Everything Evergreens

Saturday, December 3rd | 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Many animals make their home in evergreens.  Children will enjoy a story about evergreen tree dwellers, create a painting using pine needles, and enjoy an outdoor nature walk looking for local evergreens.  Live animal guests will also be observed in the class. ONE adult per child. Spots are limited.
​​Ages: 3-5, with one adult  |  $24 per child

Vet Tech 101 - Anatomy & Vet Sketches

Saturday, December 17th  |  10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Animal anatomy is the foundation of veterinary studies to understand more complex processes of the body. Students will get to learn about different skeletal structures and how to identify parts of animal bodies. Some veterinary illustrations will be practiced with animal observation sketches. They will also learn how to check to make sure the animals have healthy bones and mobility by giving them examinations. Our Vet Tech students will learn the ins and outs of keeping some of the most common pet animals in peak medical condition. Space is limited. 
​​Ages: 9-12  |  $32 per child

Winter Solstice Forest Bathing Walk

Sunday, December 18th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
This begins a time of rest and deep reflection, a time to wipe the slate clean and clear out the old so you can anticipate Spring feeling ready to grow. It is a time for the medicine of story, of fire, of nourishment and love. Winter is actually kind as she points us in her quiet, soft way towards our inner selves, reminding us the everything is connected. Winter takes away the distractions, the noise and presents us with the perfect time to rest and withdraw, bringing fire & light to our hearth and hearts. While most walks end with a ceremonial tea, this walk could end a bit differently with a hot elderberry cacao, something ancient and warming inside and out.  
​Ages: Adults  |  $20 per person
Join certified forest guide Linda Lombardo for the following activities:​
  • We may create some Nature Frames: What you see in nature becomes a portrait or landscape. Seek the beautiful. Seek the imperfect. Seek whatever speaks to you. 
  • How Many Seasons?: The forest is always in one season with memories of seasons past and promises of seasons to come. Find a tree that’s already created its Spring buds; look for Skunk cabbage, bursting through the Earth despite the cold. Look for Witch Hazel in bloom.
  • We’ll Connect with a Tree: and maybe even have  a conversation. Maybe it’s a tree you’ve visited before. Maybe it’s a new one. Get curious about how it perceives Winter. Share your thoughts. What can you learn? Express gratitude at the end of your conversation with some forest art or a hug.
  • What would the start of Winter be without some Winter Blessings: We’ll create some small scrolls; small enough to hide places in the forest or around a tree, using only that which will decompose with the snow and rain.

Story Time Yoga for Lil' Yogis

Sunday, January 8th | 11:00 am - 11:45 am
Join Yogi Sam, certified Yoga Instructor, for a story time yogadventure! Yogi Sam will bring movement, song, and playfulness together in a fun, engaging way. Children will use props, as well as their bodies to practice yoga postures and games with their family member. Yoga mats will be provided if you don’t have your own to bring to class. One parent per child. Spots are limited.
​​​​Ages: 2-5, with one adult  |  $15 per child

Hands-On Calendula Salve Making Workshop

Saturday, January 14th | 10:00 - 11:30 am
Instructor: Annie Mascia is a Certified Aromatherapist & Teacher and has held a number of aromatherapy classes at APEC. She loves making homemade products and runs a small aromatherapy business called La Strega Buona out of Astoria, NY. Check out her website at www.lastregabuona.com
Join this workshop to learn all about Calendula, great for adults and kids (ages 10+). Calendula is one of the most effective homemade skin care remedies to have on hand. Gentle enough for healing wounds of the entire family whether its dry skin, minor cuts or scrapes, eczema or diaper rash. In this hands-on infusion and salve making class we will talk about growing, harvesting, the uses and benefits of Calendula flowers (aka Marigold). As an added bonus, each student gets to take home their own 2 oz container of salve. Spots are limited.
​​Ages: Adults & children 10+ (children must be accompanied by an adult)  |  $20 per person

Bouncing Bunnies

Saturday, January 21st | 9:30 - 10:30 am
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with a fun toddler class about rabbits! Enjoy a book about a bunny and make a cute craft to take home.  Little ones will also love touching and observing three different rabbits from APEC’s Animal Collection.  One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats. Spots are limited.
​​​​Ages: 2-3, with one adult  |  $20 per child

Animal Tales: It's Not Easy Being A Bunny

Saturday, January 21st | 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit.  People born during the Year of the Rabbit are believed to be gentle, peaceful, and ingenious.  Find out if these qualities are true while enjoying the book It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny​ by Marilyn Sadler. Touch and observe two different rabbits and enjoy an outdoor nature walk looking for rabbit tracks.   One parent per child. No siblings except babies in carriers or car seats.
​Spots are limited.
​​​​Ages: 3-5, with one adult  |  $24 per child
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.
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224-65 76th Ave.
Oakland Gardens, NY 11364
MAIN: (718) 229-4000
Email Us
contact@alleypond.org