Idlewild Environmental Center Program

The Idlewild Environmental Center offers authentic, natural opportunities to learn and enjoy the unique ecological and cultural resources in Idlewild Park. We offer hands-on educational in-school workshops and field trips to Idlewild as well as summer and after-school Science-in-the-Park workshops which use Idlewild as a laboratory. Workshops, field trips for children as well as weekend/evening workshops, tours, film/discussions and recreational activities for families, and adults such as canoeing, nature walks and concerts in the park are the hallmarks of this project. The program has been partially funded through small grants from NYCEF, DYCD, Con Ed, HEP, our state legislators and recently congressional earmarked funds.

Over the years, the in-school workshops and summer and after-school Science-in-the-Park workshops* have provided unforgettable learning experiences for youngsters. They have inspired and excited youngsters about the environment as has the free reptile shows we have sponsored which enabled children and their parents to see, touch and learn about a wide variety of lizards, snakes, turtles, etc., including a five foot yellow python and a four foot alligator.. These programs help our children meet NYC Department of Education performance standards in science. Our center houses a small live animal exhibit which supports our workshops.

Participants in Science-in-the-Park program are not just individual registrants. We offer workshops to summer day camps, home/school networks and other child-centered organizations. There are activities for every season, every child, every educator, and every adult.

Call 347-824-2301 or email info@easternqueensalliance.org for information on current offerings for after-school, summer and vacation week Science in the Park offerings for youngsters, tours and other events and activities in Idlewild Park Preserve.

Environmental Education Offerings:

Workshops offered to schools and homeschooling networks

Science-in-the-Park

EQA Roots and Shoots Youth Brigade, a youth leadership, service program for tweens and teens.

Eastern Queens Alliance, Inc.

Idlewild Environmental Center Program