Our educational Philosophy
FRNC believes the best way to foster a lifelong connection to nature is by engaging in meaningful outdoor activities as a child. Our educational model utilizes:
- Place-based philosophy—children’s immediate natural surroundings promote knowledge acquisition.
- Nature is the primary teacher—the outdoors is the principle setting where childhood experiences and learning occurs, and this early connection and understanding will shape our futures.
- Learning by doing—experiential education develops gross and fine motor skills and allows for the mastery of STEAM and literacy skills.
Interested in volunteering?
Please see our volunteer page for more opportunities.
OUR MISSION
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.
CONSERVATION
We preserve, protect, and manage our 47-acre forest so it can be studied and enjoyed by our community. Our active land stewardship practices today ensure that our Nature Center will be here for future generations.
EDUCATION
We immerse all ages into the environment through hands-on learning programs. Our teachers and naturalists foster a respect for and connection to the natural world.
COMMUNITY
We collaborate with other not-for-profit groups and local families to ensure that nature is accessible to everyone. Through donor-supported scholarships and funding, we provide environmental education and programming so that no one is left inside.