Alley Pond Environmental Center Announces Upcoming Events

The Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC), a nonprofit environmental education organization, is dedicated to educating children and adults in the New York metropolitan are, protecting and preserving Alley Pond Park, open spaces and waterbodies, and advocating for sustainable environmental policies and practices.

Children's Programs

Weekday Programs
Wee Sprouts

Ages 18 - 23 months (parental participation)

Open up the world of nature to your wee ones! Let your child's first learning experience be at APEC. Children will pet animals, enjoy free play with environmental toys, go on mini-nature walks and have a snack. 8 participants. No siblings allowed, except for infants in infant seats.

11 sessions $154M/$176NM

Thursday 9:30 - 10:30 Jan 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, March 3, 10, 17, 24

Friday 9:30 - 10:30 Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, March 4, 11, 18, 25
Toddler Time

Ages 24 - 35 months (parental participation)

Toddlers love to explore new surroundings. Why not give your child a chance to explore the wonderful world of nature! Create nature crafts, read stories, take short nature walks, pet APEC's animals and begin to appreciate nature. 8 participants. No siblings allowed, except infants in infant seats.

11 sessions $176M/$198NM

Tuesday 9:30 - 10:45 Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, March 1, 8, 15, 22

Wednesday 9:30 - 10:45 Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, March 2, 9, 16, 23

Wednesday 11:15 - 12:30 Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, March 2, 9, 16, 23

Thursday 11:00 - 12:15 Jan 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, March 3, 10, 17, 24

Friday 11:00 - 12:15 Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, March 4, 11, 18, 25

Fledglings

Ages 3 - 4

Join us as we explore the wonders of nature at Alley Pond Park! We will take enchanting nature walks, hold discussions, create nature crafts, pet APEC's animals and much more. This is the ideal next step after "Toddler Time." Participants must be toilet trained. Limited to 10 participants in the Tuesday class and 12 participants in the Friday class.

11 sessions $187M/$209NM

Tuesday 11:15 - 12:45 Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, March 1, 8, 15, 22

Friday 9:30 - 11:00 Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, March 4, 11, 18, 25
Sunny Bunnies

Ages 3 - 4

This program will offer children hands-on opportunities with animals, exploration of our nature trails, discussions on different nature topics, crafts, free play, music time and more. Explore the wonderful world of nature! BRING A BAG LUNCH. Participants must be toilet trained.

Limited to12 participants.

23 sessions $414M/$460NM

Mon./Wed. 9:45 - 12:00 Jan. 3, 5, 10, 12, 19, 24, 26, 31,

Feb. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 28,

March 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30

Tues./ Thurs. 9:45 - 12:00 Jan. 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27

Feb. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17

March 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29

Weekend Programs
Footprints in the Snow

Ages listed below

Whose footprints are those in the snow? Discover how some of our resident animals survive the cold winter and learn how to identify them by different clues. Program includes a story, craft, detective game, nature walk (weather permitting), live animals and a snack. Participants must be toilet trained.

$15M/$20NM

Ages 3 - 4 limited to 12 participants

Sat. Jan 8 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Ages 5 - 6 limited to 12 participants

Sat. Jan. 22 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Parent Participation.-Snowpeople

Ages 3 - 4 with one parent per child

Please bring your little one and join us for a day of fun in the "snow". Even if there is no snow outside, we will have our own pretend snow inside. Make your own silly snowperson. This program includes games, songs, a snack, a craft, a nature walk (weather permitting).

Limited to 8 parent/child pairs

$15M/$20NM

Ages 3 - 4

Sat. Jan. 29 1:30 - 3:30 PM

The Story of the Mitten

Ages listed below

We will read Jan Brett's beautifully illustrated recreation of the classic tale, The Mitten and find out how eight forest animals end up squeezed inside a single white mitten. Watch how the characters are then brought to life with our own recreation of the story. This program includes a snack, live animals, a craft, and a walk (weather permitting) Participants must be toilet trained.

