Calendar of upcoming events

September events in the Greenbelt

COAHSI SUMMERFEST!!!

Visit www.statenislandarts.org. for more information.

Sunday, September 5
Build-a-Birdhouse Workshop

1 pm Join us for a brief bird hike on the the Greenbelt Nature Center trail. We will look and listen for year-round residents and those who will migrate south for the winter. Then come inside and paint a decorate birdhouse to attract birds to your own backyard. Fee for craft participant: $6 non-members/$5 Greenbelt Conservancy members. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Thursday, September 9
Adopt-a-Tree!

2 pm Sign up for this one-session training with Greenbelt educators and the Greenbelt Conservancy to become a member of the MillionTreesNYC Stewardship Corps. Learn how to foster a young tree that will benefit you and your neighborhood for years to come. This workshop includes great information and a free tree tool care kit. To register call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Saturday, September 11
Swamp Stories

11:30 am Sit by the swamp for a spell and enjoy a story about the critters that live nearby. Includes a short hike. Meet in the High Rock Park parking lot (Neavad Ave off Rockland Avenue). Suitable for ages 3-6 with adult chaperone. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, September 12
Park to Ride Hike

10 am Join the Greenbelt Educators and National Park Service rangers for a hike from forest to field to coastal habitat. The White trail of the Greenbelt connects to the lovely shoreline of Great Kills Park. This hike is over 3 hours in length. Please dress appropriate for weather conditions and make arrangements for transportation back to Greenbelt Nature Center, or arrange to depart from the Great Kills Parks parking lot at Hylan Blvd. and Buffalo St. Bring water and a snack. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Wednesdays, Sept 15-Dec 22
Fall 2010 Into The Outdoors

9:30-10:15am Tree Tots for 3-4 year olds
11:30-12:00am Greenbelt Peepers for 2 year olds
Fall session of the Greenbelt Tree Tots and our new program, the Greenbelt Peepers begins September 15! Join us for a dynamic exploration of the forest. Through hands-on activities, observations, finger plays, games, and stories, children will become familiar with the sights and sounds of the forest and be introduced to letters, colors, patterns, numbers, and shapes. Tree Tots and Peepers will take place indoors and outdoors [weather permitting] for toddler and their caregiver. Fee: $4 for Greenbelt Conservancy members; $6 for non-members. Registration required; class limit 12. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Saturday, September 18
Adios Summer Hike

11 am Bid farewell to our summer visitors, the monarch butterflies and songbirds that serenaded us throughout the season. Hike begins at the Greenbelt Nature Center. Suitable for ages 8 and up. Registration recommended. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, September 19
The Hills are Alive! Hike

11 am Celebrate a September morning with a beautiful hike through scenic and historic woodlands. Join us for nearly two hours of hiking and exploring the central Greenbelt, from the Greenbelt’s newest trails, the N and E, to one of the Greenbelt’s oldest buildings, the David LaTourette house , where we will stop for a short break and snack. This hike is suitable for ages 8 and up. Wear sturdy shoes and wear clothing suitable for the weather and hilly terrain. Registration recommended. Free program.

Sunday, September 19
The Nature of Sound with the Mighty String Demons
and Guest Artist, Kazuo Nakamura on Bass

2:30 pm The late summer sky is abuzz with various winged wonders, which have inspired countless musicians throughout the ages. Join us for this pairing of the young violinists of Mighty String Demons and the unique sonic stylings of Kazuo Nakamura, Bassist from the Jazz Fusion band, WaFoo, for renditions of classical and modern tunes inspired by the natural world. They might even demonstrate a sonic science experiment or two. This event will be taking place at The Greenbelt Nature Center. Donation: $5 for adults/$2 children ages 5-18. Registration recommended. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Saturday, September 25
Adopt-a-Tree

2 pm Sign up for this one-session training with Greenbelt educators and the Greenbelt Conservancy to become a member of the MillionTreesNYC Stewardship Corps. Learn how to foster a young tree that will benefit you and your neighborhood for years to come. This workshop includes great information and a free tree tool care kit. This event will be taking place at The Greenbelt Nature Center. To register call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, September 26
Monarch Mania!

