Wantagh, NY - June 30, 2016 - Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center at Jones Beach State Park will offer the following programs during summer 2016. Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling the Environmental Office at (516) 780–3295 or (516) 785-3614. There will be a fee of $4.00 per adult, $4.00 per child and children under 2 are free. An $10.00 parking fee per car will be charged during the fee collection season. Advance reservations are required beginning on the dates indicated in the parenthesis. If you are unable to keep your reservation, please call and cancel so others may have the opportunity to attend. Please be prompt. If others are waiting, your place may be given to  them if you have not arrived when the program starts.

Tiny Tots: “Nature Discoveries”
Explore the natural world around us. These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Children ages 3 -5.
Held on Wednesdays: 10:30 - 11:30 am and 1:30 - 2:30 pm.

July 13 th (6/29) Seashells
July 27 th (7/13) Frogs and Snakes
August 10 th (7/27) Shapes
August 31 st (8/17) Crabby Crabs
September 14 th (8/30) Seasons
September 28 th (9/14) Butterflies

Stargazing Nights
Thursday nights in July and August from 8:00 – 9:30 pm

July 7th th (6/19)
July 14 th (6/30)
July 21 st (7/7)
July 28 th (7/14)
August 4 th (7/21)
August 11 th (7/28)
August 18 th (8/4)
August 25 th (8/11)

On Thursday evenings in July and August, New York State Parks and the local astronomy group, Amateur Observers Society, will be hosting an evening of stargazing fun. Bring your telescope or look through ours. Join us to explore these diamonds in the sky.

Baywalk Sunday July 3 (6/19) 10:30 – 12:00 pm
Family Program
Let’s take a walk to the beach and see what the bay left behind. On our walk we will learn about plants and animals that call this island their home. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Jones Beach History Walk Saturday July 9 (6/25) 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Adult Program
We will walk the board walk and learn all about the historic landmark that is Jones Beach State Park. The park was, and still is, a retreat for city dwellers on hot Summer days; a place to escape the crowds and tall buildings. The program is a 2 Mile walk and discussion, so wear comfortable shoes. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Baywalk Saturday July 16 (7/2) 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Family Program
Let’s take a walk to the beach and see what the bay left behind. On our walk we learn about plants and animals that call this island their home. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Hognose Hide & Seek Sunday July 17 (7/3) 9:00 – 11:30 am
Family Program
Did you know that there are snakes at the beach? An amazing species called the Eastern Hognose Snake, they makes Jones Beach its home. Join us as we discover more about these unique reptiles. We will take a stroll on the beach to try to find some in the wild. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Water Olympics Friday July 29 (7/15) 10:30 am- 12:00 pm
Children’s Program
It’s hot outside, and what better way to stay cool than playing with water. Using a variety of fun experiments, we will explore the properties of water. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Nature Investigators Saturday July 30 (7/16) 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Children’s Program
Calling all detectives! The Piping Plover eggs have gone missing! We have a few suspects and clues, but we need your help! Join us to solve The Case of the Missing Plover Eggs. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Mid-Tide Splash Sunday July 31 (7/17) 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Children’s Program
Get ready to get wet! We are taking you down to the bay to seine, collect, and identify animals that live in the bay. Make sure you wear shoes and clothes that are good for the water. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Wrack Line Walk Saturday August 7 (7/24) 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Family Program
From shells to beach glass, the tide can leave some amazing things up on shore. Join us for a beach walk and discover what fun treasures could be waiting for you in the sand. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Mad Science Lab Friday August 12 (7/29) 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Children’s Program
Calling all summer scientists! Join us as we beat the heat at the Nature Center with some weird, wacky classroom experiments! Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Baywalk Sunday August 14 (7/31) 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Family Program
Let’s take a walk to the beach and see what the bay left behind. On our walk we will learn about plants and animals that call this island their home. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Mid-Tide Splash Friday August 19 (8/5) 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Children’s Program
Get ready to get wet! We are taking you down to the bay to seine, collect, and identify animals that live in the bay. Make sure you wear shoes and clothes that are good for water. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Nature Scavenger Hunt Saturday August 20 (8/6 ) any time between 11:00 – 4:00pm
Family Program
Come by the nature center any time between 11am and 4pm for a fun self-guided scavenger hunt around the grounds. Take as much time as you need, and see what Interesting things you can uncover. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Theodore Roosevelt Lecture Friday August 26 (8/12) 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Adult Program
Theodore Roosevelt's passion for the natural world began in childhood and onlygrew as he got older. Celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service and protected lands nearby and around the country. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Baywalk Sunday August 28 (8/14) 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Family Program
Let’s take a walk to the beach and see what the bay left behind. On our walk we will learn about plants and animals that call this island their home. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Crabby Crabs Wednesday August 31 (8/17) 10:30 - 11:30 am & 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Tiny Tots Program Explore the natural world around us. These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short programs, walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Children ages 3 -5. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Mid-Tide Splash Saturday September 3 (8/20) 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Children’s Program
Get ready to get wet! We are taking you down to the bay to seine, collect, and identify animals that live in the bay. Make sure you wear shoes and clothes that are ok to get wet. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Taxidermy 101 Sunday September 4 (8/21) 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Adult Program
Come to the Nature Center to learn the basics of this unique art form. In this first of two sessions, you will observe and learn technique. The second session will be held on a later date, and will consist of hands on learning with specimens provided. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Baywalk Sunday September 11 (8/28) 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Family Program
Let’s take a walk to the beach and see what the bay left behind. On our walk we will learn about plants and animals that call this island their home. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

Amazing Monarch Sunday September 25 (9/11) 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Family Program
Monarch butterflies are making their way south. They fly along the shore line this time every year; migrating thousands of miles. Come discover these amazing insects and how they make their long trip to Mexico. Reservations are required: (516) 780-3295

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 65 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474- 0456 or visit www.nysparks.com.