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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.
Sun 01 Dec
Staten Island Spotlight Series
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
This multi-agency collaboration brings you one event per week, taking you around the island to explore its diverse ecosystems! The series starts on 10/27 at Freshkills Park. Visit freshkillspark.org to register.
Registration: Required
Sun 01 Dec
3-Mile Guided Hike
Sunday, December 1, 2024 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Join us for our guided hike along the Park's northern trails. We will stop at Tappan's Pond, visit the Gericke Farm, and travel the Ellis Swamp Trail. Moderate difficult. Trails are not stroller friendly. All ages. Click here to register.
Registration: Required
Tue 03 Dec
Tot Time
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 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
Wed 04 Dec
Herbalism Book Chat
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Calling all herb lovers! Chat with us and the staff of Richmondtown Library about medicinal herbs. Learn about library resources surrounding the natural history of herbal medicines. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Tue 10 Dec
Tot Time
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 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

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