Westchester County Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Conservation
Group Program Offerings
Interpretative programs, led by trained naturalists, are offered for school, scout, and community groups. Programs are approximately one to two hours in length depending on the topic. All programs are offered year round unless otherwise indicated.
Scout Badges
We also offer numerous educational programs designed to fulfill the requirements to earn scout badges. Please contact the museum for more information.
Birthday Parties
Any of our educational programs are also offered as birthday parties, tailored to suit children of any age.
Are you looking for a different program topic? Give us a call! The programs listed in this brochure are our most popular programs, but we offer much more. Fees apply to all group reservations/programs.
Don’t forget to check out our Summer Camp for children entering grades 1-12 offered during the summer months!
Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary
Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580
The Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary is a 179-acre park located along the Long Island Sound
adjacent to Playland Amusement Park in Rye. Nature programs are available for schools, scouts
and other groups by advance reservation. Group size is limited to 25. Fees are based on group
size and are up to 90 minutes long. Topics can be tailored to the needs and interests of the group.
Programs offered:
The Intertidal Zone
[Grades 2 - Adult]
MS-ESS2-3 Earth’s Systems
MS-ESS3-1 Earth and Human Activity
This is our most popular program. Participants learn about tides and the intertidal zone habitat
and the organisms that live there. A ramble along the rocky Long Island Sound beach at low-tide
is followed by a discussion of the species found. Availability depends on the low-tide schedule.
Seasonal Ecology Walks
Habitat Exploration
[Grades 2 - Adult]
LS2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
This is another popular topic. A staff naturalist will lead participants on a walk through various
habitats to discover the wonders of nature. Learn about what the plants and animals are doing
and how the seasonal energies influence them. This program is available year-round.
Birding for Beginners
[Grades 4 - Adult]
LS4C: Adaptation
LS4D: Biodiversity and Humans
Learn about the nature of birds and their adaptations for living in different habitats. A short walk
to look for spring or fall migrant species as well as year-round residents. This program can also
be done during the colder months looking for winter residents and waterfowl. This program is
available year-round.
Animal Adaptations
[Grades 2 - Adult]
LS4B: Natural Selection
LS4C: Adaptation
LS4D: Biodiversity and Humans
Learn about the adaptations of various animals that help them to live in their natural habitats.
Discussion includes camouflage, patterns, eyesight, beaks and bills, fur, feathers and more.
Marshlands Conservancy
220 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY 10580
Salt Marsh Ecology and Shoreline Exploration
LS2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
MS-ESS2-3 Earth’s Systems
Students learn about the salt marsh habitat, why it is important, and what adaptations make it possible for organisms to live there. We’ll hike to explore the marsh and life along the marine shoreline. Availability depends on the low-tide schedule.
Nature Discovery Hike
LS2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
LS4D: Biodiversity and Humans
A staff naturalist will lead participants on a walk through the 5 habitats at Marshlands to discover the things that make them different. Learn about what plants and animals are doing in these habitats. Discover what functions each habitat provides and how they work together.
The Nature of Plants and Seed Dispersal
LS2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS4B: Natural Selection
LS4C: Adaptation
LS2C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
LS4D: Biodiversity and Humans
Explore the seed dispersal process of plants and the different methods plants use. Discover the benefits of seed dispersal for reproductive success and the methods involving gravity, wind, water, animals, or humans. Learn why humans would not exist without plants!
Lenoir Preserve
19 Dudley St., Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706
(914) 968-5851
Nature Senses
Explore the environment around you using all your senses. Different hands on activities will demonstrate the power of each one. Experience nature in a whole new way.
Forest Exploration
LS2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
LS4B: Natural Selection
LS4C: Adaptation
Why are forests so important? Learn about the different layers of a forest. Find out who and what lives beneath the forest floor up close and personal.
Meadow Study
LS2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
What makes up an eastern meadow? Find out what creatures inhabit them up close as you explore. Learn about what plants are important and also about invasive plants.
Tree ID (Summer or Winter)
LS4D: Biodiversity and Humans
Learn the importance of trees in the ecosystem. Depending on the season, master how to identify trees by their bark, their leaves and growth patterns.
