w23Alley Pond Environmental Center APEC NYC New York City Queens Northern Blvd Douglaston science field trips children's birthday  party parties family weekend activities scouts scout badges hiking
 bird watching nature trails zoo aquarium fish lakes ponds streams forest parks park fishing animals Alley Pond Environmental Center APEC NYC New York City Queens Northern Blvd Douglaston
 science field trips children's birthday parties family weekend activities scouts scout badges hiking bird watching nature trail zoo aquarium fish lakes ponds streams forest parks park fishing animals



Calendar Year 2008
Monthly Events
 

 
Alley Pond Environmental Center
  is open year-round with animal,
  science and nature programs for
  children, adults and families. 
  
 

  
For current and future events click on the links below
 Weekend Programs for Children
 Early Childhood Weekday Programs
 After school Programs
 Adult & Family Programs
Special  Events


 Click here for previous events during January - December 2007 
To view the array of programs we offer throughout the year

 

 Weekend Programs for Children
 

Toddler Time on the Weekend!
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.
Limited to 8 participants. No siblings allowed, except infants in infant seats.

11 sessions     $176 Members and $198 Non-Members
Saturday 10:30-11:45 Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 23, March 1, 8, 15

Ezra Jack Keats Fan Club
Ages 3 - 4
Saturday Afternoon Story Time
Get excited about our Fan Club! This season features Ezra Jack Keats’ classic tales. Experiences include dramatic play, movement games, live animals and a craft. Join us!  Limited to 10 participants.  Participants must be toilet trained.

One session - $12 Members and $16 Non-Members
All three sessions - $30 Members and $40 Non-Members

Saturday, Jan.  5    1 - 3 PM          (The Snowy Day)

Saturday, Feb. 2    1 - 3 PM          (The Pet Show)

Saturday, March  1     1 - 3 PM          (Over in the Meadow - illustrated by Keats)

Snowpeople
Ages listed below
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 and time with APEC’s own snowy white animals. Participants must be toilet trained. 
$12M/$16NM
Age 3                           limited to 10 participants                                                  

Sat. Jan 12                               1 - 3 PM

Age 4                           limited to 12 participants

Sun. Jan 13                              1 - 3 PM

Ages 5 - 6        limited to 12 participants

Sat. Jan 19                               1 - 3 PM

Bear Necessities
Ages listed below
What animal features are necessary for living in the snow and ice? Let’s study polar bears and find out! We will learn the bear facts through story time, experiments, a craft and more! This program includes a snack, live animals and a nature walk (weather permitting). Participants must be toilet trained. 
$12M/$16NM

Age 3                           limited to 10 participants                   

Sun. Jan 27                              1 – 3 PM

Age 4                           limited to 12 participants

Sat. Jan 26                               1 - 3 PM

Ages 5 - 6        limited to 12 participants

Sun. Feb 10                             1 - 3 PM

 

Parent Participation- Perfectly Penguin
Ages 3 – 4 with one parent per child

Wintertime is a great time to appreciate how perfectly penguins are adapted to life in the snow. Feathers, photos, stories and games are used to explore how these lovable birds survive and raise chicks in the freezing cold. This program includes a snack. Limited to 8 children with one adult each.  Please only one adult per child.

$12M/$16NM                                                                                   

Sat. Feb. 9                   1 – 3 PM

Footprints in the Snow
Ages listed below       

Discover how some of our resident animals survive the cold winter and learn how to identify their footprints. Program includes a story, craft, detective game, nature walk, live animals and a snack. Participants must be toilet trained. 

$12M/$16NM

Age 3                           limited to 10 participants                   

Sun. March 2                           1 – 3 PM

Age 4                           limited to 12 participants

Sun. Feb. 24                            1 - 3 PM

Ages 5 - 6        limited to 12 participants

Sat. Feb 23                              1 - 3 PM

“Dino”mite Dinosaurs

Ages listed below

Join us for a dynamite day of dinosaurs. Aspiring paleontologists can learn how these prehistoric

creatures lived and pretend to go on an archeological dig! Snack, craft and live animals included.

