Invite one of our professional educators to bring classroom concepts to life and lead your class/group in hands-on learning with live animals and/or artifacts from our 380-acre living museum. Whether you want to learn about reptiles and amphibians, meet birds of prey or explore the wildlife of New Jersey’s forests, Tenafly Nature Center has the program for you!
All TNC staff are experienced public speakers and experts in their field and our programs are designed to involve participants. We offer interesting and lively presentations for all group sizes developed for ages 3 and up. Previous programs have been provided for schools, scouts, libraries, senior groups, facilities that serve adults with developmental disabilities, service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions), garden clubs, college classes, professional organizations, homeowners associations and non-profits, we offer something special for you.
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 a TNC to Go for an interactive program at your location.
For information on our field trip policies please visit our Field Trip and TNC to Go Policies page.
Would you rather come to the Tenafly Nature Center?
TNC to Go programs are designed to be taught at your location, however you can also schedule a field trip to Tenafly Nature Center to participate in these same experiences.
TNC to Go (at your location)
| Sample Schedule | Multiple Classes (<4) | Multiple Classes (>3) |
|---|---|---|
| 9:20 am | TNC Educator arrives at your location | 2 TNC Educators arrive at your location |
| 9:30 am-10:30 am | Class A: Program (ex. Remarkable Raptors) | Class A: Program (ex. Remarkable Raptors) And in separate classroom Class B: Program (ex. Remarkable Raptors) |
| 10:30 am-11:30 am | Class B: Program (ex. Remarkable Raptors) | Class C: Program (ex. Remarkable Raptors) And in separate classroom Class D: Program (ex. Remarkable Raptors) |
| 12:20 am-12:30 pm | Lunch Break | Lunch Break |
| 12:30 pm-1:30 pm | Class C: Program (ex. Remarkable Raptors) | Class E: Program (ex. Remarkable Raptors) And in separate classroom Class F: Program (ex. Remarkable Raptors) |
| 1:30 pm | TNC Educator departs | 2 TNC Educators depart |
(All programs are 45-60 minutes, unless otherwise noted) :
TNC To Go Programs Available All Year
@ = Program that can be done as an assembly (more than 30 students at one time)
Click title to view description
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-2-ETS1-2
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-2-ETS1-2
K-LS1-1, K-PS3-1
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-2-ETS1-2
K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, K-2-ETS1-2
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, K-PS3-1
TNC To Go Programs Available All Year
(All programs are 45-60 minutes, unless otherwise noted)
@ = Program that can be done as an assembly (more than 30 students at one time)
Click title to view description
1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2
1-PS4-2
1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1
1-LS1-1, 1-LS3-1, K-2-ETS1-2
1-PS4-2, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2
1-PS4-2, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1, K-2-ETS1-2
2-LS4-1
TNC To Go Programs Available All Year
(All programs are 45-60 minutes, unless otherwise noted)
@ = Program that can be done as an assembly (more than 30 students at one time)
Click title to view description
3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1
3-LS2-1, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2
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-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2
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-PS2-2, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 5-ESS3-1, 3-5-ETS1-1
3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS3-2, 4-PS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-LS2-1
3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1
3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-PS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2
3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 3-LS3-2, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2
TNC To Go Programs Available All Year
(All programs are 45-60 minutes, unless otherwise noted)
@ = Program that can be done as an assembly (more than 30 students at one time)
Click title to view description
MS-LS4-3, MS-LS4-5, MS-ESS3-3, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-8
MS-LS1-8, MS-LS1-3, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS3-2
MS-LS1-8, MS-LS1-3, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS3-2, MS-ESS3-3
MS-PS2-3, MS-PS2-5, MS-ESS3-3
MS-LS4-3, MS-LS4-5, MS-ESS3-3, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-8
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
MS-LS4-3, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-8
TNC To Go Programs Available All Year
(All programs are 45-60 minutes, unless otherwise noted)
@ = Program that can be done as an assembly (more than 30 students at one time)
Click title to view description
Click title to view description
Discover the fiction, folklore, and facts about Bats and learn what Bats live in New Jersey. Discover how dogs and bathtubs are more dangerous as we discuss some of the amazing adaptations of bats and how they can make our lives better.
