From the January 2004 issue

Winter Activities at DEC's Environmental Education Centers

DEC operates five fully staffed, environmental education centers with interpretive trails, exhibit areas, and meeting rooms. The centers operate year-round and are just as busy during the winter as in other seasons. Below are examples of the kinds of classes, programs and activities each center has scheduled for this winter. For more detailed information, including dates, times, registration, fees and equipment, please use the links at the bottom of this page.

Five Rivers EEC

Volunteers prepare to teach lessons
on winter ecology and
snowshoeing at Five Rivers

At Five Rivers, finding insects during winter, a geology lab, and a holiday workshop for families are just some of the programs scheduled. In addition, Five Rivers will celebrate Dr. Seuss' Centennial with readings from his "environmental" works, a visit from the Cat in the Hat, and prizes for the "Seuss-iest noses, shoeses and eyeses."

Quogue Wildlife Refuge

Quogue's Nature Center
serves as a classroom,
museum, and meeting
hall throughout the year

Some of Quogue's winter activities will include a workshop on surveying birds at feeders; a beginner's class in origami--the art of folding paper creatively, and wildlife "yoga," during which children (and uninhibited parents) will have fun imitating how various types of wildlife waddle, slither and hop.

Reinstein Woods

Environmental Educator Kristen
Buechi (far left) leads a large group
of cross country skiers on
a tour of Reinstein Woods

For the months of January and February, Reinstein Woods has scheduled numerous cross country ski tours and snowshoe walks. Participants must bring their own skis, but they can rent snowshoes at the center. In the event that there is no snow, guided walks will be offered instead.

Rogers EEC

A crisp winter day provides perfect
conditions for a horse-drawn
sleighride at Rogers

Rogers has scheduled a program on backyard maple sugaring; a children's program about how animals survive winter, and, conditions permitting, a snowshoe hike. Rogers also will hold their annual Winter Living Celebration, during which the public can enjoy nearly a full day of activities, both indoor and outdoor, and bring their Christmas trees for recycling.

Stony Kill Farm EEC

Musicians entertain visitors to
Stony Kill during the holidays

Stony Kill Farm will offer instruction in and opportunities for cross country skiing, orienteering, and tree identification. Other recreation will include-but will not be limited to-a horse-drawn sleigh rally, where people will drive sleighs of various types and ages to compete for prizes.