The Battery Urban Farm 40.703712° N -74.01504° W

Description

Please read through all of the following instructions before booking a field trip! Thank you.

The Battery Urban Farm, a project of The Battery Conservancy, is an educational farm where New York City’s students, residents, and visitors learn about their role as environmental stewards of our urban ecology, and work together to maintain this thriving public space. All of the produce we grow is either used for educational programs or donated to hunger relief. In 2015 we opened our Forest Farm, an enchanted forest of native plants with a focus on edible and medicinal plants.

Staff-led field trips at The Battery are 75 minutes long and cover a range of topics you can choose from below. For self-guided field trips, lesson plans and materials are provided for teachers to print. Staff-led field trips are available between April and October of each year, and self-guided field trips are available all year. In order to provide opportunities to our full range of interested schools and organizations, we limit each organization to two staff-led field trips per season.

In addition to field trips, we also have opportunities for environmental clubs and after-school programs to work with our staff in the afternoons on a more regular basis through our Stewardship Lab program. If you would like to pursue this option, please fill out the Stewardship Lab interest form.

Please scroll down to the bottom of this page to see all field trip options and select "Book Now" to choose an available time slot. If you're having trouble finding the trip options, refresh the page and try again. To see all available dates and times, click on the green "View All Availabilities" button. Please note that most trips can accommodate a maximum of 33 students, but "Small Group" trips can only accommodate a maximum of 12 students. If you have 12 or fewer students, we ask that you reserve a "Small Group" slot or email us to discuss scheduling.

Registration for field trips opens on the following dates:

  • March 15th: Registration for trips in April, May, and June
  • June 1st: Registration for trips in July and August
  • August 1st: Registration for trips in September and October
  • October 1st: Registration for trips in November, December, January, February, and March.

If you'd like to receive a reminder when registration opens each season, please fill out this form to join our Teacher Email List.

If you don't see a time slot that works for you, please reach out through the email on the right. We will do our best to accommodate you!


Lunch Notes

The Battery lawns may be closed during the winter to help the grass rejuvenate. There are covered bench areas inside Castle Clinton that can be used for eating lunch, as well as many other benches throughout the park.

Bathroom Notes

There are public restrooms in three locations throughout The Battery, which can be viewed on this map in relationship to farm entrance.

Info

State Street and Broadway
New York, NY 10004

212-344-3491 x118

education@thebattery.org

Sun
Closed
Mon
Closed
Tues
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thur
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sat
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Teacher Tips

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Subjects
Ecosystems, Life Sciences, Agriculture, Sustainability, My Community, Science, Biology, Animals, Climate, Earth's Systems, History, Colonial Times, Immigration, Native Americans, Social Studies, Conservation, City Planning, Nutrition, Botany, Weather And Climate, Adaptation, Design Thinking, The Water Cycle, Water Testing, Art
Activities
Field Trip, Family Programs, Internship
Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, K, Preschool, Postsecondary
Cost
Free
Accommodations
Esl, Outdoor Lunch Space, Special Education Programs

Learning Experiences

Field Trip

Urban Farm Adventure

Our most popular trip for Preschool and Elementary groups. Learn about urban farming firsthand! Students will work with our staff to tend to the crops on the farm, explore the creatures that make farming in the city possible, and taste the produce we're growing.

Subjects Covered

science, ecosystems, life sciences, agriculture, sustainability

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, k, preschool
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

**Small Group** Urban Farm Adventure

Our most popular trip for Preschool and Elementary groups. Learn about urban farming firsthand! Students will work with our staff to tend to the crops on the farm, explore the creatures that make farming in the city possible, and taste the produce we're growing. Small Group trips are for up to 12 students.

Subjects Covered

science, ecosystems, life sciences, agriculture, sustainability

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, k, preschool
Capacity
12 stu., Min 2 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Introduction to Urban Agriculture

Our most popular trip for Middle and High School groups. This trip includes a little bit of everything! Students will help tend to the crops on the farm that we're growing for donation to hunger relief. They'll also taste some of the crops we're growing, visit our perennial beds to learn about ecosystem interactions between plants and wildlife, and explore our compost systems. We'll connect our exploration of the park and farm to larger conversations about public space, food systems, and urban ecology.

Subjects Covered

science, biology, life sciences, agriculture, my community

Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, postsecondary
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

**Small Group** Introduction to Urban Agriculture

Our most popular trip for Middle and High School groups. This trip includes a little bit of everything! Students will help tend to the crops on the farm that we're growing for donation to hunger relief. They'll also taste some of the crops we're growing, visit our perennial beds to learn about ecosystem interactions between plants and wildlife, and explore our compost systems. We'll connect our exploration of the park and farm to larger conversations about public space, food systems, and urban ecology. Small Group trips are for up to 12 students.

Subjects Covered

science, life sciences, agriculture, sustainability, biology

Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Capacity
12 stu., Min 2 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Food Systems and Climate Change

How does food get to your dinner plate? Students will investigate the inputs, outputs, and impacts of our global food system. We'll contrast the production and travel costs of cacao with those of produce from our own farm, and students will assist with growing produce for donation to hunger relief organizations.

Subjects Covered

nutrition, agriculture, climate, sustainability, my community

Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Invertebrate Investigators

Get your hands dirty learning all about the tiny creatures that help us do our work on the farm. Students will survey the organisms we find in our compost and our garden beds, classify them with field guides, and learn how they help our plants grow.

