Learn to Fish with the Bayside Anglers
First and third Tuesday of the month - May through September | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
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Many lifelong residents fail to recognize that a spectacular world class recreational fishery is located right here in the city, and choices abound. Within minutes of APEC, an angler could catch two ounce crappies, two pound smallmouth bass, twenty pound carp, ten pound bluefish, 16 pound striped bass and more without ever getting back in a car. Join us and begin to unlock this bounty for yourself.
In a collaboration with APEC, Bayside Anglers Group LTD is offering fishing instruction for adults and children ages 12 and up at the Alley Pond Environmental Center in Douglaston. These evening sessions with seasoned recreational fishermen will provide instruction based on the needs of our participants and can range from beginner to experienced, as well as cover all types of NY fishing from beach, shore, private boat, party boat, dock, and fresh water. Anglers will be apprised of fishing regulations as well as environmentally sound recreational fishing practices to preserve this asset for future generations to enjoy. Let us get you ready to take your kids out for an exciting day of fishing this summer. Preregistration is required; spots are limited! Ages: 12 and older | $5 per person, per session
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Fascinating Forests Session 1
Sunday, May 3rd | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Young naturalists are invited to APEC to explore the forest! Students will learn about the plants and animals which make this important ecosystem their home. The program will include an indoor lesson, live animal demonstrations, and a guided nature walk. Be sure to dress for the walk! It is recommended to apply sunblock and insect repellant BEFORE entering the APEC building. Space is limited.
For Ages 8-11 (drop-off)
Free! Funded by a generous grant from City Council District 20 |
I Want To Be A Vet
Saturday, May 9th | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Do you love animals? Aspiring veterinarians will enjoy learning about different types of vets and the importance of their role for animals in captivity. Children will learn about the needs of a variety of our animal ambassadors and observe them up close. Space is limited.
For Age 5-7 (drop-off) | $22 per child
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Vet Tech 101 - Intelligence
Wednesday, May 27th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Come join us for this Vet Tech class focusing on intelligence! Students will get to learn about different forms of intelligence, which animals are smarter than others, and the cognitive needs of our animal ambassadors. Students will also learn how to check to make sure the animals are receiving proper mental stimulation by giving them examinations and providing enrichment. Space is limited.
For Age 9-12 (drop-off) | $34 per child
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What Is A Pond?
Wednesday, May 27th | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
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What exactly is a pond and why is it different than a lake or an ocean? During this class children will learn about pond ecosystems, visit ponds and work on a pond-based craft. Children will also get to meet some APEC ambassador animals that live in a pond. Spots are limited.
For Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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Spring Forest Bathing Walk
Saturday, May 30th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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Celebrate Spring with a 90-minute meditative Forest Bathing Walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo. Based on the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, this unique walk inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. Embrace the season and share the beauty of silence as you rediscover your wild heart in nature. According to Linda, “Take this time to be present, lower the stress you may be experiencing, and connect with nature, which naturally boosts your immune system.” Spots are limited.
For Adults | $25 per adult
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Fascinating Forests Session 2
Saturday, May 30th | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
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Young naturalists are invited to APEC to explore the forest! Students will learn about the plants and animals which make this important ecosystem their home. The program will include an indoor lesson, live animal demonstrations, and a guided nature walk. Be sure to dress for the walk! It is recommended to apply sunblock and insect repellant BEFORE entering the APEC building. Space is limited.
For Ages 8-11 (drop-off)
Free! Funded by a generous grant from City Council District 20 |
Reiki & Meditation Workshop
Sunday, May 31st | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Join Sonia of Sonia Energy Healer for a deeply restorative workshop designed to help you reconnect with peace and presence. Set within a calming outdoor nature setting (weather permitting), this experience invites you to ground your body and soothe your nervous system through the healing power of fresh air, natural light, and the earth beneath you.
Through guided meditation, Reiki energy healing, gentle breathwork, and grounding techniques inspired by the natural elements, you’ll learn practical tools to calm anxiety, release tension, and cultivate inner focus. Participants will be guided through an earth-connection practice—such as mindful walking, seated meditation under the sky, or hands-on grounding—to deepen their sense of stability and safety. This experience will help quiet the mind, balance your energy, and restore a sense of harmony within. All levels are welcome. Come as you are and leave feeling centered, clear, and renewed. Adults | $30
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Animal Care Trainee
Thursday, June 4th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Would you like to help us care for APEC’s animals? This program introduces children to the unique responsibility of being an animal caretaker. Participants will learn about the needs of our animal ambassadors, and gain hands-on experience in feeding, brushing, and cleaning them. They will also learn the first steps of researching and understanding what animal is best fit for lifestyle and family. Space is limited.
For Ages 8-10 (drop-off) | $34 per child
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Bountiful Bugs
Thursday, June 4th | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
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Bugs exist all around us. In this fun class children will learn about different kinds of bugs and what makes them different from other animals. Then they will go on a nature walk to talk about bug habitats and get to create a bug craft. Children will also get to meet some APEC ambassador bugs and go on a nature walk. Spots are limited.
For Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $30 per child
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Summer Special: Mammals vs Reptiles
Friday, June 5th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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Are all animal babies born and raised the same way? This lesson introduces students to the developmental differences and similarities amongst mammals and reptiles. Students will learn what makes mammals and reptiles different, meet some APEC ambassador animals, complete a craft, and go on a nature walk. Students should come dressed appropriately for the nature walk including closed-toed shoes. Spots are limited.
For Ages 6-8 (drop-off) | $10 per child
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Summer Special: Drawing Animals from Observation
Friday, June 5th | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
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In this class students will get to meet and draw several APEC ambassador animals. We will do various drawing exercises and games before attempting to draw some of our animals as they’re moving about. The class is open to young artists of all skill levels. Spots are limited.
For Ages 9-14 (drop-off) | $10 per child
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I Want To Be A Vet 2
Saturday, June 20th | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Do you want to learn about animals and their vet care? Veterinarians provide medical care for different types of animals depending on their patients - zoo animals, farm animals or pets! Children will meet a new set of animal ambassadors and practice using some tools to examine them. Space is limited.
For Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $22 per child
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Fungi Walk Presented by the Mycological Society
Saturday, June 20th (Rain Date Sunday, June 21st) | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm*
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Step into the enchanting world of fungi with the New York Mycological Society on a magical walk through Alley Pond Park. This June, as summer’s first mushrooms make their debut, we’ll explore the hidden wonders of the forest floor. We'll be looking for elegant Amanitas and vibrant Russulas, which form symbiotic partnerships with trees, and be keeping an eye out for the season’s first colorful boletes. We're also likely to find polypores sprouting like shelves from fallen logs, jelly fungi and intricate crust fungi weaving their way across fallen logs and branches. Guided by the club's experts, you’ll learn how to find and identify fungi and gain insight into their vital roles in our urban habitats. Please note, this is a walk to appreciate fungi, not a foraging walk. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, apply insect repellant and sunblock, and bring water. Space is limited.
*Fungi enthusiasts may choose to continue the walk for more time, but you are welcome to leave after 90 minutes. For Adults | $5 suggested donation to help care for APEC's Animal Ambassadors
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I Love Animals
Sunday, July 12th | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
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Celebrate your child’s love of animals at APEC! Toddlers will enjoy listening to an animal story and observing 3 animal guests close-up! We will also make a heart-shaped bird treat to take home and hang outside for birds in your neighborhood. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited.
Ages 2-3, with one adult | $22 per parent/child pair
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I Want To Be A Vet 3
Sunday, July 12th | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Scoop on Poop
Sunday, July 12th | 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
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All animals eat, so all animals poop! Did you know that scientists can learn a lot about an animal by examining its poop? Shape, size, and color are clues about an animal’s diet. Youngsters will enjoy looking at models of scat from local animals, sharing the book Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi, and meeting some of APEC’s most frequent and least frequent poopers. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited.
Ages 3-5, with one adult | $25 per parent/child pair
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Fused Glass Workshop
Sunday, July 12th | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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Join Naomi Rabinowitz, artist, and jewelry designer, for a fun summer workshop making fused glass jewelry! Participants will have the opportunity to make colorful necklaces, pins, magnets, earrings, or rings -- and to learn the basics of fused glass art. Ms. Rabinowitz will fire your piece and you will be able to pick it up at APEC – date to be given at workshop. All materials will be provided. Space is limited.
Adults | $30 per person
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Vet Tech 101 – Nutrition
Saturday, July 25th | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Students will focus on the nutritional needs of our animals and optimal dietary choices for body weight, bone health, and organ health. They will also learn how to check to make sure the animals are receiving the right amount of nutrition by giving them examinations and will feed a variety of animals in our care. Space is limited.
For Ages 8-10 (drop off) | $34 per child
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I Want To Be A Vet 1
Saturday, August 1st | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Do you love animals? Aspiring veterinarians will enjoy learning about different types of vets and the importance of their role for animals in captivity. Children will learn about the needs of a variety of our animal ambassadors and observe them up close. Space is limited.
For Ages 5-7 (drop off) | $22 per child
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Morning with the Birds: A Summer Walk at Alley Pond Park
Saturday, August 15th | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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Start your summer morning surrounded by nature, community, and birdsong. Join Wing Kong, a passionate birder and nature educator, for a guided bird walk through Alley Pond Park. Together we’ll slow down, sharpen our observation skills, and discover the birds that thrive in one of Queens’ largest urban forests. Whether you’re new to birding or already enjoy watching birds, this walk offers a peaceful way to connect with nature and experience the rich wildlife of the city. Space is limited.
Adults | $15 per person
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Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing
Sunday, August 16th | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
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There is an important reason why animals do not wear clothing, especially in the summer heat! They have fur, feathers, or scales! Enjoy listening to Judi Barrett’s book Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing and meet some interesting animals with different body covering. Toddlers will observe a fine feathered friend, furry critter, and scaly reptile. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Space is limited.
Ages 2-3, with one adult | $22 per parent/child pair
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Jump, Frog, Jump
Sunday, August 16th | 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Animal Care Trainee
Sunday, August 16th | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Would you like to help us care for APEC’s animals? This program introduces children to the unique responsibility of being an animal caretaker. Participants will learn about the needs of our animal ambassadors, and gain hands-on experience in feeding, brushing, and cleaning them. They will also learn the first steps of researching and understanding what animal is best fit for lifestyle and family. Space is limited.
For Ages 8-10 (drop off) | $34 per child
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Vet Tech 101 – Teeth and Beaks
Monday, August 24th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Join us for this Vet Tech class focusing on dental and beak health! Students will learn about how healthy mouth parts can lead to longer and happier lives, what contributes to healthy dentition and beaks, and what disorders or illnesses our animals may suffer from if they do not receive regular maintenance. They will also learn how to check to make sure the animals are receiving the right kind of dental care by giving them examinations. Space is limited.
For Ages 8-10 (drop off) | $34 per child
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Vet Tech 101 – Microscope Study
Tuesday, August 25th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Are you interested in collecting your own animal samples to observe with a microscope? In a vet clinic, lab work can be part of general physical checkups and is essential in diagnosing issues that animals may have. Students will learn about the importance of microscopes and how to use them. They will also observe prepared slides and prepare simple slides of their own! Space is limited.
For Ages 8-10 (drop off) | $34 per child
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The environmental center is located in Alley Pond Park, surrounded by lush nature trails where visitors can enjoy NYC's natural landscapes. Guests are welcome to attend one of APEC's many nature oriented programs for all ages and visit the center's animal ambassadors. Please explore our website to learn more and register for programs.
229-10 Northern Blvd.
Douglaston, NY 11362 |
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