Field Trips
Thousands of nature enthusiasts enjoy field trips at the Tenafly Nature Center each year. With their boundless curiosity groups find these “hands on” interactive programs informative and also a chance to explore the trails and unique habitats found within our preserve. TNC Field Trip programs have been developed to help educators meet National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Join our professional educators this year, as they bring classroom concepts to life and lead your class/group in hands-on learning and close observations in our 380-acre living museum.
If a subject of interest to you does not appear below, please contact the Field Trip and TNC to Go Manager for more information on how we can design programs to reinforce your curriculum and interests.
Schedule your next Field Trip at TNC today!
For information on our field trip policies please visit our Field Trip and TNC to Go Policies page.
Can’t come to the Tenafly Nature Center?
Through our TNC to Go programs, our Environmental Educators can bring elements of our living museum to you to participate in some of these same experiences.
Field Trip Programs (at TNC)
| Sample Schedule | Preschool & Kindergarten Half Day (Two 60-minute program) | Preschool & Kindergarten Full Day (Three 60-minute program) | 1st Gr-Adult Half Day (One 90-minute program) | 1st Gr-Adult Full Day (Two 90-minute programs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:15 am | Groups arrive at TNC | Groups arrive at TNC | Groups arrive at TNC | Groups arrive at TNC |
| 9:30 am-10:00 am | Program #1 (ex. Maple Sugaring) | Program #1 (ex. Maple Sugaring) | Program #1 (ex. Maple Sugaring) | Program #1 (ex. Maple Sugaring) |
| 10:00 am-10:30 am | ||||
| 10:30 am-11:00 am | Snack Time in reserved space | Snack Time in reserved space | ||
| 11:00 am-11:30 am | Program Option #2 (ex. What is a Tree) | Program Option #2 (ex. What is a Tree) | Lunch Time in reserved space | Lunch Time in reserved space |
| 11:30 am-12:00 pm | ||||
| 12:00 am-12:30 am | Lunch Time in reserved space | Lunch Time in reserved space | Depart TNC | Program #2 (ex. Outdoor Survival) |
| 12:30 am-1:00 pm | ||||
| 1:00 am-1:30 am | Depart TNC | Program Option #3 (ex. Bird is the Word) | ||
| 1:30 am-2:00 pm | Depart TNC | |||
| 2:00 am-2:30 pm | Depart TNC |
(All programs are 60 minutes)
Click title to view description
Bird is the Word
K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, K-2-ETS1-2
Meet a live bird and learn what it is that makes a bird a bird. Discover what birds needs to survive and how people can reduce their impact on avian species. Identify how the shape of a bird assists it in flight and what adaptations enable birds to obtain food in their habitats.
Cold-blooded Creature Double Feature
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-2-ETS1-2
Gain a respect for and decrease fears of two cold-blooded live animals while discovering how people are similar and different to each species. Discover how animals respond to cold and warm temperatures and what they need to survive. Learn about a variety of body coverings and the relationship between their needs and the places they live.
Creative Camouflage
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-2-ETS1-2
Discover how the shape and/or color of some animals help them to survive by enabling them to blend into their surroundings. Meet a live animal that uses camouflage and play a game to emphasize the lessons learned and see if people can do better than nature at keeping animals hidden.
Creatures of the Night
K-LS1-1, K-PS3-1
Discover what really makes an animal nocturnal and what they need to survive. Meet several live animals who are most active at dawn, dusk, or night. Learn how the earths surface is affected by sunlight and about the amazing adaptations some of these animals possess to thrive as they roam the nighttime landscape.
Invertebrate Safari
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-2-ETS1-2
Examine live invertebrates and learn how each animals shape and other adaptations help it to survive. Discover how insects are similar yet different from other invertebrates and what they need from their habitats.
Remarkable Raptors
K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2
Meet a live hawk and owl and learn how each animals shape and other adaptations help it to survive. Discover what birds of prey need to survive and how people can reduce their impact on all avian species. Identify how the shape of a bird assists it in flight and what specific adaptations enable diurnal and nocturnal raptors to obtain food in their habitats.
Sleep, Stay, Run Away
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1
Meet an animal that hibernates in the winter season and learn where migrating animals go. Discover what strategies animals utilize to survive the colder months and how these responses differ. Learn about some of the adaptations animals have to meet their needs and what makes an animal a true hibernator.
