Close Encounters with the Coast Field Trips Return in May

As the days grow longer and the warmth of spring envelopes the coastline, we're excited to announce the return of the American Littoral Society's "Close Encounters with the Coast" field trips.

Set to kick off in May and run through September, these day trips for school age groups use nature as a classroom in which students can engage, experiment, and explore our local coastal and marine environments.

A Close Encounters with the Coast Field Trip is the perfect way for students of all ages to explore beach habitats and observe wildlife up-close alongside Littoral Society educators. An interactive, hands-on field trip connects students to the coast in a way they will never forget.
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Our Close Encounters with the Coast Field Trip is ideal for schools, homeschool groups, scout troops, and private and municipal camps/recreation groups. The Society is committed to providing students with an enriching and exciting experience, so we can work with you to design the perfect program that meets your needs and age group.

Field trips are held at Sandy Hook National Recreation Area, or in Cumberland and Cape May counties. Field trips cost $15 per student with a minimum charge of $300. There is a maximum of 80 students per day with a required 10:1 student-to-chaperone ratio. If your group has more than 80 students, we can expand the field trip to two or more days in order to accommodate everyone.

Field trips last 21/2-hours and include a variety of activities, such as:

• Seine fishing in Sandy Hook or Delaware Bay,
• Observing and learning about local marine organism,
• Participation in horseshoe crab discovery activities and a shell scavenger hunt to learn about the mollusks.

Organisms that students can catch and learn about include Atlantic silversides, mummichogs, hermit crabs, pipefish, blue claw crabs, needlefish, and more!

The Society would love to host your group for a Close Encounters with the Coast Field Trip. Please contact Littoral Society Director of Education Michelle Rebilas to book a field trip or ask questions at [email protected]. 

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