Education
About our Educational Programs
Seatuck’s education programs seek to expose people to the diversity, beauty, and wonder of Long Island’s natural world. Such authentic outdoor experiences are the foundation upon which people develop their connection to the environment and concern for its conservation. Our programs foster a greater appreciation and understanding of Long Island wildlife and ecological systems in support of long-term conservation of the environment.
We offer a variety of public programs for pre-school children, students, adults, and families. We also offer training for teachers and other professionals (including the Greentree Foundation Teachers’ Ecology Workshop), and a range of private programs for schools, early childcare providers, scouts, businesses and more.
“IN THE END, WE WILL CONSERVE ONLY WHAT WE LOVE;
WE WILL LOVE ONLY WHAT WE UNDERSTAND;
AND WE UNDERSTAND ONLY WHAT WE ARE TAUGHT.”
Baba Dioum, Senagalese Conservationist, 1968
Biaba Dioum’s famous saying, made during a speech before the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), is often used to explain the importance of environmental education. At Seatuck, we have a slightly different take on Dioum’s wise words: We think a love of nature and the development of a conservation ethic begins, most fundamentally, with a connection to the natural world. And these connections start with experiences in the outdoors. I
n an era when mobile phones, televisions and other factors increasingly conspire to keep people (especially children) from having such experiences, our education programs seek to get people outside for authentic experiences in nature. From that simple starting point, we can teach about the natural world, expand understanding and – as our education team likes to say – grow future conservationists!
Public Programs
Pre-School
It's never too early to get your preschooler outside, connecting to nature and learning the many lessons the natural world has to offer!
Summer Explorers
Week-long summer programs give students a fun chance to get their feet wet, their hands dirty and grow their connection to nature!
After School
Programs
Our after school offerings foster students' innate interest in the natural world and develop their skills as budding naturalists.
General Public Programs
Join our naturalists as we explore Long Island's beautiful places and fascinating natural history!
Teachers & Schools
School Programs & Field Trips
Our experienced educators provide customized programs for the classroom, the schoolyard or parks and preserves across Long Island.
Native Schoolyard Garden Program
Schoolyard gardens provide hands-on activities for students, as well as endless lessons in natural history.
Quail in the Classroom
Raising native Bobwhite Quail provides school children with lessons in the life-cycle and wildlife conservation.
Day in the Life
Classes of all ages can help us take an annual one day snapshot of the ecological health of several rivers and streams on the South Shore.
Professional Teacher Development
Seatuck provides teacher training through the Greentree Foundation Teachers' Ecology Workshop and other custom programs.
Related Information
South Shore Nature Center
The South Shore Nature Center is a public nature center located in East Islip, New York. The facility is operated by the Seatuck Enviornmental Association through a partnership with the Town of Islip, which owns the property together with Suffolk County and The Nature Conservancy.
Pre-School
Guided by the principal that it’s ever too early to start developing a connection to nature, Seatuck’s pre-school programs seek to immerse youngsters in authentic, hands-on experiences in the natural world. The outdoors provide an unparalleled environment for learning and enrichment.
Summer Programs
Seatuck’s summer programs are based at the South Shore Nature Center in East Islip. During these programs our experienced staff of naturalists and teachers guide the students through nature, weather, and other environmental topics, all while exploring the outdoors in a playful way. These programs are perfect for children with an interest in nature, animals, plants or the environment. Most of our students return year after year…come and see why! There are two options based on age.