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You already know that trees provide shade and oxygen, but they do so much more! Discover unexpected things we use that come from trees, how the tree’s parts work to make food from sunlight, and more amazing facts with touchable artifacts and hands-on activities.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Gather around the Farmhouse kitchen table to prepare a holiday treat; learn about the Woods family’s British Christmas traditions and marvel at their decorated tree! Learn about ice cutting and use tongs to store ice blocks; saw and stack wood; brush cows, and measure the fresh milk. This program costs $125 per class. For more information or to book a school trip call, 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net. *Offered the first two weeks in December.

Become acquainted with early 1900s Morristown society. Learn about the people who lived and worked at Fosterfields Farm and in the Foster family home, The Willows. Through role-playing, students compare and contrast the lifestyles of the Fosters and their farm laborers and domestics. Explore social customs, effects of immigration, educational opportunities, and the varying degrees of economic prosperity as experienced by the former Fosterfields residents. Both the farm and The Willows are included in this tour. This program costs $125 per class. For more information or to book a school trip call, 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Learn about early 20th century Fosterfields by experiencing a day in the life of the resident farmers and their families. Students will ‘get in character’ and become a farm laborer, the farm manager’s wife, or the coachman to discover how each person’s work contributed to the farm’s operation. They learn about the innovative agricultural farming methods practiced at Fosterfields and try their hands at various farm chores that were typical of the time period. This program costs $125 per class. For more information or to book a school trip call, 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

See the farm as it appeared in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through the eyes of a young Caroline Foster, nicknamed “Cara,” and her cousin, Charlie.  Experience firsthand some of the chores of the time period. Students role-play and participate in activities such as corn cracking, butter churning, and washing and drying laundry. They learn why certain crops and vegetables were grown at Fosterfields and meet the many farm animals including Jersey cows, draft horses, pigs, and chickens. This program costs $125 per class. For more information or to book a school trip call, 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Learn how the advancements in gristmills impacted life in the 1880s through technology, construction, and production (of flour). Experience the use of waterpower to operate Oliver Evans’ fully automatic factory as the water wheel runs most of the machinery inside. Hear about the development of millstones, combining simple machines, and the various types of water wheels and water power. This program costs $125 per class. For more information or to book a school trip call, 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Combine science, math, and history techniques to learn how the six simple machines make everyday life easier. Students apply hands-on activities to discover how these machines help to operate the mill’s equipment. They experience how to lift heavy weights easier by using more pulleys with a block & tackle system and levers. Watch as one man raises a 2,000-pound millstone with the assistance of simple machines. This program costs $125 per class. For more information or to book a school trip call, 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

In this interactive program, the concept of community is developed using Milltown, which once included homes, mills, a store, and a school. Discover family life in this 1880s community, while engaging in daily family activities of yesteryear. Students may saw wood, wash clothes, card wool, spin yarn, sew with a treadle sewing machine, grind coffee, and learn about a 1880s general store. This program costs $125 per class. For more information or to book a school trip call, 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Experience the process of creating a perfect golden brown pancake.  Begin by learning where flour comes from and watch as we make that breakfast food we enjoy so much.  Hear and feel the rumble of the millstones. Touch the seeds before they are ground and then after they become flour or meal. This program is adapted from Eric Carles’ book, Pancakes, Pancakes! This program costs $125 per class. For more information or to book a school trip call,973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Experience how grain and other seeds are hand-ground into flour and meal using a mortar and pestle, and saddlestone. Through simple demonstrations of a waterwheel and a gear model, learn how the power of the Black River does the same job more easily and faster. Tour the Cooper Gristmill and see this energy in action as it produces flour at the rate of several hundred pounds per hour. This program costs $125 per class. For more information or to book a school trip call, 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Cook on the fire just as people did 150 years ago!  During this open-hearth cooking program, students will follow a period “receipt,” and prepare a dish using historical methods and tools.

