Environmental Education Programs at the Interpretive Center
Historical Education Programs at the CRRNJ Terminal
How our Programs Correlate with NJ's Core Curriculum Content Standards
Liberty State Park Interpretive Center Public Programs
- Visit the NJ's Division of Parks & Forestry's Calendar of Events to see what else is going on at Liberty State Park and the rest of New Jersey's Parks, Forests and Historic Sites.
Liberty State Park Interpretive Center Professional Development Workshops for Educators
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The Interpretive Center at Liberty State Park is an environmental and  historical education facility located on Freedom Way. Open year round the center features exhibits focusing on the natural history and ecology of the Hudson River Estuary and offers programs for school and community groups and the general public. The center also offers a variety of Professional Development Workshops for formal and non-formal educators.
Find out about events and happenings at the park by downloading the latest edition of The Green Oasis - the official Liberty State Park newsletter.
The Interpretive Center is open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day (closed most holidays). For more information, please call (201) 915-3409.
| Environmental Education Programs at the Interpretive Center |
Five Alive!
Grades: PreK - 3
Time: 1 1/2 Hours
Designed to enhance perceptual skills and increase sensory awareness of our surrounding environment. Students will take part in a guided exploration of their surroundings using all five senses: seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting.
(Taste test done with fresh herbs from our garden)
Tiny Trails
Grades: PreK - 3
Time: 1 1/2 Hours
Sometimes we don’t see the amazing variety of life right beneath our feet! A story about some of nature’s forgotten or misunderstood creatures will be followed by a mini safari and a closer look at some incredible beasties!
(Program is dependent upon season)
Save a Place for Wildlife
Please specify option A or B when registering.
Grades: PreK - 6th
Time: 2 Hours
A program designed to enhance the understanding of “habitat” and the importance of having a suitable variety of habitats to sustain wildlife. Upland and lowland habitats of Liberty State Park will be explored.
OPTION A*: Includes an interpretive walk and scavenger hunt on our beach habitat.
OPTION B: Includes an interpretive walk and scavenger hunt on our nature path.
Tree-mendous Trees!
Grades: PreK - Adult
Time: 1 1/2 - 2 Hours
Students will participate in a variety of fun, hands-on activities from the highly acclaimed curriculum guide; Project Learning Tree. Tree structure, growth patterns, survival needs & uses will be examined as well as their importance in human history and culture.
Raptor Rap
Grades: 3 - 8
Time: 1 1/2 - 2 Hours
What magnificent birds of prey do we find in New Jersey? What special adaptations do they need to survive? Are they as big as you? Which ones visit us in Liberty State Park? All these questions and more will be answered in this fun, interactive study of these magnificent birds.
Explore the Nightlife
Grades: 3 - 8
Time: 2 Hours
Join us as we delve into the mysterious world of nocturnal animals. Through stories, crafts and hands-on activities we will gain a better understanding of what it takes to fill this nighttime niche.
Birds and Habitats
Grades: 3 - Adult
Time: Varies by program
A specialty program for students interested in bird life and birding in the park. This program contains a pre-lesson where students will make their own “field guide”. Upon completion of the guides, students will go out bird watching and explore various habitats of the park in search of these elusive creatures.
Estuary Explorers*
Grades: 4 - Adult
Time: 2 Hours
A hands-on exploration of the life in and around the Upper New York Bay. Older students may seine in the river for fish and shrimp, and/or comb the beaches for shells and other treasures. Wetlands values, biological and economic, will be discussed.
(Program is seasonally dependent )
* your vehicle is required to transport students to and from the study site.
The Urban Estuary for Young Scientists*
Grades: 5 - Adult, College
Time: 2 1/2 - 3 Hours
Similar to ”Estuary Explorers” with water quality sampling experiments to test a variety of parameters, including pH, Salinity, and Dissolved Oxygen.
(Program is seasonally dependent )
*your vehicle is required to transport students to and from the study site.
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| Historical Education Programs at the CRRNJ Terminal |
Dreams of Distant Shores
Grades: 4 - Adult
Time: 1 1/2 Hours
This presentation concentrates on the historical significance of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the CRRNJ Terminal and the role they played in America’s immigration history. Interactive activities help students explore reasons for the huge influx of immigrants in the early 20th century.
