Established in 1946 with the creation of the West Rock Nature Center,
The Rangers Program exemplifies a low impact lifestyle in our City Parks.
It is charged with providing residents with a first hand understanding
of the effects that human activities impose on ecological relationships
while providing instruction in natural history and environmentally responsible
choices in an effort to engender a sense of stewardship for our natural
resources.
- for students to realize that the parks are here for their enjoyment and
- to feel a sense of responsibility to take care of their parks.
To schedule a program or to obtain more information about a topic, call the telephone
number listed at the end of each program section. Programs run for
approximately one hour and begin at 10:00 a.m. This coincides with
the New Haven school system “free bus” time. Ranger programs
are free for students in the New Haven schools. Schools outside New Haven are
required to pay a fee of $2.00 to $3.00 per child. Classes are scheduled on
a first-come, first-served basis. If you schedule a ranger program
and must cancel, please call as soon as possible. We always have another class anxious
to take your place.
New Haven's park ranger programs
introduce students to New Haven’s park system. Students learn about
the ranger’s job, which is to teach people about our parks and the
resources found in them, and they develop a sense of ownership of their parks.
| This program involves
the exploration of Edgewood Park in the winter. Searching for animal
tracks, as well as being able to identify trees without leaves, makes this
program a great activity for children, grades K-6. Available only during
the winter. For more information contact the Edgewood Ranger at (203)
946-8028. |
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Lead by park rangers and
naturalists, these walks teach about migrating birds, as well as some of
our local resident species. Offered at all ranger stations. Check calendar
for dates. For more information, please contact the East Rock Ranger
Station/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086, the Edgewood
Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028 or the West Rock Nature at (203) 946-8016. |
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A perfect way to get
into the holiday spirit. Learn how to make and decorate a wreath or how to
dip a candle. This program is offered at East Rock and Edgewood parks and
the West Rock Nature Center. For more information, contact the East
Rock/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086, the Edgewood Park
Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028 or the West Rock Nature Center at
(203) 946-8016. |
Candle making workshop |
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This is a favorite
activity for some of our rangers, who will be happy to pass on their
"secrets" while they demonstrate fishing techniques and
equipment. Our salt and fresh-water fishing derbies are becoming more and
more popular. Ranger Dan Barvir, also organizes Bluefishing trips. For
more information, please contact the East Rock Ranger Station at (203)
946-6086, or the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator at (203) 946-6768. |
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Join our staff and
special guests for a series of fascinating walks through the parks. This
program is offered at East Rock and West Rock parks. For more information,
contact the East Rock/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086,
or the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016. |
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Learn about these
amazing birds of prey. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from the
rangers. Offered at East Rock, West Rock and Lighthouse Point parks. For
more information, contact the East Rock/Trowbridge Environmental Center
at (203) 946-6086
or the
West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016. Hawk festival will be held each year in the autumn. Check the monthly calendar for dates. |
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Nature walks provide a
unique opportunity to see the city from different angles, to observe the
birds that roam around in New Haven parks, and to appreciate and respect
the local wildlife and natural ecosystems. Lead by park rangers and
naturalists, these walks teach low-impact, leave-no-trace ethics and
skill, our way of educating residents about preserving our fragile
habitats. This program is offered at all ranger stations. For more
information, please contact the East Rock Ranger Station/Trowbridge
Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086; the Edgewood Ranger Station at
(203) 946-8028 or
the West Rock Nature Center (203) 946-8016. |
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Introduction to Reptiles
This program is offered
several times each year and depending upon the age group could include: A
nature walk to the ravine of the Nature Center looking for "reptile
signs," "Hands on" presentation with snakes and turtles in
the Nature House, Reptile slides and video in the Visitors Center. For
more information call the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016, or the
Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028. |
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Maple trees, syrup and
pancakes are a New England tradition. Join our staff and learn how to
identify a maple tree, tap a tree for sap, boil the sap, and taste the
final product. Note: This program is offered only from late February to
mid-March. For more information, contact the East Rock Ranger
Station/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086. Check the monthly calendar for dates. |
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This program is offered
year-round (weather permitting), and could include any of the following:
Identifying trees, birds, flowers, animals’ tracks, including
brook study, hiking, orienteering, and biodiversity. For more information
call the East Rock Ranger Station/Trowbridge Environmental Center at
(203) 946-6086, the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028, or the West Rock
Nature Center at (203) 946-8016. |
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A nature lover’s delight, this program
is offered during several times of the year at the West Rock Nature
Center. Lead by naturalists and/or rangers, this program includes hikes
through the woods, which allows participants to learn, identify and even
photograph striking native species. For more information call the West
Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016. |
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This popular program
introduces children and youth to the fascinating world of owls. By using
sterilized owl pellets, students reconstruct the owl's prey by piecing
together the bones and studying the skulls. Pellets consist of the hair
and bones that owls regurgitate following a meal. They contain valuable
clues to what the owl was eating, and the habitat in which the owl was
hunting. The program also teaches children about where owls live, how they
see so well at night and how to tell if there are owls living nearby.
Students will be fascinated by our museum grade specimen of the great
horned owl, Bubo Virginianus. Fees are $4.00 per student. For more information,
contact the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028. |
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This program includes
the use of a seining net, which allow participants of all ages to learn
about pond ecology and the food chain at Edgewood Park’s Duck Pond. The
program is complemented with a tour of the ranger station, including
displays of native and non-native inhabitants. For more information
contact the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028. |
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Explore the wonders of nature with your little ones, ages 0-5, at the Edgewood Park Nature Center. This fun, weekly program includes activities, story time, outdoor exploration and a craft project all centering around a different nature theme each week. A snack is also provided. |
 Click here for information and to download the registration form |
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The Migration Festival will be held each year in autumn, check the monthly calendar for dates . Join the New Haven Parks Rangers, Connecticut Audubon Society and the Connecticut Butterfly Association for a Celebration of Birds, Butterflies and Dragonflies. For more information contact the East Rock/Trowbridge Environmental Center at (203) 946-6086. |
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Our new programs are designed for
beginners and for those who have mastered a certain level of maneuvering
and paddling skills. In our sit-on-top sea kayaks and sit-in touring
kayaks, we travel along the Greater New Haven coastal zones, teaching
about equipment, paddling techniques, tidal currents and navigation while
allowing for a closer observation of seashore life. Safe paddling is our
priority. This includes teaching rescue techniques, the effects of
hypothermia, and the wet exit while wearing a spray skirt. Classes, pool
clinics and tours are available for 2001. For more information, please
call the Outdoor Adventures Coordinator 203-946-6768. |
Kayaking at Morris Creek in Lighthouse Point Park |
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A great way to learn how
to learn how to find your way in the outdoors. A newly designed course
at the West Rock Nature Center will also allow participants to learn about
map reading, use of compasses and GPS, trail nomenclature, as well as
topographical maps. For more information contact the West Rock Nature Center at
(203) 946-8016 or call (203) 946-6768. |
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A great way to introduce
kids to the sport, in a supervised and controlled environment. This course
includes basic instruction in safety, fitting and use of mask fins and
snorkel. Participants are allowed to keep snorkel. Available upon request
(when pool available). Minimum age is 10 years old. For more information,
contact the Outdoor Adventures Coordinator 203-946-6768. |
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Environmental stories are told at the Edgewood Ranger Station. These presentations are
accompanied by an appropriate craft. Different stories can accommodate
children ages 3-7, and grades K-6. For more
information, contact the Edgewood Ranger Station at (203) 946-8028. |
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The Lighthouse Point
Park Rangers offer this unique program at beautiful Lighthouse Point Park. This historical program
includes a climb of the lighthouse to see the majestic view of Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound with New Haven's only public swimming beach. Participants must be able to climb the
65-foot circular granite stairway to the top of the lighthouse brownstone tower. The Lighthouse stands beside the historic restored carousel.
Originally called Southwest Ledge Light, then Five Mile Point Lighthouse, the current Lighthouse was turned on January 1, 1877. The City of New Haven bought the property in 1924 and opened Lighthouse Point Park. In 1986 the Lighthouse was restored and in 2002 the New Haven Parks Rangers began conducting tours of the facility. For more information, contact the Outdoor Adventures Coordinator 203-946-6768. |
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Join our staff and special guests for a series of fascinating walks
through the parks. This program is offered at East Rock and West Rock
parks. For more information, contact the East Rock/Trowbridge Environmental
Center at (203) 946-6086, or the West Rock Nature Center at (203) 946-8016. |
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By taking on progressively more challenging experiences, participants
will learn team building, cooperation, trust, and conflict resolution.
Customized challenging hi-low ropes course programs will be offered at
the West Rock Nature Center. Available for groups
upon request. Activities vary depending on the dates, number of participants
and staff required. Note: These activities are not related to Project
Pride. For more information, call Wray Williams at the West Rock Nature
Center at (203) 946-8016. |
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Animal tracking/tree identification