What is a Tree
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, K-2-ETS1-2
Examine the different parts of a plant and how each tree’s shape assists with its survival. Discover what plants (specifically trees) need to survive and the relationship between these needs and where they live. Learn about some of the ways we and other animals utilize plants and meet a live animal whose survival is dependent on the trees it inhabits.
Wonderful Wiggling Worms
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, K-PS3-1
Dig in and discover the slimy yet satisfying wormy world under our feet! Meet a few live worms and learn about the roles they play in our ecosystem. Discover how sunlight and other environmental factors affect them as they recycle and compost scraps into nutrient-rich soil.
The World Beneath Our Feet
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1
A hole in the ground is always mysterious as it invites curiosity and wonder. Discover why some organisms can survive in this underfoot habitat while others cannot at all. Meet several live animals who spend part of their lives underground and discover why subterranean ecosystems are diverse, balanced, and much more active than you may think.
A World of Weather
K-PS3-1, K-PS3-2, K-ESS2-1, K-ESS3-2
Determine the effect sunlight has on the earths surface and learn about the elements that contribute to our weather systems. Learn about the patterns and variations in local weather and how forecasting helps us to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather.
(All programs are one hour)
Click title to view description
Apple Cider Making (September-November Only)
K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS2-2, K-2-ETS1-1
Identify different parts of a plant, what they need to survive, and the relationship with animals needed to assist in their survival. Learn about the history of apple cider and the tools and solutions people developed to solve extraction problems. Then use an old-fashioned screw press to make and sample fresh apple cider.
Maple Sugaring (February-March Only)
K-LS1-1, K-PS3-1, K-2-ETS1-1
Discover what plants need, and how their main parts function to help with their survival. Explore how sunlight affects a plants seasonal cycle and what that has to do with Maple Syrup. Learn how to identify a Maple tree and discover how to make maple syrup as we journey through the entire process of sap to syrup. Find out how those processes have changed over time and take the syrup challenge where participants taste and try to distinguish 100% maple from other syrup.
Seasonal Discovery (Fall/Winter/Spring)
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-PS3-1, K-ESS2-1
Observe and learn about the characteristics of each season. Discover how plants and animals respond to seasonal changes and what factors trigger that response. Learn why the leaves fall in the autumn, what signs animals leave in the winter, and how plants and animals prepare for changes and new growth in spring.
(All programs are 90 minutes)
Click title to view description
.
Animal Adaptations
1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2
Meet four different live animals and identify how they use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs. Discover how animals need different adaptations to survive in various habitats and what tools people have designed to mimic some of these adaptations.
Bird is the Word
1-LS1- 1, 1-LS3- 1, 2-LS4- 1, K-2- ETS1-2
Meet a live bird of prey and learn what it is that makes a bird a bird. Discover bird diversity, what they need to survive, and how people can reduce their impact on avian species. Learn how a birds external parts help it to grow and survive and identify how the shape of a birds beak enables it to obtain food.
Hanging with the Herps
1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1
Meet a few live reptiles and amphibians (herps) and learn about the many ways they are similar and different. Discover the patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help younger generations survive. Field trip programs (90 minutes) enable exploration and comparison of the diversity of life found in the different habitats here at TNC.
Have to Have a Habitat
1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1
Discover what animals, plants, and people need in their habitat to survive and what makes a habitat a “home”. Explore two different areas found at TNC and compare the diversity of life. Learn why some organisms can’t thrive and what adaptations others possess to enable their survival in our forest neighborhood.
Invertebrate Safari
1-LS1- 1, 1-LS1- 2, 1-LS3- 1, 2-LS4- 1, K-2- ETS1-2
Examine live insects and learn how diverse invertebrate life can be in a forest habitat. Discover how each animals shape help it to survive and how insects are similar yet different from other invertebrates. Learn about insect life stages and how some insects provide for their young. Learn how invertebrate have influenced humans and what we can do to reduce our negative impacts on their populations.
Remarkable Raptors
K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2
Meet a live hawk and owl and learn how each animals shape and other adaptations help it to survive. Discover what birds of prey need to survive and how people can reduce their impact on all avian species. Identify how the shape of a bird assists it in flight and what specific adaptations enable diurnal and nocturnal raptors to obtain food in their habitats. Field trip programs (90 minutes) feature a pellet dissection and learning how scientists are able to study and learn more about these winged wonders without direct contact
.Seed Dispersal
1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS2-2, K-2-ETS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3
Identify how plants use their external parts to help themselves survive, grow, and meet their needs. Discover the various elements plants utilize to help disperse their seeds and how the shape of an object helps it to function as needed to solve a problem.
