About Eco Adventures

Our Facility, Our Staff & Our Animals Hands-on Environmental Activities for Kids

Welcome
Owned by Nat Geo's herpetologist/personality/book author-Dr. Brady Barr and marine biologist wife-Mei Len Sanchez-Barr, Eco Adventures provides a variety of hands-on conservation programs in hopes to inspire young conservationists.  Part of our mission includes housing many rescued and misplaced animals. Eco Adventures houses over 100 native and exotic animals on display and as animal ambassadors.   Our one of a kind facility features a simulated rainforest full of animal exhibits and a glowing volcano, an  "Underwater Pier" discovery room, an outside sluice and fossil Dig, and an outside field and classroom (Pixie Hollow) that neighbors the Severn Run Wildlife Area – 1700 acres of pristine wilderness!  With each visit, you will notice something exciting and new: new animals, new exhibits, new themed decorations- and friendly and knowledgeable staff! It is our pleasure to offer extraordinary experiences in hopes to connect the public with nature! So go ahead...
Experience the Extraordinary!

COMMUNITY PRESENCE:

*Thousands have enjoyed and attended our programs, appearances at festivals and special events!  Many of our appearances have been at no charge or discounted for causes such as homeless organizations, kids/families with cancer, families with hardships, Make a Wish Foundation, SPCA, and more!

*Each year at our "Earth Day Extravanganza", we raise funds for a different conservation organizations/projects and for camp scholarships. We contribute yearly to Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Crocodilian Advisory Group, WWF and more!

*We also donate to numerous schools and organizations for the cause of their choice through in kind donations for their silent actions.

*Have given out numerous items to the public such as trees for planting, recyclable bags, seed bombs and other items to encourage conservation.

*We involve our students with helping others and often collect for donations for the homeless, food donations, coats and supplies and more!

* We are involved with data collecting for turtles at Kinderfarm Park where we involve students in field research as well as our ECO-travel to Florida and Costa Rica

*At Eco Adventures, we are committed to providing the finest in conservation education. We offer enriching hands-on learning experiences through weekly classes, after-school programs, camps, field trips, outreach programs, scouting events, special programs and more – all led by top-notch scientists & educators. On top of our educational programs, our parties and corporate events are not only the talk of the town but we are connecting people with nature!

 

Certifications

  • USDA: Animal Welfare ACT class C:Exhibitor
  • DNR (Dept. of Natural Resources) Endangered Species Permit
  • Scientific collecting permits
  • Captive reptile and amphibian permits
  • Anne Arundel County Petting zoo license (SPCA)
  • MD Health Camp Certification License
  • CPR and First Aide certified

Our Qualifications & Instructors

Our owners and instructors are qualified environmental educators, herpetologist, marine biologist, animal keepers/trainers, artists some with advanced degrees. Our Directors are members of Zoo and Aquarium Association: Crocodilian Advisory Group, and International Crocodile Specialist Group.

Co-owner Dr. Brady Barr served for over 20 years with National Geographic TV/book author and serves as a scientific expert for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. He won numerous awards for his books including the NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book for “After a While...Crocodile”. He also won the very prestigious “Most Distinguished Alumni” award in 2017 from College of Education for Indiana University. Aside from being associated with National Geographic, Dr. Barr is currently a member of the Endangered Species Coalition of the Council of State Governments and the International Crocodilian Specialist Group.

Our Directors


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Mei Len Sanchez-Barr

Executive Director/owner
Marine Biologist/educator

Mei Len's varied career is a testament to her lifelong passion for the conservation of the environment and its inhabitants. Her commitment to endangered and threatened species such as the Florida manatee, sea turtles, and alligators, has earned her accolades from the mayor of Miami, Florida. 

A man holding an alligator in his arms.
A man holding a snake in his hand.

Dr. Brady Barr

Dr. Brady Barr is a reptile specialist and television personality.

In over 15 years, he’s traveled to more than 80 countries for National Geographic Television to host over 100 wildlife documentaries—more than anyone in National Geographic’s history.

In the process he’s worked with just about every animal imaginable—from crocodiles, alligators, and snakes to bears, sharks, lions, hippos, and more.

Among his many notable achievements, Brady was the first person to ever capture and study all 23 species of crocodilians in the wild.  He’s driven by a desire to get to know crocodiles and other species in their natural habitat so that we might best know how to save them in the wild (about a third of all crocodilians are endangered).

Our Staff

A woman sitting on the ground next to a turtle.

Lydia Shreeve

Manager/Camp Director

A woman holding an animal in her hand.

Amanda Naus

Lead Instructor/ Volunteer Liaison/ Animal Care Volunteer


A woman holding a snake in her hands.

Nerissa Bixler

Animal Care Specialist/Lead Instructor

A woman holding an animal in her hands.

Genia Von Diezelski

Volunteer

Birthday Party Supervisor

Nathan Mitchell

Lead Instructor

A woman holding an animal in her hands.

Lee Ann Walker-Illig

Volunteer


A woman holding onto a parrot in her hand

Heather Carmichael

Education Specialist/Lead Instructor

A girl kneeling down next to a dead animal.

Courtney Hamm

Volunteer and Intern Program Specialist

Lead Instructor