Education Programs
To book a program and for additional information, please click here for our program inquiry form!
Our program curriculum is developed by professional educators and is designed for specific age groups. This allows us to provide participants with an engaging presentation with age-appropriate material specially designed for them. We offer these programs for schools, libraries, summer camps, scout troops, birthday parties and more!
Please click on an age group below to find out more about our program offerings!
*We do not recommend our programs for children under three years old.
If you do not see a program that suits your interest, please contact our Education Director at education@volunteersforwildlife.org for more information on how we can develop a presentation for your audience.
Families (Ages 3+)
1) Sensational Senses
Explore the wild side of the five senses in this lively, interactive program. Learn how and why animals use their unique senses, and how they differ from our own.
2) Meet the Animals
Learn about the different classes of animals and their characteristics. Meet our cold-blooded reptiles, our furry mammals and our feathered birds in this easy-going presentation.
3) Radical Reptiles
Participants can learn all about what makes a reptile, a reptile! What special features and adaptations allow these incredible animals to survive in the wild? What reptile species call Long Island home? In this interactive program, educators will help children answer these questions plus more while getting up-close to some extraordinary local species of turtles, terrapins and our corn snake, Mikey!
Ages 3-5
1) Wild About Reading!
In this program, children will listen to a reading of one of our many animal based books. These familiar and comforting stories engage children with the fascinating lives of our local birds, mammals, and reptiles and help them understand the importance of preserving our natural world. Then, our wildlife educator will bring this topic to life by allowing participants to get an up-close view of several of our animal ambassadors!
*This program is great for libraries!*
Explore the wild side of the five senses in this lively, interactive program. Learn how and why animals use their unique senses, and how they differ from our own.
2) Sensational Senses
Learn about the different classes of animals and their characteristics. Meet our cold-blooded reptiles, our furry mammals and our feathered birds in this easy-going presentation.
3) Meet the Animals
Ages 6-10
1) Web of Life
Track energy as it flows from the sun to producers & consumers within the food chain. Explore predator-prey relationships. We stress the importance of each organism in the web of life and examine the impact people make on local habitats.
2) Meet the Animals
Learn about the different classes of animals and their characteristics. Meet our cold-blooded reptiles, our furry mammals and our feathered birds in this easy-going presentation.
3) Meet the Birds
An introductory experience to some of the fascinating species of birds that call Long Island home. We explore their unique adaptations & the issues they deal with in order to survive here.
4) Living With Wildlife on Long Island
In this program you will meet some of the reptiles, mammals & birds that call Long Island home. Learn about their unique adaptations and explore their role in our local ecosystem. Get the inside scoop on why these animals came to our Wildlife Hospital and learn how you can help others like them on Long Island!
5) Radical Reptiles
Participants can learn all about what makes a reptile, a reptile! What special features and adaptations allow these incredible animals to survive in the wild? What reptile species call Long Island home? In this interactive program, educators will help children answer these questions plus more while getting up-close to some extraordinary local species of turtles, terrapins and our corn snake, Mikey!
6) Raptors of Long Island
This is an exciting chance to meet our live hawks, owls, and falcons. Learn about the many adaptations that make these animals some of the most skilled hunters on the planet. Get closer than you've ever been before to some incredible birds of prey!
7) Owl Discovery
Meet live owls and get an in-depth look into the fascinating world of these common-but seldom seen-local inhabitants! Enjoy up-close observation of their amazing nocturnal hunting adaptations.
Older Children & Adults (11+)
1) Raptors of Long Island
This is an exciting chance to meet our live hawks, owls, and falcons. Learn about the many adaptations that make these animals some of the most skilled hunters on the planet. Get closer than you've ever been before to some incredible birds of prey!
2) Owl Discovery
Meet live owls and get an in-depth look into the fascinating world of these common-but seldom seen-local inhabitants! Enjoy up-close observation of their amazing nocturnal hunting adaptations.
3) Meet the Birds
An introductory experience to some of the fascinating species of birds that call Long Island home. We explore their unique adaptations & the issues they deal with in order to survive here.
4) Radical Reptiles
Participants can learn all about what makes a reptile, a reptile! What special features and adaptations allow these incredible animals to survive in the wild? What reptile species call Long Island home? In this interactive program, educators will help children answer these questions plus more while getting up-close to some extraordinary local species of turtles, terrapins and our corn snake, Mikey!
5) Living With Wildlife on Long Island
In this program you will meet some of the reptiles, mammals & birds that call Long Island home. Learn about their unique adaptations and explore their role in our local ecosystem. Get the inside scoop on why these animals came to our Wildlife Hospital and learn how you can help others like them on Long Island!
6) "Owl Prowls" and Guided Nature Hikes
Before beginning our hike, your group will have the opportunity to meet some of our permanent resident animals and learn about their roles on Long Island. We will then guide your group through the 40+ acres of Bailey Arboretum and look for owls, bats and other nocturnal animals!
Adults Only (18+)
1) Owls: Raptors of the Night
During up-close observation, participants dive deep into the mysterious world of owls to discover remarkable nocturnal hunting adaptations, survival tactics, nesting behaviors and the unique role each species plays in our local ecosystem.
2) Raptors: Backyard Predators
Right in our very own backyards are some of the fiercest apex predators on Long Island. Get an in-depth explanation of species specific hunting methods, diurnal versus nocturnal adaptations, and unique survival tactics! Because we share common areas with these creatures, they are susceptible to human induced threats. Learn how to help conserve these species and get to meet our raptor Ambassadors up-close during this exciting and highly informative program!
3) Living With Wildlife on Long Island
In this program you will meet some of the reptiles, mammals & birds that call Long Island home. Get in-depth explanations about their unique adaptations and explore their role in our local ecosystem. Find out why these animals came to our Wildlife Hospital and learn how you can help others like them on Long Island!