Water, Water Everywhere
2-PS1-4, 2-LS2-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-2, 2-ESS2-3
Learn about the various shapes and kinds of bodies of water in our area and how they are all interconnected within our watershed. Explore while on a trail hike how TNC prevents erosion, runoff, and fill-in and discover how the states of water can be identified and altered.
(All programs are one hour)
Click title to view description
Apple Cider Making (September-November Only)
1-LS3-1, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS2-2, K-2-ETS1-1
Discover how young and old plants are alike and what elements are needed for growth to occur. Learn how animals assist in seed dispersal and about the history of apple cider and the tools and solutions people developed to solve extraction problems. Then use an old-fashioned screw press to make and sample fresh apple cider.
Maple Sugaring (February-March Only)
1-LS1-1, 1-LS3-1, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 2-PS1-4, 2-LS2-1, 2-ESS2-3, K-2-ETS1-1
Discover what plants need, and how their main parts function to help with their survival. Explore how daylight affects a plants seasonal cycle and what that has to do with Maple Syrup. Learn how to identify a Maple tree and discover how to make maple syrup as we journey through the entire process of sap to syrup. Find out how those processes have changed over time and take the syrup challenge where participants taste and try to distinguish 100% maple from other syrup.
Pond Ecology (late April through early October)
1-LS1-1, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-2
Examine the living macro-invertebrates found in a freshwater pond system and discover how their external parts help them to survive, grow, and meet their needs. Learn how the shape of land changes over time and what solutions people have developed to prevent this change.
Seasonal Discovery (Fall/Winter/Spring)
1-LS1-1, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 2-PS1-1, 2-LS2-1
Observe and learn about the characteristics of each season and how the amount of daylight relates to any changes. Discover how plants and animals respond to seasonal changes and what factors trigger that response. Learn why the leaves fall in the autumn, what signs animals leave in the winter, and how plants and animals prepare for changes and new growth in spring.
(All programs are 90 minutes)
Click title to view description
(All programs are one hour)
Click title to view description
Click title to view description
Animal Adaptations
3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1
3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1
Utilize skulls to identify how an animals external parts are used to help them survive and grow. Meet four different live animals and discover how different organisms survive and thrive in specific habitats while others cannot. Discover what happens to those species when a habitat changes.
Bird is the Word
3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-ESS3-1
3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-ESS3-1
Meet a live bird of prey and learn what it is that makes a bird a bird. Discover how todays bird species share similarities to their prehistoric relatives. Learn how a birds external parts help it to grow and survive and identify how the shape of a birds beak enables it to obtain food.
Communication Challenges
3-LS2-1, 4-LS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
3-LS2-1, 4-LS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
Challenge yourself and discover as a group how to communicate effectively and cultivate cooperative skills. Through problem-solving challenges, generate and compare multiple solutions and recognize each individuals strengths.
Endangered NJ
3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 4-ESS3-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-ESS3-1
3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 4-ESS3-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-ESS3-1
Learn about the major factors that threaten animals with endangerment and extinction worldwide. Discover how people both directly and indirectly affect the Earth’s biodiversity and meet 4-5 living examples of species whose populations are being affected by human actions today. Gain an awareness of New Jersey’s 60+ endangered species, and develop solutions to help prevent threats to our local wildlife. Field trip programs (90 minutes) explore what happens to a species when most of the population is gone and how easily the remaining animals can perish.
Geology of the Palisades
3-LS4-1, 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS2-2, 5-PS1-3, 5-ESS2-1
3-LS4-1, 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS2-2, 5-PS1-3, 5-ESS2-1
Learn how the Palisades were formed, identify why geology is important, what the geosphere is, and what types of rocks can be found along the northeastern edge of New Jersey. Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties and discover the effects of weathering and erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation. Determine the difference between trace and body fossils and identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time.
Hanging with the Herps
3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2
3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2
Develop an understanding of why scientists classified reptiles and amphibians as herps and how their internal and external structures support their growth and survival. Learn about the special adaptations that make each of these groups unique and meet several live reptiles and amphibians. Field trip programs (90 minutes) dive in for an in depth look at amphibian life cycles.