The Historic CRRNJ Terminal
Grades: 4 - Adult
Time: 1 - 2 Hours
This program is designed to illustrate the role of the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CRRNJ) Terminal complex in the history of New York Harbor. Highlighted is the importance of transportation and the role of the terminal in the immigrant’s journey to a new life. This program can include a walking tour of the
building.
New Jersey’s Early Inhabitants
Grades: 4 - Adult
Time: 1 - 2 Hours
This program concentrates on the Native American group that was one of the earliest residents of the Garden State: the Lenape Indians. An interactive slide presentation depicts the early residents’ dependency on the natural resources around them for their survival. Storytelling, myths and a Native American hands-on activity are included.
CRRNJ Terminal Architecture: Forms and Functions
Grades: 4 - 8
Time: 1 1/2 Hours
An educational program created to foster an appreciation and awareness of the variety of architectural features found throughout the CRRNJ Terminal. Accompanied by a historic interpreter, students will roam the grounds of the historic railroad terminal with activity worksheets observing how the terminal’s designers manipulated space, light and color in forming this impressive structure.
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Reservations
To schedule an environmental education program, please call the Interpretive Center at (201) 915-3409. To schedule a historical education program, please call the CRRNJ Terminal at (201) 915-3411.
If our calendar permits, we will tentatively hold a date for you. We will forward a reservation form for you to complete and return. Your program will not be confirmed until we receive your completed reservation form. We will then send you a confirmation letter, directions and pre-lesson activities.
Logistics & Notes
- Programs can be scheduled for morning or afternoon.
- The length of the program is flexible, depending on your needs.
- Programs are available to groups of ten or more.
- Maximum group size is dependent on staff availability.
- All programs MUST be reserved in advance.
- There is NO FEE for any of these programs.
- For programs marked *, your bus is required to stay with your group for the entire
length of the program.
- The environmental education programs are taught wholly or partially outdoors
regardless of weather. (Please have all participants come prepared!)
Outreach Programs (We come to your school)
Outreach Programs are offered from December through March to schools within our region. They can be scheduled for morning or afternoon, one class at a time, up to three classes of the same program per day. For a complete listing of outreach programs, please call the Interpretive Center (201) 915-3409.
Teachers: Include us in your PIPs
We are registered as a Professional Development provider with the NJ Department of Education. Please call us for a list of Professional Development Opportunities.
Our goal is to provide quality education programs which improve environmental and cultural literacy. We encourage critical-thinking, problem-solving, and cooperative learning. Our lessons and education resources are easily integrated into your curriculum. All programs have been correlated to NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards.
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| Interpretive Center Public Programs: Fall/Winter 2007 |
Caven Point Bird Walk
September 22, 2007
9:00am - 11:00am
Caven Point beach and the surrounding uplands provides vital habitat for a diversity of birds and other wildlife species. Come explore this area on a guided tour while we look for and identify the wildlife found here. Dress to be outside, bring binoculars if you have them, we have a limited number that can be borrowed. You will need your own transportation to get from the Interpretive Center to our study site. Spaces are limited! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of 8 or more call for special arrangements.
OYSTER GARDENING
October 13, 2007 10am - Noon
FREE, Pre-Registration Required
Help bring back oysters to the Harbor and make a difference in the Hudson Estuary! Come learn why this bivalve is such an important species and get your hands wet with our oyster restoration project. Spaces are limited! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of 8 or more call for special arrangements.
BATS, BATS, BATS
October 20, 2007 11am - Noon
FREE, Pre-Registration Required
New Jersey’s own Batman, Joseph D’Angeli will clear up some common myths about bats by sharing with us all the benefits these often-misunderstood animals provide. He will bring live bats to give us an up-close look at these very important creatures. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Liberty State Park. Spaces are limited! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of 8 or more call for special arrangements.
FALL BIRD WALK
November 3, 2007 10:00am - 12:00pm
FREE, Pre-Registration Required
Fall is the time when the birds start moving. Come along for a stroll in the park to see which birds are staying for the winter and which ones are headed south. Dress to be outside, bring binoculars if you have them, we have a limited number that can be borrowed. Spaces are limited! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of 8 or more call for special arrangements.
NEW JERSEY HISTORY PROGRAM
November 10, 2007 1:00pm
FREE
Join us for a discussion focusing on New Jersey’s rich heritage. For more information about the topic check the Friends of Liberty State Park web site at www.folsp.org. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Liberty State Park. Spaces are limited, please call ahead to register (201) 792-3767.
