Registration is limited for children's program, and reservations are necessary. Members of the South Fork Natural History Museum are admitted Free. Non-members are charged $7 per adult and $5 per child, 2 years and under are free. Admission into the program includes admission into the museum on the day of the program.

 

Please call for reservations. 631-537-9735.

 

Which insect swims, which wiggles, which does the backstroke in a pond? And what do they look like up-close? You’ll learn the answers to these questions from Lindsey as you discover the array of creatures—from small microorganisms, to insects, to frogs—that live in the water and on the murky bottom of the pond. And, you’ll use underwater viewers, magnifying glasses, and microscopes to unmask the secrets of these creatures’ secret lives.

Do dunes really “walk”? Yes, they do, well, sort of. Find out how on this approximately one mile walk with Crystal up, down, and around the “walking” dunes, some as high as 60 or 80 feet. Magnificent views, strange configurations of tall trees engulfed by sand, and deep hollows of sandy wetlands all combine to make this adventure unique. You’ll be on the lookout for the Earth Star fungus, wild cranberry plants, resilient Pitch Pine and Post Oak trees, a myriad of hardy low shrubs, flowering plants and, perhaps, a fox den.

The beach is chock-full of interesting shapes to see and surfaces to touch. On this treasure hunt with Heather, young children will be on the lookout for many things; bumpy seaweed, grooved sea shells, smooth rocks and, of course, lots of sandy sand. Once the children have sorted through their finds, be sure to have a pail, bag, or box for them to take their treasures home in. This walk is recommended for children ages 2 through 4.

Take a stroll with Lindsey in the field behind the museum to see what plants and animals we can find. Learn about invasive and native plant species, birds that inhabit the field, and insects that live in the grass and under the logs.

Most people consider Long Island flat, and for the most part it is. Not so Laurel Valley. Join Crystal as she explores the sometimes challenging knob and kettle hole terrain of this preserve, formed about 15,000 years ago by the receding Wisconsin glacier, and now home to an abundance of Mountain Laurel. A walk on the trails may provide you with a glimpse of an American Woodcock or even a Great Horned Owl.

 

 

  

  

 

 

 

Children love to spend hours wading in the warm shallow waters of the bay. Here’s an opportunity for them to learn about what lives there and what makes it such a good home for so many animals. Join Heather as she introduces children firsthand to the snails, crabs, and other marine creatures that call these shallow waters of the bay home.

The monarch butterfly is sometimes called the "milkweed butterfly" because its larvae eat the plant. In fact, milkweed is the only thing the larvae can eat! Milkweed is also important for many other insects as they nectar. Heather will take you on a walk in the SoFo field, and through our butterfly garden, so you can learn all about milkweeds and find out why they need our help

Al "Big Time" Daniels, a very popular figure in Sag Harbor, wears many hats. For one, he is a well-known fisherman and writes the Outdoors column in The Sag Harbor Express. Second, he spends lots of summer hours at the beach with his seining net, catching local marine creatures, and pulling in the net many times to share his catch – which he of course releases – with children and adults who gather ’round excitedly to see what he brings in. Join SoFo and Al for this special opportunity to see him at work.

 

  

 

To people, bird songs are very pleasant, but for birds they are important to establish territory and to find a mate. Songs are specific to the type of bird, and birds can sing more than one song. Join Lindsey as she takes young naturalists out on a trail to experience the variety of birds and bird songs. We’ll listen to several songs that common backyard birds sing, and have a chance to feed some of the birds we see. This program is for children ages 3 to 7.

Of ancient lineage, the Snapping Turtle, which can grow to a length of 3 feet from head to tail and weigh as much as 70 pounds, will be the main subject of this adventure with Andy. You’ll also get to know the Painted Turtle, and perhaps meet up with the aptly named Stinkpot Turtle. Children love this walk.

Everyone seems to be fascinated with insects, especially kids, and rightly so. Bug-watcher Chris Roberts will take a group outside to hunt for insects on the grounds of the SoFo museum. We’ll look at our local insects: caterpillars, butterflies, beetles, ants, and bees to name a few ¯ and we’ll also find out for whom insects are a delicious meal. This walk is for children ages 5 and up and for adults.

 

  
 

Exploring salt marshes can be a messy and boot-sucking experience, but Munn Point boasts a boardwalk over the marsh from where you can see tidal streams and meadows of Salt Marsh Cord Grass. Once across the boardwalk there are miles of bay beach to explore. Join Crystal on this walk to study the marsh and then do some shell collecting on the beach. Children must be 5 and older for this walk.