Although they look cute and cuddly black bears are an animal that demands respect and space. Discover how this large mammal has adapted as people have moved into their neighborhoods and what impacts they have had here in New Jersey.
Learn about backyard birds and how to recognize them. Discover which birds might visit backyard feeders and which ones stay for the winter. Learn which types of food attracts different species. Take a closer look at our colorful feathered friends and investigate their irresistible lure.
Discover how various creatures are shaped or colored to blend into their surroundings. Meet live animals that survive by using this technique and see how well you can spot the un-spottable!
Deer have long been admired for their beauty and grace, but White-tailed Deer are also despised for devouring gardens and for transporting ticks to our yards. This program will offer ideas on how to deal with deer in the environment we share.
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.
Learn how amphibians play and important role in wetland ecosystems as indicators of environmental health and serve as both predator and prey. Discover how to tell the difference between New Jerseys local frogs by listening to their calls and the adaptations that make these animals amazing.
“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.
Participants meet several live specimens as they learn what makes an insect different from other invertebrates. By observing life stages and adaptations, participants will learn how unique each creature is and why they are important to the environment and people alike.
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.
Squirrels, mice, and moles all have something in common, they are all rodents. Learn what adaptations these creatures share that make them related and what makes them different from other mammal species.
Learn how salamanders differ from lizards and what species can be found in New Jersey. Discover why people spend a night every year stopping traffic for these small amphibians and how they in turn help us.
Participants discover the differences between snakes as they learn about the 21 species of snakes that reside in NJ. An interactive presentation emphasizes the importance of these legless reptiles by identifying and exploring their adaptations. Artifacts and up-close encounters with several live snakes make this a memorable educational experience.
Determine what could and should be done if you find one of these four legged speedsters on the road and learn how slow a turtle really is and what they can do to defend themselves from predation. Discover what species should reside in New Jersey and which can now be found throughout the state. Artifacts and up-close encounters with several live turtles make this a memorable educational experience.
From the arctic to the tropics and everywhere in between, Owls are everywhere! Through stunning photos, real owl calls, and hands-on owl artifacts, and a visit from a live owl you can discover how these efficient predators thrive in one of the most challenging environments on Earth – your backyard. Learn what Owls call New Jersey home and how you too can find, observe, and enjoy your neighborhood owls.
A hole in the ground is always mysterious as it invites curiosity and wonder. Learn about the creatures that live underground as we shed some light on the mysteries under our feet. Discover what other unseen organisms might share this world and how they affect our lives from below.
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 4-5 live reptiles and amphibians.
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.
A hole in the ground is always mysterious as it invites curiosity and wonder. Discover why some animals are fossorial (live underground) and what adaptations they need to survive this underfoot habitat. Meet four live animals whose survival depends on the time they spend within the soil and discover why subterranean ecosystems are diverse, balanced, and much more active than you may think.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.
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. 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.
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.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 light affects these creatures and about the amazing adaptations some of these animals possess to thrive as they roam the nighttime landscape.
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.
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.
Meet a live owl and learn about their unique adaptations. Discover how as one owl species habitat changes it affects other species across the United States. Identify how these nocturnal utilize their senses to locate and obtain their prey and what similarities we share with these powerful and efficient predators.
Tenafly Nature Center is always happy to participate in community events at your location. Schedule us to make an appearance at your Earth Day, town day, fundraiser, gala, festival, or conference.
