A group of five children hold up binoculars to look at a bird feeder in the front, fenced-in yard of a school, facing away from the viewer.
A group of five children hold up binoculars to look at a bird feeder in the front, fenced-in yard of a school, facing away from the viewer.
Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary

School Programs

Hands-on, curriculum-based learning in nature's outdoor classroom or your own!
Our Schoolyard Bird Walks show kids the wonder of nature in their own backyard! Photo: Diana Wilson/Audubon
Our Schoolyard Bird Walks show kids the wonder of nature in their own backyard! Photo: Diana Wilson/Audubon
Hands-on, curriculum-based learning in nature's outdoor classroom or your own!

The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center offers a variety of school programming geared to students of all ages. Here is a sample of our school programming. All programs activities will be geared to grade level.

Program Offerings

Schoolyard Bird Walk Grades 1 - 8
Nature is everywhere! We will take you on a guided field trip through your own schoolyard to learn all about the birds, other animals, and even plants that live there. Binoculars and field guides will be provided for the duration of the trip.

Shorebird Conservation Grades 1 - 8
Long Island is an important breeding site for many species of shorebirds, but development and disturbances on beaches make it hard for these birds to nest and raise their young. Students will learn about shorebirds, the ongoing efforts to protect them, and what people can do to help—and get to play an educational game about the life of Piping Plovers!

Garden Detectives Grades K - 8
Students will take a journey through our native plant gardens and grounds and make exciting discoveries about the plants and insects who call our Sanctuary their home!  Ask us how we can bring this program to gardens at your school.

Adaptations All Around Us Grades 3 - 5
Why does a turtle have a shell? How do flowers attract pollinators? Students will earn all about different adaptations through hands-on experiences in our gardens and with our animal ambassadors.

For the Birds! 

The For the Birds! multi-sessional program is an innovative place-based and experiential learning program that promotes academic achievement in the sciences and is aligned with NGSS. The program’s aim is to nurture responsible environmental values through the study of birds and their habitats. Lesson topics can include:

  • Introduction to Birds
  • The Migration Game
  • Flight and Feathers
  • Schoolyard Bird Walks
  • Guided Field Trips
  • ...and more!

For more information, pricing, and to book school programs, please contact Julie Nelsen, Education Manager at julie.nelsen@audubon.org or 516-922-3200.  Programs can be hosted onsite at the Sanctuary or at your location.

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