Nature Study
An Introduction to Nature for Grades K-2 and 3-5
An Introduction to Nature
The Nature Study program at the Huyck Preserve introduces elementary school children to nature through a week-long, half-day program. Students spend time outside experiencing nature and walking the trails, while learning how to identify common plants and animals in the area and some basic principles of biology. Students are encouraged to ask questions and make observations about the world around them and begin to identify relationships between plants, animals, and the environment. Programs frequently incorporate science-themed games and crafts which reinforce basic concepts such as migration, predator/prey relationships, habitat quality, and pollution.
About the programHeld in two, week-long sessions, divided by age group (K-2 & 3-5), Nature Study introduces children to nature through the exploration of the Preserve's flora and fauna. Because of high demand, a third week (K-5) has been opened! Students will spend the week outdoors learning basic methods for collecting, identifying, and cataloging wildlife, taking nature walks, creating nature and science themed crafts, and playing science-themed games.
A thematic approach will be taken for the week and students will explore nature (i.e. streams, forests, amphibians, etc.) on a daily basis within that theme. Some examples of a day at nature study might be: Amphibians! Students discuss amphibian traits and identification while walking the trails of the preserve in search of amphibians such as frogs and salamanders. Students might use dip nets in ponds and streams to catch amphibians, or check pit-fall traps and cover boards. Stream Ecology Students investigate what lives in the streams of Huyck Preserve, and how the organisms they find differ from what lives in the lakes and ponds. Students use dip nets to catch crayfish and other macroinvertebrates, introducing the topic of insect life stages and adaptations. If you have questions about the program or application, please contact education@huyckpreserve.org or call the office at 518-797-3440. |
2018 dates FULL K-2nd program: July 9th - July 13th
FULL 3rd-5th program: July 16th - July 20th Now open! K-5th program: July 30th-Aug. 3rd Classes are from 1pm - 4pm Please arrive on-time for pick-up and drop-off at the Research Station, unless otherwise told by instructors. 
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Tuition
Nature Study for each age group is $50 for Preserve Members, and $100 for Non-members. Programs can be paid for by check or cash in-person at the Preserve, or by credit or debit card online. To pay for a program online, please add the desired programs to your cart below.
Financial Assistance: No family should be discouraged from applying to Nature Study because of a lack of funds. We offer financial assistance to interested students. Please contact the Preserve office directly for information on scholarships.
Please note: To account for online processing fees, online program prices include an approximately 3% price increase. Payments by check or cash in person or by mail at the Preserve are not charged this fee.
Financial Assistance: No family should be discouraged from applying to Nature Study because of a lack of funds. We offer financial assistance to interested students. Please contact the Preserve office directly for information on scholarships.
Please note: To account for online processing fees, online program prices include an approximately 3% price increase. Payments by check or cash in person or by mail at the Preserve are not charged this fee.
How to apply
To apply online: apply online using our secure website and pay by adding the item to the right to your cart
To apply by mail: download the application using the link at at the upper right of this page, or stop by the Preserve to obtain a printed copy of the application. Submit the completed application by mail or drop it off at the Preserve. Applications are not completed until Payment is received. For help please contact education@huyckpreserve.org |
This item is for paying for one space for one child for the Nature Study summer program. Please indicate be sure to put the STUDENT's name in the option box below!
To receive the member rate, please contact the Preserve office at 518-797-3440 or info@huyckpreserve.org. To complete your child's registration you MUST complete and submit the enrollment form, available on our website. |