Participants must be toilet trained. 

$12M/$16NM

Age 3               limited to 10 participants

Sun. March 16             1-3 pm

Age 4               limited to 12 participants

Sat. March 15              1-3 pm

Age 5               limited to 12 participants

Sun. March 9               1-3 pm

Age 6               limited to 12 participants

Sun. March 30             1-3 pm

Cover Art
Ages 7-9

Bring your favorite winter book and learn how to paint the book cover like a professional illustration artist.  Limited to 10 participants.

$14M/$18NM

Sat., Jan. 12                 10-11:30 am

Sticks and Stones
Ages 7-9

When the leaves and the grass are gone for the winter, paint and discover the beauty of sticks and stones in different shapes and textures.  Limited to 10 participants. 

$14M/$18NM

Sat., Feb. 2                  10-11:30 am

Wooden Plaque
Ages 7-9

Add a touch of creativity to your room with this wooden name plaque, designed by you and painted in acrylics.  Limited to 10 participants. 

$14M/$18NM

Sat., March 1               10-11:30 am

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.

$13 Members and $17 Non-Members
Saturday Feb. 16,         10 am - 12 pm 

Edible Solar System
Ages listed below

Blast off and discover our solar system. On your journey, learn about the planets and sun through song and an interactive game. Create your own solar system model that you can take home and eat for dessert. All materials included. Limited to 10 participants.

$15M$19NM

Ages 6 - 7                                                        Sun., Jan. 13                10 - 12

Ages 8 - 10                                                      Sun., Jan. 13                1 - 3

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.

$12 Members and $16 Non-Members
Saturday Feb. 23 10-12 pm
Sunday Feb. 24 10-12 pm
Sunday March 30 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.

$15 Members and $19 Non-Members

Owl Pellet Dissections
10-12 year olds              Saturday Jan. 12, 1-3pm
8-9 year olds                 Saturday Jan. 26, 10-12pm

Acid Rain
8-9 year olds                 Saturday Feb. 23, 1-3 pm
10-12 year olds             Saturday March 15, 10-12 pm

Little Chefs
Ages 7-10
America's Next Top Chef!  Your child will experience the pleasure of making their very own tasty French Toast and a nice warm mug of Hot Cocoa with whipped cream.  All materials included. Limited
to 10 participants.

$15 Members and $19 Non-Members
Sat. Jan. 19                10:30– 12:00

Sweet Valentine
Ages 7 - 10
‘Tis the season of love! Young chefs will prepare and bake fudge brownies and fill them with homemade heart shaped frosting. Children will also make heart shaped bird feeders for our feathered friends. 
All materials included. Limited to 10 participants.

$15 Members and $19 Non-Members
Sat. Feb. 16                              10:30 – 12:00

Little Chefs
Ages 7 - 10

APEC’s young chefs will prepare an American Classis…The Grilled Cheese Sandwich and wash it down with a delicious, healthy Fruit Smoothie. All materials included.  Limited to 10 participants.

$15M/$19NM
Sat. March 15                          10:30 – 12:00

Field Biology High School Internship
Free competitive internship; open to all high sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in environmental studies.  Join use as we explore the trails of APEC armed with field guides, experimental apparatuses and our brains.  Please call for more information and our application or print the field biology intern application. 
Admission is FREE, but acceptance into the program is required in order to attend.

Spring 2008 (application due February 1st)
Sat., 9am-12pm Mar. 1, 8, 15, 29, Apr. 5, 12, 19

Early Childhood 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. 7 participants. No siblings allowed, except for infants in infant seats.