Birding Basics
LS4C: Adaptation
LS4D: Biodiversity and Humans
Learn what role birds play in the nature. Learn how to identify birds by their shape, color, field marks and behavior. Coverage of how to properly use binoculars will also be included.
Croton Point Nature Center
1 Croton Point Ave, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
(914) 862-5297
History of Garbage
Common Core Standard: 4.2 NATIVE AMERICAN∗ GROUPS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (Standards: 1, 3, 5; Themes: ID, MOV, GEO, GOV)
A thought-provoking hike to a 20th century landfill and prehistoric shell middens.
Explores concepts including observation, the environment, human trash & garbage disposal, prehistoric archaeology, conservation and more. 75 minutes, grades 2 thru 12, max 24 students.
Glacial Geology
ESS1B: Earth and the Solar System
ESS1C:History of the Planet Earth
ESS2A:Earth Materials and Systems
ESS2B: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale Systems
A walk through time to observe the powerful alterations of our landscapes by the recent Wisconsin Glaciation and how the impact of the ice sheet has dictated our use of the land.
Life in the Hudson River (Sept 4- Nov 2 only)
ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
HS-ESS2-5:Earth’s Systems
Learn about fish and other denizens of the Hudson. A large seine net enables students on the shoreline to learn about estuarine ecology and see various local fish & other creatures up close and personal. 75 minutes, grades 1 through 12, max 24 students.
Lighthouse Tours: Lighthouse Tours: Visit the historic 1883 “sparkplug style” Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow. Get a glimpse of life along the Hudson River in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the vital importance of Hudson River shipping to the growth of the nation, how the lighthouse actually worked, and a look at the life of the Lighthouse Keepers and their families through displays and furnishings. Contact Croton Point Nature Center for bookings.
Cranberry Lake Preserve
1609 Old Orchard Street, West Harrison, NY 10604
(914) 428-1005
Nature Discovery Hike
LS2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
LS4D: Biodiversity and Humans
Learn about the many habitats of Cranberry Lake, and the creatures that call it home. Program includes a hike around the preserve in search of wildlife from the forest floor to the sky above. Option to participate in a nature scavenger hunt with a checklist of items to find. Outdoor program.
Species Exploration: Owls
LS4C: Adaptation
LS4D: Biodiversity and Humans
Explore the remarkable adaptations of owls and their important role in an ecosystem. Through the dissection of owl pellets, participants will learn about food webs and see first-hand how owls are top predators. Indoor program.
Predator-Prey
LS4B: Natural Selection
LS4C: Adaptation
Become familiar with predator and prey species of animals and how they interact. Learn how to differentiate between the two by examining their skulls, eyes, and teeth. Hands on activities will get children involved and excited about wildlife. Indoor or outdoor program.
Outdoor Skills
Many skills can be helpful when exploring nature, including reading a map and compass, kindling fires, building natural debris shelters, and tying knots. Participants will leave better-equipped for their next camping trip! Outdoor program.
Reptiles and Amphibians
LS4C: Adaptation
LS4D: Biodiversity and Humans
Learn the differences and similarities between reptiles and amphibians and the amazing adaptations each have to survive. Hands on activities will give participants an appreciation of these important animals. Indoor or outdoor program.
Pond Exploration
ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
HS-ESS2-5:Earth’s Systems
Explore the lifecycles of amphibians and insects by getting hands-on in our vernal pools and ponds. Outdoor program.
Water Conservation
K-ESS3-3: Earth and Human Activity
Through discussion, activities, and games, participants will explore the importance of freshwater systems and ways to be a water conservation hero in their own communities.
Art in Nature
LS2C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
Create a fun and engaging art project by studying the art in nature. Projects may focus on sequences and patterns in nature, crafting using invasive species, art in conservation, and more. Indoor and outdoor program.
Geology Rocks
ESS1B: Earth and the Solar System
ESS1C:History of the Planet Earth
ESS2A:Earth Materials and Systems
ESS2B: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale Systems
Travel through geologic time to learn about the glacial history of Cranberry Lake, and the stone quarried here to build the Kensico Dam. Outdoor program.
Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Routes 35 and 121, Cross River, NY 10518
(914) 864-7322
Native American Program (Fall/Winter/Spring)
Common Core Standard: 4.2 NATIVE AMERICAN∗ GROUPS AND THE ENVIRONMENT: Native American groups, chiefly the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Algonquian-speaking groups, inhabited the region that became New York State. These people interacted with the environment and developed unique cultures. (Standards: 1, 3, 5; Themes: ID, MOV, GEO, GOV)
Learn about the way of life of the Lenape and other Eastern Woodland Native Americans as they lived during the period before first contact with the Europeans. Join our staff as we discuss and demonstrate three key aspects of Lenape life including: the gathering, hunting, and farming of food sources; the use of stone, bone, wood, and other natural materials for tools; and learn about and participate in authentic Lenape games and toys. We will also discuss village life as we visit our traditional wigwam.
Maple Sugaring (Winter)
ESS3A: Natural Resources
This program, available only in February and March, covers the process of maple syrup production. Learn about every step of the process as we tap a tree, bring sap to the Sugar House, and see how it’s made into nature’s sweet reward.
A final taste test concludes the program.
Stream Study (Spring/Early Summer)
ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
HS-ESS2-5:Earth’s Systems
Streams, rivers, and other aquatic habitats support a tremendous diversity of life. In this program, intended for warmer months, we will learn about stream ecology and collect and take a look at the macroinvertebrates inhabiting Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Emphasis is placed on insect adaptations and the ecological roles of our diverse aquatic larvae.
General Ecology
LS2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
LS4B: Natural Selection
LS4C: Adaptation
LS4D: Biodiversity and Humans
Designed for younger students, this program’s intent is to introduce the general concepts of habitats, adaptations, and interdependent relationships existing in diverse ecological communities. We will take a walk on one of our many trails to observe the abiotic conditions, the plant and animal life, and how they are connected.
Orienteering
Did you know that we have an orienteering course here at the reservation? It has been used for international orienteering competitions and is available for public and group use as well! Don’t know the first thing about orienteering? Give us a call for an instructor led group program.
Lenoir Preserve
19 Dudley St, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706
(914) 968-5851
Nature Senses
Explore the environment around you using all your senses, experiencing nature in a whole new way. Different demonstrations will walk your students through each of their five senses in different habitats.
Forest Ecology
LS2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
LS4B: Natural Selection
LS4C: Adaptation
Why are forests so important? How do they function, and what kinds of creatures do they support? In this lesson, learn about the different layers of a forest, markers of a healthy and thriving forest ecosystem, keystone species, predator-prey dynamics, the importance of native biodiversity, and find out what lies beneath the forest floor up close and personal.
Meadow Ecology
LS2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning and Resilience
What makes up an eastern meadow? How do they function, and what kinds of creatures do they support? In this lesson, learn about the ecological function of a meadow, markers of a healthy and thriving meadow ecosystem, keystone species, predator-prey dynamics, and the importance of native biodiversity and pollinator pathways.
Tree ID (Summer or Winter)
LS4D: Biodiversity and Humans
Learn the importance of trees in the ecosystem and climate. Depending on the season, master how to identify trees by their bark, their leaves and growth patterns. Older students also learn about the carbon sequestration potential of different trees.
Bird Biology, Ecology, and Adaptations
LS4C: Adaptation
LS4D: Biodiversity and Humans
Learn what role birds play in the ecosystem. Learn how to identify birds by their shape, color, field marks and behavior, and the role and importance of different bird classes. Lesson includes a hands-on demonstration focused on different bird beak shapes and how they help species adapt to their environment.
Maple Sugaring (Winter)
ESS3A: Natural Resources
This program, available only in February and March, covers the science, history, culture, and process of making maple syrup. Learn about every step of the process as we tap a tree, bring sap to the Sugar House, and see how it’s made into nature’s sweet reward. A final taste test concludes the program.