Have to Have a Habitat
3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-ESS3-1
3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-ESS3-1
Explore two different areas found at TNC and learn why some organisms can survive and some don’t thrive in our forest neighborhood. Discover what plants and animals require for their basic needs in a habitat and how populations can change and affect those necessary resources.
Invertebrate Safari
3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1
3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1
Examine live insects and learn how diverse invertebrate life can be in a forest habitat. Discover how each animals structure help it to survive and how insects are similar yet different from other invertebrates. Learn about insect life stages and how some insects provide for their young. Learn how invertebrates contribute to human survival and what we can do to reduce our negative impacts on their populations.
Leapin Lifecycles
3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 5-ESS3-1
3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 5-ESS3-1
Meet live invertebrates and amphibians and go for a tadpole hunt in one of our ponds. Discover some of the amazing things that insects and amphibians do and learn about complete and incomplete life-cycles with a focus on the stages of metamorphosis.
Lives of the Lenape
3-PS2-2, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 5-ESS3-1, 3-5-ETS1-1
3-PS2-2, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 5-ESS3-1, 3-5-ETS1-1
Discover how the Native Americans who inhabited this area utilized science, technology, engineering, and math in their daily lives. Utilize natural resources to create similar survival tools the natives would have and engage in some classic Lenape games of skill.
Map and Compass: Compass Course
3-PS2-2, 3-PS2-3, 3-PS2-4, 4-PS3-3
3-PS2-2, 3-PS2-3, 3-PS2-4, 4-PS3-3
Discover how the earth’s magnetism can be utilized to help locate directions and learn how to use a compass properly. Learn about pacing and then apply all newly learned skills on an outdoor course and work as a group to complete a magnetic and direction finding challenge.
Map and Compass: Orienteering (Map Reading)
4-ESS2-2
4-ESS2-2
Learn about orienteering, a competitive international sport that combines racing with navigation. Discover how to analyze and interpret data from maps to identify natural and man-made features. Learn how to orient a map and then participate in a timed race in which individual participants use topographic maps to select routes and navigate their way to find hidden control points along TNC trails.
Outdoor Survival
3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-ESS3-1, 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-ESS3-1, 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
Discover the essential things people need to survive and learn about the “rules of three”. Generate and compare solutions and develop a plan to construct a survival shelter or other tools needed to aid in wilderness survival.
Pond Ecology
3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS3-2, 5-LS1-1, 5-ESS2-2, 5-ESS3-1
3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS3-2, 5-LS1-1, 5-ESS2-2, 5-ESS3-1
Using a variety of tools (dip nets, magnifiers, etc.) students will discover aquatic ecosystems and food chains participating in hands-on pond exploration. They will study diversity, adaptations and interrelationships among the organisms they find in the water, and will discuss how human activity impacts aquatic habitats.
Remarkable Raptors
3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS3-2, 4-PS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1
3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS3-2, 4-PS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1
Meet a live hawk and owl and discover how amazing birds of prey (Raptors) are. Discover what specifically makes a bird a raptor while learning about both diurnal and nocturnal adaptations and how they utilize their senses to locate and obtain their prey. Field trip programs (90 minutes) feature a pellet dissection and learning how scientists are able to study and learn more about these winged wonders without direct contact.
Sensible Senses
3-LS3-1, 4-PS4-2, 4-LS1-2
3-LS3-1, 4-PS4-2, 4-LS1-2
Discover how animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond the the information in different ways. Learn how senses are used to help animals survive, utilizing sensory observation skills, and investigate how people can apply some of these techniques to enrich their lives.
Water, Water Everywhere
3-LS3-2, 4-ESS3-1, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-ESS2-1,5-ESS2-2, 5-ESS3-1
3-LS3-2, 4-ESS3-1, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-ESS2-1,5-ESS2-2, 5-ESS3-1
Learn how much water can be found in different places on Earth, its uses, and how water alters the land. Discover how through the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection), the hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere all interact. Learn where the water at TNC goes and how watersheds play a role in all living organisms lives.
Weather or Not
3-LS4-4, 3-ESS3-1, 4-ESS3-2, 5-ESS2-1, 5-ESS3-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
3-LS4-4, 3-ESS3-1, 4-ESS3-2, 5-ESS2-1, 5-ESS3-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
Learn how the elements can be used to predict weather patterns and how the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation has on our natural world. Through demonstrations and experiments, your class will learn how to use several basic instruments to measure and hypothesize future weather patterns and come up with solutions that reduce the impacts of a weather-related hazard.
