This year we are excited to offer two programs for High School Students interested in conservation…
Environmental Leaders Academy
…a week-long, residential program for High School students. Application required.
Click here to learn more about and apply for ELA
and
Watershed University
…a day time program for High School students. Open enrollment!
Scroll down to learn more and register for Watershed University!
Watershed University Summer Program
for High School Students interested in conservation
Dates: July 28 through August 1
Time: 10 am to 2 pm with free optional activities from 9-10 am and 2-3 pm
Cost: $400/week. Scholarships available.
Location: Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve, 2121 Larger Cross Road in Gladstone, NJ 07934
Watershed University Alumni: Alumni may sign up for one-day sessions, for as many days as you like. Cost: $50 per day. Please contact Lauren for the link to sign up. Alumni do not need to re-apply.
Learn about conservation topics like surveying for water quality
This week-long certificate program is built for High School Students wishing to gain insights in the environmental field, make impactful change, and serve their communities. Each day includes a speaker, hands-on scientific exploration, and team building, making for an experience designed to inspire and empower.
Participants will learn each day from experts in the environmental field, and will examine environmental and social topics that affect local and global resource conservation challenges. On-the-ground conservation projects allow students to gain skills in scientific research, communication, and build connections within a group of people working to make a difference.
A picnic lunch each day helps students unwind, and gives space for unstructured discussion. Outdoor activities and a mostly tech-free atmosphere allow creativity and critical thinking to flow. Students will have the option to participate in additional activities during the week such as morning meditation and yoga, organic gardening, visual art projects, fishing in the pond, and a kayak trip on Friday!
Kayak trip on Fridays
This program will allow participants to explore future fields of study in college and beyond preparing for career opportunities in environmental science, conservation and environmental education. Students will also connect with RHA staff and partners for advanced learning, community service, citizen science projects, and internships.
A misty-morning bird survey
Sample Schedules (2025 Schedules will be posted soon!)
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| Nature Illustration
with Julie Goetz |
Nature Illustration
with Julie Goetz |
Nature Illustration
with Julie Goetz |
||
| GIS Mapping
with Director of GIS, Melissa Mitchell |
Green Infrastructure with Dr Chris Obropta, Director of the NJ Water Resources Research Institute
|
Composting
with Adison Evans of Neighborhood Compost |
Native Plant ID
with Stewardship Manager, Zak Kircher |
Kayak Trip on the South Branch Raritan River |
| Environmental Justice
with Director of Policy, Bill Kibler |
Biodiversity Study
with Director of Science, Dr. Kristi MacDonald |
Groundwater Conservation
with Associate Director, Mara Tippett |
Stewardship Project
with Stewardship Manager, Zak Kircher |
|
| Fishing in the Pond | Nature Tie-Dye | Paper Making |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| Nature Illustration
with Julie Goetz |
Nature Illustration
with Julie Goetz |
Nature Illustration
with Julie Goetz |
||
| Whats your Watershed Address? Climate Study
with Director of Education, Lauren Theis |
Stream Ecology with scientists from Raritan Headwaters |
The Story of Salamanders
with Christine Healy from Conserve Wildlife |
Green Matters Funding
with Kathy Lynch, President of Green Matters |
Kayak trip at Round Valley Reservoir
with a visit from New Jersey Water Supply Authority Scientists to talk about Aquatic Plants |
| Community Grains with Deborah and Jason DeSalvo |
Microplastics Study
with Director of Science, Dr. Kristi MacDonald |
Algae, Zooplankton, and Harmful Algal Blooms
with EcoExplorers from Montclair State University |
Native Edible and Medicinal Plants
with Robert Lucas, Restoration Coordinator |
|
| Fishing in the Pond | Nature Tie-Dye | Paper Making |
A Watershed University student drawing in our Bird and Butterfly Garden
At the end of the program, each student will be awarded a certificate outlining their participation in the program.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for those that need it. Click here to apply.
For questions, contact Lauren at ltheis@raritanheadwaters.org
Purchase a gift card for friends or family below!
Gift cards can be used for Nature Day Camp, Watershed University, Nature Days Enrichment Programs,
and our Bugs and Blooms program!