environmental education programs for...

“In the end we will conserve only what we love. We love only what we understand. We will

understand only what we are taught.” Baba Dioum

Environmental Education Programs for Groups

Monmouth County Park System

www.monmouthcountyparks.com

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About Us

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The Monmouth County Park System was created in 1960 with the establishment of Shark River Park using 24 acres of land left over from construction of the Garden State Parkway. The Park System has been growing ever since, and today has over 14,500 acres and more than 35 park areas including forests, wetland/marine habitats, golf courses, historic sites, recreation areas, and conservation properties. The long term goal is to preserve at least 19,000 acres or 7% of the county’s land. The Park System offers nearly 4,000 programs at these sites each year.

Through our diverse environmental education programming, we strive to create opportunities for participants to develop leadership, team building, and critical thinking skills. Our standards based curriculum takes advantage of the rich natural resources available in Monmouth County, and provides a hands-on focus that promotes awareness, understanding, and stewardship of our natural history and environment. Programs are available throughout the county parks, and some can travel to your site. Certain topics are site specific due to either natural resource or equipment availability. All programs must be arranged at least 4 weeks in advance. It is advisable to schedule 6-8 months prior to your desired date. For your convenience, New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards are listed with most programs. We invite you to take advantage of the programs listed here to help achieve our common goal of teaching children the value of our natural resources.

For more information, please visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com and click on Environmental Education Group Programs under Activities.

Board of Chosen Freeholders

Board of Recreation Commissioners Printed on recycled paper with eco-solvent ink

A9399-02-10

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Special Use Areas

6. Deep Cut Cardens, Middletown

8. East Freehold Showgrounds, Freehold Twp.

9. Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan

11. Henry Hudson Trail, Freehold Boro to Aberdeen to Atlantic Highlands

18. Manasquan River Greenway, Freehold to Howell

19. Monmouth Cove Marina, Port Monmouth

20. Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook, Atlantic Highlands

26. Sunnyside Recreation Area, Middletown

Historic Sites

16. Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

30. Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

Undeveloped Sites

33. Baysholm Tract, Freehold Twp.

34. Big Brook Park, Marlboro

35. De Bois Creek Recreation Area, Freehold Twp.

36. Metedeconk River Greenway,

Freehold to Howell

37. Yellowbrook Tract, Howell

38. Union Transportation Trail, Upper Freehold

Park Facilities1. Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth4. Clayton Park, Upper Freehold5. Crosswicks Creek Greenway, Upper Freehold7. Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck

10. Hartshorne Woods Park, Middletown12. Holmdel Park, Holmdel15. Huber Woods Park, Middletown17. Manasquan Reservoir, Howell21. Perrineville Lake Park, Millstone

23. Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park,

Long Branch

25. Shark River Park, Wall27. Tatum Park, Middletown28. Thompson Park, Lincroft29. Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold Twp.31. Weltz Park, Ocean Twp.32. Wolf Hill Recreation Area, Oceanport

Golf Courses

2. Bel-Aire Golf Course, Wall3. Charleston Springs Golf Course,

Millstone13. Hominy Hill Golf Course, Colts Neck14. Howell Park Golf Course, Howell22. Pine Brook Golf Course, Manalapan24. Shark River Golf Course, Neptune

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Professional Development Workshops

Additional Group Program Opportunities

Green Parks

Want to improve your teaching skills and knowledge base, and bring exciting new ideas into your classroom? The Monmouth County Park System offers a wide range of workshops to give educators of all grade levels the tools that ensure student achievement in science or social studies. Training from our expert staff will show educators how to transform lessons about the natural world into fun and enlightening experiences. Some of the exciting workshops offered include Project Wild Aquatic, Project WET (Water Education for Teachers), and WOW (Wonders of Wetlands). Additional workshop topics are available upon request. Please call 732-872-7369 or 732-751-9453 for more information.

Canoeing, farm tours, and rock climbing are just a few of the reasonably priced activities available to schools, youth clubs and organizations, and community groups. All programs are led by Park System recreation professionals trained to provide a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience for all participants.All activities require advance registration. For information about additional activi-ties for groups offered by the Monmouth County Park System, please call 732-842-4000, extension 4312, or send an email to [email protected]. TTY/TDD number for people with hearing or speech impairment: 711

In an effort to encourage a more sustainable lifestyle, we invite you to challenge your students to

pack an environmentally responsible lunch for your field trip to the park. Suggestions include:

• Reusable sandwich container • Cloth napkin• Reusable drink container • Reusable lunchbox• Local produce

Consider these facts on plastic bottles:• Americans will buy an estimated 25 billion single-serving, plastic water bottles this year. Eight out of 10 (22 billion) will end up in a landfill.

