Van Cortlandt Adventures

Take your students to the third largest park in New York City, Van Cortlandt Park, for a truly unique educational experience in a beautiful natural setting. Our programs allow you to add 1,146 acres of wetlands, meadows, old growth forest and a lake to your classroom. Whether you come once or several times your students will have fun and learn the importance of preserving nature.

Forester for a Day

Two part program- First students will learn about the basics of forest ecology including requirements for survival, habitats and the web of life. During the second visit students will have an opportunity to plant trees and shrubs along the trail to help restore it. Program for 4th Grade and up. Each visit is 1.5 to 2 hours. Spring and Fall only.

Nature Awareness

The sights, sounds, textures and scents of the woodlands and meadows are a wonderful experience for everyone. Let us introduce your students to the natural beauty that is Van Cortlandt Park as we hike through woodlands and wetlands along the John Kieran Trail. Program for 3rd grade and under. Program runs for 1 to 1.5 hours.

Freshwater Ecology

Your students will play the role of an aquatic biologist to determine just how healthy Van Cortlandt Lake is. We will test the pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and more of the lake. Then using nets, students will collect insects and fish and examine them under microscopes. The data collected will be compared with other students results to determine the status of the lake overtime. Program for 3rd grade and up. Program runs for 1.5-2 hours. Spring, Summer and Fall only!

Take a Hike

Hike through the trails of Van Cortlandt Park with a knowledgeable tour guide. Tree id, exotic and native wildlife and a little park history are just some of the topics of the tour. Bring walking shoes and water for this adventure in the park. Program for 6th grade and up. Programs runs for 1 to 3 hours. Year-round.

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