From forest trails to fresh maple syrup tastings, Manchester Township’s Middle School's Eco Explorers Club had a hands-on outdoor adventure. During their visit to the Forest Resource Education Center in Jackson, students explored the Pine Barrens ecosystem, learning how trees fuel everyday products, and even followed the journey of sap to syrup, bringing their science lessons to life in the sweetest way possible. The trip is part of the club’s mission to use a dedicated grant from the NY Giants and NJEA to connect students with the natural world while reinforcing real-world science concepts.
During the trip, students broke into two groups to explore different aspects of the Forest Resource Education Center. One group set out on a guided trail through the New Jersey Pine Barrens with naturalists Duffy and Candace, learning about one of the largest and most unique pine forest ecosystems in the United States. As they walked, students stopped along the trail to explore the landscape and discovered how oak and pine trees have adapted to survive the region’s frequent forest fires.
Along the way, students learned how charcoal was historically made from pine trees. They also identified gray birch and oak trees and discussed how everyday items, such as toothpicks, popsicle sticks, and even ingredients used in certain sodas, originate from trees found right here in New Jersey forests. Students observed a highbush blueberry plant and discussed its significance as New Jersey’s state fruit, and were introduced to the northern bayberry, whose wax was once used to make candles that could light a room with a pleasant scent.
The group also visited a historic sawmill site, where they learned how fallen trees on the property are repurposed and used to build structures throughout the center, including the Sugar Shack. They even discovered that the property was once home to the largest quail farm in the world before being preserved by the State.
Meanwhile, the second group visited the outdoor classroom, where they were shown how to tap a red maple tree and extract sap, the first step in the maple syrup-making process. Students then moved into the Sugar Shack, where they learned how the sap is boiled down using a wood-fired evaporator to produce maple syrup. To complete the experience, students were able to taste the finished product, connecting the entire process from tree to table.
"This is exactly the kind of experience that makes science stick," says MTMS science teacher and Eco Explorers Club Advisor Kristine Laporte. "Trips like this help students to understand that what we learn in the classroom exists all around us every day."
The Eco Explorers Club has had an incredible year of hands-on learning, including a trip to Island Beach State Park, a whale watching excursion, a trip to Jenkinson's Aquarium, surf fishing lessons off the Jersey Shore, a hands-on exotic animals lesson, and today's visit to the Forest Resource Education Center. Through NJEA’s partnership with the New York Giants, MTMS educators Susan Morgan (Science), Kristine Laporte (Science), and Michael Balog (Social Studies) were recognized for their outstanding work, two as Giants Educators of the Week and one as Educator of the Year. These recognitions came with thousands of dollars in grants awarded by the Giants to support initiatives within their school. Together, the teachers used their grant funding to launch the Eco Explorers Club and give students hands-on opportunities to study the unique ecosystems of Ocean and Monmouth Counties, raise awareness about protecting local environments, and connect science lessons to real-world experiences. There is plenty of time left in the school year, and students are not done with their adventures. Stay tuned for their next excursion to explore New Jersey's swampland!