$15M/$20NM

Ages 3 - 4 limited to 12 participants

Sat. Feb. 5 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Ages 5 - 6 limited to 12 participants

Sat. Feb. 12 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Home Sweet Home

Ages listed below

Where does your favorite animal live? All animals need to have a place where they are safe from predators and sheltered from the weather. Children learn about the different homes animals make for themselves and the materials they use to build these homes. This program includes live animals, a craft, a snack and hike (weather permitting) in search of nests, burrows, and tree holes. Participants must be toilet trained

$15M/$20NM

Ages 3- 4 Limited to 12 participants

Sat. Mar. 12 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Ages 5 - 6 Limited to 12 participants

Sat. Mar. 19 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Children's Nature Photography

Ages 6-11

Children will be introduced to the basics of composition and nature photography rules while using disposable cameras. During the first class they will practice their newly acquired skills, taking photographs during a nature walk on APEC's trails. During the second class the children will create frames to mount their favorite pictures. Film developing and all materials included. Limited to 10 participants.

$54M/$60NM

Saturdays, March 5 and 12, 10:30 AM -12:00 PM

Young Chefs - Tiempo de Taco

Ages 7 - 11

APEC's Young Chefs will feel like they've taken a trip South of the Border as they prepare this typical savory Mexican dish while listening to traditional music and drinking "Aqua Fresca." All materials included. Limited to 8 participants.

$18M/$23NM

Sat., Jan. 22 10:30 -12:00

Young Chefs - Granola, Yogurt &Fruit Parfaits

Ages 7 - 11

APEC's Young chefs will make homemade Maple Granola and then create delicious healthy Granola, Yogurt & Fresh Fruit Parfaits. All materials included. Limited to 8 participants.

$18M/$23NM

Sat., Feb. 26 10:30 - 12:00

Young Chefs - American Classics

Ages 7 - 11

Our Young Chefs will prepare and bake mini hot dogs rolled in puffed pastry and delicious

sweet potato fries.

All materials included. Limited to 8 participants.

$18M/$23NM

Sat., March 19 10:30 - 12:00

Tracking Winter Wildlife

Ages 8-12

Scat, tracks and other clues are left behind as animals travel through the park; join us as we walk the trails of Alley Pond Park looking for clues of winter wildlife. Students will make their very own animal track to take home at the end of the class. We will take a walk rain or shine, so be sure to dress appropriately (and be prepared to get dirty) and wear comfortable shoes. In case of severe weather, entire program will run indoors.
$13M/$17NM

Saturday Feb. 5, 10:30 - 12:30 pm

Animal Care Trainee

Ages 8-12

Would you like to help us care for APEC's animals? This program teaches children about the

interesting job of an animal caretaker. Children will have hands-on experience in feeding,

brushing, cleaning and learning all about the needs of APEC's animals. Snack and animal care

trainee certificate included! Limited to 8 participants.

$12M/$16NM

Saturday Jan. 15, 10-12 pm

Sunday Jan. 23, 10-12 pm

Saturday Feb 19, 10-12 pm

Sunday Mar. 6, 10-12 pm

Mad Scientists

Ages 8-12

Calling all scientists!! Put on your thinking caps and join us as we answer important environmental questions with fun and easy experiments. Learn about your environment through studies and tests, some can be done with simple household supplies. Limited to 8 participants. Snack included.

$15M/$19NM

Global Warming

Saturday Jan. 8, 10:30-12:30 pm

Owl Pellet Dissections

Sunday Feb. 27, 10:30-12:30 pm

Acid Rain

Saturday Mar. 19, 10:30-12:30 pm

Snow Mobiles

Ages 8-12 year olds

No, not the snow mobiles you ride, the kind you hang from ceilings. Come join this crafty class where you will make your own snow mobile to hang in your room. Take a walk outside, weather permitting.

$15M/19NM
Saturday, January 22, 1:30-3:00 pm

After School Programs

Little Nature Cubs

Nursery (age 3 by Sept 1, 2010)

Enjoy your first after school program at APEC as you explore the wonders of nature. We will read stories, go on walks and learn with APEC's animals. Snack included. Participants must be toilet trained. Please note, this is a drop-off class. Limited to 8 participants.

