Teaching the next generation of park stewards
Piscataway Park is a living classroom where generations come together to learn about the environment and the role that people play in shaping the landscape. Our education programs promote regenerative agriculture and agroforestry through inclusive, hands-on visitor engagement, scholarly research, and presentations. Incorporated into every experience is a recognition of community needs, historical context, indigenous knowledge, and farmer expertise.
Experience Piscataway Park
Educator-led K-12 adventures
Eco Explorers:
Colonial Time Warp
As members of a specially appointed Eco-Explorer team, students engage in a mission to save Earth and change the course of history. A well-meaning group of time travelers has taken modern items back to the 18th century Bolton Farm in Piscataway Park. Students will travel back in time to find the modern objects and determine whether leaving them on the Bolton Farm is the best decision for the planet and its inhabitants. Students learn that, while we cannot travel back in time and change the past, making eco-friendly decisions today gives them the power to change the future.
On-Site
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Grade level: 2-8
Cost: $10/student; $8/student Title I
(2 free adult admissions for every 15 students; additional adults $10/each)
This program introduces/discusses challenging topics such as slavery, colonial life, climate change, and pollution.
Heritage Breed
Livestock Tour
You’ve heard of endangered species in the wild, but how about on a farm? Get up close and personal with the endangered heritage breed livestock of Piscataway Park. Discover the role they play in saving the planet and how their DNA preserves biodiversity. Includes a hands-on activity/game.
On-Site
Duration: 90 minutes
Grade level: K-6
Cost: $10/student; $8/student Title I
(2 free adult admissions for every 15 students; additional adults $10/each)
National Colonial Farm Tour
What was life really like in 18th century Maryland for the people who lived there? Explore the historic buildings on the National Colonial Farm, see what’s growing in the kitchen garden, and learn about the role of livestock on a middle-class tobacco farm. Learn about the challenges and triumphs experienced by those farming tobacco in the tidewater region, including those who were forced from/to this land. Includes a hands-on activity/game.
On-Site
Duration: 90 minutes
Grade level: 1-12
Cost: $10/student; $8/student Title I
(2 free adult admissions for every 15 students; additional adults $10/each)
This tour introduces/discusses challenging historical topics such as slavery, colonialism, ethnic and race-based oppression, land seizure, and tobacco culture.
Nature Hike
Awaken your senses by exploring the natural wonders of Piscataway Park through sight, smell, sound, and touch. From tidal wetlands to woodlands, this experience will increase your knowledge of the flora and fauna in the park. Includes a hands-on activity/game.
On-Site
Duration: 90 minutes
Grade level: 1-12
Cost: $10/student; $8/student Title I
(2 free adult admissions for every 15 students; additional adults $10/each)
Heritage Breed
Livestock Tour
You’ve heard of endangered species in the wild, but how about on a farm? Get virtually up close and personal with the endangered heritage breed livestock of Piscataway Park. Discover the role they play in saving the planet and how their DNA preserves biodiversity. Includes a hands-on activity/game.
Virtual
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Grade level: K-6
Cost: $10/student; $8/student Title I
(2 free adult admissions for every 15 students; additional adults $10/each)
Owl Prowl
Program
Immerse yourself in the world of owls and learn all about these magnificent nocturnal creatures and their adaptations. Discover why these birds are successful nighttime hunters and find out how to identify different species. Students will receive an owl pellet to dissect during the presentation.
Virtual
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Grade level: 2-12
Cost: $10/student; $8/student Title I
(2 free adult admissions for every 15 students; additional adults $10/each)
Self-Guided School Tour Offerings
Now you can explore the Piscataway Park and the National Colonial Farm at your own pace, while never leaving the classroom. Provide us with a few details and your class can access two different pre-recorded Eco-Explorer tours at no cost to your school. Complete the survey below and we'll send you an access link.
Eco-Explorers: Colonial Time Warp
As members of a specially appointed virtual Eco-Explorer team, students engage in a mission to save Earth and change the course of history. A well-meaning group of time travelers has taken modern items back to the 18th century Bolton Farm in Piscataway Park. Students will travel back in time to find the modern objects and determine whether leaving them on the Bolton Farm is the best decision for the planet and its inhabitants. Students learn that, while we cannot travel back in time and change the past, making eco-friendly decisions today gives them the power to change the future.
(Uses Google Earth & Google Forms platforms, as well as YouTube, to present the tour)
Grade Level: 4-6
Time to complete: 2 hours
This program introduces/discusses challenging topics such as slavery, colonial life, climate change, pollution, and food access.
Eco-Explorers: Land Over Time
Students will explore past decisions and actions that have directly and indirectly impacted the land over time and learn about their cultural, environmental, and social ripple effects. Ultimately, students will discover the importance of learning from the past to make better decisions for the future.
(Uses Google Earth and Google Forms platforms, as well as YouTube, to present the tour).
Grade Level: 4-6
Time to complete: 2 hours
This program introduces/discusses challenging topics such as oppression of indigenous people, colonial life, climate change, stewardship ethics, and pollution.