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Join us for lectures, activities, and workshops on a wide variety of topics in history, horticulture, and the natural world. Schedule a private session for you and your group. These programs are led by educators at the top of their fields with a deep knowledge of the subject matter. Virtual programs are also available.
For private groups the Park Commission offers a wide variety of interactive programs to connect to any type of group. Tour the gardens, take a guided hike on the trails, or visit The Willows (our historic mansion) as part of a private tour with your group. Tour topics can be customized to fit your group’s needs. Our staff can adapt many of its programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate.
The Morris County Park Commission offers a wide array of homeschool classes to fit your child’s needs. Students can explore different topics like agriculture, the natural sciences, history, horticulture and more! Our education sites offer unique locations for lessons as well as skilled instructors to work with children of all learning levels. Note: Programs at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum are drop off only.
All are welcome! We customize our programming to meet the special needs of your group. Options include:
  • Attend a hands-on, creative workshop at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum! Participants will learn about a horticulture topic and do a hands-on activity. Each month has a different theme. $10 per participant.
  • Want to Volunteer? Have your group visit the Arboretum to weed and help in the gardens.
  • Student internships are available for High School students. Learn the trade of horticulture: weed, water, propagate, and work in the gardens. Students will learn valuable vocational skills.
Enjoy a Field Trip . . . Without Leaving Your Facility! Outreach programs are conveniently presented at your location and are individually tailored to the interests and needs of your audience. Outreach Programs are interactive, multimedia presentations with touchable artifacts and lots of audience participation designed to engage, entertain, and educate all ages. All outreach programs are taught by seasoned educators with deep knowledge of their subject matter. We offer 4 Outreach options:
  • Standard Outreach at your location, designed for a maximum of 30 participants per program. These programs are 45 minutes to one hour long. You must provide a projection screen, table, and AV cart for projector.
  • Assembly Program at your location, designed for groups larger than 30 participants, such as an entire grade level or school population. You must provide a projection screen, table, and AV cart for projector. -Virtual Program are 30 minutes long and are just as engaging as our in-person programs. We recommend projecting programs onto a screen or large TV for the best experience.
  • Reverse Field Trips are outdoor environmental education programs conducted at your location on a topic of your choosing. Our staff visit your site and work with you to come up with a topic that fits both your needs and what your grounds have to offer ahead of time. These are for up to 30 participants and last 1 hour.
Our experienced educational staff are your partners in educating students of all ages. As fellow educators, we understand the challenge for teachers to find time for field trips when more and more content is required to be taught each year. Let us do some of your work for you! Take advantage of our many engaging field trips at sites that are both close at hand and offer a wealth of educational experiences at affordable prices. Our lesson topics and objectives are closely correlated to the NJ Core Curriculum Standards as well as the most commonly taught science and social studies topics in local schools. Our programs may include hands-on activities, pre- andpost- trip lessons, and take-home follow-up activities.
The education sites at the Morris County Park Commission offer many different opportunities for scouts big and small! Scout groups can register for their own private programs as well as attend public programs hosted by our educational sites. Whether you are seeking to fulfill badge requirements or are looking for a fun experience with your troop, there is something for everyone. Learn about history, animals, the natural world, or horticulture in one of our many immersive programs!

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Outreach
Udder to Butter
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Program Type : Outreach
Grade(s) : Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade
Study Type : History
Program Length : 1 Hour
Location : Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

Contact Information
Allie Simakowicz

T: (973) 631-5022

Questions: asimakowicz@morrisparks.net

Fosterfields used to be a dairy farm. Watch a video and learn all about Jersey cows and the science behind making butter. Students will be able to churn their own butter to try with bread or crackers. All supplies provided.

Outreach
Scarf Dyeing with Art Tissue
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Program Type : Outreach
Study Type : History
Program Length : 1 Hour
Location : Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

Contact Information
Allie Simakowicz

T: (973) 631-5022

Questions: asimakowicz@morrisparks.net

Outreach
Tea Blending
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Program Type : Outreach
Study Type : Horticulture
Program Length : 1 Hour
Location : Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

Contact Information
Allie Simakowicz

T: (973) 631-5022

Questions: asimakowicz@morrisparks.net

Fancy a cup of tea? Make your own blends of tea to take home! Using dried herbs, each participants gets three tea bags (and jar) to enjoy. During the class sip on fresh herbal tea while you create! Fresh herbs subject to season. All supplies Provided.

Outreach
Quickles
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Program Type : Outreach
Study Type : History
Program Length : 1 Hour
Location : Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

Contact Information
Allie Simakowicz

T: (973) 631-5022

Questions: asimakowicz@morrisparks.net

Pickling has been around for years, but how do you do it? In this immersive workshop, create “quickles” or refrigerated pickles using a spice and herb bar to make your own unique blend of pickles. All supplies provided.

Outreach
Butter Making
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Program Type : Outreach
Study Type : History
Program Length : 1 Hour
Location : Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

Contact Information
Allie Simakowicz

T: (973) 631-5022

Questions: asimakowicz@morrisparks.net

Fosterfields used to be a dairy farm. Learn all about Jersey cows and the science behind making butter. Participants will be able to churn their own butter to try with bread or crackers. All supplies provided.

Outreach
History’s Mysteries
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Program Type : Outreach
Study Type : History
Program Length : 1 Hour
Location : Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

Contact Information
Allie Simakowicz

T: (973) 631-5022

Questions: asimakowicz@morrisparks.net

Do you have what it takes to think like a historian? Examine antique items and try to deduce what their purpose was on the farm or in the house.

Outreach
Felting
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Program Type : Outreach
Study Type : History
Program Length : 1 Hour
Location : Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

Contact Information
Allie Simakowicz

T: (973) 631-5022

Questions: asimakowicz@morrisparks.net

Express your creativity and relieve stress with our felting workshop! Participants will learn the basics of needle felting, while making a keepsake to take home with them. All supplies provided.

Homeschool
Goats on the Go
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Program Type : Homeschool
Study Type : History
Program Length : 1 Hour
Location : Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

Contact Information
Andrew Brumbaugh

T: (973) 631-5343

Questions: abrumbaugh@morrisparks.net

Learn about goats, their behavior, and their role in modern farming. We will be walking the Fosterfields goats around the farm for a hands-on opportunity to interact with these friendly animals.

Homeschool
Meet the Cows
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Program Type : Homeschool
Study Type : History
Program Length : 1 Hour
Location : Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

Contact Information
Andrew Brumbaugh

T: (973) 631-5343

Questions: abrumbaugh@morrisparks.net

Fosterfields was a respected dairy farm during the life of Charles Foster. Meet our current cows and learn what milk can do for us.

Homeschool
History’s Mysteries
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Program Type : Homeschool
Study Type : History
Program Length : 1 Hour
Location : Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

Contact Information
Andrew Brumbaugh

T: (973) 631-5343

Questions: abrumbaugh@morrisparks.net

Do you have what it takes to think like a historian? Examine antique items and try to deduce what their purpose was on the farm or in the house.