After School classes at the Preserve help connect children to the natural world in a variety of ways. Classes are held outdoors on the Preserve’s beautiful grounds when weather permits, or inside the Phil Dejana Learning Center. Small, intimate classes for children 15 months through high school foster lifelong connections between art, science, wellness and the environment.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Nature Discovery with the Parent Resource Center
Children age 15 – 36 months and their adults explore the natural world through active play and circle time, engaging the five senses. Register with the PRC!
Art with Sandrine Gold
Miss Sandrine creates a fun environment for young artists to explore their creativity. Children will create paints, clay sculptures, collages and more, all inspired by nature’s abundant resources.
Outdoor Nature Exploration
Preschool – Early Elementary with Tracy Strianese
Upper Elementary with Hildur Palsdottir
Outdoor nature immersion classes will lead students on a discovery of the natural wonders of the Preserve and its varied environments. These classes are held entirely outdoors in the Fall.
Youth Naturalists
Middle School – High School with Hildur Palsdottir
Students will learn about citizen science and engage directly in natural resource studies. They will learn how to map the composition and distribution of flora and fauna across the Preserve. Wildlife surveys will be performed with the help of camera traps and audiomoths, as well as with other tracking and surveying techniques. We will discuss healthy ecosystem function and actively participate in restoration that includes removal of invasives and rewilding with natives.
STEAM Discovery
Preschool with Sandrine Gold
Elementary with Leah Master
Children will explore a variety of scientific, technological, and engineering concepts through hands-on experiments, building projects, and artistic crafts. Inquiry-based classes will utilize the natural landscape of the Preserve for project materials and age-appropriate discussions.
Click here for the Spring 2024 Registration Form
Click here for Participant Waiver Form
SPRING CLASS SCHEDULE
New this season: BLOCK CLASSES! Register your child for both Art and Nature classes on Thursdays and receive a discount (K-5 only). Block classes include 10 minutes of supervised time in the Woodland Playground!
ART IN NATURE 
Ages 3-5
Thursdays 2:15 – 3:00 pm
Dates: April 4 – May 30 (no class 4/25)
Grades K-1 – Eligible for Block Class
Thursdays 4:40 – 5:25 pm
Dates: April 4 – May 30 (no class 4/25)
Grades 2-5 – Eligible for Block Class
Thursdays 3:40 – 4:25
Dates: April 4 – May 30 (no class 4/25)
OUTDOOR NATURE EXPLORATION
Ages 3-5
Wednesdays 2:15 – 3:00
Dates: April 3 – May 29 (no class 4/24)
Grades K-2 Section I – Eligible for Block Class
Thursdays 3:40 – 4:25 pm
Dates: April 4 – May 30 (no class 4/25)
Grades K-2 Section II
Fridays 3:45 – 4:30 pm
Dates: April 5 – June 7 (no class 4/26, 5/24)
Grades 3-5 – Eligible for Block Class
Thursdays 4:40 – 5:25 pm
Dates: April 4 – May 30 (no class 4/25)
Grades 6-12 – Youth Naturalists
Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Dates: April 3 – May 29 (no class 4/24)
STEAM DISCOVERY
Ages 3-5
Fridays 2:15 – 3:00 pm
Dates: April 5 – June 7 (no class 4/26, 5/24)
Grades K-2
Wednesdays 3:40 – 4:25
Dates: April 3 – May 29 (no class 4/24)
Grades 3-5
Wednesdays 4:40 – 5:25 pm
Dates: April 3 – May 29 (no class 4/24)
OUTDOOR DISCOVERY ZONE with PARENT RESOURCE CENTER –All classes are full, click on the link below to join the waitlist
Age 15 – 36 Months
Wednesdays 9:30 – 10:15 am
Wednesdays 10:30 – 11:15
Fridays 9:30 – 10:15
Dates: March 27 – June 12 (no class 4/24)
Register with the PRC
To register and for more information, contact Education Director Tracy Strianese (516.570.2185).