Budding Naturalists

🌿 Budding Naturalists Resource Guide

Lewisboro Land Trust is excited to share our Budding Naturalists Resource Guide, created by Shantala DuGay-Iyengar and Ingrid Ramos, to help families discover meaningful, nature-based learning opportunities close to home.

As more children spend time learning at home and online, outdoor experiences provide a powerful complement to traditional education. Exploring nature together helps kids stay connected with friends, build curiosity, and develop a lifelong love for the natural world—one that inspires care, responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

Drawing on years of planning outdoor programs and raising our own children here in Lewisboro, we’ve gathered and organized resources to make getting outside easy, fun, and enriching for the whole family.

🌱 What You’ll Find

• The Lewisboro Land Trust Online Field Guide
  Our interactive, community-focused field guide introduces the plants, animals, and ecosystems living right in your backyard.

• Aligned Organizations & Programs
  A curated list of local and regional organizations offering additional ways for families to explore, learn, and connect with nature.

The Budding Naturalists Resource Guide is designed specifically for our community and will continue to grow and evolve. Please check back often for new additions and updates. We also welcome your ideas and suggestions—if you’d like to help it grow, reach out to us at Info@LewisboroLandTrust.org.

🌳 Resources for Families

Trailside Nature Museum – Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Trailside features mounted animals, American Indian artifacts, hands-on exhibits, interactive displays for children, and nature-inspired artwork. They also offer seasonal educational programs, including a Pre-K program.

Bedford Audubon – Katonah
Explore beautiful sanctuary trails and enjoy seasonal features like the Book Walk. The Bylane Farmhouse includes a nature library and interactive bird displays with accurate species calls.

National Audubon Society – Kids Activities
A wonderful collection of online activities and resources to help children learn about birds and the natural world from anywhere.

Teatown Lake Reservation – Ossining
A nonprofit nature preserve and environmental education center offering family programs, hikes, workshops, and seasonal events.

Westmoreland Sanctuary
With 640 acres of trails, a museum, camps, and conservation programs, Westmoreland offers year-round opportunities for exploration and learning for all ages.

New Canaan Nature Center
Enjoy live animals, nature trails, camps, and engaging educational programs designed to connect visitors with the environment.

Muscoot Farm – Katonah
Once a working dairy farm, Muscoot invites families to experience history, agriculture, and wildlife. Kids love visiting the animals, running the fields, and exploring scenic trails across 777 acres. Check their calendar for camps and programs.

The Rewilding School
Connecting people and nature through forest preschool, homeschool programs, after-school enrichment, camps, and family programs for all ages.

Forest School for All of Westchester
A free, weekly outdoor learning program for children, meeting on Wednesday mornings at rotating locations.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Offers educational programs and resources that help New Yorkers become better stewards of the environment.