tenafly nature center field trips

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Tenafly Nature Center

A 400-acre preserve with over 7 miles of trails, the Tenafly Nature Center is a great place for learning about and watching nature; with many natural areas for birdwatching, exhibits like the Butterfly House, and Pfister’s Pond. A visitor center features natural history exhibits, interactive displays, live animals, and a library. Seasonal activities supported at the Nature Center include cidering, snowshoeing, skating, and skiing (when in season); a campfire ring; letterboxing; and geocaching. Educational programs in ecology, animals, and other topics are offered.

contact info

Hrs: Daily 11AM-4PM.

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by fieldtripdirectory.com.

Nature Exploration Lesson Plan

One single tree can provide the oxygen required for two human beings and over 8,000 sheets of paper. Trees can also clean the soil and air by absorbing harmful pollutants. So what have you done for a tree lately? Nature centers and state parks provide a hands-on environment to discover facts about native plants and animals, as well as ways to preserve these natural resources.

A 400-acre preserve with over 7 miles of trails, the Tenafly Nature Center is a great place for learning about and watching nature; with many natural areas for birdwatching, exhibits like the Butterfly House, and Pfister’s Pond. A visitor center features natural history exhibits, interactive displays, live animals, and a library. Other activities supported at the Nature Center include trail running; a campfire ring; letterboxing; and geocaching. Educational programs in ecology, animals, and other topics are offered.

Tenafly Nature Center

Top ways to experience Tenafly Nature Center and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tenafly Nature Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (6.90 mi) 710 Guest Suites
• (7.48 mi) Easyliving-harlem
• (7.43 mi) Residence Inn by Marriott New York The Bronx at Metro Center Atrium
• (4.81 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Teaneck/Glenpointe
• (5.86 mi) Edge Hotel
• (2.22 mi) Xaviars On The Hudson
• (1.02 mi) Axia Taverna
• (1.01 mi) Simply Vietnamese
• (1.05 mi) Tenafly Classic Diner
• (0.97 mi) Sayola Restaurant

Tenafly Nature Center: Maple Sugaring, Hiking And A Fairy Trail

My daughter loves waffles with maple syrup, and when she found out that we were going to learn about how maple syrup was made at Tenafly Nature Center, she was thrilled. We spent the afternoon identifying maple trees and understanding the conditions needed to collect sap, and we even got to taste test. Besides maple sugaring events, this non-profit, independent, member-supported nature preserve in Bergen County has a Faerie Trail, 7 miles of hiking trails, and a pond surrounded by wildlife—it’s no wonder this nature center is a go-to in New Jersey. Scroll down for more details about our sweet visit. (featured photo taken at Tenafly Nature Center)

We learned all about maple sugaring inside the classroom at Tenafly Nature Center. Photo taken at Tenafly Nature Center

Learning about maple trees

Did you know it takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup? Before we headed outdoors, we were educated in the indoor classroom at Tenafly Nature Center. We sat on benches with other families and listened to fascinating facts about maple sugaring. We learned that maple syrup is typically collected between January and March and that maple syrup comes from the sap in maple trees. We also discovered that for sap to be collected, it has to be below freezing at night and above freezing during the day.

We learned how to tap the maple trees on a practice tree. Photo taken at Tenafly Nature Center

Tree tapping and sap collection

Our environmental educator explained that we can identify a maple tree by the leaves when searching for which tree to tap. But what do you do if the leaves have fallen off? Maple trees have grayish-brown bark, and while most bark peels horizontally, maple trees have an opposite pattern (vertically), so we searched based on the bark. We also learned about sap collection methods and how Native Americans collected sap from maple trees with items like birch batch baskets and deer antlers to pick up hot stones to boil the sap. The Europeans originally learned from the Native Americans and how collection methods have changed, with current collections occurring by sending the sap through tubes to a sugar shack.

The aroma of sap being boiled is a delicious smell. Photo taken at Tenafly Nature Center

Boiling sap and taste testing

The smell of fresh boiling sap produced a sweet, sugar aroma that was definitely worth a whiff. The environmental instructor recommended boiling the sap outdoors on an outdoor stove or grill if we decided to try this process at home since the sugar could be harsh on walls and wallpaper. We tried a blind taste test to see if we could figure out which syrup was real maple syrup versus pancake syrup. We could guess right away by the rich taste of the maple syrup, and we also learned that some processed pancake syrups don’t even have any real maple syrup in the ingredients. 

