The Quogue Wildlife Refuge has been offering educational programs at the Refuge since the 1960s. Our goal is to teach children about the outside world and to help them to appreciate nature. Schools, scout groups, libraries and other organizations can arrange the below programs, both at the Refuge or at your facility.
To schedule a program or for more information, please contact the Quogue Wildlife Refuge at 631-653-4771 or via email at programs@quoguewildliferefuge.org.
Find us in the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Arts in Education and/or Exploratory Enrichment catalog.
Please note that guided walks are limited to approximately 20 people per group/guide.
Onsite Programs
Guided Woodland Hikes
Guided Woodland Hikes at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge allow students to explore and learn about various woodland habitats including the Pine Barrens, a field, a pond, and a bog. Topics include local flora and fauna, fire ecology, forest layers, decomposition, succession, and habitat protection. The animals in the outdoor cages are native New York animals that have permanent disabilities and are unable to survive in the wild. The Nature Center Museum is situated overlooking Old Ice Pond and has nature related exhibits, live snakes and turtles, a touch table and more. Programs are available year round. This program is appropriate for all grade levels, and can be tailored to include topics that the students are learning in class.
1 ½ hours: Includes a guided woodland hike around Old Ice Pond and time to view animals in cages. $8.00 per student. ($75 minimum per guide/group)
2 ½ hours: Includes a guided woodland hike around Old Ice Pond, time to view animals in cages, explore inside Nature Center, and time for snack or lunch at amphitheater. $10.00 per student. ($120 minimum per guide/group)
3 ½ hours: Includes longer hike up to North Pond, time to view animals in cages, time for snack/lunch at the amphitheater and to explore inside of Nature Center. $12.00 per student. ($200 minimum per guide/group)
Pine Barrens Hike – 3 ½ hours
Hike up to the globally rare Dwarf Pines in the Northern part of the Refuge. Round trip hike is approximately 2 hours+. Includes time for snack/lunch or time in the Nature Center. Teachers may borrow a forty minute video prior to hike called The Pine Barrens. This program is recommended for fourth grade and up. $12.00 per student. ($200 minimum per guide/group)
Discovering Senses Walk – 1 ½ hours
Students participate in a series of experiences to learn how forest wildlife uses their senses to interpret their world. Guides lead students through fields, woodlands, pond edges, and wetlands as students discover the hidden secrets of nature. Students meet the animals in the outdoor cages, and have an opportunity to feed the waterfowl during the autumn and winter months. This program is great for pre-k through 4th grade. $8.00 per student. ($75 minimum per guide/group)
Bats! 45 Minutes
This 45-minute program will teach children all about bats, including their anatomy and amazing physical adaptations, various lifestyles of bats from all over the world — including Long Island — and their ecological importance to the planet. Students will also learn about the conflicts bats are facing, why the United Nations declared 2011-2012 International Year of the Bat, and how they can help. The lesson will include a power point presentation, as well as various artifacts such as taxidermy bats, a bat skeleton, posters, and a bat fossil replica. $175 per class/group, up to 40 students. Pre-k – 12th grade.
Birds of the Forest – 2 hours
A visit to the refuge shows students places that local birds live and what is essential to bird survival. Indoors, students examine taxidermy mounts, feathers, nests, eggs, and bones to discover the differences between water birds, songbirds, and raptors. A walk around the outdoor animal cages allows children to meet up close a variety of native hawks, falcons, and eagles. During a guided woodland walk students will have the opportunity to look and listen for birds, observe nests, and identify birds and learn about their habitats. This program is appropriate for all grade levels. $9.00 per student. ($120 minimum per guide/group)
Kayaking Old Ice Pond – 1.5 hours
(depending on weather and age of students)
Experience a freshwater ecosystem up close while kayaking on Old Ice Pond. This program is available to 6th through 12th graders, is weather dependent and available during mid-May through mid-October.
$25.00 per person, $250.00 minimum. Spaces available for 18 people including chaperones.
Animals in Winter – 1 ½ or 2 hours
A great winter field trip to the Quogue Wildlife Refuge allows students to learn all about what animals do in the winter. Migration, hibernation, and adaptation will be the topics explored in the nature center using a combination of live animals and taxidermy mounts and interesting animal artifacts. Afterwards, the students will enjoy a short guided walk in search of animal tracks, winter wildlife, and have a chance to see the animals in the outdoor cages. This program is appropriate for pre-k through 4th grade. $10 per student for 1.5 hour program; $12 per student for 2 hour program. ($120 minimum per guide/group)
Waterfowl Conservation – 1 ½ Hours
Get your students outside during the autumn and winter for a hands-on, interactive program about the waterfowl conservation that inspired the preservation of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. A short PowerPoint will introduce students to the history of black duck conservation at the Refuge and the migratory species of waterfowl on Old Ice Pond. Binoculars for students and a spotting scope will be used from inside the Nature Center to look out onto the pond. Afterwards, students will take a short walk to feed the overwintering waterfowl. $10 per student/ $200 minimum fee per guided group.
** There is a $75.00 minimum per group/guide for onsite programs up to 1 ½ hours, $120 minimum per group/guide for 2-2 ½ hour programs, and a $200 minimum per group/guide for 3 ½ hour programs, with the exception of kayaking.