Web of Life
3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1
3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1
Discover how energy flows from the sun through the ecosystem and what components make up a food chain. Meet live animals that form a local food chain and discover how producers, consumers and decomposers interact through a fun action filled game that highlights predator and prey relationships.
(All programs are one hour)
Click title to view description
Apple Cider Making (September-November Only)
3-PS2-2, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 5-LS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-1
3-PS2-2, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 5-LS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-1
Discover how the structure of plants aide in survival and growth, what elements are needed for survival, and how the environment can affect a plants growth. Learn how animals assist in seed dispersal and about the history of apple cider and the tools and solutions people developed to solve extraction problems. Then use an old-fashioned screw press to make and sample fresh apple cider.
Maple Sugaring (February-March Only)
3-ESS2-1, 4-LS1-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-ESS1-2
3-ESS2-1, 4-LS1-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-ESS1-2
Discover what plants need, and how their main parts function to help with their survival. Explore how daylight affects a plants seasonal cycle and what that has to do with Maple Syrup. Learn how to identify a Maple tree and discover how to make maple syrup as we journey through the entire process of sap to syrup. Find out how those processes have changed over time and take the syrup challenge where participants taste and try to distinguish 100% maple from other syrup.
Pond Ecology (late April through early October)
3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS3-2, 5-LS1-1, 5-ESS2-2, 5-ESS3-1
3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS3-2, 5-LS1-1, 5-ESS2-2, 5-ESS3-1
Examine the living macro-invertebrates found in a freshwater pond system and discover how each animals external parts help it to meet their needs. Learn about the diverse life cycles found within TNC’s freshwater habitats, the interrelationships found within, and how human activity impacts these.
(All programs are 90 minutes)
Click title to view description
(All programs are one hour)
Click title to view description
Click title to view description
Animal Adaptations
MS-LS4-3, MS-LS4-5, MS-ESS3-3, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-8
MS-LS4-3, MS-LS4-5, MS-ESS3-3, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-8
Utilize skulls to identify how an animals external parts are used to help them survive and grow. Meet four different live animals and discover how different organisms survive and thrive in specific habitats while others cannot. Discover what happens to those species when a habitat changes.
Communication Challenges
MS-PS2-1, Ms-LS1-8, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3
MS-PS2-1, Ms-LS1-8, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3
Through problem-solving challenges and group work, this program will help your class recognize their strengths and practice their listening skills. Using their physical and mental abilities, students will learn how to communicate effectively with each other and cultivate cooperative skills.
Endangered NJ
MS-LS1-8, MS-LS1-3, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS3-2, MS-ESS3-3
MS-LS1-8, MS-LS1-3, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS3-2, MS-ESS3-3
Learn about the major factors that threaten animals with endangerment and extinction worldwide. Discover how people both directly and indirectly affect the Earth’s biodiversity and meet 4-5 living examples of species whose populations are being affected by human actions today. Gain an awareness of New Jersey’s 60+ endangered species, and develop solutions to help prevent threats to our local wildlife. Explore what happens to a species when most of the population is gone and how easily the remaining animals can perish.
Forest Ecology
MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-4, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4
MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-4, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4
Students explore the local forest to learn about the ecology of the plants and animals that live there. Learning to deduce the history of a woodland by “reading the landscape”, students uncover some of the differences between deciduous and coniferous forests by field-testing forest plots, studying the flora and fauna, and making field observations. Students will discover the cultural and natural history of plants, particularly trees, as we examine a tree’s life stages, following it’s growth from seed to maturity, finally, to decomposition.
Hanging with the Herps
MS-PS2-3, MS-PS2-5, MS-ESS3-3
MS-PS2-3, MS-PS2-5, MS-ESS3-3
Develop an understanding of why scientists classified reptiles and amphibians as herps and how their internal and external structures support their growth and survival. Learn about the special adaptations that make each of these groups unique and meet several live reptiles and amphibians. Dive in for an in depth look at amphibian life cycles.
Map and Compass: Compass Course
MS-PS2-3, MS-PS2-5, MS-ESS3-3
MS-PS2-3, MS-PS2-5, MS-ESS3-3
Students learn the different parts of a compass, and how to use it to locate directions. After they learn about pacing classes will apply this knowledge outdoors on the trails on a pre-set course that runs students through different combinations of paces and degrees.