We were surprised to learn that 40 gallons of sap only made 1 gallon of maple syrup. Photo taken at Tenafly Nature Center

Making maple syrup

We learned that the same trees could be used year after year for maple sugaring. It was also interesting to discover that different grades of syrup vary depending on the time of year they are tapped. The golden sweet syrup is from the beginning of the season, and many candies are made out of that type of syrup; later, there is amber syrup, which is less sweet, and dark syrups are produced in the last few weeks of the season.

The Faerie Trail was a pleasant surprise along the 7 miles of trails at Tenafly Nature Center. Photo taken at Tenafly Nature Center

More to explore

After maple sugaring, we explored the nature center and found 7 miles of hiking trails, a large pond, and even a Faerie Trail. We followed the trails until we reached the Bellflower Faerie Trail, which my daughter loved. Along the trail, she discovered colorful fairy houses, a fairy trailer, and even a two-story fairy house. It was a magical .3 miles long and had the cutest little surprises and details. The house on the large tree branch was one of her favorite moments. Beyond the Faerie Trail, we took a different path and discovered Pfister’s Pond, a picturesque area perfect for photos or for taking in some nature views. Within its nearly 400-acre expanse, Tenafly Nature Center hosts two ecosystems, areas for birding, and views for all seasons.

Pfister’s Pond is right down the path from the visitor’s center and is worth visiting. Photo taken at Tenafly Nature Center

Things to know before you go

Tenafly Nature Center teaches over 26,000 people annually to enjoy and understand the natural world. Since 1961, they have been a leader in open-space preservation and environmental education. The center hosts events all year round, from Maple Sugaring in the winter to Spring Break Nature Camp in the spring to Family Hikes in the summer to Celebrate Fall Day in the Fall. They also host birthday parties, group programs, and Forest School, where ages 1.5-7 can learn all about the outdoors. While visiting, guests can explore trails, the Pollinator Garden, the Birds of Prey Aviary, and the Little Free Library, and younger explorers can join the Junior Naturalist program. Prices vary per program, and members get discounted rates depending on the membership type they choose. Tenafly Nature Center is open daily except for major holidays and private events. Maple Sugaring will be available on Sundays until March 17, 2024.

Tenafly Nature Center  313 Hudson Avenue  Tenafly, NJ 07670

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About Author

Melanie Bodner has always had a love for writing, but now she has a new love…being a mom. Before having her kids, Melanie was no stranger to writing or working with children. She wrote for a local newspaper as a reporter and taught English and Dance in a public school. Now Melanie enjoys spending time with her kids, doing yoga, writing and decorating her home. Check out her Instagram @burlapbythebeach.

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Tenafly Nature Center

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Nature preserve with more than seven miles of trails, streams and three-acre Pfister's Pond, abundant with wildlife. Our mission is to protect almost 400 wooded acres, all of its inhabitants and teach the next generations to do the same. Since 1961, TNC has nurtured an appreciation for nature, been a leader in open-space preservation and in environmental education for our community in Tenafly, Bergen County and beyond. We welcome visitors to hike, bird-watch, observe wildlife, cross-country ski, snow-shoe and ice skate on Pfister's Pond. Tenafly Nature Center is a sanctuary for human visitors - an island of green where bonds with nature can be renewed. Whether you have an hour or a day, our woods offer a peaceful respite from the rush of daily life. The visitor center is open daily 11 am - 4 pm, except major holidays. Trails are open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

General Info

• Free Admission
• Meeting Facilities

 Dining

Five dimes brewery, eddie v's prime seafood, tj's cafe, martini grill, waterside restaurant and catering, redd's restaurant, the escape game new jersey,  lodging, clinton inn hotel, crowne plaza englewood, holiday inn, gw bridge/fort lee nyc area, best western, hyatt place george washington bridge, doubletree hotel, hampton inn & suites, teaneck glenpointe, homewood suites by hilton teaneck,  activities, davis johnson park & gardens, the african art museum of the s.m.a. fathers, camp merritt memorial monument, all seasons chamber players, palisades interstate park, the art school at old church, ace in the hole productions,  events, gfny world championship nyc, gran premio new york city, ridgefield park downtown street fair, test brand new event, saddle brook street fair & craft show, garfield fall family fun street fair, fair lawn street fair & craft show, elmwood park community day with fireworks,   activities,   lodging, explore tenafly nature center.

