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.
Fri
18
Jul
Friday, July 18, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800
Meet at the campground beach. Ages
12+
Join us for a beginner's kayak
course on Thompson's Lake! Learn the basics of kayaking while paddling around
the lake. Sturdy shoes or sandals are preferred. Kayaks, paddles, and PFD's
will be provided for all participants. Registration is required. Call
518-872-0800.
Registration: Required
Sat
19
Jul
Saturday, July 19, 2025
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
This free bus service brings you from Albany to popular outdoor locations where you can enjoy free programming on most weekends. Take a guided walk, try out bird identification, or simply get to know nature... there's so much to do! https://www.mohawkhudson.org/nature-bus.
Registration: Required
Sat
19
Jul
Saturday, July 19, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
No experience necessary.
Participants must know how to swim. Board capacity is 225 lbs. All classes are
weather dependent. Cost: $55-bring your own board, $75 includes class and
paddle board rental. Ages 16+ Register here: https://jaiyogaschool.com/events-workshops.
Registration: Required
Sat
19
Jul
Saturday, July 19, 2025 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Try your hand at archery! Bow
instructors will teach you how to safely handle a bow and arrow, and how to aim
to hit your target. Best for ages 8 and up. No registration required. You can take the Nature Bus to
this program!
Sat
19
Jul
Saturday, July 19, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Quilling is an art form using
strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create
decorative designs. Join artist Diane Steele for this hands-on quilling craft
celebrating aquatic habitats. No registration required. You can take the Nature Bus to
this program!