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.
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- 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.
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Fees & Rates
- Program Fees
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- All programs are FREE of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Tot Time
Tuesday, July 2, 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
Tot Time
Tuesday, July 9, 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
Nature Journaling: Tiny Worlds
Saturday, July 13, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Connect with nature
though drawing and writing in this new monthly program! Learn basic journaling
skills and explore the macroscopic world in this first session. Open to adults
and children ages 8+. All materials will be provided, please be prepared to
spend up to an hour outside. Click
here register.
Registration: Required
Tot Time
Tuesday, July 16, 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
Young Naturalist: Curious Climate
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
The perfect biweekly program for kids to become scientists this
summer! Each session will examine a different aspect of nature. This week's
theme is climate and weather. Be prepared for a short hike. Click
here to register.
Registration: Required