EDMUND NILES HUYCK PRESERVE INC

Nature Study is a week-long, half day program that gives students the opportunity to explore nature firsthand while learning basic methods for collecting, identifying, and cataloging wildlife. Offered in three sessions for grades K-2, grades 3-5, and grades K-5, students spend each day exploring themes in nature such as habitat preferences for amphibians and stream dwelling organisms or the ins and outs of tree identification through hands-on collecting, nature walks, and nature-themed crafts and games.

Wildlife Ecology Research is an intensive 2-week day program where high school students learn basic ecological principles through hands-on research experience. Ecologists from colleges and universities around the region will instruct students on broad topics in ecology. Wildlife Ecology Research culminates in small group research projects. This program aims to provide a significant academic experience that will help students prepare for courses and research experiences at the college level while letting them explore career options in the natural sciences.

The annual Winter Festival celebrates the pure joys of recreation. Attendees are treated to a winter wildlife hike, presentations by the local wildlife rehabilitator, an ice fishing demonstration, and an ice rescue demonstration. The big draw, which delights kids of all ages, is the ice luge leading from the steps of the Research Center to the icy surface of Lincoln Pond.

The summer education season “begins” in June with the very popular Wildlife Family Hour led by wildlife rehabilitator Kelly Martin. On two Tuesdays per month, through mid August, Kelly guided families with children from pre-K to high school on a short hike around the Research Center emphasizing the plants and animals at our fingertips during these warmer months before showcasing some of the native animals that have come to her for care.

Our field trips in aquatic and terrestrial ecology get students outside and learning the scientific method. In our most popular aquatic ecology lessons, students learn about invasive species and the use various metrics to understand aquatic ecosystem health. In terrestrial lessons, students learn to hone their observation skills as they identify species, look for patterns in the landscape, and evaluate ecosystem health. These lessons are tailored to each class’ age group and ability and can even be modified to address questions and concepts raised in-class. We also work with teachers to develop their own field-based field trips.

The research done through our biological research station is communicated to the public in a number of ways. The bulk of these programs occur in the summer months through our Thursday Night Lectures where scientists talk about their work, and the Annual Science Symposium that highlights the research currently being done at the research station and provides the opportunity for discussions about future goals.

There is no better classroom than the outdoors! In our homeschool program, designed for children ages 5-12, Jaime Winans-Solis, Ph.D., leads children on a hands-on exploration of the Huyck Preserve's forests, streams, and ponds. This program focuses on building ecological understanding through observation, investigation, and documentation of our discoveries, while encouraging creativity through nature art and play.