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.
Book a Class Visit
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 the Greenbelt Nature Center
Email: naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org
Call us: 718-351-3450 ext. 0
Please contact us at the Nature Center for Fee information.
2024 – 2025 School Programs
We will continue to offer school field trips at the Greenbelt Nature Center.
First Forest Experience This introductory program familiarizes students with the outdoors. Discover the sights, sounds, scents, and textures of the Greenbelt’s forests through guided sensory exploration.
Grades: PreK – 5; Special needs / October to June.
Forest Ecosystems Explore the living and nonliving factors that make up the Greenbelt ecosystem.
Students will examine the interrelationships within this ecological community during a guided hike.
Grades 3-12 / October to June
The Lenape Explore the history, lifestyle, and ingenuity of the early inhabitants of Staten Island.
Activities, games, and outdoor exploration introduce the customs, diet, and pastimes of Eastern
Woodland Native Americans.
Grades 1-6 / October to June
Creatures on the Ground Many invertebrates live on our Forest floor. These animals play an important
role in the forest ecosystem. As students hike the trail they will go in search of these critters and learn
why they are so important to our forest.
Grades 2 -5 / October-early November, May-June
Plants and Trees Plants and trees make their own food and provide food and shelter for others.
Depending on grade level, students may learn about plant anatomy, seed dispersal, pollination,
photosynthesis, and plants’ benefit for people and wildlife.
Grades K -6 / October-November, April-June
Resident Reptiles Meet our live resident reptiles at the Greenbelt Nature center and explore what
makes reptiles unique and interesting to study.
Grades K – 5 / October to June
Winter Woods Hike* The forest looks different in winter. Hike in search of various animal homes, tracks, year-round residents, and early signs of spring. What you find may surprise you.
Grades 1 – 6 / January through Mid-March
* Offered in the winter, weather permitting
Birds of Prey In this program you will first learn about different types of birds of prey, their physical and
behavioral characteristics and the prey they find on Staten Island. Then each student will dissect an owl
pellet and identify the prey that was eaten.
Grades: 2 – 6 / October to June
Greenbelt Ecosystems – Then & Now Travel through time as we hike through the Greenbelt and discover how the land we walk on was formed, and the land has been used throughout the years. Learn about the natural features as well as the human-made structures along this natural history hike, and discover what has changed and what has withstood the test of time.
Grades 4 – 8 / October to June
This is a 75 minute program for 4 & 5 graders
This is a two hour program for middle school students.
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:
· Interpretive Hikes
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