Offsite Programs
(at your location | can also be taught at the Refuge)
Meet the Animals – 50 minutes
A variety of critters can be brought to your classroom for students to learn about, including a snake, turtle, mammal, bird of prey, and some creepy crawlies. This is a great hands on experience for kids of all ages. $200 per session plus travel fee.
Bats! 45 Minutes
This 45-minute program will teach children all about bats, including their anatomy and amazing physical adaptations, various lifestyles of bats from all over the world — including Long Island — and their ecological importance to the planet. Students will also learn about the conflicts bats are facing, why the United Nations declared 2011-2012 International Year of the Bat, and how they can help. The lesson will include a power point presentation, as well as various artifacts such as taxidermy bats, a bat skeleton, posters, and a bat fossil replica. $175 per class/group, plus travel fee; up to 40 students. Pre-k – 12th grade.
Birds of Prey – 50 minutes
This program will introduce students in their classroom to live birds of prey, as they meet our resident raptors. Students will learn the personal history of each native New York animal and why it lives at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, as well as the adaptations that allow these animals to be such incredible hunters. Great program for all grades. $250 per session plus travel fee. For larger groups (two or more classes at a time), book an assembly program $400-$600 per session plus travel fee.
Owls and Owl Pellets – 1 ½ hours
This program will introduce your students to live owls as they learn about their hunting abilities, habitats, and lifestyles. Food chains and diet will be discussed, and then students will have the opportunity to spend time dissecting pellets, and then piece together the bones to recreate the prey animal that their owl consumed. This program is appropriate for 4th grade and up. $12.00 per student, $225.00 minimum per program, plus travel fee.
Reptiles – 50 minutes
Students will be visited in their classroom by a variety of snakes, turtles, and tortoises and will learn all about various reptiles and their lifestyles. Students will learn about human impacts on several species, and how they can help some of our local species. This program is for all ages. $200 per session plus travel fee. For larger groups (two or more classes at a time), book an assembly program $400-$600 per session plus travel fee.
Creatures of the Night! – 50 minutes
A variety of live nocturnal animals will be brought into your classroom for students to meet and learn about. Students will learn the physical adaptations that each nocturnal animal has, as well as their diets and habitats. Discussion will also include native Long Island nocturnal wildlife. This program is for all ages. $200 per class plus travel fee.
All about Turtles – 45 Minutes
This 45-minute program will teach children and adults all about turtles, terrapins and tortoises. Chelonian anatomy and physical adaptations will be discussed, as well as what types of native turtles can be found on Long Island. Students will learn how to help native turtles in the wild. The lesson will include a power point presentation, as well as various artifacts such as shells, eggs, posters and will meet a variety of live turtles and tortoises that are cared for at the Refuge. $200 per class/group plus offsite travel fee.
Wildlife in Art Class! – 45 Minutes
Birds, mammals, insects, and reptiles have fascinated human artists for centuries! This 45 minute program will allow your art students to sketch our live animal ambassadors in class – up close and personal. Choose 2 to 3 animals for your art class to sketch while we discuss the animal’s unique adaptations, history, personality, and more! Artifacts like shells, nests and skulls will also be brought for sketching opportunities. Discuss famous artists like John James Audubon prior to our visit for some wild inspiration! $200 per class plus offsite travel, multiple sessions available. Art supplies must be provided by organization booking the program.
Frogs of Long Island – 45 minutes
Hop into a great lesson about the 9 species of native frogs that call Long Island home. Frog anatomy, amphibians, and life history will be discussed during this 45 minute PowerPoint presentation. While each species is being discussed, its call will be played for students to hear. Up to 40 students per session. Lesson can be edited for age group. Pre-k – 8th grade. $175 per class plus offsite travel.
Spring Wildlife Babies – The Do’s and Don’ts of Helping Wildlife
Fledglings, fawns and hatchlings! Spring is a great time of year to watch young creatures. We’ll un-pack all the reasons why wildlife professionals say “If you care, leave them there.” Common issues, as well as, life history information will be presented in this power point presentation. Live animals may accompany this slideshow presentation, along with natural artifacts. K to 12th Grade. $175 per class plus offsite travel.
Assembly Programs
Birds of Prey and Reptiles are two programs that can be taught assembly style, for groups of two or more classes at a time. The fee for an Assembly Program is $400-$600 per session depending on number of students; plus travel fee.
SCOUT PROGRAMS (onsite)
The Quogue Wildlife Refuge is happy to work with Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops as they work towards achieving badges. The Refuge staff has assisted many troops in attaining their Forester, Wildlife, Naturalist, and Animal Badges. Night Hike with Activities is also a great program for scouts to learn about their night vision, along with nocturnal creatures of the forest. A 1 ½ hour program for up to twenty people has a $7.00 per person fee/$75.00 minimum. Night Hike Programs have a $10.00 per person fee/$120.00 minimum.
**Offsite travel fees range from $50.00 and higher depending upon location.
To schedule a program or for more information, please contact the Quogue Wildlife Refuge at 631-653-4771 or at programs@quoguewildliferefuge.org .