For program fees and availability, please call 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Explore Historic Speedwell through a guided tour of the various structures and exhibits located on site. This program encompasses original buildings from the Vail Homestead, including the Factory, where Alfred Vail and Samuel F.B. Morse held the first public demonstration of the telegraph in 1838. Also featured is the Vail Mansion, home of Stephen Vail and his family from 1844-1864. The exhibit ‘The Speedwell Ironworks: A History of Workers and Work,’ documents the history of the Vails, once prosperous business in Morristown. This program features interactive activities and discussion to bring the site to life. For program fees and availability, please call 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Step into the shoes of Alfred Vail- Experiment with electricity, magnets, and wire to discover how a message can be sent over a distance. Build a basic telegraph, and send a message using ‘the code.’ After the workshop, tour the Factory where the telegraph was first demonstrated to the public in 1838. For program fees and availability, please call 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Work for the Speedwell Ironworks for a day! In this hands-on workshop, students  learn the historic process of sand casting, make a mould, and create a casting (with a safe molten iron substitute) to take home. While the castings are drying, students  complete a site-wide scavenger hunt. During the early American Industrial Revolution, the Speedwell Ironworks manufactured iron objects, employed skilled workers with specialized roles, and used tools and machines in a historic process. Although the Speedwell Ironworks no longer exists, its history is preserved and interpreted at Historic Speedwell. For program fees and availability, please call 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Despite their blood-sucking behavior, ticks are an important part of nature with complex life cycles. This program explains how and why ticks do what they do, debunks the myths about ticks and Lyme’s Disease, and teaches participants how to protect themselves and their property from being havens for ticks.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Did you know that we’re surrounded by aliens? Animals and plants from other parts of the world, or invasive species, are wreaking havoc on our native habitats. Discover the strange stories of how they arrived, why they are problematic, and steps you can take to correct the negative impact.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Squirrels in the attic! Raccoons in the gar-bage! Bears in the backyard! What’s a home-owner to do when wildlife gets too close for comfort? Discover the reasons for wild ani-mals’ behavior and simple solutions for peacefully living side by side.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Some of NJ’s fantastic animals and plants are disappearing! Learn the reasons for this phenomena and ways to help bring these species back from the brink. This program features an interactive multimedia presentation, touchable artifacts, audience participation, and a visit from a live NJ endangered species.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

Assembly Programs are one hour and designed for groups larger than 30. A projection screen, table, and AV cart for projector are required. Prices vary based on the number of participants, and additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted. Assembly of 30-60 participants costs $250; each additional program is $210. Assembly of 61 participants & up costs $350; each additional program is $300.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Learn some amazing facts about the wildlife that call New Jersey home! Did you know that there is a venomous mammal in NJ, for example? This interactive multimedia presentation features au-dience participation, a PowerPoint slideshow, wildlife artifacts, and a visit from a live NJ animal.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

Assembly Programs are one hour and designed for groups larger than 30. A projection screen, table, and AV cart for projector are required. Prices vary based on the number of participants, and additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted. Assembly of 30-60 participants costs $250; each additional program is $210. Assembly of 61 participants & up costs $350; each additional program is $300.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Black bears are an important part of our natural world, and all New Jersey residents should know how to react if they encounter one of these amazing mammals. An interactive multimedia presentation, audience participation, touchable artifacts, and a fun simulation activity help participants to better under-stand black bears, including their history, adaptations, life cycle, diet, and needs.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

Assembly Programs are one hour and designed for groups larger than 30. A projection screen, table, and AV cart for projector are required. Prices vary based on the number of participants, and additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted. Assembly of 30-60 participants costs $250; each additional program is $210. Assembly of 61 participants & up costs $350; each additional program is $300.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

New Jersey’s native people relied on handmade tools constructed of natural materials for their survival. Touch and hold authentic artifacts, including arrowheads, fishing net weights, drills, and more. Identify the natural resources used to make them and match them with their historical uses.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Learn how animals’ teeth are adapted to their diets by examining the ways human use their teeth. Discover how form follows function by comparing human bones to those of NJ animals and identifying real wildlife skulls.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

After an introduction to the amazing adaptations of New Jersey’s owls using feathers, taxidermy mounts, and other artifacts, pairs dissect owl pellets to reconstruct the skeletons of their prey. Additional $30 materials fee per program.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Up-close investigation of birds’ nests, including observing, measuring, and collecting data to discover the birds’ secrets. Learn what makes a bird a bird, and how challenging it really is to build a nest.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Our naturalist brings a variety of live creatures to see up close and even touch! This program can be adapted to focus on native vs. non-native animals, adaptions, endangered and threatened species, vertebrates vs. invertebrates, and more.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Experience the life cycle of a honey bee, take on the various roles of bees in a colony, build a volunteer into a bee, and try on a beekeeper’s equipment. This program includes movement and audience participation!