11 sessions     $154M/$176NM

Thursday                                  9:30 - 10:30     Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 Feb. 7, 14, 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27

Friday                                          9:30 - 10:30     Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 Feb. 1, 8, 15, 29,  March 7, 14, 28

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. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 26, March  4, 11, 18, 25

Wednesday                              9:30 - 10:45     Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 Feb. 6, 13, 27  March 5, 12, 19, 26

Wednesday                              11:15 - 12:30   Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 Feb. 6, 13, 27,  March 5, 12, 19, 26

Thursday                                  11:00 - 12:15   Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 Feb. 7, 14, 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27

Friday                                                  11:00 - 12:15   Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 ,  Feb. 1, 8, 15, 29  March 7, 14, 28

Saturday                                   10:30 - 11:45   Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 23,  March 1, 8, 15

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.   12 participants/limited to 10 participants in the 11:15 class.
11 sessions     $187M/$209NM
Tuesday           11:15 - 12:45   Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 26, March  4, 11, 18, 25
Friday                 9:30 - 11:00     Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 Feb. 1, 8, 15, 29  March 7, 14, 28

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.12 participants.
23 sessions     $414M/$460NM
 

Mon./ Wed.                             9:45 - 12:00    
Jan. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 23, 28, 30
Feb.  4, 6, 11, 13, 25, 27
March 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31

Tues./ Thurs.    9:45 - 12:00
Jan. 3, 8, 10, 12, 17, 22, 24, 26, 31
Feb. 5, 7, 12, 14, 26, 28
March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27

Nature Club
Pre-k (Age 4 by December 31, 2007)

Nature Club is designed to meet the needs of young science and nature buffs. This class uses 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. 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 27, March 5, 12, 19

      

 

 
After School Programs
Nature Club
Pre-k (Age 4 by December 31, 2007)
Nature Club is designed to meet the needs of young science and nature buffs. This class uses
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. 12 participants.

10 sessions     $120M/$140NM
Wednesday                           3:15 - 4:45       Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30 Feb. 6, 13, 27,  March 5, 12, 19

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.

10 sessions     $120M/$140NM

Wednesday      3:30 - 4:45      Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 27, March 5, 12, 19
Adult & Family Programs

Focus the Nation
Thursday, January 31, 7:00 PM

Join us for a special evening community event at Alley Pond Environmental Center.  "Focus the Nation is a national teach-in engaging millions of students and citizens with political leaders and decision makers about Global Warming Solutions.” 

We will kick off the evening with the premier showing of a brilliant new half hour video from the Habitable Planet Series: Looking Forward: Our Global Experiment.  After the video we will break into working groups to share thoughts and ideas about global warming solutions.   

What are we willing to do now to change the future?

Schools and Classrooms, Homes and Living Spaces, Workplace, Parks and Public Spaces, Lifestyles, Business, Getting Around.

What will each of us pledge to do this year?

See special events below for more information

  

AN EVENING WITH THE STARS

Astronomy Programs with Mark Freilich

Saturday, January 19, 7:00-9:00 PM
Saturday, February 16, 7:00-9:00 PM
Saturday, March 15, 7:00-9:00 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) 

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!

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOPS
Session A: January 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14 (Snow dates Feb. 21, 28)
1:30 - 4:30 PM
FEE: $100 per person ($3 for additional materials to be paid to the teacher at first session)
Session B: March 6, 13, 20, Apr. 3, 10, 17
1:30 - 4:30PM
FEE: $100 per person ($3 for additional materials to be paid to the teacher at first session)

If you have always wanted to paint in watercolor, this could be your time to learn with award-winning artist Diane Lieberman.  Each workshop focuses on technique and composition, and includes a demonstration and critique.  For the beginner and advanced painter!  Attention will be paid to each student’s development of individual style and expression. Limit is 14 participants per session. 

Please ask for a supply list when registering.  Purchase of appropriate supplies prior to first workshop is mandatory.

CAUMSETT PARK SLIDE SHOW
Thursday, February 21, 2:00-3:00 PM
FEE: $3 for members, $5 for non-members

 Dr. Andrew Greller, Professor Emeritus at Queens College will join us at APEC to show his stunning slide show of Caumsett State Park.  Dr. Greller has a 35 year record of research in plant ecology and is active in various botanical and science organizations.  His presentation will focus on the plant life, paleobotany, ecology, land use, and management issues of Caumsett.  There will be time allotted for a question and answer session.    

