As the 2024 school year comes to a close, we are thrilled to announce that nearly 2,000 students participated in our educational field trip program at Hopatcong State Park this spring. Students from 30 schools across Morris, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties joined us for 18 days of (mostly) favorable weather and enriching educational experiences at Lake Hopatcong. With the dedication of over 50 volunteers and educators, we offered an unforgettable day of learning for our predominantly fourth- and fifth-grade participants. This year marked a significant milestone, with approximately 25% more students than in our 2023 season, and an impressive 700% growth since our first program in 2015! 

Our educational program focuses on Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake, providing students with vital information about lake ecology, watersheds, and how to protect our water resources. Throughout the day, participants moved around the state park to four educational stations. 

• On the Floating Classroom, students explored the health of the lake through hands-on water quality tests. They measured key indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and water clarity, and were able to observe plankton—both zooplankton and phytoplankton—up close through digital microscopes onboard. This immersive experience captured their imaginations and deepened their understanding of the intricate ecosystems within the lake.  

• At the Musconetcong River, students got their feet wet (hopefully not literally!) with a lesson in macroinvertebrates and how they can help us determine water quality. They learned to identify and classify these tiny creatures based on their sensitivity to pollution, which helps gauge the river's health.  

• During a Discovery Hike around the park, students get a glimpse of our forest’s role in the health of our watershed along with some interesting history and geology facts from our unique area. One important takeaway from this station is how removal of our precious forests could impact our environment and lake.   

• Through an EnviroScape Watershed Model, students learned about runoff, pollutants, and ways to keep our community clean. This interactive station allowed students to see the effects of point-source and non-point-source pollutants on waterways, emphasizing the importance of the sustainable use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. 

We owe the success of this season to our phenomenal volunteers, educators, and supporters. We are immensely grateful to the dozens of educators and guides who make learning fun and engaging for so many students. Special thanks to Hopatcong State Park for hosting our field trips, and to our generous sponsors: Lake Hopatcong Elks #782, FirstEnergy Foundation, Princeton Hydro, James P. Verhalen Family Foundation, and U-Stor-It of Jefferson. 

Last year, we introduced a new aspect to our field trips: a brief activity sheet for students to recap what they learned during their time at Lake Hopatcong. We had so much fun reading about the field trips from the students' perspective, so we decided to continue the tradition this year. Some of the responses are shared below. Our favorite quote came from Emma from Shongum Elementary School in Randolph who enthusiastically declared, “This was the best field trip in the history of field trips in the world! I hope I can come back soon!”  

Standout moments from participating students 

“During our field trip, my favorite part was going in the Musconetcong River, and looking for macroinvertebrates. It was so much fun!” - Daniella from Kennedy Elementary School, Roxbury 

“Something that stuck out to me was all the beautiful wildlife and nature... On my field trip, I noticed things that I never thought of before, such as the glaciers moving rocks, different types of bacteria, fertilizers, and so much more!” - Ella from Mendham Township Elementary School, Brookside 

 “On my field trip, I noticed how much the people on Lake Hopatcong love the lake and our Earth.” - Aaisha from Unity Charter School, Morristown 

 “During my time at Hopatcong State Park, I had a great time. First, I had fun at the river, I loved going in the water.” - Santiago from Arthur Stanlick Elementary School, Wharton 

“My favorite part of the field trip was when we went on the Floating Classroom because I love going on the lake!!” - Kylie from Willow Grove Elementary School, Hackettstown  

“One thing that caught my attention was when we went on the hike. I loved it. The view was amazing and everyone was so nice!” - Jayleen from Willow Grove Elementary School, Hackettstown  

Inspirational moments from our educators and volunteers 

From our inspiring Floating Classroom educator, John Otto, A favorite moment of his was when he asked students on the Floating Classroom about the process of photosynthesis. One student raised his hand and said, “Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy!” A wonderfully succinct answer!  

A favorite moment from our motivational Musconetcong River educator, Anna Smith was when a student said, “This is already the best field trip ever!” at 10:15 in the morning. When the students had completed their time at the river and were told that they would have to leave to go to lunch, a very disheartened “noooooooo!!!” followed.   

From our dedicated Floating Classroom First Mate, Larry Orlans, “Besides the great enjoyment I received by working with the youngsters on the boat, many of them who had never been on one before, I enjoyed working with the other volunteers, sharing stories of our lives, and laughing together about unexpected occurrences.”  

Our amazing Amy Bush, one of our Musconetcong River educators had a favorite moment with one of the students, “He wasn’t sure if he wanted to step into the river and touch a macro, rock, lake weed or sieve.  He stepped into the river and kept making comments like, ‘I’ve never done this before’, ‘I’m not that brave’, ‘I can’t believe I am holding this’. It was a Caddisfly, class one, intolerant of pollution. I told him he could because he was being brave!  When he walked out of the river and was getting his sneakers on, he said that this was the best day in his whole life!  He repeated it a few times as he was walking past the table to go to his next station. It was a great day, a great season, and thank you to the great team of educators who made it possible!  

Teacher testimonials  

“Thank you for a fun trip! The kids enjoyed it and some even said it was their favorite trip!!!” - White Township Consolidated School, Belvidere  

“The trip was amazing. My class had a great day and learned a lot. Very well organized and I appreciated all safety measures taken for the water activities” - Mendham Township Elementary School, Brookside  

“On behalf of North Dover, thank you for a fabulous day. The day was flawless. We appreciate the time and energy that goes into making the experience wonderful for our students.” -North Dover Elementary School, Dover  

“It was a wonderful day! Our students had a great time, and we can't wait to register again next year. Thank you for all that you do!” - Franklin Borough School, Franklin  

“The trip was fantastic! We hope to return next year with the 4th grade again! The volunteers ran a wonderful experience for all of us. The timing was perfect - we loved every part! VERY WELL DONE! Thank you!” - Mendham Township Elementary School, Brookside  

“In many teachers' opinion, a trip has to have some simple parameters to be successful. They include but are not limited to educational value, proximity, structure and lack of downtime. This trip checks all of the boxes.” - Academy Street Elementary School, Dover