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.
Fri 14 Mar
Lunar Eclipse Viewing
Friday, March 14, 2025
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
View the Lunar Eclipse bright and early in the morning at the Interpretive Center! Bathrooms will be provided. *Registration required* All ages. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Fri 14 Mar
Singin’ Stories
Friday, March 14, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Join us and Richmondtown Library staff for guitar songs and read-aloud stories! Get a library card and find resources on learning about Staten Island's beautiful natural places. Ages 0-5. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Tue 18 Mar
Tot Time
Tuesday, March 18, 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 22 Mar
Signs of Spring Guided Hike
Saturday, March 22, 2025 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Celebrate the Spring Equinox and look for the beginning signs of spring on a guided hike through our park. We will hike up to 2 miles. All ages. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Tue 25 Mar
Tot Time
Tuesday, March 25, 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