Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Address
87 Nature Center Way
Voorheesville, NY 12186
87 Nature Center Way
Voorheesville, NY 12186
Latitude 42.655132
Longitude -74.042389
- General Information: (518) 872-0800
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The Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center opened in July 2001 and is located in Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park. The center offers year-round educational programs for school groups, youth organizations, clubs and the general public. Exhibits and displays include a geologic model of the Helderberg Escarpment, a live honeybee observation hive, bird viewing area, fossils, furs and other hands-on collections. Trails for hiking and skiing lead from the nature center to the lake, through woodlands and fields.
Please note fishing is prohibited at the Emma Treadwell Nature Center
Learn more, watch WMHT Specials | The Great Ledge: Exploring Thacher | WMHT
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Hours of Operation
- Nature Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00am - 4:00pmSnowshoe rentals by appointment only
Fees & Rates
- Snowshoe Rentals
$10.00 all day
$5.00 four hours or less
Program Descriptions
Incredible
Insects (April-September)
Butterflies, bees, and all kinds of bugs are an important part
of nature. Discover what makes them special, and what you can do to support
biodiversity in your backyard. Then, take to the fields and forest to see
how many insects you can find.
Awesome Aquatics (April-September)
Discover the different parts of a habitat, and what animals need
to thrive. Then, borrow nets and see how many lake creatures you can catch!
Dress for wading.
Indian Ladder Trail Tour (June-October)
Descend through the entrance of the Indian Ladder Trail to view
the amazing rock formations, and the forces that shaped them. This one mile
hike offers spectacular views of the valley and mountains north and east.
Hibernation Investigation (November-March)
Explore mammal skulls and skins to learn about the many
adaptations that help them survive in their habitat. Then, take to the trails
to search for signs of wildlife. The hike will be lead on snowshoes, weather
permitting.
Snowshoeing (January-March)
We'll strap on snowshoes and take an invigorating walk on the
trails or in your schoolyard. Learn to look for evidence of animal life while
you take in the quiet beauty of winter. Warm, waterproof footwear, and
snowpants recommended.
Animal Superpowers (All Year)
Meet some of our animal ambassadors and discover the adaptations
that help them thrive in their habitat. Then, take a hike to search for some of
the amazing plants and animals that call the park home.
Fun With Fossils (All Year)
400 million years ago, New York was submerged under a tropical
sea! Explore the geological history of the park, and examine fossils of ancient
sea creatures.
The Connect-Kids-to-Parks Grant Program is designed to connect students in New
York State with nature and history. Each grant can provide reimbursement for
field trips to state and federal parks, forests, historic sites, fish
hatcheries, and outdoor recreation areas for districts with at least one Title
1 school.
Additional programs can be designed to meet your group's
specific interests. To schedule a field trip or outreach program in your
classroom, please call 518-872-0800 or email ThacherEducation@parks.ny.gov.
Thu
08
May
Thursday, May 8, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800
Meets at the Hop Field,
Explore the outdoors with our Knee-High
Naturalists series! Best suited for children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult.
Each session will explore a different theme - activities may include crafts,
games, storybook readings, or a kid-friendly nature walk. Registration
required. Call 518-872-0800.
Registration: Required
Sat
10
May
Saturday, May 10, 2025 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800
Meet at the Nature Center, Ages 12 and up, Don't we all love Thacher State Park? This
volunteer program is a great way to give back to the park and become an
ecological steward. This series of volunteer days will alternate between
vegetation management of introduced species and trail work. We will use hand
tools; please wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty and appropriate
close-toed work shoes. Registration required: Call 518-872-0800
Registration: Required
Sat
10
May
Saturday, May 10, 2025 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800
Weather permitting, meet at the Thacher Park
Overlook, where on a clear day at least four different landscape regions are
visible. Learn how and when they formed and about the many different rock types
of which they are made. Registration encouraged: Call 518-872-0800.
Registration: Required
Sat
17
May
Saturday, May 17, 2025 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800
Meet at the Visitor Center, Participants will come to understand the development of Thacher Park's unique landscapes and the terms associated with them. We will observe the limestone layers and the resurging underground streams, and visit the active sinkhole and other unique areas. Each participant is expected to follow the group leader in their own vehicle as we caravan to the different sites. Registration encouraged: Call 518-872-0800.
Registration: Required
Sat
17
May
Saturday, May 17, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
At the Pear Orchard Pavilion near the Visitor
Center,
SATURDAY ONLY. Stop by to see what native
perennials, shrubs, and trees with beautiful flowers are for sale by the
Friends of Thacher and Wild Ones! Native plants can fill difficult areas and
bring gorgeous color throughout the year. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on
hand to assist and answer questions. No registration required.