There are three different options to include us in your event:
- Basic Tabling: For a small fee a TNC staff will set up a table full of
information about TNC and have a naturalist on hand to engage
visitors (no live animals will be brought). - Live Animal Tabling: For an additional fee TNC staff will set up a
table full of information about TNC, have a 2-3 of our live animal
ambassadors and one of our naturalists on hand to engage visitors. - TNC to Go Event Program & Basic Tabling: For an additional fee
TNC staff will set up a table full of information about TNC and have
a naturalist on hand to engage visitors and have an additional staff
member scheduled to present a TNC to Go program as part
of your event.
Click title to view description
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 4-5 live reptiles and amphibians.
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. A hole in the ground is always mysterious as it invites curiosity and wonder. Discover why some animals are fossorial (live underground) and what adaptations they need to survive this underfoot habitat. Meet four live animals whose survival depends on the time they spend within the soil and discover why subterranean ecosystems are diverse, balanced, and much more active than you may think.
Click title to view description
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 light affects these creatures and about the amazing adaptations some of these animals possess to thrive as they roam the nighttime landscape.
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.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. Meet a live owl and learn about their unique adaptations. Discover how as one owl species habitat changes it affects other species across the United States. Identify how these nocturnal utilize their senses to locate and obtain their prey and what similarities we share with these powerful and efficient predators.
Please note that not all animals are always available and specific species are subject to change.
- Amphibians: American Toad, American Bullfrog, Marbled Salamander
- Reptiles: Eastern Box Turtle, Wood Turtle, Yellow-Red Rat snake, Corn snake, Leopard Gecko, Bearded Dragon
- Invertebrates: North American Walking Stick insect, Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, North American Giant Millipede.
- Birds: Red-Tailed Hawk, Barred Owl, Black Vulture
- Mammals: Chinchillas
TNC to Go programs are designed to be taught at your location. Set up a speaker series and receive a discount.
Optional Add-Ons:
Animal Sponsorship (add-on): $60
| 30 min | 1 hour | Consecutive Hour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen County | |||
| Up to 30 participants | $200 (Nursery/Pre-K age only) | $275 | $150 |
| More than 30 participants | $225 Max 60 students (Nursery/Pre-K age only) | $400 | $300 |
| Basic Tabling | n/a | $0 | $0 |
| Live Animal Tabling | n/a | $275 | $150 |
| TNC to Go Event Program | n/a | $400 | $300 |
| Up to 1-Hour Away | |||
| Up to 30 participants | n/a | $300 | $150 |
| More than participants | n/a | $425 | $300 |
| Basic Tabling | n/a | $70 | $35 |
| Live Animal Tabling | n/a | $300 | $150 |
| TNC to Go Event Program | n/a | $425 | $300 |
| NYC Boroughs | |||
| Up to 30 participants | n/a | $400* | $150 |
| More than 30 participants | n/a | $500* | $300 |
| Basic Tabling | n/a | $205* | $35 |
| Live Animal Tabling | n/a | $400* | $150 |
| TNC to Go Event Program | n/a | $500* | $300 |
| TNC to Go Add On | |||
| Animal Sponsorship | $60 |
- There is no additional charge for supervising adults of student groups
- *Additional fee is included in the first program fee for all New York City boroughs visits to cover NYC permit requirements. A mileage charge of the current IRS rate per mile round trip is added to the program fee.
- One parking space must be provided near the entrance of your location (if no parking is available at your site then a fee will be added to cover any associated garage fees).
- Consecutive programs are programs held one right after another, for different groups, in the same location with no more than a 60 minute break between two of the programs.
- Groups with more than 30 participants will be charged the assembly fees. An assembly program is one program, held for multiple groups, in one location, and at one time.
- For select programs you may need to provide an electrical source and screen.
- If your funds are limited, please consider applying for a scholarship (we strive to make nature accessible to everyone).
Animal Sponsorship
Help support the animal ambassadors that live at TNC, in conjunction with a scheduled TNC to Go program.
Enjoy an additional 15-30 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: sponsored animal sticker or collectible trading card for every student, a certificate, photograph of sponsored animal, recognition in our newsletter, species information and animal’s biography.