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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

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Address
2351 Veteran’s Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
  New York City Region
Latitude 40.53758
Longitude -74.225349
  Directions

Group Programs

The Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center offers interactive exhibits and environmental education programs. Come learn about the Preserve's natural environment and rich history of the Lenape, the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground, the clay-miners, and organic farmer Herbert Gericke. Historical artifacts as well as wildlife specimens native to Staten Island's south shore are on display. Visitors can get up close and personal with live animals, enjoy the touch discovery station, look through a children's stereoscope or play in the kid's activity area. Be sure to venture outside and explore the miles of trails that wander among meadows, forests, wetlands, streams and to Sharrotts Pond.

The Interpretive Center offers environmental education programs year round for schools at all grade levels as well as interpretive programs, hikes, and themed walks for youth organizations and the general public. Contact the Center for more information on public, school, scout or camp programs.

Hours of Operation

  • The Park Office, located at 83 Nielsen Ave, Staten Island, NY is open 9 AM - 5 PM daily. Phone: (718) 967-1976 The Preserve gounds are open dawn to dusk.
  • The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm and Sundays 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm with exhibits, classroom space, games and access to Preserve trails.

Fees & Rates

  • Program Fees
  • All programs are FREE of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Sat 04 May
I Love My Park Day
Saturday, May 4, 2024 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Show your park some love during this state-wide event! Join us at the Nature Center and help us with important trail restoration including wood chipping, log rolling, and litter removal. Volunteer registration opens early April, sign up at: https://www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day
Registration: Required
Tue 07 May
Tot Time Tuesdays
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. A guided story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Best for ages 0-4. Registration not required.
Sat 11 May
Morning Bird Stroll
Saturday, May 11, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Migratory birds are back in New York City! Join us on this guided walk to discover the birds of Clay Pit Ponds. Binoculars will be provided, we will hike up to 2 miles. Best for ages 8 and up. Click here to register!
Tue 14 May
Tot Time Tuesdays
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. A guided story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Best for ages 0-4. Registration not required.
Tue 21 May
Tot Time Tuesdays
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. A guided story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Best for ages 0-4. Registration not required.

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