Dreaming of Summer Programs

Now that the weather is finally starting to get warm I can’t help but daydream about Summer Field Ecology. For over 20 years Group for the East End has been offering a popular “Field Ecology” program for children ages 8 – 13. Lets be honest though, the environmental educators involved have almost as much fun as the children. I should know, Ive spent quite a few summers involved in this program and every one of them is more fun then the last. Almost every summer we discover some animal or plant that I didn’t realize lives on Long Island, and just seeing children get so excited about the natural world around them makes my heart sing.

The younger children (8-10) use nets to explore natural habitats, observe live creatures up close, create interesting nature crafts, and compete in fun team competitions. Older children (11-13) have fun biking on woodland trails, paddling through calm waters, and enjoying a barbecue at a local park. Children in both age groups visit a variety of different environments and get to really connect with the local landscape and its inhabitants.

So if you have a budding naturalist on your hands or a young one with a love of the outdoors don’t miss out, these programs fill up fast, but there are still a few spaces available, especially for the Western Southampton and North Fork programs. Get your children into the summer program that even the educators/counselors can’t wait for! Please contact GFEE’s Education Director, Steve BIasetti (sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org, 765-6450 x205), for more information.