Mission and Vision
Mission:
As stewards of Penikese Island and its storied history, our mission is to inspire environmental stewardship and scientific curiosity through immersive, hands-on learning experiences in the unique and unspoiled natural environment of Penikese Island.
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The overarching goal of our educational programming is to get students out into nature. Penikese Island, a 75-acre uninhabited bird sanctuary, serves as an extraordinary living classroom where students learn through direct observation, collective discovery, and shared exploration. By engaging in first-hand observations and mirroring scientific practices, students cultivate environmental awareness, scientific literacy, and a sense of responsibility for the natural world. On the wild and historic shores of Penikese Island, they develop a deeper appreciation for the wider world and an understanding of the need for a sustainable and ecologically balanced future.
Listen to our Executive Director speak about the Penikese Island School
MVY Radio "Person of the Week" 3/9/23
MVY Radio "Cape Cod Current" 3/12/23
Penikese Adventure Awaits
2019 Penikese Science + Nature Camp
Penikese Science + Nature Camp 2023
New Bedford Community Boating Center visits Penikese, August 2023
Our Unique Island Learning Experience
Penikese island is 75-acres of unspoiled, windswept beauty in the heart of Buzzard's Bay.
Our educational programs bring students together for a unique scientific adventure through immersive, place-based experiential learning that uses the island as nature’s classroom. A visit to Penikese is designed to engage students in investigative natural history and ecology programs, aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, that build self-confidence and foster an appreciation for the importance of nature through the lens of Penikese Island.
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Penikese Island is a wildlife sanctuary that belongs to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is managed by Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife.