Environmental education at the ymca
Enjoy hands-on learning opportunities in the classroom and great outdoors. The Upper Main Line YMCA's Environmental Education Complex includes the Nature Center, Barnyard, Outdoor Learning Gardens, and Cassat Preserve with over 20 acres of woodland, wetlands, meadow, Darby creek and pond, and more than five miles of trails.
Connect kids with nature intitiative
The Y is committed to connecting children andfamilies with nature and the outdoors tocombat obesity and unplug from the electronicworld. Explore the outdoors at the Y!
Little Nature Explorers - Ages 2 to 3
Explore the world of nature through live animal visits, related art projects, stories and fun games.
Crafty Critters - Ages 3 to 6
Creativity abounds as children explore nature through art projects, woodland walks, and visits with the animals in the Environmental Education Center.
Lil’ Animal Globe Trottin’ - Ages 4 to 6
Lions, tigers, and bears, hurray! Learn about animals from all over the globe including the jungles of India, the African Savanna, the Australian Outback, and the deep ocean.
Eco-Fit - Ages 3½ to 6
Children see just how much fun exercise can be by using the fitness center right here in the Cassatt Preserve! We climb over logs, jump over rocks, and do fun activities to teach kids about fitness in nature, all while exploring and learning about nature.
Fun With Science - Ages 3½ to 6
Children see just how much fun science can be by performing hands-on experiments that are ooey, gooey and just plain fun! Kids meet some of the critters in our Environmental Education Center.
Garden to Kitchen - Ages 3½ to 6
This class introduces kids to the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and getting physical activity every day. Through hands-on garden and cooking-based nutrition education classes, students learn about where their food comes from and how to cook healthy meals.
Critter Care - Ages 4 to 6
Kids help feed and care for the critters in our Environmental Education Center and learn about these and other wild animals. Activities include walks in our woods and along the pond and wetlands of the Y.
Nature I.Q. - Ages 4 to 7
Children explore the world of nature through woodland and wetland hikes, visits with the animals in the Nature Center, and other fun activities!
Youth Nature Programs
Wildlife Forensics - Ages 6 to 10
Investigate evidence that is left behind from animals! Learn how to read tracks and markings, what munched up leaves and broken twigs can mean, and why animals dig burrows where they do. Discover the secret lives of animals on the Cassatt Preserve!
Youth Archery - Ages 7 to 10
Archery, one of the highlights of summer camp, can now be enjoyed year-round. Learn the basics of archery from one of our summer camp staff. All equipment is provided.
Outdoor Survival Class - Ages 8 to 12
Have you ever wondered what plants are harmful and which ones are helpful? Do youwant to know how to build an outdoor fort? Learn more in our outdoor survival class.
Family Eco-Workshops - Ages 4 and Up
Join our knowledgeable staff for special family programs to explore nature and science topics. Meet in the Nature Center. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Dates listed below:
- Saturday, September 12 6:30-7:30 pm- Science Experiments in the Kitchen
- Saturday, September 26 6:30-7:30 pm- Nighttime Hike/Camp Fire
- Saturday, October 3 6:30-7:30 pm- Bats of Pennsylvania
- Saturday, October 10 6:30-7:30 pm- Cold Blooded Creatures
School Teachers & Scout Leaders! School Groups & Boy & Girl Scout Badges
The UMLY Environmental Education programs can be suited to meet your group’s curriculum needs or Scouting badges. For details and prices, call 610-647-9622, ext. 2013.
Y Earth Service Corps (YESC) Grades 5-12
Focus on environmental service learning, adventure trips and team building. Get involved in local environmental and wildlife service projects, day hikes, adventure sports, and overnight camping trips.
Contact Brian Quindlen, 610-647-9622, ext. 2013 or yesc@ymcagbw.org or www.ymcagbw.org/yesc.
Meetings on Tuesdays 7:00-8:30 pm. Meetings and Service Projects have no fees.
YESC Trips
- September 12 Wetlands Institute and Stone Harbor Point
- September 26 Fall Birding/Hawk Festival at Okehocking Preserve
- October 2-4 Fall Retreatat Lackawanna State Park
- October 17 The Great HalloweenFestival Service Project
- November 14 Hibernia County Park
- December 5 The Franklin Institute
Register for all activities at the Welcome Center.
School of Birding
Based in the classroom and field workshops, learn to identify birds by sight and sound while exploring the diverse world of birds! Please visit ymcagbw.org/schoolofbirding for classes and fees. Transportation included for all trips!
Teen Birding - Ages 12 to 18
Do you have a passion for birding and want to learn more? Great prep for UMLY’s World Series of Birding in May 2016! Includes class instruction and field trips, focusing on identification by field marks and sound.
Meetings every Tuesday 6:00-7:00 pm.
September: Cradle of Birding Festival & Fall Birding/Hawk Festival at Okehocking Preserve
October: Exton Park Trip
November: Cape May Fall Migration
December: Glenholden CBC VFAS CBF
Adult & Family Birding - Ages 18 & up
Monthly Workshop every Tuesday before a trip, 6:00-7:00 pm
September: Hawk ID at Hawk Mountain
October: Sparrow ID at Exton Park
November: Waterfowl at Lakes of Chester County
December: Christmas Count at UMLY
For more information on any Environmental Education, please contact Brian Raicich at 610-647-9622, ext. 2002 or braicich@ymcagbw.org.