Subjects Covered

science, ecosystems, animals, agriculture, sustainability

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, k
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Eating the Rainbow

You are what you eat! Eating colorful crops helps us each lead a colorful life. Students will learn about how different crops support their health and nutrition, will taste a range of colorful crops on the farm, and will design healthy meals as part of an art activity.

Subjects Covered

science, nutrition, agriculture, art

Grades
1, 2, k
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Decomposition and Soil Science

Students will learn about decomposition and its critical role in the food cycle. Our staff will guide students in exploring compost and determining the structure of our farm soil, assisting with farm tasks, and harvesting produce for tasting.

Subjects Covered

science, ecosystems, animals, agriculture, conservation

Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Self-Guided: Farm Exploration

Visit The Battery Urban Farm to explore the crops growing here, taste produce, and observe animals like bees, birds and worms up close! Lesson plan, map, and age-specific worksheets will be provided for you to print and bring with you, and you're welcome to stay and enjoy The Battery's lawns and Playscape after your visit to the farm. PLEASE NOTE: As this is a Self-Guided trip, you will be exploring the farm and park without the support of our staff.

Subjects Covered

ecosystems, life sciences, animals, agriculture, my community

Grades
1, 2, k, preschool, 3, 4, 5
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Self-Guided: Urban Farm Tour

Visit The Battery Urban Farm to see how restorative agriculture functions in an urban environment. Taste some crops on the farm, explore the compost piles, and observe the local wildlife that keeps our ecosystem functioning.
PLEASE NOTE: As this is a Self-Guided trip, you will be exploring the farm and park without the support of our staff. Lesson plan and worksheets will be provided for you to print and bring with you.

Subjects Covered

ecosystems, life sciences, agriculture, sustainability, my community

Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Self-Guided: Walk Through History

Tour your students through the chronological history of this area of Manhattan (and even into the future!) by visiting some of the park’s landmarks and completing worksheet activities at each location. This trip engages with all areas of the park and addresses topics including the Lenape, European Exploration and Colonization, Dutch Settlement, Immigration, Climate Change, and Park Advocacy. PLEASE NOTE: As this is a Self-Guided trip, you will be exploring the farm and park without the support of our staff. Lesson plan, map, and worksheets will be provided for you to print and bring with you. Separate worksheet options for Elementary, Middle, and High School are available.

Subjects Covered

history, colonial times, immigration, native americans, social studies

Grades
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Self-Guided: Green Space Study

What role does green space play in the urban environment? Explore The Battery and observe how people and other living things are using this green space. Learn about the benefits of green spaces to people, the environment, and our ability to protect ourselves against natural disaster. Design a new green space for your own community, and learn how to get involved in local green space. PLEASE NOTE: As this is a Self-Guided trip, you will be exploring the farm and park without the support of our staff. All lesson plan materials and worksheets will be sent to you in advance to print and bring with you. Separate worksheets for Middle and High School are available.

Subjects Covered

conservation, social studies, sustainability, city planning, my community

Grades
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Self-Guided: Spring at The Battery

Explore The Battery and The Battery Urban Farm, looking for signs of the season. Lesson plan, worksheets, and map will be provided for you to print and bring with you to guide your tour through the park. Students will be able to taste certain produce on the farm, and you're welcome to stay and enjoy The Battery's lawns and Playscape after your tour. PLEASE NOTE: As this is a Self-Guided trip, you will be exploring the farm and park without the support of our staff.

Subjects Covered

science, weather and climate, animals, agriculture

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, k
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Self-Guided: Summer at The Battery

Explore The Battery and The Battery Urban Farm, looking for signs of the season. Lesson plan, worksheets, and map will be provided for you to print and bring with you to guide your tour through the park. Students will be able to taste certain produce on the farm, and you're welcome to stay and enjoy The Battery's lawns and Playscape after your tour. PLEASE NOTE: As this is a Self-Guided trip, you will be exploring the farm and park without the support of our staff.

Subjects Covered

science, ecosystems, animals, agriculture, climate

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, k
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Self-Guided: Fall at The Battery

Explore The Battery and The Battery Urban Farm, looking for signs of the season. Lesson plan, worksheets, and map will be provided for you to print and bring with you to guide your tour through the park. Students will be able to taste certain produce on the farm, and you're welcome to stay and enjoy The Battery's lawns and Playscape after your tour. PLEASE NOTE: As this is a Self-Guided trip, you will be exploring the farm and park without the support of our staff.

Subjects Covered

science, ecosystems, animals, agriculture, botany

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, k
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Self-Guided: Winter at The Battery

Explore The Battery looking for signs of the season. Your exploration will be guided by a scavenger hunt with detailed images of different signs of the season throughout The Battery. Find evidence of winter animal activity, explore decomposition on the vegetable farm, identify trees by their bark, and consider the effect of cold weather on the plants and animals in the park.
PLEASE NOTE: As this is a Self-Guided trip, you will be exploring the farm and park without the support of our staff. All lesson plan materials, maps, and worksheets will be sent to you in advance to bring with you.

Subjects Covered

science, ecosystems, weather and climate, my community

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, k
Capacity
33 stu., Max 12 chap., Min 3 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
60 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Guided Farm Tour for College and University Groups

Conservancy staff will lead the group on a tour of the vegetable farm, forest farm, and park as a whole. We will work directly with you to determine the focus and agenda for the tour. To schedule this tour, please email education@thebattery.org

Subjects Covered

ecosystems, agriculture, sustainability, city planning

Grades
postsecondary
Capacity
25 stu., Min 1 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
75 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist