Our Programs
Connecting people with nature through education and hands-on experiences
At Demarest Nature Center, we offer a wide range of programs designed to inspire environmental awareness and foster a deep connection with the natural world. From school-aged children to adults, our programs provide meaningful outdoor experiences that educate, engage, and empower participants to become stewards of the environment.
School Programs
Our curriculum-aligned outdoor education programs bring students from kindergarten through 12th grade into direct contact with nature. We partner with local schools to provide hands-on learning experiences that complement classroom instruction and meet educational standards.
Program Features:
- Standards-aligned environmental curriculum for K-12
- Guided nature walks and field investigations
- Seasonal ecology studies
- Wildlife observation and habitat exploration
- Stream ecology and water quality testing
- Tree and plant identification
- Environmental science experiments
- Conservation education workshops
Educational Impact:
We proudly support comprehensive K-4 environmental education programs in Demarest schools, providing thousands of students with meaningful outdoor learning experiences each year. Our programs help students develop critical thinking skills, scientific inquiry abilities, and a lifelong appreciation for nature.
Summer Camps
Our nature-based day camps provide children ages 5-12 with unforgettable summer experiences. Campers explore the trails, discover wildlife, engage in hands-on nature activities, and make lasting friendships while developing a deeper connection to the natural world.
Camp Activities Include:
- Trail explorations and nature hikes
- Wildlife observation and tracking
- Stream studies and aquatic life discovery
- Nature crafts and outdoor art
- Team-building games and activities
- Environmental education lessons
- Scavenger hunts and nature challenges
- Storytelling and outdoor adventures
Camp Details:
Ages: 5-12 years old
Format: Day camps (no overnight)
Schedule: Multiple weekly sessions throughout summer
Activities: Age-appropriate outdoor learning and play
Family Programs
Our family programs are designed to bring multiple generations together to explore and appreciate nature. These guided experiences provide opportunities for families to learn together, create memories, and deepen their connection to the natural world.
Popular Family Activities:
- Guided nature hikes for all ages and abilities
- Seasonal celebrations (spring wildflowers, fall foliage, winter tracking)
- Maple syrup making demonstrations
- Children's scavenger hunts
- Birdhouse and bird feeder building workshops
- Nature photography walks
- Mushroom foraging walks with experts
- Community trail walks
- Holiday nature crafts
Why Families Love Our Programs:
Our family programs are inclusive, educational, and fun! Whether you're experienced hikers or first-time nature explorers, our knowledgeable volunteers create welcoming environments where everyone can learn and enjoy the outdoors together.
Adult Workshops
Our adult workshops cater to nature enthusiasts who want to deepen their knowledge and skills. Led by experts and experienced naturalists, these programs cover a wide range of topics from bird watching to conservation practices.
Workshop Topics Include:
- Bird Watching: Learn identification skills, birding by ear, and participate in bird counts
- Nature Photography: Capture the beauty of the natural world with composition and technique workshops
- Native Plant Gardening: Discover how to create wildlife-friendly landscapes with native species
- Conservation Practices: Learn about sustainable living and environmental stewardship
- Ecology Lectures: Expert presentations on local ecology, wildlife, and environmental topics
- Trail Maintenance: Hands-on workshops on trail care and land management
- Mushroom Identification: Guided foraging walks with mycology experts
- Seasonal Nature Study: In-depth explorations of seasonal changes in our ecosystem
Expert-Led Learning:
Our workshops are taught by professional naturalists, master gardeners, conservation experts, and passionate volunteers who bring decades of combined experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced naturalist, you'll find programs that challenge and inspire you.
Why Choose Our Programs?
Expert Instruction
Learn from experienced naturalists, educators, and conservation professionals
Hands-On Learning
Engage directly with nature through interactive, experiential activities
55-Acre Preserve
Explore diverse habitats including forests, streams, and meadows
All Ages Welcome
Programs designed for everyone from young children to senior adults
Community Connection
Meet like-minded people who share your passion for nature
Affordable Access
Many programs are free or low-cost, thanks to our generous supporters
High School Scholarship Program
Each year, Demarest Nature Center awards an annual scholarship to a high school senior pursuing studies in environmental science, ecology, conservation, or related fields. This scholarship supports the next generation of environmental leaders and reflects our commitment to education.
Eligibility: High school seniors planning to study environmental or natural sciences
Learn More About Our ScholarshipWhat We Sponsor
The Demarest Nature Center sponsors numerous programs throughout the year to bring residents of Demarest and surrounding areas into closer contact with wildlife and the natural world.
Sponsored Programs
🌿 Lectures on Native Plants
Educational presentations about native plant species, their ecological importance, and how to incorporate them into your landscape.
👨👩👧👦 Family Hikes
Guided nature walks designed for families to explore our trails together and learn about local ecosystems.
🍁 Maple Syrup Making
Annual demonstrations showing the traditional process of collecting sap and making pure maple syrup.
🦅 Bird Watching and Counting
Regular birding sessions and participation in annual bird counts to track local avian populations.
🏠 Birdhouse Building
Hands-on workshops where families build and decorate birdhouses to take home.
🔍 Children's Scavenger Hunts
Fun outdoor activities that engage children in discovering nature through interactive exploration.
🍄 Mushroom Foraging Walks
Expert-led walks teaching safe mushroom identification and the role of fungi in forest ecosystems.
🛶 Canoe Day
Special events allowing participants to experience the Tenakill Brook from a unique water perspective.
🎃 Annual Oktoberfest
Community celebration featuring local crafters, vendors, nature activities, and family fun.
📸 Photo Contest
Annual photography competition showcasing the beauty of nature at the Demarest Nature Center.
Program Locations
Our outdoor activities are held at various locations throughout the community:
- Demarest Nature Center trails and grounds
- Wakelee Field
- Local school grounds
- Duck Pond area
Supporting the Community
In addition to public and school events and the development and maintenance of the Nature Center grounds, the Association provides:
- Subscriptions of nature and environmentally oriented publications to the Demarest Public Library
- Occasional grants to the library for purchasing environmental publications and videos
- Scholarship awards to graduating seniors interested in environmental sciences
Your membership dollars allow us to continue sponsoring these valuable programs for the community!
Get Involved
Interested in participating in our programs or want to bring a group to the nature center? We'd love to hear from you!