What is the Weinberg Nature Center? Weinberg Nature Center s Tomorrow: Eyes on the Future

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1 What is the Weinberg Nature Center? Weinberg Nature Center is Scarsdale s own and only Nature Center serving the community s schools, scouts and the public. Created in 1958, Weinberg Nature Center is an approximately 10 acre wildlife sanctuary which consists of a meadow, fruit orchard, woodlots, swamp and a Woodland Indian Village. Adding to the intrigue of all these facets, several trails surround the Trailside Museum for public enjoyment. Weinberg Nature Center offers two trail types. Our shorter trails surround the Trailside Museum and are utilized for educational experiences in a controlled setting. There are also several longer trails comprising part of a twelve mile loop and which are maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club. All of our trails are open to the public from dawn till dusk seven days a week. Weinberg Nature Center s Tomorrow: Eyes on the Future Weinberg Nature Center is currently planning facility expansions in order to better the educational experiences offered to schools, scouts and the public. Several projects are currently being discussed, planned and implemented. At the top of the list here at Weinberg Nature Center is establishing a new classroom and science lab for educational programs, focusing on the opportunities Weinberg provides for school groups. The classroom will provide a space for school groups to meet with our staff. Overhead projectors will be utilized in this space for students to receive educational presentations. Our science lab will feature extended work stations where students will be able to use equipment such as microscopes and stereoscopes for use in such areas as leaf pack studies and macroinvertebrate research. Equipment used for field collection and research will be housed in our science lab as well. The staff and board of the Weinberg Nature Center is currently in talks with Hawk Circle Wilderness Education for a major expansion of the Native American Village here at the sanctuary. The new village will be moved to a more appropriate location on site. The wigwam on site will be moved to the new village location.. The new village will also feature, among other things, additional wigwams, a full sized dugout canoe replica, a central firepit, a brush shade arbor, and several replicas including tools used for hunting, gathering and day-to-day living. Photo credit / goes to Audrey Castiglione The staff, volunteers and Friends of Weinberg are also working on the development and implementation of green energy exhibits, both energy producing as well as nonproducing. The nonproducing display will have information on green energy as well as models of green energy technology. The energy producing exhibits will provide hands-on experiences with geothermal, solar and wind energy technologies.

2 The Goal of Weinberg Nature Center The goal of the Weinberg Nature Center s school and scouts programs is to provide positive indoor and outdoor educational experiences appropriate for each age level. Our programs include hands-on sensory awareness, exploration and discovery sessions, tracking, live animals, aquatic investigations and nature lore. Programs of the Weinberg Nature Center The Weinberg Nature Center both offers and runs a large variety of programs. Our programs cover a variety of topics including: Adaptations in the animal and plant world Animal homes and hideouts Animals of New York State Animal senses Birds The dynamic process of erosion and the formation of Long Island Sound and its glacial geology Endangered Species Food chains and webs Forest and Field Ecology Forest is it just trees? General ecology The geology of Scarsdale Habitats The Hudson River as a bioregion Human ecology Interrelationships: insects and their relatives Interrelationships: plants and animals Life Cycles Mammals Native Americans of the Southwest Native New Yorkers: The Delaware (Lenapé) Indians Nature awareness Plant life cycles Predators Pond and stream biology Reading the landscape Reptiles and amphibians Seeds Soils Wilderness survival Wildlife and wilderness World Biomes School and Scout Programs: Overview The school and scouts programs offered by the Weinberg Nature Center are a community service. These programs are available at no cost for public schools within the Scarsdale School District. Educational programs for children are available in a large variety of fields ranging from habitats to soils, Native American lifestyles to glacial geology. Many of our programs are designed to meet the New York State educational curriculum standards. Some of our programs are also designed to aid scouts in the process of obtaining badges and patches. Customized programs can also be made upon request. Please us at Schools@weinbergnaturecenter.org or Scouts@weinbergnaturecenter.org depending upon your group needs or call us at (914) to discuss your program. School outreach is available on a limited basis within the Scarsdale School District as well as within five miles of the Weinberg facility. Programs can be scheduled to fit into a school classroom format so all curriculum needs are met or into a scout/troop meeting setting. Program length can be flexible for multi-class or multi-troop visits, but are usually about minutes in length. Programs are designed for a single classroom/troop presentation. Slide projector, a screen and table/exhibit space are to be provided by the school or scout troop when off-site. More detailed information, program registration and fees can be found in the Schools and the Scouts sections of this brochure. Program descriptions can be found in the Program Descriptions section of this brochure. All of our programs can be adjusted so that they fulfill the New York State science and social studies curriculum objectives. Detailed descriptions of these programs as well as other potential programs appear later in this brochure.

3 Schools How Weinberg s Programs Fit into the NYS School Curriculum Weinberg Nature Center offers a large variety of programs to schools. All of these programs either already are or can be adjusted to meet the science curriculum requirements of NYS. The programs already offered are listed below. If you are interested in doing something not already listed, please contact us at (914) to discuss customized programming. Elementary K-2: Ecosystems, adaptations and seasonal changes are a big part of the science curriculum at this level. The following programs meet the educational standards for this K-2: Adaptations in the Animal and Plant World, Birds, Food Chains and Webs, Habitats, Interrelationships: Plants and Animals, Life Cycles, Mammals, Nature Awareness, Plant Life Cycles, Predators, Reptiles and Amphibians, and World Biomes. Elementary 3-5: Pond life, biodiversity and a more in depth look at ecosystems are major components of the science curriculum at this level. Programs that meet state requirements for this grade range include: Adaptations in the Plant and Animal World, Animals of New York State, Endangered Species, Food Chains and Webs, Forest and Field Ecology, Forest Is It Just Trees?, General Ecology, The Geology of Scarsdale, Habitats, The Hudson River as a Bioregion, Human Ecology, Interrelationships: Insects and their relatives, Interrelationships: Plants and Animals, Life Cycles, Plant Life Cycles, Pond and Stream Biology, Seeds and Soils. At this educational level, we also offer programs that meet NYS social studies requirements. The programs that meet these guidelines are Native Americans of the Southwest and Native New Yorkers: The Delaware (Lenapé) Indians. Middle 6-8: Streams, ponds, leaf packs and waste streams are all part of the middle school science curriculum. The Pond and Stream Biology program offers leaf pack studies and other sub-programs that meet state education requirements. High 9-12: At the high school level, Earth Science requirements can be met with the program, The Dynamic Process of Erosion and the Formation of Long Island Sound and Its Glacial Geology. Additionally, we offer students the opportunity to do independent environmental study, community service, and club activities. Registration and Fees Early registration is suggested so that your program can benefit from advanced planning. Call early to select the best date for your program. To schedule a program, us at Schools@weinbergnaturecenter.org or call us at (914) If the programs offered do not match your needs, please discuss a customized program when scheduling. Within the Scarsdale School District, public schools will not be charged for programming. All non-public schools within the Scarsdale School District will be charged $150 per class per program. All schools outside of the Scarsdale School District will be charged $ per class per program. Scouts How Weinberg Fits into Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America Weinberg Nature Center offers facilities and programs that allow boy scouts and girl scouts to pursue and obtain merit badges. Both existing programs as well as customizable programs are available to help scouts gain new merit badges in several areas. Below is a list of areas the nature center can aid in merit badge achievement for both boy scouts and girl scouts. Boy Scouts: The Weinberg Nature Center can help boy scouts gain merit badges in the following fields. Cub Scouts Tiger Scout Electives Feed the Birds Learn About Animals Plant a Seed Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Wolf Scout Achievements and Electives Your Living World A American Indian Lore E Birds E Outdoor Adventure E Bear Scout Achievements and Electives Family Outdoor Advenure A Sharing Your World with Wildlife A American Indian Lire E Nature Crafts E Water and Soil Conservation E Webelos Scouts Badges Forester Geologist Naturalist Scientist Belt Loops Astronomy Geology Map and Compass Weather Wildlife Conservation Pins Astronomy Geology Map and Compass Weather Wildlife Conservation Boy Scouts Badges Archeology Astronomy Bird Study Cooking Energy Environmental Science Fish and Wildlife Management Forestry Gardening Geology Hiking Indian Lore Insect Study Mammal Study Nature Oceanography Orienteering Plant Science Pulp and Paper Reptile and Amphibian Study Soil and Water Conservation Weather

4 Scouts Program Descriptions Girl Scouts: The Weinberg Nature Center can help girl scouts gain merit badges in the following fields. Brownie Girl Scouts Animals Earth and Sky Earth is our Home Eco-Explorer Outdoor Adventurer Plants Science in Action Science Wonders Watching Wildlife Water Everywhere Junior Girl Scouts Earth Connections Eco-Action Environmental Health Food, Fibers and Farming Hiker Humans and Habitats Let s Get Cooking Local Lore Outdoor Cook Outdoor Fun Plants and Animals Rocks Rock Science Discovery Science in Action Science in Everyday Life Science Sleuth Sky Search Water Wonders Weather Watch Wildlife Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts All About Birds Eco-Action From Shore to Sea Orienteering Paper Works Planet Power Plant Life Wildlife Registration and Fees Early registration is suggested so that your program can benefit from advanced planning. Call early to select the best date for your program. To schedule a pre-existing or customized program, us at Scouts@weinbergnaturecenter.org or call us at (914) All scout groups based within Scarsdale are charged $150 per program. All scout groups based outside of Scarsdale are charged $175 per program. Adaptations in the Animal and Plant World: Why are some frogs and snakes bright red, yellow or orange while others are the color of fallen leaves? What do animals and plants do when the environment around them begins to change? These are just the start of the what is, Why is and Who do questions about camouflage and a host of other adaptations animals and plants have developed for survival. In this program we cover a diverse group of animal-plant-environment interactions including