Education Programs
"We cannot win this battle to save species and environments without forging
an emotional bond between ourselves and nature as well - for we will not fight to save what we do not love."
-- Stephen Jay Gould
Volunteers for Wildlife encourages environmental awareness and responsibility through rehabilitation and education programs. We offer a variety of wildlife and environmental educational programs to school groups, Scout troops and community organizations.
Many of the programs we currently offer are described below. If you'd like more information, or wish to make a reservation, please call our office at 631-423-0982 and leave your name, address and request on mailbox #5.
Programs for Long Island Schools
Average Group Size: 40 students. This includes working with teachers to enhance curriculum.
Download a PDF version of our Education Brochure
Meet the Animals
- 2–4yrs & Pre-K
- Duration: 20–30 minutes
- Post visit coloring sheets available
- Program option: Meet the Birds
An introductory exploration of the world of wildlife. Each interactive program is tailored to the specific group & engages each child in group discovery.
Web of Life
- 2nd Grade & up
- Post-visit worksheets available
- Duration: 45-60 minutes
Track energy as it flows from the sun to producers and consumers. Explore predator-prey relationships. We stress the importance of each organism in the web of life and the impact people make on local habitats.
Living with Wildlife on Long Island
- 3rd Grade–Adult
- Post-visit worksheets & literature are available
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
Meet a variety of local wildlife, learn about their unique adaptations & explore their role in our local ecosystem. Get the inside scoop on why these animals end up needing care from Volunteers for Wildlife's premiere wildlife hospital facilities.
Sensational Senses
- Pre-K–1st Grade
- Duration: 30–45 minutes
Explore the wild side of the five senses in this lively, interactive program. Learn how and why animals use their unique senses while using your own!
Owl Discovery Hour
- 3rd Grade–Adult
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
Meet real, live owls and get an in-depth look into the fascinating world of this common but seldom seen local inhabitant. Enjoy up-close observation of their amazing nocturnal hunting adaptations.
Raptors of Long Island
- 2nd Grade–Adult
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
Here’s your chance to meet some live hawks, owls, and falcons that live right in your own backyard! Learn about their unique adaptations while getting to see them up-close!
Nature Hike Field Trip
- 3rd Grade–Adult
- Outdoors, all seasons, weather permitting
- Duration: 2–3 hours
Available as a field trip to Caumsett State Historic Park. Hike some of the back trails of the park while learning about the native plants and animals of Long Island. Meet a live wild animal (from our permanent collection) of your choice prior to the hike. Special program fee: $150 for 20 children with chaperones.
Gardening for Wildlife
- Adult
- Duration: 30–45 minutes
Slide show presentation with a live wild animal. Learn how to attract and keep wildlife coming to your back yard!