Map and Compass: Orienteering
MS-PS2-3, MS-PS2-5, MS-ESS3-3
MS-PS2-3, MS-PS2-5, MS-ESS3-3
Students are instructed in map reading and wayfinding techniques as they learn about orienteering, a competitive international sport that combines racing with navigation. It is a timed race in which individual participants use a specially created, highly detailed map to select routes and navigate through diverse and often unfamiliar terrain. Classes will apply this knowledge outdoors on the trails as they use their map-reading skills to follow pre-set courses to find control points in sequence hidden outdoors.
Outdoor Survival
MS-PS2-1, MS-LS1-8, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3
MS-PS2-1, MS-LS1-8, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3
If your students were lost in the woods, would they know what to do? We will teach them to prepare for survival outdoors, using the “rules of three”. Students will have to cooperate and exercise group skills to construct a survival shelter.
Remarkable Raptors
MS-LS1-8, MS-LS1-3, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS3-2, MS-ESS3-3
MS-LS1-8, MS-LS1-3, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS3-2, MS-ESS3-3
Meet a live hawk and owl and discover how amazing birds of prey (Raptors) are. Discover what specifically makes a bird a raptor while learning about both diurnal and nocturnal adaptations and how they utilize their senses to locate and obtain their prey. Field trip programs (90 minutes) feature a pellet dissection and learning how scientists are able to study and learn more about these winged wonders without direct contact.
(All programs are one hour)
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Apple Cider Making (September-November Only)
MS-ETS1-1, MS-PS2-1, MS-LS4-2, MS-LS4-4, MS-LS4-6
MS-ETS1-1, MS-PS2-1, MS-LS4-2, MS-LS4-4, MS-LS4-6
Discover how the structure of plants aide in survival and growth, what elements are needed for survival, and how the environment can affect a plants growth. Learn how animals assist in seed dispersal and about the history of apple cider and the tools and solutions people developed to solve extraction problems. Then use an old-fashioned screw press to make and sample fresh apple cider.
Maple Sugaring (February-March Only)
MS-LS2-1, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-5, MS-LS1-6
MS-LS2-1, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-5, MS-LS1-6
Discover what plants need, and how their main parts function to help with their survival. Explore how daylight affects a plants seasonal cycle and what that has to do with Maple Syrup. Learn how to identify a Maple tree and discover how to make maple syrup as we journey through the entire process of sap to syrup. Find out how those processes have changed over time and take the syrup challenge where participants taste and try to distinguish 100% maple from other syrup.
Pond Ecology (late April through early October)
MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4
MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4
Examine the living macro-invertebrates found in a freshwater pond system and discover how each animals external parts help it to meet their needs. Learn about the diverse life cycles found within TNC’s freshwater habitats, the interrelationships found within, and how human activity impacts these.
(All programs are 90 minutes)
Click title to view description
(All programs are one hour)
Click title to view description
Click title to view description
Animal Adaptations
Utilize skulls to identify how an animals external parts are used to help them survive and grow. Meet four different live animals and discover how different organisms survive and thrive in specific habitats while others cannot. Discover what happens to those species when a habitat changes.
Communication Challenges
Through problem-solving challenges and group work, this program will help your class recognize their strengths and practice their listening skills. Using their physical and mental abilities, students will learn how to communicate effectively with each other and cultivate cooperative skills.
Endangered NJ
Learn about the major factors that threaten animals with endangerment and extinction worldwide. Discover how people both directly and indirectly affect the Earth’s biodiversity and meet 4-5 living examples of species whose populations are being affected by human actions today. Gain an awareness of New Jersey’s 60+ endangered species, and develop solutions to help prevent threats to our local wildlife. Explore what happens to a species when most of the population is gone and how easily the remaining animals can perish.
Forest Ecology
Students explore the local forest to learn about the ecology of the plants and animals that live there. Learning to deduce the history of a woodland by “reading the landscape”, students uncover some of the differences between deciduous and coniferous forests by field-testing forest plots, studying the flora and fauna, and making field observations. Students will discover the cultural and natural history of plants, particularly trees, as we examine a tree’s life stages, following it’s growth from seed to maturity, finally, to decomposition.
Hanging with the Herps
Develop an understanding of why scientists classified reptiles and amphibians as herps and how their internal and external structures support their growth and survival. Learn about the special adaptations that make each of these groups unique and meet several live reptiles and amphibians. Dive in for an in depth look at amphibian life cycles.
