COVID-19 has forced everyone to make adjustments both large and small in our lives and daily routines. A noticeable change has been the increased time people are spending outdoors in nature. For the Nature Museum that meant increased use of our properties. We welcome this shift to more outside time, and are extremely pleased that individuals and families have discovered our meadows, forests, ponds, hills and trails. We know that time spent outside in nature is a tonic that recharges the spirit, strengthens the body and invigorates the mind.
To protect the health and safety of the several hundred children who attend our Young Naturalist, Home School Naturalist and other educational programming, we follow CDC and NYS Health Department best practices. This means our properties are open to the public for walking, hiking and enjoying nature in the early morning (dawn to 8:00am) and late afternoon (4:00pm to dusk) Mondays through Fridays, and all day from dawn to dusk on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
We know these limitations have reduced access to our trails and property during the week for some people. Be assured that we will continue to assess conditions and apply best practices going forward so that any decision on expanded access is based on science that puts the health and safety of our students, staff and community at the forefront.
Please come and enjoy nature and our meadows, forests, ponds and trails during the days and hours we are open to members and the public. And if you are not yet a member please consider joining and supporting our work and our small piece of the natural world.
-Tom Bregman