BRING YOUR CLASS
Battery Park City Authority is committed to sustainability through education. Teachers may select from three field trip programs, which are geared to support classroom learning and focus on conservation, sustainability, and appreciating the outdoors.
MARINE EDUCATION
The Marine Education field trip is BPCA’s longest-running school program. This program introduces students to the social history, geology and biodiversity of the Hudson River through sustainable fishing practices. While once too polluted to maintain a balanced ecosystem, environmental stewardship is helping the ecosystem make a comeback. The estuary now hosts over 200 species of fish and diverse marine life that can be experienced or observed from Battery Park City.
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES
Our climate is changing rapidly, and parks and other urban greenspaces are more important than ever for our wellbeing. This trip invites students to explore how parks and gardens can be healthy and balanced ecosystems for humans and animals. Students will conduct simple experiments to see how greenspaces can protect us from flooding and rising temperatures, and explore how access to nature helps combat climate anxiety and promotes our wellbeing.
BIRDING BATTERY PARK CITY
Learn what birds live in your backyard and develop skills for observing nature closely. This trip takes students on an exploration of the NYS Birding Trail in Battery Park City. Students will learn what birds need to thrive in an urban environment, and develop the skills to locate, observe, and identify migratory and resident wildlife around the city.
GETTING HERE
Nearby Subway Stations
Wagner and South Cove Parks:
4,5 to Bowling Green
Rector Park:
1, N, R, W to Rector St
Rockefeller Park:
2,3, A,C,E to Chambers St.
BUS
- M20, Free Downtown Connection
CitiBike
- West St & Chambers St
- Vesey Pl & River Terrace
- River Ter & Warren St
DRIVING
Public Transportation is highly recommended for your convenience.
From Manhattan and the Bronx:
Use either the southbound Westside Highway, or FDR Drive to West Street.
From Brooklyn:
Use the Brooklyn Battery/Hugh L Carey Tunnel to West Street, or use the Brooklyn Bridge to West Street via FDR Drive or Chambers Street.
From Queens:
Use Queensborough/Ed Koch Bridge or the Midtown Tunnel to the southbound FDR Drive. Take the FDR to West Street.
From Staten Island:
Take the Staten Island Ferry to Battery Place. Then take a short walk through Battery Place and enter battery Park City between pier A and the Ritz Carlton Hotel.
From West Street:
Turn west onto Chamber Street, Murray Street, Vesey Street, Liberty Street, Albany Street, West Thames Street or Battery Place
STAY UPDATED
Social media handles:
Instagram (@bpcparks), Facebook (@batteryparkcityparks)
FAQ
WHAT ACCOMODATIONS DO YOU PROVIDE FOR GROUPS?
We work with educators and group leaders to ensure that we are providing programs that are accessible to all students. Accomodations can be made for mobility, alternate learning methods, and language access.
WHAT TO WEAR
All field trip attendees should prepare to be outdoors for the entire 90 minute program. Please dress in layers and bring a reusable water bottle and hat or other sun protection.
WHAT IS THE COST OF FIELD TRIPS?
All of our field trips are free for educators.
HOW MANY STUDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE IN A FIELD TRIP?
Our field trips have a capacity of 30 students, plus at least 1 chaperone per 10 students.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE MY STUDENTS FOR A FIELD TRIP?
Familiarize yourself with the location of your field trip: each trip takes place in a different park within Battery Park City. All trips give students an opportunity to enjoy time in NYC’s public greenspaces, and learn a little about the nature in our backyard. Students should be prepared for their trip by dressing to be outside, enjoy a picnic lunch after the trip, pack out their trash after the program, and respectfully engage with wildlife and other park visitors.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
If you must cancel your field trip, please let us know as soon as possible, no later than 1 week before your trip. We offer a limited number of field trips per season and may not be able to reschedule a cancelled trip. Where possible, we will work with you to reschedule a future field trip if you are unable to make your scheduled date.
WHAT IF OUR CLASS IS RUNNING LATE?
Please contact BPCA Nature and Science educators for any day-of travel issues. Contact information will be provided when your trip is booked.
WHAT IS THE POLICY FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING IN THE PARK?
We encourage teachers and chaperones to take lots of pictures of your students’ field trip experience! We do ask that students’ phones are put away for the duration of the trip to limit distraction and possible harm to the device. Professional cameras and video accessories (tripods, microphones, extra lighting) are not allowed without prior consent.
IS FOOD/DRINK AVAILABLE NEARBY?
Although there are some food/drink vendors in the area, we encourage groups to pack a lunch, as all places to purchase food involve a walk from our field trip locations.
ARE THERE RESTROOMS AVAILABLE?
Yes, public restrooms and water fountains are located near each field trip site and are available throughout the field trip.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
In the event of severe weather, rain, strong winds, etc., we will cancel your field trip and do our best to reschedule.