Container Recycling Institute

• Imagine a water bottle filled a quarter of the way up with oil. That’s about how much oil was needed to produce the bottle.

National Geographic

• 1.5 million barrels of oil is used annually toproduce plastic water bottles for America alone enough to fuel some 100,000 U.S. cars for a

year.

Earth Policy Institute

• Like all plastic, these bottles will be with us forever since plastic does not biodegrade; rather, it breaks down into smaller and smaller toxic bits that contaminate our soil and waterways.

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Contents

Scheduling a Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Manasquan Reservoir

Group Discovery Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Boat Tour Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Scout Adventures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Throughout the Parks

Group Discovery Programs

Nature Walks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Nature Presentations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Nature Story Hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Woodland Adventures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Prehistoric Times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Animal Explorations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

American Indian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Marine & Estuarine Ecology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Professional Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

NOTE: It is understood and agreed that park visitors and participants in Monmouth County Park System programs, activities, and events may have their names and pictures used, without fee, in broadcast, television, and print media accounts for promotional and publicity purposes.

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Scheduling a Program

Icon Legend

Our environmental education programs provide hands-on experiences that explore exciting natural and historical aspects of Monmouth County. Some are available year round, others only during specific months at certain facilities.Before calling, it is best to have in mind several dates, times and topics. Groups planning a visit may call one year in advance. Although no rain dates may be reserved there are a few days set aside for possible rescheduling. Every effort will be made to accommodate your group in case of inclement weather. Program fees are listed for groups originating outside of Monmouth County. Groups from Monmouth County receive a discounted rate. Program fees are subject to change.

• To arrange programs at the Manasquan Reservoir, including Scout programs, call 732-751-9453. For programs at other locations call 732-872-7369. Reservations can be made Monday through Friday. Only phone reservations are acceptable.• Note minimum and maximum numbers of participants where indicated to make sure your group can be accommodated. For programs that have a per student charge, groups that do not reach the minimum will be billed for the minimum number of participants as noted.• After scheduling programs you will receive a confirmation sheet in the mail within two weeks. Please verify date, time, number of students and park area.

• A limited number of supervising adults may attend the program for free, all others will be charged the per person fee.• Only registered participants and supervising adults can take part in the activities.• Your program will be confirmed by telephone the week before.• All groups will be billed after the program is completed. Please do not bring money the day of the program or send any payment before the program has taken place.

• If the program you have selected is three or more hours in length, please bring a perishable lunch. Picnic tables are available at most facilities on a first come basis.

Available to be offered at your facility December-March (within Monmouth County)

Available to be offered at your facility year-round

Program can be adapted to suit the recreational nature of summer groups

Bring a non-perishable lunch

Already registered your group for a program? View your Group Leader Information Packet by visiting www.monmouthcountyparks.com and click on Environmental Education Group Programs under Activities.


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Throughout the Parks

732-872-7369

Seize The BayGrades 2-3 3 hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 15Park: Bayshore

Students are introduced to the estuary environment of Sandy Hook Bay and the effects human activities can have on these areas. Students examine live salt-water creatures during a seining demonstration and explore the beach to collect and learn about shells. A role-playing activity illustrates how everyday actions affect the food we eat, the water we drink, and the conditions of the area in which we live.Program Fee: $8.50 per student

Groups from Monmouth County: $6.75 per student

NJCCCS: 2.6, 3.3, 5.1, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.2, 6.5, 6.6, 9.1, 9.2

Bay Lab Grades 3-6 3 hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 15Park: Bayshore Students discover some of the creatures that call an estuary home as they collect shells along the Bayshore and handle live aquatic animals collected in their seining activity. This program includes an experiment that investi-gates non-point source pollution and the effect it has on the biodiversity of Sandy Hook Bay.Program Fee: $10.20 per student


NJCCCS: 2.2, 2.6, 3.4, 5.1, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6, 9.2

Seashore Scientist Grades 3-6 3 hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 15Park: Seven PresidentsThis program introduces students to beach zonation, physical properties of the surf, and their combined effects on the plants and animals found in beach habitats. Students participate in activities exploring tides, currents, and waves and discuss the effects of pollution on the marine environment.Program Fee: $10.20 per student


NJCCCS: 2.2, 2.6, 3.4, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 6.5,

6.6, 9.2


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PeriwinklesGrades PreK-K 1 ½ hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 15Park: BayshoreSearch the beach for shells and explore the water for fish, crabs, and other fascinating creatures of Sandy Hook Bay. Activities include a nature walk along a bay beach, shell collecting, a seine net demonstration, and a craft project. Program Fee: $7.25 per student


NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.6

SandpipersGrades PreK-K 1 ½ hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 15Park: Seven PresidentsParticipants are introduced to the ocean and some of its inhabitants through stories, craft, discussion and exploration. Students learn to identify shells they find at the water’s edge during a beach walk.Program Fee: $7.25 per student


NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.6

Seashells & Sea StarsGrades K-2 2 hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 15Park: Seven PresidentsStudents explore the wonders of marine science through an interactive presentation, craft, and nature walk along the shore.Program Fee: $7.90 per student


NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.6

Down by the BayGrades K-2 2 hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 15Park: BayshoreExplore the estuary environment of Sandy Hook Bay and observe the dynamic influences of wind, water, waves, sand, and salt. During a seining demonstration, children have the opportunity to study living creatures of the bay collected in our seine net. Children also explore the beach to collect and learn about shells and shellfish, and a craft project helps children better understand the biodiversity of the bay. Program Fee: $7.90 per student


NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.4, 6.6

Marine & Estuarine Ecology

“This year a live horseshoe crab was on the

beach. What a wonderful lesson on life

and handling animals for our class.”


Guided Building ToursAll Ages 45 min Max 30Offered: year-roundAvailable daily. Pre-registration is required.Program Fee: $40 per group

Groups from Monmouth County: $35 per group

Multimedia Nature PresentationAll Ages 45 min - 1 hrMin 12/Max 50 Offered: year-roundWatch a multimedia presentation high-lighting the natural features, ecology, and history of the Manasquan Reservoir. Other topics are available. Multiple pro-grams can be scheduled on the same date at the same location for a discounted rate.Program Fee: $40 per group


At your facility: One program $85;

$75 in Monmouth County

Two consecutive programs $125;


Three consecutive programs $165;


Building Tour & Multimedia PresentationAll Ages 1 ½ - 2 hrsMax 50

Offered: year-roundEnjoy both a building tour and multime-dia nature presentation with your group for a discounted rate.Program Fee: $60 per group


Nature Presentation PreK-Adult 35 min - 1 hrMax 30 Offered: year-roundTopics for this show and tell program can include reptiles and amphibians, dinosaurs and other fossils, plant life, insect life, geology, and astronomy. We can tailor topics to suit your needs. Program Fee: $62.50 per group


At your facility: One program $85;


Two consecutive programs $125;


Three consecutive programs $165;


Nature WalksPreK-Adult 45 min - 1 hrMax 30Offered: year-roundGuided by one of our nature interpreters, these walks take place along well main-tained trails in our county parks. When requested in advance, the topics of discus-sion during the walk may be tailored to the group’s interests.Program Fee: $50 per group


Little CrittersGrades K-2 1 ½ hrsMin 12/Max 75Offered: year-roundDiscover some of the little animals that call the park home. Participants create a fish craft and explore the outside world for insect life. The program also includes a live animal show. Program Fee: $6.25 per student


NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.6

The Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center is designed to connect visitors with the natural world by providing an understanding of the vital role that water plays in our daily lives. We offer quality experiential learning through group discovery activities related to wetlands ecology, watersheds and wildlife and habitat protection. Depending on the program selected, groups may explore our interactive exhibits, participate in a multimedia presentation, or engage in indoor or outdoor activities and experiments.To arrange a date and time for your group, please call 732-751-9453.

