Group for the East End (GFEE), in cooperation with the Town of Southold, will be offering environmental education programs at the town-owned Downs Farm Preserve. The 51 acre parcel, a designated National Historic Landmark, is a significant natural and historical resource which boasts a Native American fort site, scenic woodlands, and tidal wetlands.
The Town reached out to GFEE, which has 25 years of experience teaching local environmental education, to help make Downs Farm Preserve a place for the community to gather and learn. So far, GFEE has held over 50 popular programs for individuals and families, many making use of the two meandering nature trails on the Preserve.
In the first year, this unique partnership brought over 800 people to Downs Farm Preserve.
Program coordinator and GFEE Educator Missy Weiss lists a Family Scavenger Hunt through the trails, a hands-on science program for children called “Kitchen Chemistry”, and a workshop in which participants built their own birdhouses as popular programs.
This summer’s programming promises to be just as interesting.
A marine animal exploration is planned for July 23, in which participants will learn about a variety of local marine life focusing on sea turtles. Younger children (and their families) can enjoy a nature-themed story-time and craft hour or visit the Peconic Estuary Program rain garden and rain barrel installation to learn about bay-friendly projects for your yard.
Visit Group for the East End’s calendar for the current list of upcoming events at Downs Farm Preserve and elsewhere across the East End: http://www.groupfortheeastend.org/events/calendar/.
Source: Press release issued by Group for the East End, July 9.
