A Warm Welcome to Cooler Weather: A Season’s Worth of News
With the temperature dropping and school buses back on the roads, change is in the air at the Rye Nature Center. The shift in seasons brings crisp mornings, colorful woods, and a new rhythm on our grounds. Summer camp’s romp and roar are behind us, and with that comes a return to familiar favorites: Forest Preschool, after-school groups, and Saturday public programs. And of course, Nature News is back to keep you connected to all things Rye Nature Center.
Be sure to check that lower drawer!
We’re especially excited to share a few updates this fall. You’ll notice new features on our grounds, progress on conservation projects, and—last but certainly not least—the return of a treasured community tradition: the Square Dance! This event that was first held in 1989 returned after a nearly 30 year break. Did you miss the Square Dance and are feeling the FOMO? Don’t worry it will be back next year! If you can’t wait that long, adults are invited to join us for our annual Oktoberfest fundraiser on October 3.
Summer didn’t just change our trees—it transformed our space. Visitors will now find a refreshed Storybook Trail near the playground, a Little Library in the garden, and a Wind Phone, all ready to explore. We hope you’ll stop by soon to enjoy these new additions and experience the changing season with us.
Finally, we are thrilled to share some exciting news about the "250 Acorns to Oaks" local project! What started as an ambitious goal to plant 250 oak trees has blossomed into a monumental success, thanks to the hard work and passion of our community. We are excited to announce that we have successfully grown over 800 oak saplings!
This initiative is a collaborative effort with our partners at the Rye Sustainability Committee, the Little Garden Club of Rye, and the Rye Sustainability Foundation. By collecting acorns from some of the city's most beloved oak trees, we are ensuring that the next generation of our forest is grown from strong, native genetic stock. These young trees are being carefully nurtured in specially constructed air-pruning beds, preparing them for a long and healthy life.
Oak trees are more than just a beautiful part of our landscape; they are a cornerstone of our local ecosystem, supporting over 450 species of insects, birds, and small mammals. By increasing the number of native oaks, we are strengthening the foundation of Rye's biodiversity for generations to come.
As we move forward, we will be looking for community members to "adopt" and steward these saplings, planting them in their own yards and on public properties. This is a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the long-term health and resilience of our city's natural environment.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has volunteered, donated, and supported this project. Your commitment is what has made this effort so successful, and we can't wait to see these oaks take root across Rye.
If you want to learn more or even participate in this initiative, visit the Rye Sustainability Foundation’s website here!
Looking for more ways to stay tuned into Rye Nature Center news? Check our recently published issue of The Early Bird!
