WNJ Exclusive: Special education students tour the Triple C Ranch in Edison
The students with WildNewJersey.tv's David Wheeler and Dana Patterson.
All photos by Jill Weislo, Shannon Storey, and Dana Patterson.
All photos by Jill Weislo, Shannon Storey, and Dana Patterson.
By Jillian Weislo, WNJ Correspondent
The nonprofit Edison Wetlands Association (EWA) led the disabled and special education students of Occupational Center of Union County on a farm tour at the Triple C Ranch in Edison, followed by a short hike in the Dismal Swamp Conservation Area.
For most of the students, it was the first time they had ever been on a farm. They were amazed to see the 800-pound hog Charlotte and were highly enthusiastic about visiting the petting zoo, which includes goats, a pony, a ram, turkeys, roosters, chickens and ducks. They also participated in a volunteer cleanup, collecting 4 bags of recyclables and 2 bags of garbage.
WildNewJersey.tv's David Wheeler and Dana Patterson have the students use binoculars to find painted turtles in Turtle Pond.
"As the last farm in Northern Middlesex County, the 40-acre Triple C Ranch is a great place for urban and suburban students to learn first-hand about nature, wildlife, and the rural way of life," said David Wheeler, Director of Operations at EWA. "EWA enjoys teaching students about our farm animals and the importance of not only keeping the Dismal Swamp clean, but the Earth as well.”
Students worked
together to pick up trash.
The Triple C serves as the public gateway to the surrounding 1,240-acre Dismal Swamp Conservation Area, which is home to an estimated 175 species of birds, 25 mammals, and 24 amphibian and reptile species including at least a dozen threatened and endangered species. While hiking through the Dismal Swamp, students were able to catch a glimpse of the swamp's infamous beaver dam. They also helped spot three young killdeer as well as numerous red-winged blackbirds.
To set up a volunteer cleanup or Triple C Ranch farm tour for your group, call 732-321-1300 or e-mail info@edisonwetlands.org
WildNewJersey.tv's Jill Weislo led the
students on a hike through the Dismal Swamp.
Students separated garbage from recyclables and had a very successful cleanup.
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 4/27/2010 11:35 AM 
Categories: WNJ Exclusives
Tags: triple c ranch edison wetlands association Occupational Center of Union County Dismal Swamp Conservation Area
Categories: WNJ Exclusives
Tags: triple c ranch edison wetlands association Occupational Center of Union County Dismal Swamp Conservation Area
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