camouflage, symbiosis, predator defense, resource limitations, hibernation and erosion. Animal Homes and Hideouts: Sometimes a home of an animal is made by another! Discover which animals dig their own holes and which animals grab the opportunity to snatch another s. Still others may devour the original builder and take over as the new owner! Animals of New York State: Who lives in New York State? What is their habitat? What do they eat? What animals are now in danger of extinction? What animals were common just 300 years ago? This program will cover common creatures and their habitats and uncommon creatures and why so many are endangered. Slides and exhibit material will be included in the presentation. From owls to bears, coyotes to whales we share the land and its resources with a variety of fascinating animals, all residents of the New York region. What animals are endangered in your area and why? Animal Senses: This program introduces kids to the senses of the animal world. What does the world look like through the eyes of a bee? What does a snake experience while slithering across the ground? How far away can a rabbit hear? Come and find out! Birds: Learn the mysteries of birds! Discover all kinds of facts relating to birds including their behavior, physiological characteristics, camouflage, beak shapes, feather structure, body shape and more! Not only will you get to study skins and feathers, but you may just get to meet Weinberg s very own albino Ring-Neck Dove! The Dynamic Process of Erosion and the Formation of Long Island Sound and Its Glacial Geology: Discover how local land formations were formed, what forces gouged out caves, how fossils were formed, what natural forces made area ponds, lakes and Long Island Sound. Why are there large boulders on the North shore of Long Island and none on the South shore? Endangered Species: Some of the animals and plants of the world, as well as New York State, are disappearing. Which animals and plants are already gone? Which ones are in danger of disappearing forever? How are these animals and plants changing to meet the effects of large population decreases? Is there anything humans can do to stop species from disappearing? Learn the answers to these and more! Food Chains and Webs: Who eats whom? What is a carnivore? An herbivore? An omnivore? Learn the answers to these questions and more! Animals and plants are intricately connected through food chains and webs. Discover what happens when an endangered species disappears from a food chain. Find out what happens when pollution affects the food web. Can the balance of nature be restored? Photo credit / page goes to naturalist staff and Audrey Castiglione

5 Forest and Field Ecology: Have you ever looked at a field and wondered if it was more than just open space? Have you ever looked at a forest and wanted to know if it was more than just trees? This program offers the answers to these questions and much more! These two environments may seem very different, but they are intricately connected. These two habitats are ever changing environments for both animals and plants alike. Discover what lives in these differing habitats and why they are so connected. Forest Is It Just Trees?: There is a long list of what you can find in the forest. One list you might think is easy to put together may be the animals such as owls, deer, and chipmunks. Don t forget about the things that may not be alive, such as a fallen log. While a fallen log can become the home of some animals and even fungi, don t forget where that log came from: the trees. All different kinds of trees make up the forests of New York State including oak, maple and dogwood to name just a few. Let s not forget the understory, which can be composed of Mt. Laurel, spicebush and barberry among other species. There is a whole network of activity and interactions going on between the plant and animal kingdoms. What is forest recycling and how does it work? Who lives in a tree trunk? Why is a standing dead tree important for wildlife? What is a snag? General Ecology: What is ecology? Discover the answer and much more in this program. Take a guided walk focusing on the different ecosystems both on and off the sanctuary. Discuss the variety of habitats around the world and why such variety is important. You will learn that not every habitat is what you would expect. The Geology of Scarsdale: What type of rock is common in Scarsdale? What minerals are common for our part of Westchester County? Learn the answers to these and more in this program. Basic rock classification and erosion will be covered. A visit to one of our rock formations is also part of this program. Habitats: Why does a woodchuck live on the forest edge in a four foot deep hole? Why do owls like to roost? Where does a fox choose to prepare a den? Why do woodpeckers like dead trees? Discuss the diversity of biomes and learn about the variety of species that live there. Discover why some plants and animals prefer one habitat over another. The Hudson River as a Bioregion: Explore the beginning of the Hudson, its wild and diverse inhabitants from bears to beavers, and a bit of its geology from the Adirondacks through the Catskills to New York City. Read the New York State landscape from the New York Metropolitan area to the top of St. Marcy, Lake Tear of the Clouds, and the headwaters of the Hudson River. Human Ecology: Humans are an animal species on this planet just as much as bears, eagles and snakes. Just like other animal species, humans have adapted to the regions and habitats found on every continent. What are some of the adaptations humans have undergone? What other animals are associated with humans? This program addresses these questions and more as we look at humans from a global ecological perspective. Interrelationships: Insects and their Relatives: How are creatures in the insect world important to us? How are they important to trees and other plants? Discover the diversity of species, their adaptability to different environments, and