Thank You Sponsors

We are grateful to our sponsors who make programming possible through Branch Brook Park Alliance. Prudential Financial is the Marquee sponsor and Hardy Plant Society-Mid Atlantic Group provided a mini-grant in 2025. 

Children's Garden - STEM Workshops

Step into the Children's Garden at Essex County Branch Brook Park and unlock the gateway to discovery through immersive STEM workshops. Amidst the vibrant flora and dynamic landscapes, young minds engage in hands-on exploration, delving into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These workshops seamlessly blend learning and nature, offering a playground for experimentation, problem-solving, and innovation. By integrating STEM into the enchanting setting of the garden, children not only grasp complex concepts but also develop a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature and scientific principles. These workshops in the Children's Garden cultivate future innovators, fostering curiosity and a passion for STEM fields in an inspiring outdoor classroom. STEM workshops with Branch Brook Park Alliance are fee based. Please inquire to learn more and schedule your group today. 

Environmental Justice Club

Grades 3rd-8th from July-August
This six-week outdoor program in partnership with Essex County and the Department of Parks + Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Club helps students to explore connections between environmental health, fairness, and community action through activities like scavenger hunts, mapping walks, and creative art projects. Each session fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and personal responsibility while empowering youth to become advocates for a cleaner, fairer world.

Field Trips

Enriching educational experiences lie beyond classroom walls. Field trips to Essex County Branch Brook Park for historic or horticultural tours provide invaluable opportunities for students to connect with nature and history firsthand. By immersing learners in these outdoor settings, students foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around us. These trips not only supplement classroom teachings but also encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of wonder. Embracing such excursions not only enhances academic learning but also cultivates a lifelong passion for learning and exploration. Field trips with Branch Brook Park Alliance are fee based. Please inquire to learn more and schedule your group today. 

Children's Garden - Story Time

Gather 'round in the enchanting embrace of the Children's Garden at Branch Brook Park for a story hour that sparks imagination and cultivates a love for nature. Within this vibrant haven, young minds embark on literary adventures, surrounded by the whimsical wonders of the garden. Through captivating tales woven amidst the fragrant blooms and winding paths, children not only immerse themselves in the joy of storytelling but also forge a profound connection with the natural world. Story hour at the Children's Garden nurtures creativity, fosters a love for reading, and instills a sense of wonder, making learning a delightful journey for the young explorers of tomorrow. Story time is free and schedules are listed on our community calendar. Please note, this is outdoors and we do not operate the program during the late fall and winter months. 

Colleges & Universities 

Embark on a collaborative journey through Essex County Branch Brook Park's sprawling landscapes, where research students and engineers converge with our seasoned staff to tackle pressing challenges. Within this living laboratory, knowledge meets innovation as projects addressing society's most urgent needs take root. Our experienced team serves as mentors, guiding and collaborating with these bright minds amidst the park's diverse ecosystems and historical treasures. This synergy between academia and practical application fosters groundbreaking solutions while nurturing the next generation of problem-solvers. The park becomes a nexus of discovery, where research transcends boundaries, and engineering ingenuity thrives, shaping a future that champions sustainable solutions and societal advancement.