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

The life and migration of the Monarch butterfly is an incredible natural spectacle. Travel through life cycle stations from egg to adult, act out the migratory journey, and learn amazing facts through an interactive PowerPoint presentation.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Touch and examine a diverse collection of real clues left behind by animals in the wild. Learn to ‘read’ these signs to decipher what happened in the natural world.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Discover what animal tracks tell us by moving like various species and examining artifacts. Apply math and observation skills to identify mystery animal tracks and decipher ‘track stories’.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Snooze, Cruise, Choose, or Lose? New Jersey’s animals all select one of these behavioral adaptations to survive the winter. Learn about the different animals’ survival methods through hands-on activities and touchable artifacts.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Discover what makes an insect unique through hands -on activities. Transform a human volunteer into a bug, and observe and touch live in-vertebrates.

Outreach Programs are designed for a maximum of 30 participants and are one hour long. Initial program costs $150. Additional presentations of the same program, on the same day, and at the same location are discounted to $125 per program.

*Sites outside of Morris County, add $25 per program.

For more information or to book an Outreach Program call 973.635.6629.

Explore a variety of habitats and discover their defining characteristics and species. A special emphasis is placed on current environmental issues in NJ, such as invasive species, erosion, species overpopulation, watershed issues, and human impact. Lesson content can be adapted to fit curriculum needs. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).  Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information.

Many tiny creatures await discovery in the pond! Students collect specimens for study and explore their amazing adaptations. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Learn how macroinvertebrates can indicate water quality, and take a guided tour of a vernal pool and a stream, observing human impact. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information.

Combine science, math, and history by experimenting with basic map and compass use. Following a series of hands-on activities, teams embark on an orienteering challenge. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Delve further into the world of maps as students construct and study a topographical map of the local watershed. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information, and 973.334.3130 for Pyramid Mountain NHA’s lesson information.

Get a taste of life in the 1700s. Make wooden shingles with real pioneer tools and tint wool with dyes made from native plants, among other activities. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Test your survival skills as you build a shelter and try making fire with friction OR take a guided trail walk to learn about the animals and plants the pioneers used for food, medicine, and tool-making. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information.

New Jersey's geologic history is literally etched in stone! During this lesson, students hunt for rocks and minerals along the trail, study glacial formations, and climb ridges made of New Jersey's oldest rocks. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Choose a ‘pet rock’ to examine, describe, and identify using a dichotomous key. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.334.3130 for Pyramid Mountain NHA’s lesson information.

Compare and contrast vertebrates and invertebrates as students handle a multitude of touchable nature objects and take a hike while categorizing all the animal life found. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Meet and touch two live animals, an invertebrate and a vertebrate, and examine their physical characteristics up close. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information, and 973.334.3130 for Pyramid Mountain NHA’s lesson information.

Tour a model wigwam, play the games Lenape children played, try making rope from natural fibers, and much more. Explore the culture of the Lenape Indians of New Jersey with an emphasis placed on the importance of the natural world in their daily existence. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Make and take a traditional Lenape game and join in a communal “round dance” at the wigwam OR take a guided trail walk to learn about the animals and plants the Lenape used for food, medicine, and tool-making. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information.

Travel through a billion years of history in just two hours. A guided hike becomes a fascinating journey through the history of the area, from mountain-building events and glaciation, through human settlement up to the present. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Explore the power of glaciers  and how they shape the earth with a simulation activity. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information, and 973.334.3130 for Pyramid Mountain NHA’s lesson information.

How do animals avoid predators on the prowl, attract the best mates, OR survive the winter cold? Visit a variety of habitats and take part in hands-on activities to learn about the amazing physical and behavioral adaptations that help wildlife survive. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Teams create an imaginary new species to match a given set of adaptations. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information.

Students search for animal signs, homes, sounds, and other clues left behind by wild residents. Teams of students explore their own study sites looking for evidence of animals, and apply the new skills they have learned. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: The class is challenged to investigate and interpret the newest animal signs during  a guided trail walk in the ‘Detective Challenge.’ Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information, and 973.334.3130 for Pyramid Mountain NHA’s lesson information.