Map and Compass: Compass Course
Students learn the different parts of a compass, and how to use it to locate directions. After they learn about pacing classes will apply this knowledge outdoors on the trails on a pre-set course that runs students through different combinations of paces and degrees.
Map and Compass: Orienteering
Students are instructed in map reading and wayfinding techniques as they learn about orienteering, a competitive international sport that combines racing with navigation. It is a timed race in which individual participants use a specially created, highly detailed map to select routes and navigate through diverse and often unfamiliar terrain. Classes will apply this knowledge outdoors on the trails as they use their map-reading skills to follow pre-set courses to find control points in sequence hidden outdoors.
Outdoor Survival
If your students were lost in the woods, would they know what to do? We will teach them to prepare for survival outdoors, using the “rules of three”. Students will have to cooperate and exercise group skills to construct a survival shelter.
Remarkable Raptors
Meet a live hawk and owl and discover how amazing birds of prey (Raptors) are. Discover what specifically makes a bird a raptor while learning about both diurnal and nocturnal adaptations and how they utilize their senses to locate and obtain their prey. Field trip programs (90 minutes) feature a pellet dissection and learning how scientists are able to study and learn more about these winged wonders without direct contact.
(All programs are one hour)
Click title to view description
Apple Cider Making
(September-November Only)
(September-November Only)
Discover how the structure of plants aide in survival and growth, what elements are needed for survival, and how the environment can affect a plants growth. Learn how animals assist in seed dispersal and about the history of apple cider and the tools and solutions people developed to solve extraction problems. Then use an old-fashioned screw press to make and sample fresh apple cider.
Maple Sugaring
(February-March Only)
(February-March Only)
Discover what plants need, and how their main parts function to help with their survival. Explore how daylight affects a plants seasonal cycle and what that has to do with Maple Syrup. Learn how to identify a Maple tree and discover how to make maple syrup as we journey through the entire process of sap to syrup. Find out how those processes have changed over time and take the syrup challenge where participants taste and try to distinguish 100% maple from other syrup.
Pond Ecology
(late April through early October)
(late April through early October)
Examine the living macro-invertebrates found in a freshwater pond system and discover how each animals external parts help it to meet their needs. Learn about the diverse life cycles found within TNC’s freshwater habitats, the interrelationships found within, and how human activity impacts these.
Available All Year
(All programs are 90 minutes)
Click title to view descriptions
(All programs are one hour)
Click title to view description
(All programs are 90 minutes)
Click title to view descriptions
Communication Challenges
Perfect for a corporate event or staff retreat, our team-building challenges will engage your team with different hands-on activities. These games and challenges will stimulate a part of the brain that isn’t often used at work, while getting creative juices flowing and cultivate cooperative skills.
Endangered NJ
Learn about the major factors that threaten animals with endangerment and extinction worldwide. Through use of artifacts and live animals, participants will learn the status of select native New Jersey fauna. Activities are designed to raise awareness of New Jersey’s over 60 endangered species, and inspire participants to practice how they can help prevent threats to local wildlife.
Hanging with the Herps
“Herps” (reptiles and amphibians) are among the most under-appreciated and misunderstood species of the animal world. This program will introduce participants to live snakes, frogs, salamanders and turtles and highlight the characteristics which distinguish between reptiles and amphibians.
Map and Compass: Compass Course
Discover how the earth’s magnetism can be utilized to help locate directions and learn how to use a compass properly. Learn about pacing and then apply all newly learned skills on an outdoor course and work as a group to complete a magnetic and direction finding challenge.
Map and Compass: Orienteering (Map Reading)
Learn about orienteering, a competitive international sport that combines racing with navigation. Discover how to analyze and interpret data from maps to identify natural and man-made features. Learn how to orient a map and then participate in a timed race in which individual participants use topographic maps to select routes and navigate their way to find hidden control points along TNC trails.
Outdoor Survival
Discover the essential things people need to survive and learn about the “rules of three”. Generate and compare solutions and develop a plan to construct a survival shelter or other tools needed to aid in wilderness survival.
Remarkable Raptors
Participants will observe several live raptors up close and learn about their behavior, physiology, adaptations, ecological importance and natural history. Hands-on artifacts and demonstrations will capture the imagination of everyone.
(All programs are one hour)
Click title to view description
Apple Cider Making
(September-November Only)
(September-November Only)
Investigate plant parts, their uses, and simple machines by using an old-fashioned screw press to make and sample fresh apple cider. In the process, participants learn about the history of the cider making from colonial times to the present.
