School is out and summer fun is calling! Stony Kill Farm Environmental
Education Center has an assortment of nature programs that will keep you
and your family entertained, educated and interested about our natural
world. Join us for easy walks to learning about native plants and
animals or hiking safely through the woods. Consider us as an extension
of your backyard and come on over!
Meet at the Manor House Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. Dress
for the weather; programs include indoor activities and outdoor
exploring. All programs are approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes long,
unless otherwise stated. We recommend bringing water and applying
sunscreen and/or bug repellant at home.
Family Program: Open Barn
Saturdays throughout July from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
We’ll meet the livestock that live at Stony Kill Farm and learn
interesting facts about them. Learn where your food comes from and the
importance of open space. Meet at the barn.
Saturday Afternoon Guided Nature Walks
Saturdays throughout, July at 2:00 PM
Summertime is here! Stony Kill Farm staff will guide individuals on a
nature walk every Saturday at 2:00 PM through August. Venturing outside
brings personal rewards as we discover the sights, sounds and smells of
summer. Chirping birds, scenic landscapes and the comings and goings of
animals that leave their tracks and traces behind all contribute to an
exciting walk in the woods. Bring a container of water and meet us at
the Meet at the Manor House Visitor Center. (Please apply any bug
repellant at home.) A camera or binoculars may prove to be a good
accessory to bring also.
Basic Compass Use/Orienteering
Saturday, July 3 at 10:00 AM
Learn a simple skill that can keep you safe in the woods; the basic
operation of a compass. Navigate through our orienteering course for
novices and those that want to practice their outdoor skills. Attendees
should wear long pants and sneakers, no flip flops or sandals please.
Nature Games for Kids and Their Caregivers
Saturday, July 10 at 10:00 AM
Through games and activities, learn more about the creatures that call
New York State home – their habits, habitats and some of their
challenges to survive. (most suitable for children ages 7 and up).
Summer Fruits
Saturday, July 17 at 10:00 AM
What do mulberry, poison ivy and partridge berry have in common? They
are three kinds of plants that produce berries that are great wildlife
food. On this walk we will fruit producing plants and talk about the
animals that enjoy them.
Plants that Animals Eat and Use
Saturday, July 24 at 10:00 AM
What are some of the plants that our local animals depend on for food
and shelter? Can we find evidence of where animals have found a meal or
created a home?
Discovery Table
Saturday July 31 from 10:00 AM – Noon
Pelts, bones, fossils, skin and antlers are just some of the things we
will have on display for you to touch. Come explore these artifacts of
native New York animals. Rain location: Learning Center.
For more information about Stony Kill Farm please call 845-831-8780,
ext. 300. Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center is operated by
the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and is located on Route
9D in Wappingers Falls, about 2 miles north of the Beacon-Newburgh
bridge (I-84). Visit Stony Kill’s website at
www.dec.ny.gov/education/1833.html for a listing of more programs and
activities you and your family can take part in. From the website, you
can also join a listserve and be among the first to learn about special
programs and events at Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center.
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center is a designated New York
State Watchable Wildlife site, where wildlife viewing opportunities
abound. Learn more by visiting “Watchable Wildlife” at
www.dec.ny.gov.
