+ It's My First Time at the Rye Nature Center. What Should I Do Here?

The Rye Nature Center offers a host of opportunities for you and your family to get in touch with nature. We have 47 acres to explore and over 2 miles of trails. You can learn some local history at the Parson Estate Ruins, or have fun on our playgrounds.

+ Is there a cost for parking or admission?

Parking and admission to the Rye Nature Center are free! Memberships and donations allow us to stay open to the public from dawn to dusk.

+ Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are not allowed on the Rye Nature Center grounds. We are rehabilitating sensitive wildlife that cannot be disturbed.

+ Are bikes allowed?

Bikes are not allowed on the trails. However, we encourage green transportation, so if you bike to the Rye Nature Center you can leave your bicycle at the bike rack by the welcome kiosk.

+ Where can I find a map of the grounds?

A map is available online or through the QR code at our welcome kiosk. The blazers on our trees make trails easy to follow once you’ve chosen one.

+ I noticed a firepit at the nature center. Can i use it?

For safety reasons, our firepit is only to be used during programs hosted by Friends of Rye Nature Center.

+ What is the Nature Center's policy regarding garbage/recycling?

We are a Carry In, Carry Out facility, meaning visitors should expect to bring any garbage out of the park with them when they leave.

+ Can I take photos at the Rye Nature Center?

The Nature Center is a beautiful backdrop for all seasons. We've had many locals take their family portraits or engagement photos here. There is no fee to do so, but if you wish to make a donation, you can go to ryenaturecenter.org/donate.

If you would like to take photos or videos for professional use, please contact FRNC directly.

+ Can I celebrate a birthday at the Rye Nature Center?

We offer time slots for birthday parties on weekends. Slots are not available in June, July, and August. FRNC does not host birthday parties in individual homes. Learn more here.

+ Can I host an event on the Nature Center grounds?

The park is public space, and all are welcome to visit the property and take a break or enjoy a meal at the picnic tables. Please refrain from using tablecloths and anything else disposable...we are a Carry In, Carry Out facility. If you're interested in having a party at the Nature Center, learn more here. Other program bookings can be made by contacting admin@ryenaturecenter.org.

+ Does Friends of Rye Nature Center offer financial assistance/scholarships?

Yes, Friends of Rye Nature Center offers need-based financial assistance for our programs. To request a scholarship application, contact Christine Siller, Executive Director, at christine@ryenaturecenter.org. We appreciate applications submitted early.

If you represent a school looking for a program and would like assistance, please contact Katie Jamer at katie@ryenaturecenter.org.

+ what is the difference between forest preschool and preschool ecology?

In our Preschool Ecology program, students are taught by two naturalists, who pair ecology lessons with play time and provide progress reports twice a year. Students can join the class for one or two days a week. For more information, check our Preschool Ecology page.

Forest Preschool is taught by one certified teacher with a master's degree and one naturalist. Teachers meet with parents in two scheduled conferences, and families can also join in our Family Campfires. Forest Preschool offers 5-day and 3-day programs. The 3-day program includes an option to walk children from Christ’s Church Nursery School or Rye Presbyterian Nursery School. The walking option is also available for students in the 5-day morning program, but not the afternoon program. For more information, check our Forest Preschool page.

Both Preschool Ecology and the Forest Preschool programs are open to children ages 3.5-5.5 years old, with classes mixing children of different ages. Classes are almost entirely outdoors, engaging children with hikes and free play. Both programs also provide daily write-ups on the platform Seesaw, where parents can find pictures and videos of what their children did every day.

Please contact Education Director Alli Rogers with any questions.

+ I found a baby animal. What should I do?

Don't intervene. The animal's mother will be able to help it more than we can, so leaving the baby alone is the best course of action. If you suspect the animal has been abandoned, contact a DEC Wildlife Rehabilitator. Click here for the Wildlife Rehabilitator look-up.

Additional Resources:
I Found a Baby Mammal! Now What?
I Found a Baby Bird! Now What?

+ What should I do with an injured or hurt animal?

Contact a DEC Wildlife Rehabilitator. Click here for the Wildlife Rehabilitator look-up. Do not bring the animal to the Rye Nature Center.

+ Can I donate a pet to the Rye Nature Center?

No. Our animals make their homes with us for a long time, and we do not have space to accept donated animals.

+ How can I learn about/prevent ticks and animal borne illnesses?

For information on animal borne illnesses, read pages 7-8 of our parent guide. You can find more resources on the DEC/state health pages for ticks, West Nile Virus, and rabies.