Maple Sugaring
(February-March Only)
(February-March Only)
Discover what plants need, and how their main parts function to help with their survival. Explore how daylight affects a plants seasonal cycle and what that has to do with Maple Syrup. Learn how to identify a Maple tree and discover how to make maple syrup as we journey through the entire process of sap to syrup. Find out how those processes have changed over time and take the syrup challenge where participants taste and try to distinguish 100% maple from other syrup.
Pond Ecology
(late April through early October)
(late April through early October)
Examine the living macro-invertebrates found in a freshwater pond system and discover how each animals external parts help it to meet their needs. Learn about the diverse life cycles found within TNC’s freshwater habitats, the interrelationships found within, and how human activity impacts these.
Seasonal Discovery
(Fall/Winter/Spring)
(Fall/Winter/Spring)
Observe and learn about the characteristics of each season and how the amount of daylight relates to any changes. Discover how plants and animals respond to seasonal changes and what factors trigger that response. Learn why the leaves fall in the autumn, what signs animals leave in the winter, and how plants and animals prepare for changes and new growth in spring.
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Animal Sponsorship (all year)
Help support the animal ambassadors that live at TNC, in conjunction with a scheduled field trip. Enjoy a 30 minute up close visit and Q&A session with your sponsored animal. All school & summer group sponsorship’s receive a thank you package which includes: a group photo with the animal, certificate, photograph of sponsored animal, recognition in our newsletter, species information and animal’s biography.
Fee: $60
Fee: $60
Butterfly House (available June – September*)
Come visit our beloved seasonal exhibit filled with live native butterflies. This add-on showcases beautifully colored butterflies sipping nectar and taking flight, offering students the opportunity to better understand and appreciate their life cycle and importance to the ecosystem. Inside you will be welcome to chat with staff or volunteers, ask questions, and enjoy the space while butterflies flit and fly about. Observe butterfly chrysalis in the chrysalis box. Maybe you will be lucky enough to see a butterfly emerge!
Fee: $2 per participant (15 min. per 10 students)
*butterflies are less active when temperatures are below 70 F or if it is overcast and/or raining.
Fee: $2 per participant (15 min. per 10 students)
*butterflies are less active when temperatures are below 70 F or if it is overcast and/or raining.
Guided Seasonal Walk (all year)
Before or after your scheduled programs, enjoy a guided trail walk along one of our trails, led by a TNC staff member.
Fee: $50-$75 (30-60 minutes)
Fee: $50-$75 (30-60 minutes)
Self-guided Seasonal Walk (all year)
Before or after your scheduled programs, grab a trail map and guide your students along one of our trails.
Fee: Free
Fee: Free
| 30-minute | 60-minute program (Preschool & Kindergarten) | 90-minute program (1st Gr-Adult Half Day) | 2 60-minute programs (Preschool & Kindergarten Half Day) | Full Day Preschool & Kindergarten (3 prog.) 1st Gr-Adult (2 prog.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per student | $10 | $15 | $20 | $25 | |
| Minimum | $150 | $225 | $300 | $375 | |
| Field Trip Add-ons | |||||
| Animal Sponsorship | $60 | ||||
| Butterfly House | $3/person | ||||
| Guided Seasonal Walk | $50 | $75 | |||
- No additional charge for teachers and aides.
- For Pre-school & Kindergarten age groups a maximum group size is 25 children per TNC educator.
- For all other age groups a maximum group size is 30 children/participants per TNC educator
- A maximum of 120 participants can be accommodated at TNC at one time. Larger groups can be divided between morning and afternoon, or scheduled over several days.
- Please separate students into groups according to the above maximum numbers (or one class) prior to arrival.
- Children group programs require one supervising adult/teacher per class and one adult chaperone per five students who may attend for free.
- In order to obtain adequate staff, advance notice of additional participants required. We reserve the right to limit the number of non-registered participants on the trail to the number originally registered on the confirmation form.
- Groups choosing the half day option have bathroom/snack time included and may have optional lunch time reserved
- Groups choosing the full day option have bathroom/snack and lunch time included
- If your funds are limited, please consider applying for a scholarship (we strive to make nature accessible to everyone).
Many TNC programs can be altered to accommodate participants with special needs. We ask that you disclose pertinent information with a minimum of two weeks notice about any needs (educational requirements resulting from learning difficulties, physical abilities, or emotional and behavioral difficulties). This enables us to make accommodations to meet your groups needs.