Children enjoy Iggy the Iguana
Robert Moses State Park was constructed in the late 1950s. The Robert Moses State Park Nature Center began as a self-guided exploratory room in approximately 1983. Past park manager, Peter Sainola was an avid bird-watcher. He opened one room after another, filling them with donated mounted animals and other items of interest. Trails were also constructed and by 1990 the first Conservation Educator was hired to offer environmental education programs both on and off-site. A variety of environmental education programs are available to schools and special interest groups year round. All programs meet the NYS Science standards. Follow our link to discover the programs that are available.
In November of 1999, a Fireside Chat was held and a call of interest was extended to those who cared about the future of the Nature Center. From there, the ideas and plan for a non-profit Friends of the Nature Center blossomed. By January of 2000, Friends of the Nature Center was incorporated as a 501c3 organization.
The Nature Center was then open year-round, 7 days a week. There was never an entrance fee to the center or the park. The Nature Center housed educational displays and hands-on exhibits. Live animals were also on display, many of whom were adopted from people in the area. If you follow the link to visit our photo gallery of the NatureCenter you will find more than one cute, furry face that called the center home.
Special workshops were offered on many Saturdays and during school vacations. Topics ranged from scientific explorations to art and sports. Cross-country skis and snowshoes were available to rent during the winter months. Nature Center staff, volunteers and special educators led programs. All program fees and giftshop proceeds directly supported the cost of animal care and maintenance.
On March 2, 2010, a devestating fire permanently shut the doors of the Nature Center. The animals were all rescued and many displays and supplies were salvaged. The New York Power Authority promissed the public they would rebuild the center. While research and work on this began, many temporary moves were made and programs continued. Then, in December 2010, NYS Parks announced they would no longer have a Nature Center and permanently laid-off staff. Friends and the public in general were taken totally by surprise, but the community was determined that the future of the Nature Center would be bright!
With support from New York Power Authority, the community and Friends of the NatureCenter, it will continue to grow and flourish. A new building is in our near future and Environmental education programs, special workshops and events for the public will continue to change and evolve. There will always be something new to see or do at the Nature Center . Join us and see for yourself!
Staff can be found in the work trailer near the trailhead.