260 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Bedford Corners, NY. 10549 / 914-666-8448

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Westmoreland Sanctuary celebrates 50 years in Environmental Education and Wildlife Preservation

OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY T-SHIRTS ARE ON SALE NOW.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW.

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Telephone: 914-666-8448

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Monday - Friday: 9:00-5:00

Saturday: 9:00-5:00

Sunday: 10:30-5:00

Admission is free.

* museum will be closed when staff is in the field.

TRAIL RULES:

Trails are open 7 days a week-dawn to dusk.

We do NOT allow dogs

Pick up a trail map at the KIOSK in the parking lot.

STAFF:

Director: Stephen Ricker

Naturalist: Adam Zorn

Naturalist: Lisa Ricker

The following is a list of programs available for 1st grade through adult.  Please call our office to speak to our staff about any of these programs and to get information on arranging a trip. 

POND ECOLOGY:  April to October * dress for possible muddy conditions

In the hands-on program the students go for a short walk to our pond.  Once there, they will learn about the ecology of the pond using nets (provided by us) to catch and observe its inhabitants.  We will learn about the interrelationships of these different organisms and their importance to man.

STREAM ECOLOGY:  April to October *dress for possible muddy conditions

This hands-on program is appropriate for a small group.  Students learn how organisms of a small stream have adapted to a different environment that that of a pond.  Participants will explore along a stream while discussing and observing life forms they find.

PAPERMAKING AND RECYCLING:  Year Round / Indoors

In this workshop, students will learn how to turn scrap paper into new paper.  We will also discuss the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.  We will learn what everyday household items the students can recycle (plastics, glass, metal) and how they are recycled.

CANDLE MAKING:  December / Indoors

In this program each student learns about colonial candle making and will get to make their own hand-dipped candle.

ANIMAL SIGNS AND TRACKING:  Year Round / Indoors and Outdoors ** Class size limited to 25 students

Students will learn how to find evidence of animals without seeing them.  They will learn how to identify the signs and interpret animal behavior.  We'll look at signs such as, tracks and scat.  Students will make a track print or cast to take home.

BLUEBIRD HOUSE CONSTRUCTION:  January and February only / Indoors

Each student gets to construct their own bird house for our state bird, the Eastern Bluebird.  They will also learn about the life history of this interesting bird.  This is the easiest of our woodworking projects.  All material is pre-cut, students just need to hammer and nail.

INSECTS AND SPIDERS:  Year Round / Indoors or Outdoors

Students learn characteristics that make insects so unique and how they are important to us.  Participants will have a hands-on experience with a live insect, learn about life cycles, habits and how they are important in nature.  Time and season permitting, we can venture outside to search around the museum for insects.  (Allow extra class time for outdoor excursion)

NATIVE AMERICAN WORKSHOP:  Year Round / Indoors or Outdoors

Students will learn about the daily life of the Native American.  We will discuss local history, food, shelter and hunting. This hands-on program includes storytelling and games.  This program is 1 1/2 hours for groups over 20 students.

SEED STUDY:  Year Round - Fall (best) / Indoors and Outdoors

Students will be introduced to the fascinating world of seeds and nuts.  Topics addressed will be: the inner workings of seeds, the importance of seeds in our lives and seed dispersal.  Students will study real seed and nut samples and then take a short walk (weather permitting) to visit various trees and other seed producing plants.

BIRD FEEDER WORKSHOP:  September, and November to April / Indoors or Outdoors

Each student will build a bird feeder to take home. We'll learn what birds eat and what types of foods will attract a wide variety of our feathered friends.  We will learn basic bird identification and how to set up a bird feeder station.  We will also visit our bird observation window to observe and learn to identify birds at your feeder station.  This can be used for various scout badges.

*** Be sure to check out the following programs that are also available.  Descriptions can be found on the Nursery to adult page.

Mammals / Bird Banding demonstration / Maple Sugaring Demonstration / Guided nature hike / Reptiles and Amphibians / Animal Kingdoms

Send mail to westsanc@optonline.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: September 30, 2008