Palmyra Cove is a 250-acre urban oasis along a highly developed area on the Delaware River. Habitats include wetlands, woodlands, meadows, wild creek and river shoreline, and a freshwater Tidal Cove after which the cove is named.
The Institute for Earth Observations at Palmyra Cove is a STEM educational initiative for students and teachers that studies Planet Earth. This is a unique and engaging facility where experiences can be shared…and innovative collaboration begins!
We are excited to introduce The Learning Trail, a new program designed to enhance your visit to Palmyra Cove. Take a journey through The Learning Trail Loop, you’ll encounter informative signs equipped with QR codes, each offering a 1-2 minute learning lesson about the specific spots and unique features around the Cove. This self-guided experience allows you to learn about the diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and history of the Cove at your own pace.
The Learning Trail is part of our expanded educational initiative to provide visitors especially K-12 classes with engaging and accessible content, bringing the natural world to life in a way that’s both informative and interactive. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or simply a curious nature enthusiast, this program offers something for everyone. Each QR code links to a short writing that provides insight into the biodiversity, habitats, and conservation efforts at Palmyra Cove.
We believe this new initiative will help foster a deeper connection with nature and provide an enriching educational experience for all ages. As part of our mission to make Palmyra Cove a “living laboratory,” The Learning Trail will serve as an easy and fun way for visitors to engage with the Cove’s many wonders. We hope you enjoy this interactive learning experience and look forward to seeing you on the trail!
For more information or assistance, please don’t hesitate to email the Cove’s Executive Director, John Moore at jmoore@bcbridges.org. We ask that schools or groups inform us of the date and time of your planned visit along with the number of individuals in your group. Don’t hesitate to check out our website calendar under Events/Current Events to see when other groups are coming. We are excited to have you join us on this new educational journey!
We are also excited to announce the launch of our revamped Educational Programs strategy for Palmyra Cove/Institute for Earth Observations. In a significant enhancement of our educational offerings, we have established four distinct ecosystems within the park as “Observation Stations.” These stations are designed to provide immersive educational experiences, integrating comprehensive lessons and activities in line with the GLOBE Program and other renowned environmental education organizations. Additionally, these programs are linked with NSSS (Next Generation Science Standards) to ensure a robust and relevant educational journey. Please refer to the “Educator’s Guide to the Cove”. In addition, look for our new “Observation Station” QR code signs located throughout the park that will provide site-specific content.
Our mission is to transform Palmyra Cove into a dynamic “living laboratory”, offering tangible educational experiences for teachers, students, and citizen scientists while serving as a research and instructional hub for visitors of all ages. In alignment with this new direction as PCNP transitions away from teacher-led field experiences.
Our commitment to supporting educators remains steadfast. Upon request, our team will be readily available to assist with instructional queries and can arrange Teacher Professional Development webinars or in person, to prepare for your visit.
For further information or to address any inquiries, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to our enriched educational landscape and embarking on this journey of discovery and learning together.