After learning about the physical characteristics of insects and their relatives, students capture, study, and release live specimens outdoors, and meet and touch some unusual captive invertebrates. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Search for signs insects have left behind and evidence of their life cycles on a guided walk.Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information, and 973.334.3130 for Pyramid Mountain NHA’s lesson information.

As they hike through different habitats, observing and identifying birds with binoculars, students are introduced to the amazing adaptations, behaviors, and songs of these winged creatures. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Further explore the physical adaptations OR nesting habits of birds through interactive simulation activities. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.334.3130 for Pyramid Mountain NHA’s lesson information.

Students compare and contrast forest, meadow, swamp, marsh, and pond habitats through firsthand observation. Fun activities help children understand the characteristics of habitats that all animals, plants, and even humans need to survive. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Examine the microhabitat under the leaf litter and hunt for signs of human impact. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information.

Explore the wonders of the forest habitat and its inhabitants through hands-on activities and a guided walk. Focus on trees, plant life cycles, and the jobs of roots, leaves, bark, branches, and more. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Take a closer look at the forest floor and its inhabitants with a leaf litter study. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information, and 973.334.3130 for Pyramid Mountain NHA’s lesson information.

Discover the apple's place in history and the natural world by preparing and grinding apples, turning the old-fashioned press, collecting the cider, and tasting the sweet results. Hike the trails searching for other fruits and seeds to see how they are dispersed. Lessons are approximately 2 hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children). Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information.

Through hands-on discovery, kids enjoy experiencing nature using their senses while learning how animals and plants use their senses to survive. Lessons are approximately 1 ½ hours long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: With hands-on activities, explore how butterflies taste with their feet and spiders feel vibrations through their webs. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information, and 973.334.3130 for Pyramid Mountain NHA’s lesson information.

Curious youngsters have fun learning about staying safe in the natural world during this introductory walk. Hands-on activities emphasize respect for the natural world and its creatures. Lessons are approximately 1 hour long ($125 per class of up to 30 children).

Optional Extension: Take part in a group scavenger hunt to discover hidden natural wonders. Optional extensions cost $65 per class and are scheduled after a lunch break. Call 973.635.6629 for Great Swamp OEC’s lesson information, and 973.334.3130 for Pyramid Mountain NHA’s lesson information.

Historic Speedwell offers archaeologists-in-training the chance to learn the basic skills of this science and unearth some treasures to take home. Students will participate in a hands-on dig while learning archaeological techniques as well as the importance of archaeology in historic preservation. For program fees and availability, please call 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Visit Historic Speedwell and learn how steam revolutionized power in the 19th century.  Also learn how Stephen Vail, owner of the Speedwell Ironworks, was involved in this cutting edge technology.  During this program, students will gain an understanding of how steam can be harnessed to do work and how many different parts of a system must work together for success.  This program is also available for an in-school visit.  For program fees and availability, please call 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Cook on the fire just as people did 150 years ago!  During this open hearth cooking program, students will follow period 'receipts' and prepare dishes using historical methods and tools.  Following a discussion-based tour of the Vail House, students will enjoy a 'tea party' and enjoy the 'fruits' of their labor.  For program fees and availability, please call 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

People living a hundred years ago were more attuned to the changes of the seasons than we are. Spring was seen as a time of renewal; new farm animals were bring born and new crops were being planted. Spring also meant the end of the “lean times” of winter.  Join us as we explore these aspects of Spring during this creative movement and craft program. We will celebrate the new season with a tour of some of our buildings, a dance around the Maypole, and a Spring craft!  For program fees and availability, please call 973.631.5343 or email ebakshis@morrisparks.net.

Grades: Pre-K - 3
What makes something alive? Students work together to define living and non-living using lots of hands-on examples. Then they expand their understanding with a planting project and a guided walk around the gardens to discover what living and non-living things can be found there.

• Lessons for Grades 1 and up cost $125 per class of up to 25 children. Pre K and K are $75 per class. 

  To register, call the Frelinghuysen Arboretum at 973.631.5004.

  You will receive confirmation of your reservation and directions by email.

Grades: K - 3.
All the parts of plants and trees have important jobs to do. Learn what they are through hands-on examination of lots of samples, and by planting your own plant to take home. Then hunt for all shapes and sizes of plant parts in the arboretum.

