MIDDLETOWN — Over the week of Sept. 23-30, 400 fifth-graders from small school districts in the Bayshore region visited Monmouth Cove Marina in Port Monmouth and learned about local ecosystems first hand. Working with a $12,400 EPA education grant, the Monmouth County Park System sponsored these outings for students from Keansburg, Atlantic Highlands, Highlands, Keyport and Union Beach. With school budget restraints, many districts have reduced or eliminated field trips.
Focusing on the Raritan Bay-Sandy Hook Bay estuarine region of the county, the trips took students on a boat ride with a Park System naturalist. Once aboard, students explored estuarine habitats and learned about water quality. On shore, they rolled up their sleeves for seining, beachcombing and identifying plankton. Besides being great fun, these activities help youngsters connect with nature and gain an understanding of their impact on the environment.
The students weren’t the only ones learning. Teachers from participating school systems attended a free park system workshop on the ecology and biology of the urban estuary. The workshop highlighted ways teachers can incorporate hands-on activities into their curriculum. For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com or call 732-842-4000.