11 am Learn to identify butterflies as they flutter by and take part in a citizen science initiative, MonarchWatch, as we look for the orange-and-black winged wonders as they begin their journey to Mexico. This event will be taking place at Willowbrook Park. Meet at the flag pole near the Eton Ave entrance. Free program. Great for scouts, nature lovers, and citizen scientists. Registration recommended. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, September 26
Greenbelt Conservancy Annual Gala

5:30 pm Enjoy a special evening in the Greenbelt as we honor several individuals whose efforts have helped shaped the Greenbelt and who continue to make the park beautiful and accessible. Retiring Staten Island Park Commissioner, Thomas Paulo, will receive the Olmsted Award. Stewardship awards will be presented to Jim Devine, President and CEO of New York Container Terminal, Dominick Durso, environmentalist, and Port Richmond Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Join us in celebrating all that the Greenbelt has to offer while we laud some of the remarkable people who have contributed their time and expertise to helping the Greenbelt and the Greenbelt Conservancy thrive. This event will be taking place at The Greenbelt Nature Center.

In order to reduce printing costs and environmental impact, we will not be mailing a formal invitation. Please reserve your place at the gala by sending your check directly to Greenbelt Gala, 200 Nevada Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10306 or send credit card information to zink@sigreenbelt.org

GALA TICKETS:
Greenbelt Conservancy members: $100.00
Non-members: $150.00.

For more information on the gala and to sponsor a page in our unique calendar/journal, click here.
To take a look at the Gala invitation online, click here.

October events in the Greenbelt

Saturday, October 2
Annual Pumpkin Festival

12 noon - 5 pm Be the first to pick a perfect pumpkin from our patch! Join us at our traditional festival where the prettiest pumpkins prevail and the Carousel spins against a backdrop of dazzling fall colors. Pumpkins are for sale; complimentary painting station presented by the Greenbelt Conservancy. Check back soon for a listing of the day's activities. Rain date: Sunday, October 3rd.

October 3 - November 7
Growing Up Green

A display of oil paintings by local artist Mildred Piccinini. According to Mildred, “Painting is speaking with colors,” and her paintings certainly open up a conversation about the importance of trees and green space, from forming childhood memories to building vibrant communities. This exhibit is on display during nature center hours of operation.

Saturday, October 9
Adult Art Workshop: Autumn Botanical Watercolors

1:00pm-3:00 pm Using the inspiration of the Greenbelt during the autumn season, , participants will learn how to use the watercolor medium to create an accurate, life-like illustration of woodland wildflowers or fall foliage. Pre-payment and registration required. Fee: $17 Greenbelt Conservancy members; $20 non-members. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org

Saturday, October 10
Happy Hounds Hike

11:00 am Bring your canine companion for a hike through High Rock Park in the Greenbelt. Learn the trails and make new friends. Hikers meet at the parking lot of High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Ave. (off Rockland Ave.) Remember to bring water and bags to pick up your dog. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org

Saturday, October 16
Weekend Warriors

10:00 am Help us keep the grounds of the Greenbelt Nature Center looking its fall finest. From weeding to removing fallen leaves to dead heading withered flowers, there is a variety of work to be done in the fall. Gloves and tools provided. Bring water and a snack. Community service credit available. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org

Saturday, October 16
Adopt-a-Tree

Sunday, October 17
The Science Behind the Season: Autumn Leaves Hike

1:00 pm Come see the Greenbelt’s Fall colors shining through. We will learn about trees and leaf colorations as we hike through the fall foliage in the central Greenbelt. Afterwards, we will conduct a chromatography experiment to see the pigments up close. Registration and pre-payment required. Program is suitable for ages 7 and up. Fee per participant: $6 non-members/$5 members. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Friday, October 22
Adopt-a-Tree

Saturday, October 23
Pumpkin Carving Workshop

1:00 pm Choose your favorite pumpkin and learn the finer points of carving and decorating ghoulish gourds. Suitable for ages 8 and up with accompanying adult. Fee per carving participant: Greenbelt Conservancy members $7; non-members $8. Cost includes pumpkin and carving tool to take home. Registration and pre-payment required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, October 24
Do Oil and Water Mix?

