Revived Nature Center Resumes Classes; Camps Start Monday

Summer classes and camps will begin Monday at the under the new direction of the Troy Nature Society.

“It is a gem,” John Ragan, president of the nature society, said about the center and its 70-acre sanctuary. “It would be a shame to close it.”

The center's roots were planted more than 30 years ago by the city of Troy's Parks and Recreation Department, which purchased the land to be set aside as a natural area and educational facility.

Ragan and others formed the Troy Nature Society to help cope with budget cuts to the city's recreational programs and subsequent closing of the center in May. An agreement between the society and the city that went into effect on July 1 gives the society the ability to offer various camps and classes for children and adults throughout the summer.

"Summer Ecology Days," a 5-day camp for children 6 to 10, begins Monday. It's the first of eight programs offered by the nature society this summer. The camp, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, allows children to experience the outdoors by catching aquatic animals from the pond, exploring, learning about insects, as well as games and crafts.

Debra Williams, programming director at the center, said the summer sessions will bring in three day camps and five single-day classes. She said she loves teaching outside because kids are receptive to learning when they are out of classroom.

“A book is just the pages," Williams said. "But when they pick up fur and you say, ‘this is what the traders brought back from Montreal’ they say, ‘ahh.' This is nature come to life.”

The value of outdoor classrooms is evidenced by the society's agreement with the to provide 10 such classes in support of the district's summer school program.

About 22 children attended a "Butterflies Flutter" program Wednesday at the center, which served as a kick-off event for summer and celebration of the society's recent accomplishments.

A grant from Foundation and donations from Foundation and TCF Bank of Troy provided funding for the 10 summer school sessions.

"The Troy Nature Society wouldn't be able to deliver these educational nature programs for Troy Schools without the generous support of these corporate sponsors," Ragan said.

In addition to the support for school programs, the city has included about $35,000 in its 2011-12 budget for operating costs at the center, including utilities, mowing, slow plowing, custodial, building maintenance and other related services.

The city also agreed to provide a maximum of $20,000 as start-up funding for the society, which may be used for consultants, purchasing equipment, supplies and materials to allow the society to provide programs or classes. Start-up funds are provided on an "as needed basis."

Regan said the center will be open to the public while classes are being held. Plans to open the gift store are currently frozen but may be considered after the winter. As for the future, he said some programs will be offered at the center during the fall. Fund raising is underway to provide future programs.

The sanctuary's grounds and miles of trails are open from dawn to dusk throughout the summer.

A schedule of summer programs open to the public can be found below. For additional descriptions and registration information visit www.troynaturescoiety.org.

Summer Programming