Black Rock Forest Program

What is Black Rock Forest?

Black Rock Forest, in Cornwall, NY,  is a living laboratory for field-based research and education, encompassing native terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that are increasingly rare in the region. The 3,838-acre Forest features dramatic topography, more than 1,000 feet of relief, numerous lakes and streams, and high species and habitat diversity.  

NECSD and Black Rock Forest

Newburgh Enlarged City School District (NECSD) has been a member of the Black Rock Forest Consortium since 1991. This special relationship allows teachers and students to visit the 4,000 acre Black Rock Forest in Cornwall, NY. Education of students of all ages is central to the mission of Black Rock Forest Consortium, and integrates directly with research and conservation activities. Goals include advancing science literacy and understanding of the natural world, and training scientists of the future.  

School visits to Black Rock Forest have been integral to the Consortium's work since its inception in 1989, when six K-12 schools joined as founding members. Membership has since grown to include 13 private and public schools and districts, and Consortium staff support more than 13,000 student-visitor days annually at the Forest. There is a wide variety of activities and lessons across subject areas developed for use at the Forest, and a compendium of all curricular activities is maintained at the Science Center. In addition to K-12 students, the Consortium supports a wide range of undergraduate and graduate coursework, internship programs, and research opportunities working with its college and university members.

Lessons Plans and Black Rock Forest

This link below offers lesson plans developed by NECSD teachers who participated in the “Using Inquiry Based Learning at Black Rock Forest”. In this 30 hour course teachers produced inquiry based lessons for utilization in Black Rock Forest. Inquiry based lessons can be incorporated into all areas of study and increases a student’s ability to think critically, use problem solving and increases a sense of civic responsibility. Evidence has shown that a connection with nature increases a student’s curiosity and openness to learning. This connection enhances student learning and achievement. Additionally, outdoor experiences often contribute to changes in the attitude of children. This transition from fear to pride leads to increased learning and achievement in the classroom. These lessons have been developed in order increase student achievement  through the process of inquiry and outdoor experiences. Lessons have been field tested and peer-reviewed before being posted here.

Black Rock Forest Lesson Plan Apps