10 sessions $120M/$140NM

Wednesday 3:15 - 4:45 Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, March 2, 9, 16, 23

Nature Club

Pre-K (Age 4 by December 31, 2010)

Nature Club is designed to meet the needs of young science and nature buffs. This class utilizes

animals, nature and cooperative learning to reinforce children's school readiness skills while

providing extra enrichment in the sciences. Activities include free play, story time, games, crafts,

live animals and a snack. Limited to 12 participants.

10 sessions $120M/$140NM

Wednesday 3:15 - 4:45 Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, March 2, 9, 16, 23
Junior Nature Kids

Grades K - 2

Get wild each Wednesday at Alley Pond! Junior Nature Kids explore their environment with all

five senses through games, crafts, learning activities and nature walks. Help care for animals and

better understand secrets such as camouflage. Investigate the mysteries of animals and plants up-close after school. Snack included. Limited to 12 participants.

10 sessions $120M/$140NM

Wednesday 3:30 - 4:45 Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, March 2, 9, 16, 23

Nature Explorers

Grades 3rd - 5th

Prepare yourself for an hour and a half of action-packed activities. Explore the native animals found in our natural environment. Bring your energy and get ready for fun and laughter! Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Snack included. Limited to 12 participants.

10 sessions $120M/$140NM

Wednesday 3:30 - 4:45 Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, March 2, 9, 16, 23

FAMILY & ADULT PROGRAMS

AN EVENING WITH THE STARS

Astronomy Programs with Mark Freilich

Saturday, January 15, 7:00-9:00 PM

Saturday, February 12, 7:-9:00 PM

Saturday, March 19, 7:30-9:30 PM

FEE: for each session $10.00 per adult member, $12 per adult non-member, and $7.00 for children ages 7-12 (includes handout information packet)

Three separate but equally great sessions! Understand and appreciate the mystery and beauty of the universe with astronomer Mark Freilich. Learn about and view the winter constellations Orion Nebular, the Pleiades Star Cluster, and Deep Space Phenomenon. These programs comprise an indoor lecture on basic astronomy and outdoor viewing with a professional telescope. Participants are welcome to bring their own telescopes. Dress warm!

Experience different and exciting viewings at each event!

KNITTING CIRCLE

Join APEC's very own knitting circle! We welcome knitters, crocheters, or crafters of any kind! Come to show off a new project, share some snacks, or just knit with friends. Please note that this is a meeting for adults who know how to knit, not a class. Children who know how to knit are welcome if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Call or e-mail to inquire about meeting times; speak to Liz at ext. 200 or emcglinchey@alleypond.com! We will meet a few times a month, and there will be a fee of $3M/$5NM per meeting.

SIGN LANGAUGE FOR FAMILIES

Thursday, January 13, 3:45-5:15 pm OR Saturday, February 12, 10:30 am-12:00 pm OR Wednesday, March 23, 6:30-8:00 pm

FEE: Individual adults $15, families $25

Sign up for sign language and join us in learning another way to communicate! Learn basic sign language during this fun and dynamic workshop. This program is for adults and children ages 8 years old and over.
APEC SQUARE DANCE

Saturday, March 26

Doors Open at 6:30pm Dance starts promptly at 7PM until 9PM

FEE: Adults: $12 members, $15 non-members, children ages 7-12: $10 each, children

must be with paying adult

Join us for a fun evening of dancing with Square Dance Caller Jim Emory. Learn to Do-Si-Do, Promenade, and Swing-Your-Partner. Beginners are welcome. It's fun and friendship set to music. Try this fun way to exercise together. Partners are not required. Wear sneakers or comfortable shoes.

Talons! A Bird-of-Prey Experience

Saturday, March 26, 2:00 pm

AGES:

FEE: $15
Exciting, interactive, and educational program using hawks, falcons and owls. Participate in the exhilarating free flight demonstration so you can better appreciate the birds' flying styles, and understand how and why birds hunt various prey species and survive in their harsh and ever changing environment. Learn about raptors, their environment, and current conservation measures being taken throughout the world.