Hands-On Learning for Families, Students, and Educators
At Greater Newark Conservancy, we believe education is the root of long-term change. Through immersive, nature-based programs for families, schools, and educators, we create opportunities for our community to connect with the environment, understand the origins of their food, and explore sustainable, healthy lifestyles. Our education programs provide high-quality learning resources, engaging experiences, and lifelong lessons in wellness and sustainability.
We proudly offer educational programs for all ages—supporting youth, caregivers, teachers, and students from Pre-K through high school across Newark and beyond.
Family Programs
Building Wellness and Environmental Awareness Through Fun and Exploration
Our Family Programs provide hands-on, seasonal activities that encourage families to learn together while engaging with our gardens, greenhouse, and Outdoor Learning Center. These free or low-cost programs are open to families from throughout the Newark community, helping strengthen connections to food, nature, and one another.
Join us for interactive activities that bring nature into the hands of families across Newark.
Each month, families participate in themed outdoor programs focused on ecology, animals, nature exploration, and more! These engaging sessions promote environmental literacy through nature walks, scavenger hunts, hands-on science activities, and creative crafts.
Hosted in our demonstration kitchen, this monthly event brings families together to learn healthy cooking skills using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Chef-led recipes encourage children and adults to try new foods, practice nutrition habits, and prepare meals at home—supporting health and well-being across generations.
These programs not only offer valuable community resources but also inspire a culture of curiosity and health in homes throughout Newark.
School Programs
Educating the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards and Healthy Eaters
Our School Programs help students grow their knowledge of sustainability, food systems, and nutrition through interactive lessons aligned with school curricula. Whether in our garden or in the classroom, we offer comprehensive gardening resources, nutrition and well-being tools, and professional support for educators.
Students from across Newark and surrounding areas step outside the classroom to visit our Outdoor Learning Center and gardens to participate in hands-on science and wellness lessons. Each visit is rooted in experiential learning—exploring ecosystems, pollinators, composting, and food production while connecting with nature. As they trace the journey from seed to table and back to soil, students gain a deeper understanding of food systems—how food is grown, consumed, and returned back to the earth.
Aligned with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, our grade-specific programs foster critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and collaboration.
Through our partnership with FoodCorps, we bring garden-based education and food literacy into Newark schools. Students participate in school garden planting, cooking lessons, taste tests, and seasonal celebrations—all designed to reinforce healthy habits and improve nutrition and well-being.
We offer customized workshops and training sessions for teachers, school staff, and early childhood educators. These sessions help integrate environmental science, urban agriculture, and health topics into classrooms, while providing educational seminars and classroom-ready materials that support student learning.
Through these programs, we provide a wide range of environmental resources, farming resources, and sustainability resources to educators, families, and students—empowering our New Jersey community with tools to grow healthier, more informed lives.