Community Corner
Alley Pond to Put Children In Good "Frames" of Mind
Environmental Center Teaches Class That Focuses on the Animals of Northeast Queens
Alley Pond Environmental Center is offering a class this week that will put Queens children in touch with nature and teach them about animals that call Douglaston home, the program's coordinator said.
"Forest Frames" is being held Saturday from 1:30 to 3:30 at the center, which is located at 228-06 Northern Blvd.
Christine Schnurr, the center's early childhood coordinator, said the class begins with instruction on the different types animals that live in northeast Queens. The center houses a number of animals, including rabbits, pigs and snakes – "the non-poisonous kind," Schurr said.
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Children can have their photos taken with the center's furry creatures that can be printed out to size.
Then, they will leave the classroom and get down to business. The students will venture into the great outdoors to observe the animals living in their natural environment on one of the center's nature trails.
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But the students will need to be covert, Schnurr said.
"When you run down a trail, the birds aren't gonna sit and wait," she said.
The program is meant for ages three to six years old. Another objective in venturing out will be to collect pinecones and leaves. The kids can collect anything item as long as it's safe to touch.
"There are signs that say don't touch the poison ivy," Schnurr said.
Once foraging is over, the children will head back to the classroom to glue their pinecones and leaves onto painted frames.
The event is meant to be a day of fun and adventure and not just a lesson, Schnurr said. She hopes to instill a sense of connection between the animals and the children as well as teach them to respect nature.
"If you cut down the trees, you're doing more harm than cutting down a tree," she said. "You're actually harming yourself."
"Forest Frames" is just one of many weekend classes offered at the center. The class is $16 for members and $21 for non-members Call 718-299-4000 for more information. To see a full list of classes, check out the center's website.