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Tenafly Nature Center

Top ways to experience Tenafly Nature Center and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tenafly Nature Center - Things You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (11.04 km) 710 Guest Suites
• (11.97 km) Easyliving-harlem
• (11.88 km) Residence Inn by Marriott New York The Bronx at Metro Center Atrium
• (7.69 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Teaneck/Glenpointe
• (9.38 km) Edge Hotel
• (3.56 km) Xaviars On The Hudson
• (1.63 km) Axia Taverna
• (1.61 km) Simply Vietnamese
• (1.68 km) Tenafly Classic Diner
• (1.55 km) Sayola Restaurant

Tenafly Nature Center 313 Hudson Avenue Tenafly, NJ 07670 (201) 568-6093 www.tenaflynaturecenter.org/

Other States:

The 65-acre Tenafly Nature Center adjoins the Borough's Lost Brook Preserve. The Association acts a a steward to over 316 acres of the combined 378-acre tract. Within this natural area are more than six miles of trails, streams, and Pfister's Pond, abundant with wildlife. Maintained mostly by volunteers, the Center is a place to relax and study the flora and fauna who call these habitats "home."

For those who just like to stroll through the woods, the Center is a place of subtle beauty, unique in its proximity to a busy metropolis.

The Nature Center Building features interpretive displays and serves as an indoor classroom that is the hub of the many activities and programs offered to the public. Individuals and families are encouraged to become members for a nominal fee. A Calendar of Events can be had for a phone call.

School Programs have a TNC Educator lead your group in an exploration of the wonders of the natural world. Hands-on learning and close observations with live animals and/or artifacts from TNC's 380-acre living museum bring classroom concepts to life. Programs are designed for students in Pre-K through High School and can be altered to reinforce an individual teacher's curriculum. Most of the programs are designed to be taught at TNC, however several of them can also be delivered at schools or other location as Outreach. These include topics such as Owls, Endangered Species, and Reptiles and Amphibians.

Programs are also avaialble for other organized groups such as scouts, birthday parties, etc.

Copyright © 1996-2014 by Patrick Tadeushuk. All Rights Reserved.

• Adult Groups (ex. Garden Clubs, Senior Centers)
• Birthday Registration and Policies
• Facility Rentals
• School Break Day Camps
• Summer Camp Registration
• Summer Camp Policies & Procedures
• Counselors in Training
• Nature Center Camp Scholarships
• FAQs and Resources
• Calendar and Tuition
• Home School Groups & Pods
• Library TNC to Go Programs
• Tabling Events
• Pre-school & Kindergarten Group Programs
• 1st-2nd Grade Group Programs
• 3rd-5th Grade Group Programs
• 6th-8th Grade Group Programs
• 9th-12th Grade Group Programs
• After School Enrichment (TNC to Go)
• Professional Development
• Scout Night Hike & Campfire Programs
• Scouts BSA Programs
• Girl Scouts Programs
• Service Projects
• Apple Cider Making
• Tenafly’s Haunted Forest
• Maple Sugaring
• Hudson River Sails
• Registration and Policies
• Annual Dinner
• Lost Brook Trail Race Info
• Lost Brook Trail Course Info
• Turkey Trot
• Individual & Family Membership
• Corporate & Small Business Membership
• Donation Form
• Scholarship Funding
• Planned Giving
• Sponsor a Species
• Recognition & Legacy Benches
• Sponsor a Trail
• Exhibit Sponsorship
• Corporate Volunteer Opportunities
• Employment & Internship Opportunities
• Mission, Vision & History
• TNC Leadership
• TNC Animal Ambassadors
• Our Partners
• In the News
• Spring Natural Events
• Summer Natural Events
• Autumn Natural Events
• Winter Natural Events
• Living with Nature (FAQ)
• I Found A Bird
• I Found A Deer
• I Found A Rabbit
• I Found A Raccoon
• I Found An Opossum
• I Found A Squirrel or Chipmunk
• I Found A Reptile or Amphibian
• Self-Guided at TNC
• Contact & Directions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Butterfly House
• Bellflower Faerie Trail
• Bird ID Trail
• Be a Junior Naturalist
• Photography and Filming
• Visitor Center
• No additional charge for teachers and aides.
• Maximum 1st-12th grade group size is 30 children per TNC educator.
• A maximum of 120 students can be accommodated at TNC at one time. Larger groups can be divided between morning and afternoon, or scheduled over several days.
• Programs require one teacher per class and one adult chaperone per five students who may attend for free. 
• In order to obtain adequate staff, advance notice of additional students and adults is required. We reserve the right to limit the number of non-registered participants on the trail to the number originally registered on the confirmation form.
• Please separate students into groups of 30 max (or one class) prior to arrival.
• Groups choosing the full day option have bathroom/lunch time included (total field trip time 3.5 hours)
• If your funds are limited, please  consider applying for a scholarship  (we strive to make nature accessible to everyone).

