Education: Field Trips
The River Project's Field Trips offer students from New York City schools the opportunity to experience the thriving ecosystem of the Hudson River
Estuary. The program introduces students and teachers to marine science and issues of urban ecology through informative lectures on New York City
waterway-related topics and hands-on activities in either the Picnic House at Pier 40 or aboard the steamer ship Lilac at Pier 25 in Manhattan. Visits
are designed by The River Project staff to fit the ages, goals, and expectations of each participating group, and can be subject-specific upon request.
The programs enable teachers and students of all ages to experience field science at work in an urban environment with a non-urban feel.
FIELD TRIP OPTIONS:
Pier 40
This program provides in-depth discussions of the history of the estuary and examination and handling of live local aquatic organisms in the Picnic House at Pier 40. Students learn about the morphology and physiology of the live animals and preserved specimens on display, and the importance of conservation in an urban setting. The students also use water-testing and species-sampling equipment. Other topics covered in this program include, but are not limited to "Biodiversity and Ecology", "Form and Function", and "What We Can Do To Help". Oyster and plankton stations are popular activities at Pier 40 as well.
Pier 25
This program combines marine science with maritime history. Students board a historic steamship called the Lilac, are given a tour of the rooms, and discuss the historical importance of the ship. After the tour, the students pull up fish traps and crab pots to examine the catch of the day. Many vertebrates and invertebrates are caught and released in this species-monitoring program, while others are brought to the tanks at Pier 40 as temporary residents. A full list of species caught in this species-monitoring program can be found here.
For more information or to book a field trip at The River Project, contact Director of Education Chris Anderson at chris@riverprojectnyc.org or call (212) 233-3030.
FIELD TRIP OPTIONS:
Pier 40
This program provides in-depth discussions of the history of the estuary and examination and handling of live local aquatic organisms in the Picnic House at Pier 40. Students learn about the morphology and physiology of the live animals and preserved specimens on display, and the importance of conservation in an urban setting. The students also use water-testing and species-sampling equipment. Other topics covered in this program include, but are not limited to "Biodiversity and Ecology", "Form and Function", and "What We Can Do To Help". Oyster and plankton stations are popular activities at Pier 40 as well.
Pier 25
This program combines marine science with maritime history. Students board a historic steamship called the Lilac, are given a tour of the rooms, and discuss the historical importance of the ship. After the tour, the students pull up fish traps and crab pots to examine the catch of the day. Many vertebrates and invertebrates are caught and released in this species-monitoring program, while others are brought to the tanks at Pier 40 as temporary residents. A full list of species caught in this species-monitoring program can be found here.
For more information or to book a field trip at The River Project, contact Director of Education Chris Anderson at chris@riverprojectnyc.org or call (212) 233-3030.