FAMILY NATURE WALK
Saturday, March 29, meet at APEC at 3:00
FEE: $3 for members, $5 for non-members 

Spring has sprung! Join Dyan Freiberg, APEC Educator, for a nature walk on the wetland trails of Alley Pond Park.  Bring the whole family along to soak in the early spring flora and fauna that can be found right here in northeast Queens.

History and Ecology of Little Neck Bay Book Signing
Saturday, March 29, 2:00 PM

To celebrate APEC's new publication.  The History and Ecology of Little Neck Bay, there will be a book signing.  Both authors of this book, Dyan Freiberg and Aline Euler, will be available for discussion and signing.  After the signing at 3 pm a walk to the bay will be conducted. 

 
Special Events

Focus the Nation
Thursday, January 31, 7:00 PM

Join us for a special evening community event at Alley Pond Environmental Center.  "Focus the Nation is a national teach-in engaging millions of students and citizens with political leaders and decision makers about Global Warming Solutions.” 

We will kick off the evening with the premier showing of a brilliant new half hour video from the Habitable Planet Series: Looking Forward: Our Global Experiment.  After the video we will break into working groups to share thoughts and ideas about global warming solutions.   

What are we willing to do now to change the future?

Schools and Classrooms, Homes and Living Spaces, Workplace, Parks and Public Spaces, Lifestyles, Business, Getting Around.

What will each of us pledge to do this year?

The Habitable Planet: A Systems Approach to Environmental Science

A course for high school teachers, students, undergraduate students in environmental science and all interested members of the general public.  The content course will help teachers provide more content in their classes. The course components include 13 half-hour video programs, a coordinated Web site which includes the streamed video programs, the course text online, five interactive simulations, background on the scientists who created the content and those whose research is documented, a professional development guide (also available in print form), and additional resources.

This course begins with an overview of the Earth's systems — geophysical, atmospheric, oceanic, and ecosystems — as they exist independently of human influence. Following this introduction, the course explores the effect that human activities have on the different natural systems. Topics include human population growth and resource use, increasing competition for fresh water, and climate change. Each of the 13 programs features two case studies following top scientists in the field.

This program was created by the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in association with the Harvard University Center for the Environment. 2007.  

Viewing Schedule, all showings begin at 7PM :
January 31               Premier Showing, Episode 1: Many Planets, One Earth
February 4                Episode 1: Many Planets, One Earth  and Episode 13: Looking Forward: Our Global Experiment
February 11              Episode 2: Atmosphere and 3: Oceans
February 25              Episode 4: Ecosystems   and Episode 9: Biodiversity Decline
March 3                    Episode 5: Human Population Dynamics, Episode 6: Risk, Exposure, and Health and Episode 11:  Atmospheric Pollution
March 10                    Episode 7: Agriculture and Episode 8: Water Resources  
March 17                    Episode 10: Energy Challenges  and Episode 12: Earth's Changing Climate
March 24                    Final Episode 13: Looking Forward: Our Global Experiment

 Each 30 minute program includes expert commentary, audience questions and a moderated group discussion following the video presentation. 

FEES
Subscription series (all 7 sessions):
$28 per person for members & guests
$35 per person for non-APEC members

Individual Programs:
$5 per person for members & guest
$7 per person for non-APEC members

APEC Square Dance
Saturday, Apr. 5, 7-9 PM
Fee: Adults $10M/$12NM, Children ages 7-12 $8.  Children must be with paying adult.  Pre-registration required.

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. 

Talons! A Bird-of-Prey Experience
Sunday, May 4, 2:30 - 3:30 PM
Fee: $10 per person

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.
 
 
 

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   Location: 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, NY 11363 
phone: (718) 229-4000      email: info@alleypond.com