Nature at your doorstep.

873 Boston Post Road - Rye, NY

Trails open daily from sunrise to sunset

Discover Forest Preschool

Enrollment for the 2027–2028 Forest Preschool school year is now open.

At Friends of Rye Nature Center, outdoor exploration, imaginative play, and hands-on discovery help children build confidence, independence, and connections with nature and one another.

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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 Programs and Events
Blind Brook Riparian Restoration - Informal Workshop
Oct 22
Blind Brook Riparian Restoration - Informal Workshop

This workshop series will explore that journey, including background information, the current condition of the floodplain, the project’s funding and permitting process, design iterations, planned restoration interventions, and the long-term ecological and resilience benefits.

FREE PROGRAM

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Nanderwhere Pond Public Planting Event
Oct 24
Nanderwhere Pond Public Planting Event

It’s our fall planting season at Rye Nature Center and we need your help!

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Spooky Stroll
Oct 31
Spooky Stroll

Come in costume and leave with treats. Hike for everything spooky that nature has to offer.

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Pumpkin Smash
Nov 7
Pumpkin Smash

Join us for a fun, hands-on hour where we turn post-Halloween pumpkins into compost gold and celebrate sustainability.

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47 for 47 Acres Fall Festival
Nov 11
47 for 47 Acres Fall Festival

School’s out, so bring the family to Rye Nature Center for an afternoon of fall fun! This special hiking experience invites you to explore the beautiful grounds and connect with nature.

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The Great Leaf Hunt Celebration
Nov 14
The Great Leaf Hunt Celebration

Come celebrate the conclusion of the Great Leaf Hunt!

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Holiday Stroll
Nov 19
Holiday Stroll

Join us in downtown Rye for Rye Chamber of Commerce’s “Holiday Stroll.” Purchase Street will be a wonderland of fun as we celebrate the start of “the most wonderful time of the year.”


Free - No registration required

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Turkey Hike
Nov 28
Turkey Hike

Join us for a walk through the woods as we explore the secret life of wild turkeys!

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Wreath Making
Dec 5
Wreath Making

Join us for an afternoon of fun-filled wreath and decoration making. Learn how to recycle natural materials from the Nature Center grounds or your own backyard to create wonderful holiday decorations. 

Participants must be 15 years or older to attend

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Candle Making
Dec 12
Candle Making

Join us as we create wonderful decorations to light up the short days of winter.

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Owl Hike
Jan 2
Owl Hike

Hike through the forest in search of the great-horned owl. Learn about nocturnal wildlife, listen to bird calls, and dissect owl pellets. 

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Winter Walk
Jan 9
Winter Walk

Put on your snow boots, scarf, gloves, jacket, and maybe a pair of snowshoes as we explore local forest wildlife in the winter season. Hot chocolate will be served! 

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Take-Home Terrarium
Jan 30
Take-Home Terrarium

Participants will learn the basics of terrarium creation, including plant selection, layering techniques, and proper care to keep your tiny landscape thriving. We’ll provide all materials!

Participants must be 15 years or older to attend

REGISTER HERE >

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Blind Brook Riparian Restoration - Informal Workshop
Feb 6
Blind Brook Riparian Restoration - Informal Workshop

This workshop series will explore that journey, including background information, the current condition of the floodplain, the project’s funding and permitting process, design iterations, planned restoration interventions, and the long-term ecological and resilience benefits.

FREE PROGRAM

Read more →
Maple Sugaring: The Sweet Journey from Tree to Table
Feb 20
Maple Sugaring: The Sweet Journey from Tree to Table

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.

REGISTER HERE >

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Old Fashion Winter’s Afternoon
Feb 27
Old Fashion Winter’s Afternoon

Join us for a 49-year-old Rye tradition! All ages are welcome for an afternoon filled with fun pastimes like log sawing contests, fire-roasted marshmallows, hikes, maple sugaring, and so much more.

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Maple Sugaring: The Sweet Journey from Tree to Table
Mar 6
Maple Sugaring: The Sweet Journey from Tree to Table

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.

REGISTER HERE >

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Start Your Own Tomatoes
Mar 27
Start Your Own Tomatoes

This is your chance to grow something that may look funny or bruise easily but taste extraordinary. The Nature Center will have a variety of tomatoes and other vegetable seeds on hand and will help you get them started. 

Participants must be 15 years or older to attend

REGISTER HERE >

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Animals that Lay Eggs
Apr 3
Animals that Lay Eggs

Visit some of our resident animals like snakes, turtles, and birds as we discuss their life cycles.

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Pond Examinations
Apr 17
Pond Examinations

As spring begins to settle in, our ponds come to life! Be prepared to get dirty as a naturalist accompanies you to one of our bodies of water with dip nets in tow.

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Tea & Bees
Apr 24
Tea & Bees

Join us for a relaxing and engaging program designed for adults to explore the fascinating world of bees while enjoying a cup of iced or hot tea.

Participants must be 15 years or older to attend

REGISTER HERE >

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Blind Brook Riparian Restoration - Informal Workshop
Apr 28
Blind Brook Riparian Restoration - Informal Workshop

This workshop series will explore that journey, including background information, the current condition of the floodplain, the project’s funding and permitting process, design iterations, planned restoration interventions, and the long-term ecological and resilience benefits.

FREE PROGRAM

Read more →
Fairy House Festival
May 1
Fairy House Festival

Step into a world of enchantment and imagination at our first-ever Fairy House Festival! Wander through a whimsical woodland village of handcrafted fairy homes built by local schools, garden clubs, and community groups, each one a tiny masterpiece tucked among the trees and rocks.

Enjoy an afternoon sprinkled with magic: create your own fairy wand, explore shimmering crystals and geodes, chase bubbles across the meadow, and visit our magical and mysterious animal table.

Don’t miss face painting in the pavilion, our magical potion bar, colorful popcorn and party mix, and a photo op with wings! Costumes encouraged—fairies, elves, and woodland creatures welcome!

It's guaranteed to be a magical day!

Free for members | $30 per family for non-members

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Botanical Balm Bar
May 15
Botanical Balm Bar

Participants will learn about healing herbs, infused oils, and simple recipes while creating their own custom blends to take home.

Participants must be 15 years or older to attend

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Nature Access Fund Benefit Dinner
May 21
Nature Access Fund Benefit Dinner

Join us for an inspiring evening to help make the outdoors accessible to all while supporting these vital community initiatives.

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Flower Walk
May 22
Flower Walk

Join an FRNC naturalist as we take a walk through our forest in search of local wildflowers. Participants will learn to identify, press, and preserve wildflowers.

REGISTER HERE >

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Forest School Classes

  • 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

Nature News

Latest Posts

Nature News
What Type of Visitor Are You? 
What Type of Visitor Are You? 
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Trail Cam Tracking!
Trail Cam Tracking!
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REED 2026: When Educators Educate Each Other
REED 2026: When Educators Educate Each Other
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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.

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