• Lessons for Grades 1 and up cost $125 per class of up to 25 children. Pre K and K are $75 per class. 

• To register, call the Frelinghuysen Arboretum at 973.631.5004.

• You will receive confirmation of your reservation and directions by email.

Grades: 1 - 5.
People and other animals love to eat all the parts of plants - from the roots to the leaves to the flowers! In this lesson, learn what foods come from which plant parts, and plant a healthy salad to take home. Search the arboretum’s gardens to discover first hand how plants are part of food chains in nature.

• Lessons for Grades 1 and up cost $125 per class of up to 25 children. Pre K and K are $75 per class. 

• To register, call the Frelinghuysen Arboretum at 973.631.5004.

• You will receive confirmation of your reservation and directions by email.

Grades: K – 4.
The gardens at the arboretum are full of life, both plant and animal. Learn about the life cycle of plants and their place in the environment and look for examples in the gardens. Plant your own seeds to experience the life cycle firsthand.

• Lessons for Grades 1 and up cost $125 per class of up to 25 children. Pre K and K are $75 per class. 

• To register, call the Frelinghuysen Arboretum at 973.631.5004.

• You will receive confirmation of your reservation and directions by email.

Grades: 2 - 5.
Discover how a tiny seed can contain everything to make a full-grown plant and how seeds find the perfect place to grow by rolling, blowing, floating, or even exploding! Plant “super speedy” seeds to watch the sprouting process up close and grow a green you can eat. Then venture out into the gardens to sort all the seeds you find by how they travel and make a class seed collection.

• Lessons for Grades 1 and up cost $125 per class of up to 25 children. Pre K and K are $75 per class. 

• To register, call the Frelinghuysen Arboretum at 973.631.5004.

• You will receive confirmation of your reservation and directions by email.

Grades: 3 - 5.
How do plants survive all the different conditions found round the globe, from extreme temperatures to hordes of hungry plant-eaters and lack of  water? Plants have some pretty sneaky tricks up their sleeve called adaptations!  Discover the amazing survival skills of plants as you grow a plant without needing a seed and explore the gardens looking for adaptations at work.

• Lessons for Grades 1 and up cost $125 per class of up to 25 children. Pre K and K are $75 per class. 

• To register, call the Frelinghuysen Arboretum at 973.631.5004.

• You will receive confirmation of your reservation and directions by email.

Grade K - Standards K-ESS3-1, K-LS1-1

Take a guided discovery walk to find out what animals and plants live in the habitats of our parks.  Learn what the needs of animals, plants, and people have in common, and create models of food chains.

To reserve a school field trip or for more information, please contact:

Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center - 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham, NJ 07928
Call: 973.635.6629

Grade 1 – Standards 1-LS3-1, 1-LS1-2

Observe how wildlife babies are alike and different from their parents with activities and a guided nature walk.  Play a simulation game to see how adult birds help their babies survive.

To reserve a school field trip or for more information, please contact:

Great Swamp OEC - 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham, NJ 07928
Call: 973.635.6629

Grade 2 – Standards 2-LS4-1, 2-LS2-2
Investigate the diversity of wildlife in a variety of habitats, tallying plant and animal species as you go.  Marvel at their curious adaptations, and make “living models” that show how animals help plants survive.

To reserve a school field trip or for more information, please contact:

Great Swamp OEC - 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham, NJ 07928
Call: 973.635.6629

Grade 3 – Standards 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-2
Discover the life cycles of common animals and find their similarities through an activity and a guided walk. Then take part in a simulation to explore how differences between members of the same species can impact their survival.

To reserve a school field trip or for more information, please contact:

Great Swamp OEC - 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham, NJ 07928
Call: 973.635.6629

Pyramid Mountain NHA - 472A Boonton Ave., Boonton, NJ 07005
Call: 973.334.3130

Grade 5 – Standards 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-PS3-1
Explore how the Sun’s energy is the source of energy for all living things, and create a “living model” of the food web.  Then take a guided walk to discover how animals, plants, and non-living parts of the environment work together.

To reserve a school field trip or for more information, please contact:

Great Swamp OEC - 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham, NJ 07928
Call: 973.635.6629