Sustainable Landscapes invites students to step into the role of a climate scientist! We begin with a short introduction where we orient ourselves within Battery Park City, and define key terms such as "sustainability" and “resiliency”.

Together, we explore the park, conducting hands-on experiments that show us firsthand how climate impacts our environments and what we can do to keep ourselves and our city safe in unpredictable weather. We focus on three main ideas: water management, shade and temperature management, and nature as an antidote to our current climate crisis. We end in the Children’s Garden, where students are invited to use their senses to explore a biodiverse mini-ecosystem in the heart of the city. We conclude our program near where we first met, leading a closing discussion on what we experienced and what ideas we are taking with us.

After the program ends, students are welcome to enjoy their lunch on shady benches in Rockefeller Park

Marine Education engages students in discussion about the social and geologic history of the Hudson River to provide context. The class is given a demonstration of rod and reel safety and proper usage, before breaking into groups: Groups will switch halfway through the program, so every student can explore both urban park ecosystem and Hudson River Estuary ecology.
Catch-and-release fishing teaches students about biodiversity within the river, and to make meaningful connections with nature. Any species caught will be measured, identified, and kept in aquaria for observation before being released back into the river.
A nature walk through the nearby park introduces sustainability and water conservation concepts, and engages students in the living environment around us.
The program concludes by bringing the class back together to observe and learn about any species caught during the trip, and share our experiences. Any species caught are documented and returned safely to the river.
After the program ends, students are welcome to enjoy their lunch on shady benches nearby.

Schools located within Battery Park City may request a field trip through the nearby parks to augment classroom learning. Past trips have included exploring animal adaptations, studying migrating wildlife, and learning about plant life cycles.

BPCA Nature & Sciences team will work with you to create a learning experience that complements your lessons and highlights the natural wonders just outside your classroom.

Learn what birds live in your backyard and develop skills for observing nature closely. This trip takes students on an exploration of the NYS Birding Trail in Battery Park City. Students will learn what birds need to thrive in an urban environment, and develop the skills to locate, observe, and identify migratory and resident wildlife around the city. Activities along the way highlight different species adaptations, and how to notice signs of wildlife in the parks.