#53: Garden City Bird Sanctuary/Tanners Pond Environmental Center

One of the unique things that make our village special is our own Garden City Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Tanners Pond Environmental Center.

It is a place for fun times, learning and volunteering, all in the same visit. Residents can learn about all aspects of nature in a relaxed atmosphere. Many special events draw people every year, such the Halloween Fest and Haunted Hike, Make-A-Difference Day, Arbor Day, Earth Day, the Benefit Yard Sale, Winterfest, lectures, hikes and more.

In 2010 a fall wedding ceremony and high school graduation party took place. A new running event is planned for this spring.

Founded by Robert Alvey in 1995, Robert and his group of directors have turned one of Nassau County’s sumps into a dual-use thriving nature center. Over the years the site has improved with the help of more than 20 Eagle Scout projects; three Girl Scout Gold Award projects; students from area high schools such as Garden City High School, Chaminade and Sacred Heart; college students from Adelphi University, Nassau Community College and Hofstra University with organizations such as Woodmen of the World, the Telephone Pioneers and Timberland. More than half a million hours of volunteering has been completed by residents, family and friends. Grants through New York State Sen. Kemp Hannon, former Nassau County executive Tom Gulotta and Nassau County Department of Public Works have helped the GCBS/TPEC grow. More than 300 families are currently members of this organization.

The original intent of the bird sanctuary was for a passive area for migrating birds to feed, drink and live. However, it has expanded to a full nature center that includes student research on many environmental topics and a nature camp introduced this past summer in conjunction with the Garden City Recreation Department.

Therefore, since September 2011 it is now referred to as the Tanners Pond Environmental Center (TPEC). Within TPEC are the Garden City Bird Sanctuary and the Alvey Arboretum. The Arboretum, dedicated in 2010, is being expanded with funding through a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) “urban forestry” grant and an Eagle project.

Future plans will include an outdoor classroom. Visit www.GCBirdSanctuary.org or call 516-326-1720 for more information.

Come back soon for #52. Click here if you missed #54.

Category: Non-profit

Price: Free; donations are welcome

Season: March 1 to Dec. 1 on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment (Closed with rain or snow)

Note: Dress appropriately for the weather and sign in at the gate