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.

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. 


Second Saturday Family Adventures

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.  

Family Fun in the Kitchen

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. 

Greater Newark Conservancy provides many opportunities to engage with the natural world  throughout our Outdoor Learning Center. We offer  a variety of hands-on programs designed to meet the requirements of many Scout Badges. Most personal Scout programs are typically 60-90 minutes long.  Minimum poersonal program charge is generally $75 (for 10 troops; +$10 per extra troop). If budget is limited, we can arrange a self-guided tour with suggested activities.

You can view our Personal Scout Programs Brochure here.

Please contact us at karla@greaternewark.org or patrick@greaternewark.org to inquire and learn more.

Girl Scout Badges

At Greater Newark Conservancy, learning and outdoor discovery go hand-in-hand, with our weekend family programs designed to meet the requirement steps for a variety of Girl Scout Badges across all age levels—including Daisies (Animal Observer, Outdoor Art Maker), Brownies (Bugs, Wonders of Water, Outdoor Art Creator), Juniors (Gardener, Eco Camper, Flowers, Trees), Cadettes (Trees, Outdoor Art Apprentice, Night Owl), Seniors (Outdoor Art Expert), and Ambassadors (Outdoor Art Maker, Water). Through hands-on activities around urban agriculture, habitat exploration, arts in nature and environmental education, scouts and their families work collaboratively in our Outdoor Learning Center to fulfill badge criteria while cultivating a lifelong connection to urban habitats. Be on the lookout for our Second Saturday Family Adventures programs that are promoted to satisfy these badges!

Personal Programs


Bring your troop to Greater Newark Conservancy for an unforgettable experience of hands-on environmental discovery! We are excited to offer personal weekend or afterschool programs tailored specifically for Girl Scout troops looking to engage with the urban environment around our Outdoor Learning Center. Check out our Personal Program brochure for available programs!

Environmental Warrior Fun Patch – Ecosystem Rocker

Greater Newark Conservancy is proud to partner with the Girl Scouts Hearts of New Jersey as a participating partner in the Ecosystems Rocker Patch, part of the Environmental Warrior Fun Patch Series. Guided by Conservancy educators, scout participants will engage in hands-on activities that deepen their understanding of ecosystems and earn their Ecosystems Rocker patch while empowering them to become active leaders in the environment.