2:00 pm United Nations Day is also great day to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity. In light of recent events, let’s investigate how oil affects waterfowl and biodiversity. Join us for a program examining the effects that oil spills have on marine life. The program includes hands-on activities and demonstrations and is appropriate for ages 9 and up. Registration and pre-payment required. Fee: $5 non-members; $4 Greenbelt Conservancy members. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Saturday, October 30
Halloween Spirit Celebration

1:00 pm The Greenbelt Nature Center is a natural place for a safe pre-Halloween celebration for kids. Fall foliage, crafts, and treats are all part of the fun. Pre-registration and payment required. Fee: $7 Greenbelt Conservancy members; $8 non-members. This program is suitable for children ages 5-8. Wearing a costume is strongly encouraged, and adult chaperones are welcome to wear a costume and share in the fun. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Saturday, October 30
Evening Nature Hike

4:30-6:00 pm Explore the lakeside trails of Willowbrook Park in the Greenbelt and learn about bats, owls, crickets, and other noises of the night. This hike is suitable for families with teens and tweens ages 9 and up. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday October 31
Haunted History Hike

1:00 pm As we hike from Heyerdahl Hill to Old Mill, hear tales of the Greenbelt’s Haunted History. This hike will lead us along familiar central Greenbelt trails, as well as the new multi-use trail through Southwest LaTourette, which will lead us to a beautiful hillside view of The Church of St. Andrew. And for adults and children over 10 years old with an adult chaperone. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, October 31
Carousel Winter Closing

Halloween is the last day to ride the Carousel for All Children before Winter Closing!

November events in the Greenbelt

Saturday, November 6
Harvest Hike

10:00 am Hike the trails of the central Greenbelt and learn about the edible bounty forest animals will find before the lean winter months. Additionally, learn how the Lenape lived off this land several centuries ago. This easy to moderate hike is suitable for ages 6 and up with an adult chaperone. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, November 7
Fall Foliage Hike to Moses Mountain

2:00 pm Join us for a jaunt to Moses Mountain to experience the forest in its full fall glory and enjoy the breath-taking 360-degree panoramic view. You may even see a migrating hawk or turkey vulture fly overhead. This hike is suitable for ages 6 and up with an adult chaperone. Hike begins at the parking lot of High Rock Park in the Greenbelt, 200 Nevada Avenue [off Rockland Avenue]. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Saturday, November 13
Adult Earthcrafting Workshop: Native American Coiled Harvest Baskets

1:00 pm Celebrate the fall harvest season with resident artist, Kathy Trimarco, as you learn the ancient art of basket making. Create your very own coiled basket using the same time-honored technique as the Native American. Makes a great holiday decoration or gift. Fee: Greenbelt Conservancy members $8 per person; non-members $10 per person. Program is suitable for persons 14 and older. All materials are included. Registration and pre-payment required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, November 14
Return of the Wolf!

1:00 pm Back by popular demand! Join the Greenbelt Nature Center staff as we welcome back Atka and the New York Wolf Conservation staff for a presentation of “Wolfology”. Meet Atka, the arctic gray wolf and learn about the important role wolves play in nature. Fee: Greenbelt Conservancy members $10 per person; $38 for a family of four; non-members $12 per person; $44 for a family of four. Program is suitable for participants ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration and pre-payment required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Saturday, November 20
Living Green: Sustainable Harvest

1:00 pm Autumn is a great time for local, organic, sustainable eating. Learn about places where you can get local, organic food, and swap recipes that include seasonal specialties. Free program. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, November 21
Lenape Lore

2:00 pm Learn more about the Lenape Native Americans as we examine Lenape artifacts and travel the trail in search of plants that were important in their daily life. Free program. Registration requested. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Friday, November 26
7th Annual Turkey Be Gone Hike

10:00 am Join the Greenbelt educators for our annual day after Thanksgiving hike in the Greenbelt. Walk off all that turkey and stuffing on this two-hour hike and enjoy the serenity of the woods, including a brief visit to the LaTourette house. This hike is suitable for ages 8 and up. Dress appropriately for hiking and for the weather conditions. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Saturday, November 27
Hike to the Edge of the Greenbelt

