June 16, 2026| Education, Environment
By: Patrick Krudop
The Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s Spring Field Trip season wrapped up on June 11 after an exciting and impactful seven weeks of environmental education at Hopatcong State Park. From April 27 through June 11, we welcomed a record-breaking 2,116 students from 29 schools across Morris, Sussex, Essex, Union, Somerset, and Warren counties.
Over 20 field trip days, a dedicated team of 57 educators and volunteers worked together to provide hands-on learning experiences that connected students to New Jersey’s largest lake and the watersheds that sustain it.
Designed primarily for fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students, the program immersed participants in environmental science through four rotating stations focused on lake ecology, water quality, biodiversity, and watershed stewardship.
Aboard the Floating Classroom, students conducted real-time water-quality testing, measuring pH and clarity while exploring the hidden world of plankton with digital microscopes. For many students, it was their very first time aboard a boat on Lake Hopatcong.
At the Musconetcong River station, students discovered how aquatic macroinvertebrates serve as bioindicators of stream health, gaining firsthand experience collecting, observing, and classifying these fascinating organisms.
On the Discovery Hike, students explored local history, glacial geology, and the importance of protecting shared water resources while observing the natural beauty of Hopatcong State Park.
At the EnviroScape watershed model station, students watched pollution travel across landscapes and into waterways, helping them understand how everyday actions can have far-reaching impacts on freshwater ecosystems.
New this year, pre- and post-field-trip assessments were taken to measure learning outcomes. After participating in the program, students increased their average scores from 60.2% to just under 80%—a gain of nearly 20 percentage points in just one day of experiential learning. The results underscore the power of immersive, hands-on experiences to deepen students’ understanding of watersheds, water quality, and environmental stewardship.
This program’s success was made possible by the generosity and dedication of our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our hosts at Hopatcong State Park, our incredible volunteers and educators, and our generous sponsors: BASF, FirstEnergy Foundation, Lake Hopatcong Elks No. 782, Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation, Princeton Hydro, and the James P. Verhalen Family Foundation.
As we conclude our largest field trip season to date, we are reminded that environmental education is about more than teaching science—it is about inspiring the next generation of stewards. Each student who leaves Hopatcong State Park with a deeper appreciation for clean water, healthy ecosystems, and their role in protecting them represents an investment in the future of Lake Hopatcong and beyond.
"This trip was very well organized, and the kids really loved each station. It was such a great experience, especially since many of the students had never been to Lake Hopatcong. Our school is in a lake community, so it was great for them to learn how to keep their water clean." - Shongum School, Randolph
"The Lake Hopatcong Foundation field trip is a wonderful day that displays the local area and provides hands-on activities that support preserving the world around us. Students always enjoy the macros and the Floating Classroom! Thank you for your expertise in sharing this trip with us!" - Franklin Borough School, Franklin
"Every year, my students gain so much from this trip and come home brimming with information! It's our favorite trip of the year : ) ." - Franklin Elementary School, Succasunna
"Thank you to the Lake Hopatcong Foundation for providing such a meaningful and well-organized field trip. Our students left with a greater understanding of environmental conservation, a stronger connection to our local waterways, and memories that will last for years to come." - Bernardsville Middle School, Bernardsville
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Education, Environment
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Events, Fundraising
