The Greenbelt Environmental Education Center High Rock Park Staten Island New York

` Greenbelt Environmental Education

The Greenbelt
Environmental Education Center
Explore your world with us

Choose a program that interests you!
Fees for these programs vary
Call our Education Department for details or to register

See our Scouting badge programs

Teachers: The Greenbelt makes a great class trip!

The Greenbelt's Environmental Education Department is a federally landmarked educational resource that augments science curricula for school students. From the magic of the insect world to the wonders of weather and Native American lore, children engage in hands-on learning about local habitats, wildlife, and natural history.

We offer summer camp sessions, studio art classes, hikes and school vacation programs. Special programming is also available for senior adults, educators and the general public. For more information call (718) 667-7475, or Email the Greenbelt Education Department.

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HELPING MAKE THESE PROGRAMS POSSIBLE: Program funding is provided, in part, by the Richmond County Savings Foundation, New York State Senate and Assembly, New York City Council, Con Edison, New York City Environmental Fund, Time Warner Cable, Office of the Staten Island Borough President, Mr. and Mrs. Robert O’Brien, Northfield Bank, Verizon Foundation, and Law Offices of Matthew W. Woitkowski. The Greenbelt also receives support and contributions from the Greenbelt Conservancy Board of Directors, individuals and businesses.

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Here are some of the programs we currently offer:

All about plants
(Grade One to Sixth, All Seasons)
Plants and trees are the only organisms able to both produce their food and provide food and shelter for animals and humans. Depending on grade-level, students may conduct a sensory exploration of the forest; learn to identify plant’s parts; explore how plants use the sun’s energy, chlorophyll, carbon dioxide and water to produce carbohydrates for plant food and study plant reproduction, pollination and seed dispersal.

Animals of the Greenbelt
(Pre-K to Sixth Grade, All Seasons)
The Greenbelt is home to various mammals and birds. Students will learn characteristics of
animal groups, seasonal behavior and habitats of animals. Older students will learn about different animal communities and their interrelationships, and explore the physical and behavioral adaptations of urban animals. Students will also be introduced to the topic of threatened and endangered animals and habitat conservation.

Aquatic Life
(Second to Sixth Grade, Spring)
Students will examine aquatic animals and discover how their needs – water, air, light, food, space and shelter - are met by their wetland habitats. Includes a pond dip; weather permitting. This program is only available at High Rock Park.

Bats
(Third to Eighth Grade, All Seasons)
Forget their association with the scary side of night. Bats are gentle and marvelously beneficial creatures. They help pollinate innumerable plant species worldwide and are capable of devouring hundreds of mosquitoes in an hour! Students will explore the incredible nature of this unique nocturnal mammal and the important role bats play in our environment.

Ecosystem Exploration
(Third to Sixth Grade, All Seasons)
Students will be exposed to ecosystems within the Greenbelt and examine the diversity of plant and animal communities. They will observe, indentify, and record the components of a forest ecosystem and learn how humans have changed the Greenbelt over time.

Environment - A Clean and Healthy "Happy" Earth
(Pre-K to First Grade, Winter Outreach Class, All Seasons)
Through discussion and practical hands-on activities, students will learn how they can help keep the environment clean and healthy. Students will learn ways to reduce the amount of garbage they produce through recycling and reuse, and what they can do to make a difference.

First Forest Experience
(Pre-K and Kindergarten, children with special needs, All Seasons)
First impressions are important. Your child's first experience with nature and forest land will last a lifetime. This introductory program focuses on developing observation skills by having students use their five senses to explore the natural world around them.

Food Chains
(Pre-K winter outreach class, First to Sixth Grade, All Seasons)
Who is eating whom and why? Students will explore the eating habits of animals found in the Greenbelt, investigate the “links” that make up a typical food chain and gain an understanding of the natural predator-prey relationships that exist in the wild.

Global Warming
(Fifth to Twelfth Grade, All Seasons)
Learn what causes global warming and why scientists say people’s behavior is warming the planet. Explore simple things you can do to help make a difference.

