Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

Skip Navigation LinksHome / Environment / Nature Centers / Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Address
2351 Veteran’s Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
Latitude 40.53758
Longitude -74.225349

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.
Tue 17 Jun
Tot Time
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. Story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Thu 19 Jun
Seasonal Crafting for Seniors: Bird Feeders
Thursday, June 19, 2025 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Join us to make bird feeders with recycled teacups and saucers or create your own design on a blank canvas mug. All materials provided, but feel free to bring your own cups or saucers. Socialize with peers and enjoy the scenery of our gorgeous park on an optional hike. Ages 55+. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Fri 20 Jun
Summer Solstice Hike
Friday, June 20, 2025 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with an evening hike through the park! We will hike up to 2 miles. All ages. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sat 21 Jun
Puppets in the Park
Saturday, June 21, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Enjoy our Plight of the Pollinators performance! Learn all about pollination during a kid-friendly puppet show. Show times are at 11:00am and 2:00pm. All ages. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sat 21 Jun
Puppets in the Park
Saturday, June 21, 2025 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Enjoy our Plight of the Pollinators performance! Learn all about pollination during a kid-friendly puppet show. Show times are at 11:00am and 2:00pm. All ages. Click here to register!
Registration: Required