Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

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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.
Thu 18 Sep
Seasonal Crafting for Seniors: Stick Monograms
Thursday, September 18, 2025 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Join us in creating a personalized stick monogram to add organic, artistic appeal to your fall decorations. Socialize with peers and enjoy the beauty of our park with an optional hike. Ages 55+. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sat 20 Sep
Art in the Park: Dinosaur Crafts
Saturday, September 20, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Celebrate International Archeology Day by making different dinosaur crafts during this drop-in art program. All ages. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sat 20 Sep
Fall Equinox Hike
Saturday, September 20, 2025 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Observe the seasonal changes in the park. We will hike up to 2 miles. All ages. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register
Registration: Required
Tue 23 Sep
Tot Time
Tuesday, September 23, 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
Sat 27 Sep
Pond Patrol
Saturday, September 27, 2025 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Help us test the water quality in our ponds to determine their health! We will hike up to 1 mile. Trails are not stroller friendly. All ages. Click here to register!
Registration: Required