In the Spring of 2017, Sheldrake Environmental Center began a Bilingual Nature Club, partnering with the Community Resource Center in Mamaroneck. The purpose with this family program is to provide an interactive and dynamic nature program that would be free, accessible, local, and bilingual to serve our Spanish-speaking community. Nature connections are essential to healthy development and well-being, and the Bilingual Nature Club allows us to facilitate these connections for our Mamaroneck neighbors who might otherwise not have this type of experience. 
Our sessions, spearheaded by our bilingual naturalist Rita Calandresa, usually start with an engaging book or story, and then we’re off to explore our trails! Families learn about varying topics, including the seasons, bird migration, habitats, and local plants and animals, often followed by a related craft. One of the most popular activities is ponding. Using nets, we collect plant material, mud, and water from Goodliffe Pond and use magnifiers to see what tiny creatures live there.
“CRC’s Bilingual Nature Club had a blast at Sheldrake Environmental Center’s hike! Families immersed themselves in nature, learning about local wildlife and ways to protect our environment. It was an eye-opening experience for kids and adults, fostering a deeper connection with our natural world. Big thanks to the Sheldrake Environmental Center for hosting us and providing an opportunity for our kiddos to explore the outdoors, learn, and get creative. Check out their beautiful paintings!” ~CRC Facebook post April 2024
Our Bilingual Nature Club even takes a trip of sorts! About once a year, we are welcomed by the Marine Education Center in Mamaroneck Harbor for a shore walk. Kyle Troy, the Center’s Director, leads us in seine netting, another fun activity.
At its inception, the Bilingual Nature Club was supported by a grant from Con Edison, but Sheldrake has since offered this complimentary program as one of our services to the community, meeting monthly during the school year. We know that our CRC families enjoy these visits, spending time as a family in nature, and benefiting from STEM education. We love this program and look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.
