2023
K-12 Field Trips to The Teaching Garden
At GrowNYC's Teaching Garden, we provide age-appropriate environmental education programming for students of all abilities, from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Our hands-on approach to education engages students in stewardship of the land and integrates academic curricula into the garden experience. Our curricula align with the New York State Scope and Sequence.
Led by our experienced team of Urban Farmers and Educators, students participate in a one-hour session that covers topics such as food justice, soil health, plant anatomy, composting, and healthy eating.
We offer two time slots each week, at 10 am and 11 am, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from April 4th, 2023, to November 16th, 2023. Join us for an unforgettable learning experience!
Getting to the Teaching Garden
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Field trips to Governors Island Teaching Garden require a 10-15-minute ferry ride that departs promptly at either 10:00am or 11:00am from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan.
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The ferry is included in your program so no ticket purchase is necessary. You will receive your reservation 1 week before your trip.
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Governors Island is open to the public daily, year- round. Classes may choose to stay longer on the island to enjoy the playground, forts, hammocks, and more. Please let the Education Coordinator know if your class will be taking an early ferry and getting to the garden independently.
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Important Note: It is a 15-20-minute walk from the ferry to the garden. Ensure your students and chaperones will be able to walk 15-20 minutes each way in addition to the hour moving around the garden in all kinds of weather. Unfortunately, we are unable to make transportation accommodations between the ferry and Teaching Garden.
Registering
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We prioritize schools with the highest economic need per the DOE economic need index (ENI). If you believe your school falls into that category, you may register during the early registration period.
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Teachers will register for either the 10am or 11am field trip. Be sure to double-check your registration prior to your trip to ensure you arrive in time for the correct ferry.
Please note: Up to 4 field trip slots may be booked by teachers from one school. Please coordinate with other teachers and the principal at your school if many teachers are interested in a field trip. We aim to make sure as many students as possible from across the city have a chance to visit the Teaching Garden.
Summer Field Trips
June 27th- August 30th
40 students maximum (not including chaperones)
Registration for schools that serve a higher economic need population opens Monday, April 3rd, 2023. Registration for all other schools and organizations opens Monday, April 10th, 2023.
Fall Field Trips
September 5th- November 16th
40 students maximum (not including chaperones)
Registration for schools that serve a higher economic need population opens Monday, July 17th, 2023. Registration for all other schools and organizations opens Monday, July 13st, 2023.
If there are no dates available for the season you are trying to book, we have reached capacity. Please join our waitlist in case of last minute cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide lunch for students?
No, students must bring their own lunch to the garden. Options for purchasing food on Governors Island are very limited, and students will not have time to purchase lunch during the field trip.
We're not a K-12 group. Can we still come?
Yes! We serve most educational groups including camps, non-profits and students ages 4 and up.
Is the Teaching Garden ADA accessible?
The Teaching Garden is a 10-15 minute walk from the ferry. When booking, please let us know your ADA needs so we can properly prepare.
How do we get to Governors Island?
Field trips to Governors Island Teaching Garden require a 10-15-minute ferry ride that departs from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan. Please see Governors Island Ferry Schedule.
Can we take the ferry from Brooklyn?
We understand traveling can be tricky and it may be easier for your school to travel from Brooklyn using NYCFerry. Unfortunately, we cannot cover the cost for your tickets using NYC Ferry. Tickets for each student/chaperone is $4. Please visit NYC Ferry to view their schedule.
How much does the field trip cost?
Our programming for K-12 NYC schools and summer camps is free.
Can my class stay on the island after our trip to enjoy Governors Island?
Yes! You are welcome to stay on the island longer than our itinerary calls for. Please let the Education coordinator know if you would like to come earlier than your scheduled time and we can alter your ferry reservation. You do not need a reservation or ticket to leave the island.
Can we bring more than the recommended number of chaperones?
Yes! District 75 and self-contained classes are always welcome to bring as many chaperones as they need. All other schools are welcome to bring more chaperones, however, we may ask that some of the chaperones sit on the side during the programming in the garden to prevent distractions to students and to cut down on the size of the group moving through the space.
I didn't book a trip. Can we just show up?
Unfortunately, no. The Teaching Garden is closed to the public Monday-Friday for field trips. If you are interested in coming to the garden, please visit our public program page here.
