'Science in the Park' Provides Kids With Hands-On Learning In Bayside Parks

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — Free trips to Queens parks are being organized to teach kids about the environment. The events, for children aged seven to 11, are being organized by Alley Pond Environmental Center and take place every Saturday and Sunday through June.

Science In The Park: Baywaters runs from 10.30 a.m. and 12 p.m. in Little Bay Park, the APEC said. Each student receives waders and a net and goes into the water to explore.

Creatures that get caught in the nets are placed in a bucket where the students can observe them, according to the APEC. Instructors teach kids about the animals, which could include oysters, clams, baby striped bass, sea robins, puffer fish and lots of snails.

All organisms are safely returned to the water after every session, the APEC said

Science In The Park: Woodlands is held on Sundays between 1 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. in Alley Pond Park. Each week's excursion focuses on a different type of creature, from insects to birds. Guides introduce students to the different types of wildlife around the park using tools such as bird whistles.

Students also work with guides to identify different kinds of plants that can be found in Alley Pond Park, such as mugwort and garlic mustard.

The events are free of charge and no registration is required.

Images courtesy of APEC