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
03
Jul
Thursday, July 3, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800
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 to register.
Registration: Required
Fri
04
Jul
Friday, July 4, 2025 07:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Bring a chair or a blanket and
gather on the beach at Thompson's Lake Campground to enjoy s'mores and
storytelling sponsored by the Friends of Thacher. Perry Ground tells
traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) legends that have been told for hundreds
of years. These stories teach about the beliefs, customs, and history of the
Haudenosaunee people and continue to be an important part of Haudenosaunee
culture. The Storyteller will bring the stories to life through vivid
descriptions, his rhythmic voice, and a VERY active stage presence. These
stories become ‘interactive' as Perry includes volunteer audience members in
the stories. This program is also filled with historical information,
discussion about the art of storytelling, other elements of Haudenosaunee culture
and LOTS of humor. Audiences, young and old, will find this presentation
captivating, highly entertaining yet very educational. No registration
required.
Sat
05
Jul
Saturday, July 5, 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
05
Jul
Saturday, July 5, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Thacher Visitor Center. Join us for a
45-minute presentation to learn about the amazing world of reptiles! Meet our
turtles, lizards, and snakes up close and learn about the adaptations that make
them special. You can take the Nature Bus to this program! No registration
required.
Sat
05
Jul
Saturday, July 5, 2025 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Thacher Visitor Center. Join us for a 45-minute presentation to learn about the amazing world of reptiles! Meet our turtles, lizards, and snakes up close and learn about the adaptations that make them special. You can take the Nature Bus to this program! No registration required.