Insects & Spiders
(Pre-K to Sixth Grade, Fall & Spring)
Insects and spiders are not one and the same. Students will discover their similarities and differences, life cycles, habitats and adaptations. This program includes an interactive digging experience, weather permitting.

Lenape: Native Americans of NYC
(First to Sixth Grade, All Seasons)
Students will explore the history, lifestyle and ingenuity of the Lenape Indians who once lived on Staten Island. Through hands-on activities and games, studying artifacts and outdoor investigations, students will learn what life was like for these Eastern Woodland people.

Magnifying Nature
(Third to Sixth Grade, Fall & Spring)
Using magnifying glasses, bug boxes, and binoculars, children will take a closer look into the realm of the forest not always obvious, or even visible to the naked eye.

Owl Lab
(Fifth to Twelfth Grade, All Seasons)
Students will experience an in-depth look at the special physical characteristics exclusive to owls including their intriguing dietary methods. This program includes an owl pellet dissection.

Polar Animals
(Pre-K winter outreach class, Winter & Spring)
Students will develop an understanding of why some animals are able to adapt to living in sub-freezing conditions. They will also learn where in the world Polar Regions can be found. This program is a fun introduction to geography, anatomy and science.

Pollution: Microscope Investigations
(Fifth to Twelfth Grade, All Seasons)
In order to evaluate pollution levels, scientists often utilize microscopes to help them identify different particles found in air, soil or water. Students will learn what makes a magnifier and how to use various magnifying tools to take a closer look at the microscopic problems that threaten the environmental health of our community.

Population and Sustainability
(Fifth to Twelfth Grade, All Seasons)
The planet is a lot smaller than we think. During this program students will explore the concept of exponential population growth, limited resources and interdependent relationships necessary to maintain life on Earth.

Precious Earth
(Two to Sixth Grade, All Seasons)
Using interactive outdoor activities, students are introduced the earth’s resources and how they can limit their environmental impact.

Reptiles
(Pre-K winter outreach class, Winter & Spring)
Learn what it takes to be a member of the reptile family through a playful hands-on science class. Students will become “reptile experts” as they are introduced to the anatomy, habitats, and adaptations of these fascinating creatures.

The Wonders of Water
(Four to Eighth Grade, All Seasons)
Learn what makes water so special. Students will learn about the properties of water, the water cycle, and the role water plays on our planet.

Scouting badge programs
(* next to the program means completion meets all the requirements necessary to receive the badge.)
Fees: $5 per participant. Programs are Tuesday through Thursday, 3:30 pm - 5 pm.
Call the Education Department for details.

Boy Scout badge programs at High Rock Park

	Indian Lore*
	Reptile/Amphibian
	Weather
	Bird Study
	Insect Study
	Nature
	Forestry
	Mammals
	Hiking

Girl Scout badge programs at High Rock Park
Brownie Troops:

	Animals*
	Earth and Sky
	Eco-Explorer*
	Watching Wildlife*
	Water Everywhere (Spring only)

Junior Troops:

	Finding Your Way*
	Hiker*
	Wildlife*
	Your Outdoor Surroundings*

Cadet & Senior Troops:

	All About Birds
	Eco-Action
	Orienteering
	Wildlife

Waste Reduction
(Five to Twelfth Grade, All Seasons)
Students will learn where their garbage goes and how to use the 3 R’s, reduce. reuse, recycle, to reduce their waste. The program includes an interactive recycling game that teaches which recyclables are acceptable on NYC curbsides and encourages at home and in school waste reduction.

Wetland Exploration
(Fifth to Twelfth Grade, Fall & Spring)
Using data collected through experiments, students will conduct a study of a fresh water wetland: They will analyze pH levels and turbidity of water samples and conduct wetland plant and animal indicator surveys (weather permitting).

Class trips
Has your child's class visited the Greenbelt?
The Greenbelt has a tradition of presenting environmental education programs to stimulate students' awareness of our natural world.

Call the Greenbelt's environmental Education Department
at (718) 667-7475 to request a program guide, or E-mail us.