how insects benefit humans. Interrelationships: Plants and Animals: Many times we consider plants and animals as separate parts of the natural world. In reality, plants and animals are intricately connected. Plants and animals can be thought of as equal yet opposite in many ways. Many of us are familiar with plants feeding animals, but this program will teach you how animals can feed plants. Discover how plants and animals help each other breathe. Discover how animals help plants reproduce through pollination and seed dispersal. These topics and much more are addressed through this program. Life Cycles: What is a life cycle? Do all animals have the same life cycle? What are the stages of a life cycle? These are just a few of the questions answered with this program. Follow the life of an animal from an egg through old age and discover what comes in between. This program can focus on either invertebrates or vertebrates and can be designed around the life cycle of tadpoles, butterflies, dragonflies and more! Mammals: What makes a mammal a mammal? Learn the answer to this question while studying skins, fur colorations, structure, camouflage, body shape and much more! Apply what you learn by meeting some of our resident mammal friends, including a rabbit, chinchilla, guinea pigs and a degu. Native Americans of the Southwest: Lifestyles and traditions of the Native Americans of the Great Southwest prior to European settlement. What kinds of homes did they live in? What kinds of foods did they eat? What did they hunt for? Learn the answers to these questions and many others! Native New Yorkers: The Delaware (Lenapé) Indians: Who were the first inhabitants of Westchester County and its environs? A look at the traditions and lifestyles of the natives of New York State. How they lived, what they ate, what they used for medicine, and what they left behind. This presentation will touch upon not only the past, but also their lifestyles today. Nature Awareness: This program looks at nature through a sensory awareness perspective. By using our five senses, we can learn to better appreciate the great out-of-doors around us. This program will not only utilize the five senses, but will also discuss changes to the physical environment, such as shifts in weather, as well as touch upon interrelationships between the physical environment and the five senses. Plant Life Cycles: How do plants grow? What do plants need to go from seed to flower? What are the parts of a plant and a flower? These questions and more are answered with this program. Follow the life of a plant from germination through pollination. Discover different survival methods plants use to ensure a healthy life and wide seed dispersal. Predators: What is a predator? What is its function in the scheme of things? How many different kinds are there? How do they help sustain a healthy ecosystem? How do they fit into food chains and webs? What are the special attributes that help a predator succeed? This program provides a slide presentation about the different kinds of predators that you may be familiar with and some you may never have heard of before. You may be surprised to find out what can be called a predator!

6 Pond and Stream Biology: This program offers an exploration of the pond and stream environments. This program is designed to allow the study of either or both environments. If both environs are opted for, the two can be compared and contrasted with a discussion of adaptations in the two environments. Leaf pack studies can be performed for the study of stream biology. Reading the Landscape: This program focuses on a discussion surrounding the history of the grounds the sanctuary sits upon. Its past and present uses, from Indian to present day, will be discussed. Natural history will also be incorporated into the session. Reptiles and Amphibians: What is a reptile? What is an amphibian? Learn the answers to these questions and more! Discover the survival adaptations, hunting methods and camouflage techniques of different reptiles and amphibians. The program ends with an introduction to some of our own reptiles and amphibians. Seeds: How do plants spread? Why do some seeds fly away while other just drop? Discover some interesting ways plants disperse their seeds. Samples of various kinds of seeds and a short slide show are all part of this program. Pollination is also covered within this program. Soils: What is soil made of? How is it made? How are plants makers of soil? Why is soil important to humans? Why is protecting our soil from erosion important for reforestation? Discover what creatures live in the soil and how they help in nature s recycling process. Learn why weathering, erosion and frost heaving all add to the breakdown of rock into the soil mixture. Discover how hard it is to turn rocks into soil. These topics and more will be discussed. Wilderness Survival: Basic wilderness survival techniques will be learned along with a discussion on some common sense responses to different situations. These learning experiences will be followed by a hands-on real life situation in which the techniques discussed will be utilized to figure out a way to handle a dilemma. Wildlife and Wilderness: What kinds of wildlife live on larger tracts of land? How does a larger territory affect plants and animals? Do some species need larger wilderness areas to survive? How do species found over vast stretches of territory relate to species found only in small areas? All of these questions and more are answered! World Biomes: What is a biome? How many different kinds exist on our planet? Why do particular biomes exist where they do? Learn the answers to these and more! Different plants and animals have adapted to live in vastly different environments the world over. Discover what interrelationships and natural resources exist in the desert. Learn how succession brings life back after natural disasters and during seasonal changes. You may be surprised to find out how many different biomes are out there all around you!