11:00 am Join the Greenbelt educators for a hike through the trails of the central Greenbelt to the end of the multi-use trail that runs mostly parallel to Forest Hill Road. From woodland streams to Richmond Creek, Southwest LaTourette has a variety of natural features you may have yet to discover. This hike may run just past 2 hours. Suitable for ages 8 and up. Dress appropriately for hiking and for the weather conditions. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, November 28
Paths Less Traveled: Overlook Trek

11:00 am Enjoy a walk through High Rock’s scenic Lake District past several lakes and ponds, including Pumphouse Pond, Hourglass Pond, Lake Ohrbach, and Priory Pond, and enjoy the beautiful vista from the Joseph Holska overlook, a location which inspired Hudson River School painter Jasper Cropsey. This hike is runs over two hours and includes some moderately steep climbs. This hike is recommended for ages 12 and up. The hike begins in the parking lot of High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Ave [off Rockland Avenue] Dress appropriately for hiking and for the weather conditions. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

December events in the Greenbelt

December 1 through December 31
Display: Green Resolutions

As we surround ourselves with pine, holly, and other evergreens, the holiday season is a great time to reflect on how we can be greener in the year ahead. From caring for street trees to using less electricity, find out ways how staff, schoolchildren, supporters, and others who love the Greenbelt plan on going greener in the upcoming year. Please e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org by November 15th if you have a “Green Resolution” you would like added to the display.

Saturday, December 4
Nature Legends and Forest Cottages

1:00 pm There are many great tales about the forest in the cooler months. Join the Greenbelt educators to find out what happens in these tales, and then build a cottage similar to the one Hansel and Gretel discovered on a path through the forest. Your cottage will be made from sustainable and re-used materials. It will be very interesting to see which familiar materials are given a second chance to be part of your beautiful creation. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Fee per craft participant: $7 non-members; $6 Greenbelt Conservancy members. Registration limited to 20 participants. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, December 5
Herbal Healing

1:00 pm Instead of reaching for medicine the next time you have a cold, why not try nature’s remedies? Learn how herbs can keep you healthy and help prevent colds and the flu. Soup, tonic, and tea samples provided. Fee: Greenbelt Conservancy members $8 per person; non-members $10 per person. Program is suitable for persons 12 and older. Registration and pre-payment required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Saturday, December 11
7th Annual Holiday Craft Workshop

1:00 pm Join resident artist Kathy Trimarco as she leads a family craft workshop in which participants create pieces inspired from natural objects. Fee per craft participant: $10 Greenbelt Conservancy members; $12 non-members. Registration and pre-payment required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, December 12
Snow Day!

2:00 pm Did you know that snow is water in crystallized form? Join the Greenbelt educators for an informative and fun afternoon exploring snow. Program includes a snowflake craft and experiment. Fee: $5 non-members; $4 Greenbelt Conservancy members. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, December 19
Project FeederWatch

2:00 pm The colder months are a great time to attract birds to your home. Learn how to identify and attract winter feeder birds, such as cardinals, juncos, and chickadees. Learn how to help scientists know more about local birds that over-winter on Staten Island. Make your own bird feeder to bring home. Program is appropriate for ages 7 and up. Free program. Registration required. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Sunday, December 26
Nature Movie Matinee: Disney’s Planet Earth

1:00 pm As we enter the holiday season this International Year of Biodiversity, this documentary, narrated by James Earl Jones, examines various ecosystems throughout the planet and the fascinating creatures which inhabit them. This documentary is a must-see and is worth seeing again. Free program. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Tuesday, December 28
Gifts that Keep on Giving

1:00 pm Make something that is second-hand cool. Turn holiday greeting cards into ornaments to be used now or next year. Bring your own greeting cards. Program is suitable for ages 6 and up. Fee per craft participant: $3 non-members; $2 Greenbelt Conservancy members. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

Wednesday, December 29
Forest Tunes Jr. with Patrick Raftery

3:00 pm The holiday season is often celebrated in song. Join Patrick for a fun, interactive, family-friendly acoustic guitar and vocal performance about the nature of the season, including hibernation, rhythms, and cycles. Sip hot drinks and enjoy the warm camaraderie of the Greenbelt Nature Center. Visit www.musicwithpatrick.com for information. Registration requested. Call (718)351-3450 or e-mail naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.

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