Nature Access Fund
Friends of Rye Nature Center believes in the transformative power of nature. We strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or ability, can experience its healing, inspiring, and unifying effects. FRNC has strategic partnerships with local schools and non-profit organizations to help underserved populations connect with nature.
Celebrate with Friends of Rye Nature Center
at our annual Nature Access Fund Benefit.
American Yacht Club, Rye NY
May 30, 2025 – 6:30 - 9:30
Get your tickets today!
March 2025
Impact Report
Dear Friends,
We are thrilled to share our inaugural Nature Access Fund Impact Report with you. As you take a closer look at the metrics and testimonials enclosed, we encourage you to embrace how your gift has influenced the number of programs FRNC has been able to provide and the ways our educational initiatives are changing student engagement with nature.
Last June, I shadowed our Director of Outreach, Katie Jamer, on the last day of her afterschool class at Park Avenue School in Port Chester. The class of eager fourth and fifth graders hung on to her every word as she described the interesting habits of Popcorn, the Nature Center’s resident corn snake. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they took turns holding the snake and listening to them talk about what they were learning reinforced the essence of why you and FRNC are working together to make these programs a priority.
The program drew to a close, and as Katie announced that it was her last visit, a ripple of disappointment echoed through the gymnasium.
“Don’t worry,” she assured the children, “I’ll see you in September, and we’ll measure Popcorn to see if he’s grown any longer.”
Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in nature. Katie and Popcorn’s return every school year is only possible because of your commitment and support.
Last year, supporters of the Nature Access Fund (NAF) provided over $150,000 of hands-on environmental education, guided nature experiences, and outdoor adventure programs. We have seen firsthand the impact these moments can have — children building confidence as they navigate forest trails, seniors finding peace in guided nature walks, and students discovering the magic of wildlife up close.
Please save May 30 for our annual benefit dinner. A full invitation with event details will come soon, but sponsorship opportunities are enclosed. Thank you again for working with us to make these programs possible. We look forward to continuing and doing more in 2025.
Sincerely,
Christine Siller
Executive Director
4,589 Experiences Provided
“There are very few spaces nearby that we can safely take our students on a nature walk. It’s so helpful when FRNC brings a piece of nature to us to capture the outside feel we can’t grasp right here in our neighborhood.”
“I cannot emphasize enough how grateful we are for the ongoing partnership we share. FRNC’s dedication to enriching the lives of our community through these exceptional nature programs is truly commendable.
The children were enchanted by the experience and especially adored meeting Popcorn the Snake, creating lasting memories they will cherish.
We eagerly anticipate the continued collaboration and the positive impact it brings to all involved.”
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Mount Vernon schools have benefited from a strong partnership with FRNC for the last several years. Our approach to environmental education has made a lasting impact on students and the community.
Last year, Mount Vernon requested an expansion of FRNC’s programming, recognizing the value of our hands-on, immersive approach to teaching about nature. Through outdoor experiences, interactive lessons, and NatureStation visits, FRNC has deepened students’ understanding of the environment while inspiring a lasting commitment to stewardship.
The Nature Access Fund has made it possible to integrate even more environmental education into students’ learning experiences. FRNC’s expansion of this programming is a testament to the profound influence it has had within the environmental education community.
The longevity of this partnership has allowed us to observe behavior changes in the students who have participated in these programs. School leadership has noted that children continue to demonstrate environmental responsibility in their daily lives—a testament to the legacy FRNC has built.
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Last May, Rye Neck School District’s social worker reached out to FRNC in a moment of urgency. She explained that the village recreation camp had unexpectedly run out of space, leaving fifteen families without summer programming for their children. Her voice wavered as she asked if we could help—she had heard about our camp and the Nature Access Fund.
Without hesitation, we said yes. We were able to welcome these children to our Day Camp and Paddle Adventure Camp because of the generosity of our community. Nineteen children experienced a summer filled with adventure, learning, and the joy of simply being kids—all because of your commitment.
What started as a moment of distress for these families turned into an opportunity to create something meaningful—an experience their children will carry with them long after the end of summer.
For many families, financial challenges can mean difficult choices, and the goal of the Nature Access Fund is to alleviate this pressure for as many people as possible.
The impact of this opportunity has already been felt, as we are now receiving requests for this summer from families whose children had a wonderful experience. Sending a child to camp may seem like a small gift compared to the vastness of nature, but it is so much more—it’s a chance to explore, to build confidence, and to create lifelong memories.
Thank you for being part of something bigger—as we change lives one child at a time.
How We Choose Our Partners
When organizations or schools request free or subsidized programming, FRNC first assesses whether they serve populations aligned with our mission reach priorities. We seek partners who provide services to youth, families, and adults who lack access to enrichment, education, and recreation.
Next, we review the organization’s financials and mission areas to confirm that our resources are needed and that our core values are in alignment. This due diligence helps us build strong, impactful partnerships.
FRNC strives to maintain a well-rounded program portfolio by balancing our large-scale, casual engagement initiatives—like NatureStation—with in-depth, curriculum-based programs such as year-long afterschool classes. By offering both broad-reaching and deeply engaging programs, we ensure that the Nature Access Fund provides meaningful, lasting connections to nature for all.
These donor-funded programs include the Inner-City Scholarship Fund, YWCA resident, the Community Resource Center in Mamaroneck, Port Chester’s 5 Steps to Five, Carver Center programs, Blue Skies summer camp, Mount Vernon Central School District, and many more.
Your support of the Nature Access Fund plays a crucial role in upholding FRNC’s mission. Together we can ensure that no one is left inside. Thank you for your generous support!
Support these programs by donating today!
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Summer Camp Memories
Each August since 2008, students from the Inner-City Scholarship Fund living in the Bronx and Manhattan’s most underserved communities attend summer camp, at no cost. These children experience nature firsthand, eat healthy food, see wildlife up close, and no matter what, have fun.
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Nature For All
NatureStation, our mobile exhibit and classroom, helps FRNC teach all people how to connect with, care for, and preserve nature. With our expanded off-site programming capability, we can bring hands-on ecology lessons to people who are unable to interact with nature.
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Empowering Projects
Women at the White Plains YWCA have built a beautiful garden at their residence during our bi-weekly programs. These women share the joys of planting, maintaining, and harvesting their garden. Completed projects include homemade pesto, healing salves, and decorative wreaths.
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Senior Citizen Science
Senior citizens at The Osborn and Carver Center remain social, active, and engaged while learning about nature and conservation. In addition, our senior volunteers partake in citizen science opportunities including the Great Backyard Bird Count and monitoring the trees in the forest.
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Service Learning Projects
Adults and teenagers from help us maintain our garden, forest, and resident animals. These weekly service learning projects provide inclusive education opportunities and a connection to the natural world. Between these organizations, we supply over 60 hours of nature programming.
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STEM Enrichment
We visit Port Chester’s Carver Center and the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle to teach students about recycling and composting, animals, life cycles, and bees. These students also visit our 47-acre preserve to explore the forest and its wildlife. Students from the Community Resource Center in Mamaroneck participate in ecology lessons and maintain their own gardens.