Education Programs
Greenbelt Environmental Education Mission Statement
To provide innovative environmental education programming promoting science, stewardship, and sustainability, to instill a sense of wonder and responsibility for the natural world.
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The Greenbelt is an exceptional place for educators and students to explore the wonders of nature. We are always excited to meet new teachers and students, and to welcome back old friends who are already familiar with the Greenbelt and forest ecosystems.
Our Environmental Education programs complement current classroom curricula and meet New York State standards. Our department holds an official New York City Department of Education Vendor ID – gre481845
Programs at High Rock Park
Call us: 718-667-7475 ext. 118
Email: education@sigreenbelt.org
Click here to learn more about High Rock Park
Programs at the Greenbelt Nature Center
Call us: 718-351-3450 ext. 0
Email: naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org
Interpretive Hikes
Program will be entirely outdoors
Participants will have the opportunity to explore the Greenbelt woodlands during a 75 minute guided field trip. These outdoor programs are designed to engage learners, enrich environmental literacy, and foster a positive relationship with nature. Choose from the following topics:
First Forest Experience: Pre-K- 3rd
Plants and Trees: 1st grade and up
NYC Wildlife: 1st grade and up
Natural History: 3rd grade and up
Birds of the Greenbelt: 3rd grade and up
Forest Ecosystems: 3rd grade and up
Young Naturalists Programs
Programs will be indoors with a short outdoor hike
Our Young Naturalist programs consist of an indoor classroom lesson and an educator led hike on the Greenbelt trails. These programs help young people get in touch with the natural world and build their understanding of environmental issues. Choose from the following topics:
Amazing Birds: Kindergarten and up
Invertebrates: 1st grade and up
Lenape: 1st grade and up
Reptiles and Amphibians: 1st grade and up
Life Cycles: Pre K and up
Advanced Explorations
These 2 hour programs are designed to enhance student’s environmental and scientific literacy through comprehensive classroom activities and outdoor exploration. For 3rd grade and up. Choose from the following topics:
Anatomy and Adaptations
Wetlands Study*
Owl Pellet Dissection
Environmental Science
Composting*
*Available at High Rock Park Only
Outreach
Available to Staten Island schools only
Outreach programs are in-school classes geared towards childhood education. For 3k- 1st grade Each program is 30 minutes. Choose from the following topics:
Animals Around Us
Me and My Tree
Winter Adaptations
Life Cycles
Feathered Friends
Professional Learning Opportunities
We offer workshops that help both formal and informal educators use the outdoors to complement and enhance their curriculum and increase environmental literacy in the next generation. Check sigreenbelt.org for upcoming workshops. CTLE credits available.
Scouts
At High Rock Park, we offer scout groups character-building programs that foster ethical decision making skills, while engaging in fun environmental education and outdoor activities.
Whether your troop consists of Cubs, Scouts, Venture’s, or Sea Scouts our Greenbelt Education programs provide a great opportunity to enhance your troop’s educational goals, meet merit badge requirements, or simply enjoy an outdoor experience.
Scout programs include:
· Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics
· Interpretive Hikes
· Young Naturalist programs
Here is the fee structure for Greenbelt education programs.
From one of our students….
Thank you for telling me about all the things I didn’t know. The purpose of the trip was to see and talk about a very big rock that was pushed by a glacier. That is when we were hiking, which was my favorite part. – Fifth grade student on her visit to High Rock Park