Accessibility at TNC

Many TNC  programs can be altered to accommodate participants with special needs. We ask that you disclose pertinent information with a minimum of two weeks notice about any needs (educational requirements resulting from learning difficulties, physical abilities, or emotional and behavioral difficulties). This enables us to make accommodations to meet your groups needs.

• *Additional fee is included to the first program fee for all New York City boroughs visits to cover NYC permit requirements.
• A mileage charge of the current IRS rate per mile round trip is added to the program fee.
• One parking space must be provided near the entrance of your location (if no parking is available at your site then a fee will be added to cover any associated garage fees).
• Consecutive classes are programs held one right after another, for different classes, in the same school with no more than a 60 minute break between two of the programs.
• Maximum Pre-school & Kindergarten group size is 25 children per TNC educator. 

@ = Program that can be done as an assembly (more than 30 students at one time)

• Programs are offered via Zoom.
• Link to program is given two days prior to program.
• If your funds are limited, please  consider applying for a scholarship (we strive to make nature accessible to everyone).

Field Trips

› Field Trips

Learning Beyond the Classrooms - Field Trips

Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. That’s why we incorporate field trips into our curriculum to provide our students with hands-on, real-world experiences that enhance their understanding of the subjects they’re studying . 

From visiting historical sites to exploring nature, our field trips offer a fun and engaging way for students to learn and grow. We carefully plan field trips to enrich the  curriculum and  overall learning. From taking a trip to the local firehouse to visiting Quebec City, or the desert of Arizona, students are taught that what they learn inside the classroom is very much applicable in the outside world.

Additionally, field trips have a strong social-emotional component, particularly overnight trips, as students are away from their parents. These trips encourage autonomy, independence, collaboration, and bonding, creating memorable experiences being together.

From Preschool to Middle School: Field Trips

Starting in 2nd grade, students go on overnight trips as well as day trips.

Preschool & Kindergarten

Past Trip Locations Include: Liberty science museum, Alstede Farms, Fire House Station, Bergen County Zoo, Montclair Art Museum, Tenafly Nature Center, Shakespearian Play

3-4 Day Overnight Trips

Elementary School

Past Trip Locations Include : Greenkill NY, Boston, Quebec City & Montreal, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Meadowlands Environment Center, Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

5-6 Day Overnight Trips

Middle School

Past Trip Locations Include : Quebec City & Montreal, Plymouth MA, Arizona, Scientific Research Expedition at Sea on the Schooner Tara -

Benefits of Field Trips

Educational Trips are a lot of fun! But besides having fun, educational trips offer several other benefits:

• Developing cohesion among the group
• Building confidence
• Developing a sense of autonomy and responsibility
• Proposing different ways of learning
• Living an unforgettable adventure with classmates!

Examples of Past Field Trips

Exploring America’s Roots: A Middle School 5-Day Trip to Philadelphia and Washington D.C

  Middle school students always look forward to the annual school trip, and this year, they were off to explore the historical cities of Philadelphia

An Underwater Adventure in Preschool

Get ready to dive into the deep blue sea with our PK students! In January, PK3 and PK4 students embarked on a journey to explore

Autumn Farm Trip for Lower Grade Classes

By Rose Spicher In honor of the first few days of “La Semaine Du Goût”, French American Academy Pre-K4, kindergarten, and first grade classes teamed

Overnight trip to Greenkill

Second and third graders spent 3 days in Greenkill, NY for an outdoor experience. The students enjoyed working on forest ecology, survival skills, discovering a

Field Trip to the Goelette Tara

Today, fourth through 8th grade students  met the Tara’s Foundation Team. This scientific team started exploring the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and especially the coral’s

Discovering Boston in 5 Days: History, Culture, and Breathtaking Scenery

Itinerary Day 1: Plymouth Plantation and Quincy Market Day 2: Freedom Trail, New England Aquarium, USS Constitution Day 3: Harvard University and Boston Museum of

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of the trip is included in the tuition as trips are considered part of the educational experience and are budgeted for as part of the overall school expenses. Families do not need to pay additional fees for field trips.

At our school, student safety is our top priority. We follow strict protocols to ensure the well-being of all students on overnight trips. We maintain a high chaperone-to-student ratio and have emergency plans in place. Additionally, we closely monitor and assess the safety of all trip destinations before any overnight trip is approved. We take all necessary precautions to ensure that students are safe and secure during their overnight trip experience.

Accreditations

Visit JERSEY CITY, NJ Campus