Friends of Rye Nature Center

Friends of Rye Nature Center Our grounds are open everyday from dawn to dusk. Our building and offices are open from 9 to 5, Monday through Saturday.

Dog are not allowed on the grounds or trails of the Rye Nature Center.

These summer programs are filling quickly. Explorers, NIT, and Paddle Adventure Camp each offer a different way to spend...
05/25/2026

These summer programs are filling quickly. Explorers, NIT, and Paddle Adventure Camp each offer a different way to spend the season outside, learning, exploring, and building confidence.
Take a look and find the right fit for your family: https://www.ryenaturecenter.org/summer-camp-at-rnc

05/23/2026

New summer hours begin next week! ☀️
Our building will now be open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

And though we’ll be on break for Memorial Day Weekend, our grounds remain open for visitors all weekend long.

Let’s run that back!Last year, our Friends of Rye Nature Center community came together for an unforgettable Nature Acce...
05/21/2026

Let’s run that back!

Last year, our Friends of Rye Nature Center community came together for an unforgettable Nature Access Fund Benefit, raising over $160,000 to support equitable access to nature and outdoor education.

We heard powerful stories during a panel facilitated by Liz Woods featuring Henry Myers, Carrie Donahue, and former scholarship camper and counselor Amaya Conde, who shared:

“I feel lucky to be able to come up so often from the Bronx…but I don’t think that I should have to feel lucky. I think there should be access for everyone.”

Join us again on June 4 as we gather to support a simple but powerful belief: nature should be for everyone.

Tickets can be purchased right here: https://ryenaturecenter.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/ryenaturecenter/event.jsp?event=4402&

Do you see that fuzzy thing under the ladybug? That’s actually a wasp cocoon.A few weeks before this photo was taken, a ...
05/15/2026

Do you see that fuzzy thing under the ladybug? That’s actually a wasp cocoon.

A few weeks before this photo was taken, a tiny parasitic wasp laid an egg inside the ladybug. The larva grew inside her body for weeks without the ladybug even realizing it was there.

Once fully grown, the larva crawled out and built this cocoon underneath the ladybug. Then things got even stranger.

The ladybug basically turned into a zombie bodyguard. It stayed alive, twitching and guarding the cocoon from predators while the wasp transformed inside.

A couple weeks later, the adult wasp finally emerged.

Nature is absolutely wild.

Photo by our own Henry Myers!

Raise your hand if you love Popcorn the Snake! For the students participating at FRNC's afterschool program at the Carve...
05/14/2026

Raise your hand if you love Popcorn the Snake! For the students participating at FRNC's afterschool program at the Carver Center, this is often their first close encounter with the natural world — and over time, those moments of wonder grow into connection, ecoliteracy, and stewardship. After more than a decade of providing these programs, this partnership is still creating moments that matter.

Join us for the Nature Access Fund Benefit Dinner on June 4 at Westchester Country Club. Your support will help expand access to hands-on environmental education for more students. Visit the link in our bio.

Utterly enchanted and awestruck doesn't quite capture the splendor of yesterday's inaugural Fairy House Festival! To the...
05/03/2026

Utterly enchanted and awestruck doesn't quite capture the splendor of yesterday's inaugural Fairy House Festival! To the scores of community organizations and families who crafted the most exquisite and fantastical forest abodes for the fairies that dance through our daily lives, you were the masterminds of magic yesterday. Thank you to The Rye Historical Society, Jerry's Post Road Market, Rye Free Reading Room, RPNS, ECC, Littlegardenclubofrye, and more for bringing enchantment to life. To the team at Friends of Rye Nature Center, especially our cherished Education Director, Alli Rogers, your dedication shines brighter with each passing year! We eagerly anticipate returning next year! Sincerely, The Fairies of the 47!

Explore the trails, then turn what you notice into writing. Designed for grades 6–12, this Environmental Writing Worksho...
04/30/2026

Explore the trails, then turn what you notice into writing. Designed for grades 6–12, this Environmental Writing Workshop on Wednesday, May 20 begins with a guided hike through the woods, followed by an outdoor writing session led by former Poet Laureate BK Fischer. Students will create their own poetry or short stories inspired by nature, with the option to submit their work to the Hudson Valley Writers Center Youth Environmental Writing Contest.

Join us for an evening that makes an impact. On June 4, we gather at Westchester Country Club to support the Nature Acce...
04/29/2026

Join us for an evening that makes an impact.

On June 4, we gather at Westchester Country Club to support the Nature Access Fund and ensure more people can experience the benefits of nature and environmental education. It's a night for community, conservation, and opening the outdoors to all.

RSVP support today! https://www.ryenaturecenter.org/nature-access-fund

This weekend is your last chance to get tickets at the early bird price.

As you start mapping out 2026, keep this list close to the family calendar. All of our dates are officially set, from lo...
04/28/2026

As you start mapping out 2026, keep this list close to the family calendar. All of our dates are officially set, from longtime favorites like Oktoberfest to something new, including our Fairy House Festival. Don't forget to get your tickets for the Nature Access Fund Benefit! Early bird sales end this week. Act now and secure your tickets!

Address

873 Boston Post Road
Rye, NY
10580

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19149675150

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