Nature at your doorstep.

873 Boston Post Road - Rye, NY

Trails open daily from sunrise to sunset

Old-Fashioned
Winter’s Afternoon

March 1, 2025
 12 - 3 p.m.

Enjoy log-sawing, maple sugaring, crafts, winter-themed carnival games, and more at this 48-year-old tradition! All are welcome for this afternoon full of fun and delicious food.

New Programs Added!

where learning is a walk in the park

The forest is a perpetual teacher, and FRNC offers programs for all ages and abilities. Whether it’s our engaging Forest Preschool program, an Afterschool Club for your elementary-aged child, a weekend event for your family, or an enriching volunteer opportunity as a citizen scientist, the Rye Nature Center Forest is the place to be.

Forest Preschool

Registration is now open!

Experience the joy of nature-based learning with our Forest Preschool! Designed for young explorers, our program fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love for the outdoors through hands-on experiences and play.

Learn More or Register Today

  • Forest Preschool

    Friends of Rye Nature Center’s Forest Preschool nurtures a lifelong connection to nature through outdoor experiential learning.

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  • Afterschool Clubs

    FRNC's afterschool clubs offer students the chance to explore the outdoors while learning something new each session.

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  • My Naturalist and Me

    Join us for a fun-filled hour of nature activities with your little one, featuring animal encounters, crafts, and short hikes.

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  • School's Out Workshops

    When school is out, our workshops provide outdoor adventure and exploration for children ages 3.5 to 10.

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  • Summer Camp

    FRNC’s summer day camp offers outdoor adventure, ecological exploration, and hands-on learning through fun, nature-based activities.

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  • Paddle Adventure Camp

    PAC offers kayaking, hiking, and outdoor fun for campers in grades 8-10, building skills and confidence in a safe, exciting environment.

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  • June Bugs

    June Bugs is a summer program for children ages 3.5 to 6, offering outdoor activities, crafts, games, and hands-on ecology lessons in the Rye Nature Center forest.

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View All Classes

Be Part of This Legacy

Your support ensures our programs thrive, our preserve flourishes, and our community continues to enjoy this special place for generations to come.

👉 View Our Annual Appeal to learn how you can help make a difference!

Weekend & Public Programs

Engage in weekend adventures and public programs tailored for every age group. Dive into our captivating array of activities designed to spark curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

All Events
Winter Birds
Feb 18
Winter Birds

Do all birds fly south for the winter? Learn about the birds who live at Rye Nature Center during these snowy months.

The Power of Ice
Feb 19
The Power of Ice

We will learn about glaciers, ice cores, and even pot holes, as children investigate the properties of water when it freezes and how it impacts the living and nonliving things surrounding us!

Sugar Snow
Feb 20
Sugar Snow

Join us as we tap a tree and learn the process of making sweet maple syrup.

Winter Survival Guide
Feb 21
Winter Survival Guide

Children will join FRNC educators to design and build their very own structures out of natural and recycled materials.

Maple Sugaring
Feb 22
Maple Sugaring

Learn how to tap a maple tree! Families will learn about the process of creating maple syrup and get a tour of our Sugar Shed.
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Forest Explorers - Winter Session
Feb 25
Forest Explorers - Winter Session

This program uses Swiss concepts and the principles of place-based education to encourage children's connection with the natural world and nurture their curiosities.

Wilderness Encounters - Winter Session
Feb 27
Wilderness Encounters - Winter Session

Take the next step in your naturalist education! This immersive outside program challenges participants to use their imagination, energy, and teamwork to better understand our local woodlands.

My Naturalist and Me
Feb 28
My Naturalist and Me

Stop by this fun-filled hour with your child(ren). Learn all about nature through fun activities like animal meet and greets, crafts, and short hikes.

For the Birds!

Support local wildlife this winter by providing the birds with the nutrition they need. Our selection of birdseed is perfect for keeping your feathered friends fed and happy during the colder months. Order from our online store today to receive high-quality options like Nyjer Seed, Seed Medley, Suet Cakes, and more—plus customizable birdhouses to make your backyard even more inviting.

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Mission Statement

Friends of Rye Nature Center (FRNC) is an independent, not-for-profit organization which offers programs to people of all ages and abilities. We encourage conservation, provide environmental education, and support our community’s access to nature.