Visit the Nature Center

Current Exhibits

BEAUTIFUL DIRT!
A LOOK INTO THE AMAZING STORY UNDERFOOT
SUN, FEBRUARY 5 THROUGH SAT, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Dirt is everywhere - there is no getting away from it – nor should you want to!

Mankind cannot survive without dirt. It literally supports us all. The dirt we are referring to is better known as soil. This soil is the foundation of life, a vital component of our natural environment. It is the starting (and ending) point for almost everything we find in our environment and use in our daily lives.

This exciting and interactive exhibit is an introduction to the astonishing world of dirt – a world that should not be feared or ignored, but rather explored, respected and nurtured. Come dig your hands in and discover the secret world that lies beneath us all.

Sponsored in part by Houlihan Lawrence (Scarsdale), WFAS and Westchester County Parks.

Coming Soon

WALK AMONG LIVE BUTTERFLIES
An Indoor Exhibit
June 16-September 2, 2012

Butterflies are returning to the Nature Center. When you step into our greenhouse, in addition to colorful and fragrant flowering plants, you’ll be greeted by native butterflies. Flying freely among the greenery, you’ll see Monarchs, Painted Ladies and Swallowtails fluttering from blossom to blossom in search of nourishing nectar. You may even observe them resting in a shady spot to cool off or see them sipping water from a puddle. While enjoying the beauty of these delicate creatures, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the life cycle of a butterfly, from egg and caterpillar stages, to chrysalis and butterfly. You’ll also discover the unique relationship between specific plants and butterflies. Exhibit appropriate for all ages. FREE with Museum admission. Sponsored in part by Central Animal Hospital, Geraldine Stutz Trust, Inc., ShopRite, WFAS, Whole Foods Market and Westchester County Parks.

Past Exhibits

THE WAY OF WATER: WESTCHESTER WATERSHEDS
FEBRUARY 6, THROUGH OCTOBER 2, 2011
Everyone lives in a watershed.  When you turn on the tap in your home, the water that comes out has traveled through a watershed.  All the water that supports our local marine and freshwater aquatic life flows through watersheds.  Come learn what a watershed is, why it’s important, and what each of us can do to help protect the quality of water flowing through our watersheds. Sponsored in part by Sponsored in part by Houlihan Lawrence, Westchester County Parks.

TREES:  HEROES OF OUR PLANET
NATURAL HISTORY EXHIBIT 2010
FEBRUARY 7 THROUGH OCTOBER 3
Trees prevent soil erosion, filter pollutants from the air, and provide food and shelter for animals.  Trees lower the temperature on a warm day, provide raw material for the building of houses and furniture, and are the inspiration for art and poetry.  The list of ways in which trees benefit the planet is very long, indeed.  Come see our exhibit and learn the anatomy of a tree, the role trees play in a healthy ecosystem, and the many threats that they face from the people they serve so well.  The exhibit includes pictures, charts, hands-on displays and more.  It is geared for adults and children. Sponsored in part by Houlihan Lawrence, Westchester County Parks and Whole Foods Market

MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY
NATURAL HISTORY EXHIBIT 2009

Did you know that every year we fill enough garbage trucks to form a line that would stretch from earth halfway to the moon? Waste management is certainly a challenge for highly populated counties, such as Westchester, but the state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facility (recycling center) and the waste-to-energy incinerator at Charles Point have helped to make this task manageable.

Learn more about Westchester facilities and programs and how to do your part through an interactive exhibit on display at the Nature Center through September. The exhibit focuses on the Three R's -- reducing, reusing, and recycling – and features a miniature village, movable toy garbage truck and recycling game that young visitors will enjoy.