Manasquan Reservoir 732-751-9453

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Group Discovery ProgramsManasquan Reservoir 732-751-9453

Welcome to the ReservoirGrades K-2 1 ½ - 2 hrsMin 12/Max 75Offered: year-round Participants are introduced to some of the wild animals that call the reservoir home. This program includes a live animal presentation, a short nature walk, and a fun game about wildlife.Program Fee: $5.75 per student

Groups from Monmouth County:

$4.75 per student

NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.6

Bugs, Birds & Biodiversity Grades 3-5 1 ½ hrsMin 12/Max 75Offered: year-round

Participants enjoy investigating insect and bird adaptations and learning about the importance of biodiversity. The program includes a building tour or nature walk, live animal show and an animal adaptation lab activity. Program Fee: $6.25 per student


$5.25 per student

NJCCCS: 2.2, 2.6, 3.4, 4.4, 5.1,5.4, 5.5, 5.10,

6.6, 9.2

Pond Study Grades 3-8 2 ½ - 3 hrsMin 12/Max 50Offered: May-October

Hands-on activities with nets and micro-scopes allow participants to discover the tiny critters in and around the aquatic habitat of the Manasquan Reservoir. Participants explore a freshwater pond in search of plants and animals that live in the quiet waters of the Manasquan Reservoir. Hip boots are used while in the water but spare clothes are advised.Program Fee: $7.75 per student


$6.75 per student

NJCCCS: 2.2, 2.6, 3.4, 4.4, 5.1, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.5, 6.6, 9.2

Reservoir Insiders Grades 6-8 2 hrsMin 12/Max 50Offered: year-round This program provides an in-depth look at the history of the Reservoir and examines the movement of water through the watershed, the Manasquan River and the Reservoir. It includes a multimedia presentation, exhibit tour, and lab activities demonstrating how drinking water is puri-fied and how water quality is tested.Program Fee: $6.75 per student Groups from Monmouth County: $5.75 per studentNJCCCS: 2.2, 2.6, 3.4, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.8, 5.10, 6.6, 9.2

Freshwater Monitoring & Management Grades 9-12 3-4 hrsMin 12/Max 50Offered: year-round Participants discover what it is like to scientifically monitor a freshwater system through biological, chemical, and obser-vational activities. Participants collect and analyze data from a freshwater system and learn some ways to protect and manage this finite resource.Program Fee: $9.50 per student


$8.50 per student

NJCCCS: 2.6, 3.4, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.8, 5.10, 6.6, 9.2

““All the children had a

wonderful time ! Class

parents commented that it

was one of the best

field trips.”

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Throughout The Parks732-872-7369

Indian Cooking Grades 3-6 3 hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 15Park: Holmdel After a brief discussion of life in a Lenape Village, we prepare our feast with ingredi-ents that the Lenape would have gathered, hunted and harvested. As the meal cooks over the fire, participants take a guided walk through the surrounding forest, searching for the sources of food and materials that the Lenape would have required in their daily life. Upon returning, everyone has the opportunity to sample the meal they created. Program Fee: $12.50 per student

Groups from Monmouth County: $10 per student

NJCCCS: 2.6, 3.4, 5.2, 5.5, 5.10, 6.1, 6.3, 6.4,

6.5, 6.6, 9.2

Lenape Day at the Bay Grades 3-6 3 hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 15Park: Bayshore WaterfrontExperience life along Sandy Hook Bay as it was 400 years ago, by spending the day investigating how local Native American people relied upon the bounty of the bay environment for their survival. We learn the importance of shellfish and the value of trading important economic goods with other Lenape people. Participants also learn ancient techniques, such as tool making, food preservation, and the creation of dye from berries and wood. Participants decorate shells they collect along the beach with home-made dye to take home. Program Fee: $9.75 per student


$7.75 per student

NJCCCS: 1.2, 1.5, 3.4, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.10, 6.1, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6

Indian Longhouse Grades 4-6 3 ½ hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 15Park: Holmdel, Huber Woods Students transcend time and become Lenape children for the day. They work cooperatively to build a life sized replica Longhouse using only the tools of the era. Discussion regarding daily life in a Lenape village will be ongoing throughout the program.Program Fee: $11.20 per student


$8.95 per student

NJCCCS: 2.2, 2.6, 3.4, 4.2, 5.2, 5.4, 5.10, 6.1, 6.3,

6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 9.2

Lenape Program CombinationGrades 4-6 3 ½ hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 42Park: HolmdelGroups may choose three programs from four Lenape program offerings: Longhouse, Cooking, Pottery, and Weaving & Basketry in Lenape Life. Please refer to individual programs for a synopsis and NJCCCS for each. Your classes are split into three groups by you, with each group of students participating in one activity.Program Fee: $11.20 per student


$8.95 per student

Life Outside the LonghouseGrades 4-6 3 hrsOffered: Winter Min 15Park: Huber Woods Students experience Lenape Village daily life and discover how learning was achieved through stories and games. They observe how Lenape culture has played a role in modern day games. Students also weave their own sample mat.Program Fee: $11.20 per student


$8.95 per student

NJCCCS: 1.2, 1.5, 2.2, 2.5, 3.4, 4.4, 5.2, 6.1, 6.4,

6.6, 9.2

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American IndianIndian Coil PotsGrades 3-6 1 hrOffered: Spring & Fall Min 12Park: Holmdel, HuberThe Lenape cooked in clay pots and used them to store food and other household items. Students create and take home a small clay vessel using the coil pot method, an ancient technique of pottery building.Program Fee: $7.25 per student


$5.80 per student

NJCCCS: 1.2, 1.5, 2.6, 3.4, 5.2, 5.4, 6.1, 6.4, 6.5,

6.6, 9.2

Indian Pottery Grades 3-6 3 hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 12Park: HolmdelEvery civilization which had access to clay created pots to serve as cooking, eating, or storage vessels. Students replicate the methods used by the Lenape to create and decorate a pot of their own to take home. The program includes a brief lecture on the Lenape and an Indian themed nature walk.Program Fee: $9.20 per student


$7.35 per student

NJCCCS: 1.2, 1.5, 2.6, 3.4, 5.2, 5.4, 5.10, 6.1, 6.4,

6.5, 6.6, 9.2

Indian Weaving Grades 3-6 1 hrOffered: Spring & Fall Min 12Park: Holmdel, HuberThrough artifacts and pictures, students explore how the Lenape used weaving to create objects for everyday and decorative uses. Students create and take home a small woven mat.Program Fee: $5.25 per student


$4.20 per student

At your facility in Monmouth County:

$6.05 per student

NJCCCS: 1.2, 1.5, 3.4, 5.2, 5.4, 6.1, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 9.2

Weaving & Basketryin Lenape LifeGrades 3-6 3 hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 12Park: Holmdel, HuberUsing artifacts, discussion, and story-tell-ing techniques, we explore how weaving and basket-making was an essential skill for the Lenape. This program includes a Lenape themed nature walk, and a weaving project for each student to take home.Program Fee: $7.50 per student


$6.00 per student

NJCCCS: 1.2, 1.5, 3.4, 5.2, 5.4, 6.1, 6.4, 6.5,

6.6, 9.2

“My class really enjoyed the hands-on learning experi-

ence of building a longhouse. In addition to learning

about the Lenape Indians, the students learned

cooperation and teamwork.’’

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Boat Tour ProgramsManasquan Reservoir 732-751-9453

Exploring the Reservoir Grades 2-Adult 2 hrsMin 17/Max 60Offered: May-OctoberThis program includes a 1-hour nature walk and 1-hour boat tour of the Reservoir.Program Fee: $8.00 per person


$7.00 per person

NJCCCS: 2.6, 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.6, 9.2

Studying Our Natural Aquatic Resources Grades 3-12 3 hrsMin 17/Max 90Offered: May-October This program begins outside the Visitor Center. It includes a nature walk, boat tour and an experiment.Program Fee: $9.25 per student


$8.25 per student

Level I: Grades 3-8

The Level I experiment examines the human effects on a watershed.NJCCCS: 2.6, 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.5, 6.6, 9.2

Level II: Grades 9-12

The Level II experiment deals with wet-lands and their role in preserving water quality.NJCCCS: 2.6, 3.4, 5.1, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.6, 9.2

Manasquan Reservoir Boat TourAll Ages 1 hrMin 17/Max 30Offered: Mon-Fri, May-October Take a fun tour of the reservoir to learn about its construction, use, and animal life.Program Fee: $6.25 per person


$5.25 per person

NJCCCS: 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.5, 6.6, 9.2

The Manasquan Reservoir is an important part of the water supply in Monmouth County. Our Boat Tour Programs allow for up-close observation of the abundant wildlife that call the Reservoir home. Participants may observe osprey, great blue herons, bald eagles and more while learning about the history of the Reservoir, its use as a water source, and the wildlife habitat it provides. Tours are conducted on a 36-foot pontoon boat and all passengers will be provided with personal flotation devices, which must be worn. All programs that include a boat tour meet at the Visitor Center on Windeler Road.

Wolf Cub Scouts

Your Living World Badge

This program focuses on recycling and resource conservation and includes labora-tory experiments that examine the causes of pollution.REQ: 7a, 7b, 7e

Birds Badge

Through both indoor and outdoor activi-ties, scouts learn about bird migration and how to identify birds by observing physical features and behaviors.REQ: a, d, & bird discussion

Daisy/Tiger Scouts

Daisy Scout Adventure/ Tiger Scout Adventure

Introduce the youngest scouts to the natural world with a live animal presenta-tion and a nature walk.

Brownie Girl Scouts

Eco-Explorer Badge

Brownie Girl Scouts work toward earning their Eco-Explorer Badge through discussion and activities related to food chains, endangered species and habitats. Participants go on a nature walk and examine items collected from nature to learn the difference between living and non-living things.REQ: 1, 2, 4, 5

Water Everywhere Badge

In this program, scouts focus on the importance of water to humans and wild-life while examining aquatic insects, trying their hand at Gyotaku (fish-printing) and taking a guided nature walk.REQ: 5

Plants Badge

Scouts learn about the biology of native plants and their value to humans and wildlife by making a leaf print, examining a tree ring and studying plants found on a nature walk.REQ: 2, 5

Watching Wildlife Badge

Join us for a nature walk where we can observe many different species of animals in their native habitat. Scouts learn about animal behavior by studying their move-ment and the types of homes they build.REQ: 1, 2, 4, 6

The Monmouth County Park System offers programs at Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center that assist Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops in earning badges. The programs listed in this section were developed specifically to fulfill scout badge require-ments, are offered year-round and last approximately one hour. Badge requirements that can be fully or partially completed are listed with each program. These programs require a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 25 participants per troop. Most programs include forest exploration, building tour, hands-on lab, or a combination of the three. Please note that no uniform badges, pins, or beads will be provided by the Park System. Many of the other programs listed in this booklet are available to be offered to Scout Groups. Please call the number listed on the same page as the program you are interested in to get more information. Please call 732-751-9453 to reserve a Scout Adventure Program at Manasquan

Reservoir Environmental Center. Program Fee: $5.25 per child, Groups from

Monmouth County: $4.25 per child

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Scout Adventures


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Animal Explorations

Nature Moves & Music Grades PreK-K 1 ½ hrsOffered: year-round Min 12Park: Holmdel See, feel and hear each season come alive with nature. After meeting some live local animals and watching how they move, participants imitate their sounds and movements with musical activities. Creating an animal craft furthers the educational experience.Program Fee: $7.25 per student


NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.10

Snakes Grades PreK-Adult 45 min - 1 hrOffered: Spring & FallMaximum of 50 per groupPark: Huber WoodsLive specimens are a favorite attraction in this program that focuses on the indig-enous snake species of Monmouth County. Program Fee: $66

Groups from Monmouth County: $52.50


One program $84

Two programs (consecutive) $115.50

Three programs (consecutive) $147

NJCCCS: 3.4, 5.5, 5.10

*Snakes are sensitive to temperature fluctuations,

thus your facility must have climate control.

Animal TracksGrades 2-6 2 ½ hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 12Park: HolmdelLearn the ancient skill of animal tracking through an interactive presentation and demonstration. Participants learn about wildlife as they create their own casts of animal footprints. The program includes a guided walk through the woods to look for signs of local wildlife.Program Fee: $9.20 per student


NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.6, 3.4, 5.5, 5.10, 9.2

Birdhouse BuildingGrades 3-6 1 ½ hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 12Park: Holmdel, Huber, Shark River Students learn about the function that bird houses and nests play in a bird’s life. Each child will build a wren house to take home.Program Fee: $9.90 per student


NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 4.2, 5.5, 5.10, 9.2

Fishing Fun Grades 3-8 1 ½ hrsOffered: April-October Min 12Park: Turkey SwampParticipants learn to fish as they try to catch sunfish, large mouth bass, crappie and catfish. Equipment and bait provided.Program Fee: $8.90 per student


NJCCCS: 2.6, 3.4, 5.5, 5.10, 9.2

Birding Basics Grades 5-adult 2 - 2 ½ hrs Offered: May-September Min 12Park: Huber Woods Learn how to identify many of the birds that can be seen in Monmouth County. This program includes a PowerPoint presentation, the construction of a bird feeder, and a “birding” walk.Program Fee: $5.30 per person

Groups from Monmouth County: $4.25 per person

NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.6, 3.4, 5.5, 5.10, 9.2

“Thank you for a class

trip my students will

enthusiastically remember.”


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Woodland Adventures

Nature Explorers Grades PreK-K 1 ½ hrsOffered: year-round Min 12Park: Holmdel, Huber Woods You are never too young to discover the wonders of nature. During this program children are introduced to the simple aspects of our natural world through a craft, guided nature walk, and a live animal show.Program Fee: $7.25 per student


NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.10

Critters & JittersGrades PreK-2 1 ½ hrsOffered: October Min 15Park: Huber Woods Join us for a hayride through Huber Woods as students investigate animals some people think are scary. Live animal presentation, craft, and pumpkin picking are also included.Program Fee: $9.20 per student


NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.10

Fun with Nature Grades 1-2 1 ½ hrsOffered: year-round Min 12Park: Holmdel, Huber WoodsDiscover the wonders of nature during a guided nature walk and live animal show featuring some of the well-known animals of Monmouth County. Children create a craft to remind them of the fun they had with nature that day.Program Fee: $7.25 per student


NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.10

Prehistoric TimesPrehistoric Adventures Grades K-2 1 ½ hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 12Park: Huber WoodsDiscover New Jersey’s prehistoric creatures through an interactive discussion and examination of fossils. Participants learn techniques used by paleontologists, by going on a “dig” in our fossil sand boxes and making fossil rubbings to take home. Program Fee: $7.25 per student


NJCCCS: 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.10, 6.1

Dinosaur TracksGrades 2-6 2 ½ hrsOffered: Spring & Fall Min 12Park: HolmdelStudents learn about fossil formation during an interactive discussion and act as pale-ontologists by creating dinosaur footprint casts. Participants take a guided walk along woodland and wetland trails as they imagine what it was like in prehistoric times.Program Fee: $9.20 per student


NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.6, 3.4, 5.2, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.1, 9.2

Fossil Day Grades 3-Adult 2 ½ hrsOffered: May-September Min 12Park: Shark River Participants become paleontologists for the day as they learn about the creatures which lived in Monmouth County more than 35 million years ago when it lay beneath a shallow sea. Students learn how fossils are formed and view some of the amazing fossils that they may discover during their fossil expedition. Students construct their own sieves which they take home with any fossils they find. Program Fee: $9.20 per student


NJCCCS: 2.6, 3.4, 5.2, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10, 6.1, 9.2

Manasquan Reservoir 732-751-9453

Junior Girl Scouts

Earth Connections BadgeDuring a guided nature walk, scouts learn about forest ecology by examining soil hori-zons, sampling temperatures, and identify-ing local plants and animals. We also discuss animal adaptations, ecological succession, and endangered and threatened species. REQ: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8

Wildlife BadgeLearn how to observe wildlife like a field biologist. Scouts learn how to identify and avoid poisonous plants and venom-ous animals. We also use microscopes to examine specimens in our lab room.REQ: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water Wonders BadgeScouts learn about watersheds, aquatic life and the water cycle through experiments and a pond study.REQ: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7

Rocks Rock BadgeScouts examine rock and fossil specimens, discover the geologic history of landforms, and learn about soils during a short outdoor sampling activity. REQ: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9

Bear Cub Scouts

Sharing Your World with Wildlife BadgeCome learn about birds and bird migration, wildlife conservation, extinction, threatened and endangered species with a guided nature walk and a tour of our exhibits. REQ: a, c, d, e

Water & Soil Conservation Badge This program focuses on soils, erosion, watersheds, and wetlands as scouts examine soil samples, perform lab experi-ments, and go on a guided nature walk.REQ: a, b, d, e

Webelo Cub Scouts

Naturalist BadgeScouts study different areas of the natural world as they observe birds and other wildlife, examine their behavior, and discuss the threats they face. Participants learn about wetlands, poisonous plants, venomous animals, and food chains. Most activities take place outside, but a period of time will be spent exploring the Environmental Center.REQ: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12

Forester BadgeThis program includes a guided nature walk focused on identification and uses of trees, shrubs, and plants. Scouts also examine tree seeds, leaves, wood samples, and tree rings and discuss the impacts of forest fires.REQ: 2, 3, 4, 6, 9

Geologist BadgeScouts identify rocks, discover the common uses of minerals, examine local fossils, and explore the geologic past of landforms in this hands-on program. REQ: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

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10

Nature WalksPreK-Adult 45 min - 1 hrMaximum of 30 per groupGuided explorations of natural areas are available at many of our County Parks. When requested in advance, topics can be tailored to your group’s particular interests.Available year-round at Bayshore Waterfront

Park, Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area,

Holmdel Park, Huber Woods Park, Seven

Presidents Oceanfront Park, Shark River Park,

and Turkey Swamp Park.

Program Fee: $50 per group


Nature Presentations PreK-Adult 35 min - 1 hrOffered: year-round Maximum of 35 per groupThese interactive presentations are avail-able in the following themes: Forest

Our forests are alive with many beautiful and exciting plants and animals. A park naturalist introduces various natural items that can be discovered in our forests. Participants may count tree rings, discover the difference between a bee’s nest and a bird’s nest, touch a turtle shell and more.

Seashore

A large portion of Monmouth County is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Raritan Bay. Learn what creatures live along our shores and view many of the seashells and other interesting natural items found along our shorelines.Indians of Monmouth County

When the first Europeans arrived in Monmouth County, they were met by Lenape people who had lived here for thousands of years. This program introduc-es these intriguing people, how they lived, some of their culture and where they are today. Participants can take part in interac-tive activities using artifacts, clothing, and musical instruments.Program Fee: $62.50 per group

Groups from Monmouth County: $50


One program: $75

Two programs (consecutive): $105

Three programs (consecutive): $135


There are many opportunities for environmental education programs throughout the Monmouth County Park System. The following pages include group experiences in these categories: Nature Walks, Nature Presentations, Nature Story Hours, Woodland Adventures, Prehistoric Times, Animal Explorations, American Indian, and Marine & Estuarine Ecology.

To arrange a date and time for your group, please call 732-872-7369.

“As in years past, both

teachers and students had a

wonderful day. The content

enhances our curriculum

and the children really enjoy

the hands-on activities. The

day is well organized, in-

structors are knowledgeable

and we look forward to this

trip each year.”

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Nature Story Hours During our Nature Story Hour programs, children learn about the natural world through stories, rhymes, games, songs and crafts.Available at Huber Woods Park and Holmdel Park (year-round), or your facility (December-March and late June to mid-September)Maximum of 30 per group

Program Fee: $66 per group

Groups from Monmouth County: $52.50


One program: $84

Two programs (consecutive): $115.50

Three programs (consecutive): $147

Dinosaur Bones & TalesGrades PreK-K 45 min - 1 hrLong, long ago the earth was very differ-ent. Children will learn about animals and plants which lived on the earth millions of years ago by listening to stories and viewing fossils and scale models.NJCCCS: 3.4, 5.5, 5.10

Funny Freckled Frogs Grades PreK-K 45 min - 1 hrMeet several live frogs as we learn about their amazing life cycle: how they go through metamorphosis, why they sing, where they go in winter and more. Children share the fun of helping to tell several frog stories and discover why ponds are so important to frogs and to the environment.NJCCCS: 1.2, 3.4, 5.5, 5.10

Owl HootsGrades PreK-K 45 min - 1 hrChildren learn about the distinctive calls, silent flight, and the amazing eyesight, hearing and hunting abilities of owls through a variety of puppets and mounted specimens. NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.10

Silly Snake StoriesGrades PreK-K 45 min - 1 hrListen to a story about a teacher who brings a pet snake to school to help students with their lessons. Meeting a live snake enhances the children’s understand-ing of these fascinating creatures.NJCCCS: 3.4, 5.5, 5.10

Big Fish, Little Fish

Grades PreK-K 45 min - 1 hrCome hear a lively tale about a school of small fish living among the big fish. Through story, activities and a craft, children experience life in the big ocean.NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10

Baby Raccoon’s Big Adventure

Grades PreK-K 45 min - 1 hrJoin Little Raccoon as he learns how a simple smile can change a situation for the better. Discover all about raccoons and other forest animals through story, interac-tive play and crafts.NJCCCS: 1.2, 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10

Turtle TalesGrades PreK-K 45 min - 1 hrChildren are introduced to several differ-ent kinds of live turtles as they learn about these intriguing reptiles and participate in turtle stories.NJCCCS: 1.2, 3.4, 5.5, 5.10

Little Horseshoe Crab Visits the BayGrades 1-2 45 min - 1 hrHorseshoe crabs have been in our waters since before dinosaurs walked the Earth. Hear a story about these magnificent creatures that live in New Jersey and learn how they help humans and other animals. NJCCCS: 2.5, 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, 5.10

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