JBRPC offers free in-park and virtual field trips. 

Priority is held for 4th grade classes, but interested educators of 3rd – 5th grade students are encouraged to request programming.  Our education program immerses students in New York City’s dynamic coastal environments and cultivates a spirit of stewardship for our public lands.

Our in-park field trip model includes a virtual meet and greet with your JBRPC educator, asynchronous pre- and post-visit activities and an in-park field trip.

Virtual Meet-and-greet

Students participate in an interactive discussion with our educators about respecting the park they will visit, activities they will engage in, and ecosystems they will encounter during the field trip. During this time, students will ask any questions they have about the field trip.

In-park Field Trip

Field trips explore the ecology of Jamaica Bay and Rockaway parks, along with opportunities for students to be stewards of their urban parks and communities. Field Trip locations vary based on season and program theme.

• Wild Neighbors Watch:

  In Wild Neighbors Watch, students explore the diverse habitats and unique zones of the coastal environment within Jamaica Bay and Rockaway. This field trip focuses on the relationships between local plants and animals, teaching students how different species coexist and adapt to their surroundings. As they journey through tidal wetlands, sandy shores, and upland areas, 4th graders will gain a deeper understanding of the different ecosystems at play. Through guided observation and interactive activities, students will discover the vital role they play in protecting the delicate balance of our natural world.

• Coastal Habitat Heroes:

  In this hands-on stewardship program, 4th graders become Coastal Habitat Heroes as they engage in shoreline cleanups along the Jamaica Bay and Rockaway coasts. Students will learn about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, how debris affects wildlife, and what they can do to make a positive impact. This interactive experience empowers young environmentalists to take action and become guardians of their local shoreline.

Self-guided classroom activities

Students explore the diverse ecosystems of Rockaway Parks and Jamaica Bay through interactive storymaps, videos, and quizzes. These activities can form an overarching narrative of our parks, both before and after the park visit.

The fully virtual field trip includes a synchronous virtual session with one of our educators. Our immersive virtual programs engage students in Jamaica Bay and Rockaway ecology, and the essential role our parks play in preserving our ecosystems. These field trips build on our interactive Exploring and Caring for Jamaica Bay and Rockaway StoryMap Collection and NYS-standards aligned Jamaica Bay Curriculum.

Teachers can select one of the options listed below. Each session is 45 minutes long.

Wild Neighbors: Animal Adaptation (recommended for 3rd-5th grades)

Monitoring Monarchs (recommended for 3rd-5th grades)

From City to Sea: Tracking our Debris (recommended for 3rd-5th grades)

Scheduling

To schedule a field trip with JBRPC, kindly request a field trip below by filling out the Field Trip Intake Form. Our team will get back to you to schedule a brief consultation to discuss our program and your goals, and to schedule your field trip.

JBRPC is a proud partner of the Open Outdoors for Kids initiative, which ensures that 4th grade students have the opportunity to experience their federal public lands and waters throughout the school year, with a special focus on underserved communities. Find other NYC-region Open Outdoors for Kids partners here.

JBRPC virtual learning programs were made possible, in part, by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of donors from across the country.

Visit the Explore Online page to access our virtual resources and ways to learn about New York City’s coastal environments, plants, and animals from home or your classroom.