WINTER WATERFOWL WALK
November 17 & December 1, 2007
January 12 & February 9, 2008 10:00am - 12:00pm
FREE, Pre-Registration Required
Join us for a leisurely stroll along Liberty Walkway in search of winter visitors to the park. Possible species sightings may include ruddy ducks, mergansers, grebes, buffleheads and many more. Dress to be outside, bring binoculars if you have them, we have a limited number that can be borrowed . Spaces are limited! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of 8 or more call for special arrangements.
FOR THE BIRDS!
December 8, 2007 10:00am - 12:00pm
FREE, Pre-Registration Required
Come to the Interpretive Center and make some tasty treats that you will take home and put outside to help our feathered friends make it through the cold days of winter. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Liberty State Park. Spaces are limited! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of 8 or more call for special arrangements.
NATURE DISCOVERY DAY
February 2, 2008 10:00am - 12:00pm
FREE, Pre-Registration Required
Which tree did that leaf come from? What animal left that track behind? Which bird is that in your backyard? Our hands-on activity stations will allow you to answer these questions and more, at our nature discovery day. Spaces are limited! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of 8 or more call for special arrangements.
PAPERMAKING
March 8, 2008 10:00am - 12:00pm
FREE, Pre-Registration Required
Liberty State Park staff will lead you in a hands-on workshop creating your own paper from used paper and natural materials . Spaces are limited! Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of 8 or more call for special arrangements.
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| Interpretive Center Professional Development Workshops for Educators |
Liberty State Park Interpretive Center is committed to providing professional development opportunities for teachers, educators and other youth leaders. The following environmental education workshops are offered on a regular basis at the Interpretive Center. We also offer these workshops by request to schools, teacher colleges and other organizations as pre- or in-service programs. If you would like more information or a current list of our upcoming workshops, please call us at (201) 915-3409, or email us at lspic@verizon.net.
Project Learning Tree (PLT)
Grades: K- 12
PLT is an award-winning environmental education activity guide with over 100 lesson plans for preschool through 12th grade students. PLT uses the forest as a "window on the world" to increase students' understanding of our complex environment; to stimulate critical and creative thinking; to develop the ability to make informed decisions on environmental issues; and to instill the confidence and commitment to take responsible action on behalf of the environment. PLT is designed to work in rural, suburban, and urban area, whether there is a forest or just a single tree.
Project WILD & Aquatic WILD
Grades: K - 12
The goals of Project WILD & Aquatic WILD are to assist learners of any age in developing awareness, knowledge, skills and commitment that will result in informed decisions, responsible behavior and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment. These programs are based on the premise that students and teachers have a vital interest in learning about the earth as home for people and wildlife. Wildlife is emphasized because of its intrinsic, ecological and other values. Project WILD can help prepare young people for decisions affecting humans, wildlife and the environment. WILD and Aquatic WILD are considered separate programs and each require a 6 hour workshop.
WILD School Sites
Grades: K - 12
In 1994 -95, NJ Project WILD began to expand its programs to include an "action piece" entitled WILD School Sites. WILD School Sites promotes the development of outdoor learning centers, built by students and teachers, to be incorporated into a variety of curricular areas. This is an opportunity for teachers and students to work with their community to improve wildlife habitat on their school grounds.
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers)
Grades: K - 12
The Project WET activity guide is packed full of lessons and activities that engage students in learning about water and the importance of water resources. The goal of Project WET is to facilitate and promote the awareness, appreciation, knowledge and stewardship of water resources through the development and dissemination of classroom-ready teaching aids.
Wonders of Wetlands! (WOW!)
Grades: K - 12
The ultimate wetlands teaching guide! The first part of this guide is filled with background information on wetlands, including definitions, values, wildlife habitats, etc. It's an essential and invaluable resource for an educator preparing to teach about wetlands. The rest of the guide is brimming with fantastic, classroom-tested wetland activities, incorporating Science, Social Studies, Arts, Political Science, and more...
Bridges to the Natural World
Grades: Pre K - 6
The New Jersey Audubon Society developed Bridges to the Natural World to assist teachers in leading students to a better understanding of their local natural environment. Activities are designed to facilitate the transition from classroom or indoor teaching to an outdoor learning experience. The concepts and skills from each activity are cross-referenced to the grade level concepts and skills recommended in the Elementary Science Curriculum Guide, published by the NJ Department of Education.
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