmental and Agricultural Education on the Potomac River in Maryland

Student dipnetting during a field study at Hard Bargain Farm Environmental Center Hard Bargain Farm Environmental Center's education program for elementary to middle school students is designed to promote understanding and stewardship of the natural resources in the Potomac River watershed and the legacy of farming in America. Courses at Hard Bargain Farm immerse students in various field studies involving fun and innovative hands-on activities and field investigations designed to engage all learning styles.

Hard Bargain Farm also offers annual professional development opportunities for teachers and environmental education practitioners. During institutes and workshops, teachers become “students,” actively exploring our curriculum and field studies by participating in hands-on activities, models, and conducting in depth field study investigations amid diverse habitats on the farm and in nearby Piscataway National Park.

Student examining wildlife collected during a creek study at Hard Bargain Farm Environmental Center

Quick Links

Lesson Plans, Activities & Resources: science, reading and math lessons to help your students prepare.
Scheduling & Paperwork: everything you need to plan your field study. View brochures for our Weekday School Programs and Weekend Programs for Scout troops and community groups.
H₂Oh! A service-learning adventure is a year-long, once-a-month watershed based service learning day ,developed especially for curious, homeschooled kids.
Hard Bargain Farm Outreach details about HBF's outreach program and check out our blog "Reaching Out from Hard Bargain Farm" to learn about our partner schools and how they’re going green. Share with us your success stories so we can all grow in our capacity to bring environmental education to our children and raise environmental stewards.
Trash Free Schools: a project that aims to create a sustainable, environmentally-aware school culture through waste reduction and education.
Parents, Guardians & Chaperones: information to help you and your child get ready for an exciting, hands-on outdoor adventure.
Hard Bargain Farm Environmental Center has been officially recognized as a Maryland Green Center by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE).