Budding Naturalists
An Outdoor Learning Resource Guide
LLT’s Outdoor Learning Initiative, “Budding Naturalists Resource Guide,” geared toward elementary school students and families seeking nature-based educational opportunities.
Lewisboro Land Trust is delighted to provide the Budding Naturalists Resource Guide, created by Shantala DuGay-Iyengar and Ingrid Ramos, to support families seeking to explore nature-based educational opportunities. With children increasingly learning from home, outdoor activities are a great way to complement school curricula, stay connected with friends, and establish a life-long appreciation for the natural world that fosters environmental stewardship.
Building upon our years of planning outdoor programs and raising our own kids in Lewisboro, we aim to integrate our knowledge into the following resources:
- The Lewisboro Land Trust Online Field Guide (https://fieldguide.lewisborolandtrust.org/) is a comprehensive, interactive guide to the biotic community that lives in your backyard.
- A list of organizations, whose missions are aligned, to provide families with additional opportunities to engage with nature.
The Budding Naturalists Resource Guide is customized to our community and will constantly evolve and expand. Please check back often for new additions and updates. We welcome your input and suggestions. If you're interested in helping it grow, we hope you'll reach out to us via email at info@lewisborolandtrust.org
Resources:
Trailside Nature Museum in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is home to a large collection of mounted animals, American Indian artifacts, educational exhibits, child-friendly interactive displays, and nature-oriented artwork. In September 2020 they started offering a 4-day morning Pre-K program.
https://www.friendsoftrailside.org/
Bedford Audubon (bedfordaudubon.org) in Katonah offers beautiful sanctuary trails to explore, and has a seasonal book walk. Bylane Farmhouse has a wonderful library and stuffed birds that make accurate species calls. Due to COVID-19 restrictions we recommend calling them in advance if you plan to visit.
The National Audubon Society has the following online activities resource for kids:
https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/activities/audubon-for-kids
Teatown is a nonprofit nature preserve and environmental education center in Ossining that offers a variety of programs and educational resources for the entire family.
https://www.teatown.org/public-programs-and-events/
Westmoreland Sanctuary offers 640 acres to explore, a museum, environmental educational, conservation and recreational programs and events, camps, and more for the entire family.
https://www.westmorelandsanctuary.org/
New Canaan Nature Center offers nature-based education, camps, events, live animals, and a nature preserve for all to enjoy.
Muscoot Farm, once a working dairy farm, is a place where families can experience history, agriculture, and wildlife in a family-friendly atmosphere. Kids love to visit the farm animals, run around the farm, and explore the scenic trails on their 777 acres. It's a great place to spend a couple of hours. Be sure to check their calendar for educational programs, summer camps, etc. Their Facebook page has wonderful videos recorded during the 2020 lockdown that can be enjoyed online.
The Rewilding School offers connections between people and nature, and their programs offer educational enrichment and personal growth for participants of all ages. They offer forest preschool, homeschool programs, afterschool enrichment, seasonal camps, weekend family programs, and private/small group events.
https://www.rewildingschool.com/
Forest School for All of Westchester is a free program that runs weekly on Wednesday mornings. Locations vary.
http://forestschoolforall.com/westchesterny/
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has many education programs and resources that will help everyone become a better steward of the environment.