Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

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Address
2351 Veteran’s Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
Latitude 40.53758
Longitude -74.225349

Group Programs

The Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center offers interactive exhibits and environmental education programs. Come learn about the Preserve's natural environment and rich history of the Lenape, the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground, the clay-miners, and organic farmer Herbert Gericke. Historical artifacts as well as wildlife specimens native to Staten Island's south shore are on display. Visitors can get up close and personal with live animals, enjoy the touch discovery station, look through a children's stereoscope or play in the kid's activity area. Be sure to venture outside and explore the miles of trails that wander among meadows, forests, wetlands, streams and to Sharrotts Pond.

The Interpretive Center offers environmental education programs year round for schools at all grade levels as well as interpretive programs, hikes, and themed walks for youth organizations and the general public. Contact the Center for more information on public, school, scout or camp programs.

Hours of Operation

  • The Park Office, located at 83 Nielsen Ave, Staten Island, NY is open 9 AM - 5 PM daily. Phone: (718) 967-1976 The Preserve gounds are open dawn to dusk.
  • The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm and Sundays 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm with exhibits, classroom space, games and access to Preserve trails.

Fees & Rates

  • Program Fees
  • All programs are FREE of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tue 07 Oct
Tot Time
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. Story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sat 11 Oct
Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 11, 2025 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Join us for pumpkin carving, scarecrow building, puppet shows, face painting, games, and more! Rain date: October 18. All ages. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Mon 13 Oct
Reclaiming Beauty: Collage Workshop
Monday, October 13, 2025 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Join artist and educator Vince Serecin for a trail clean-up and collage session using found objects. We will hike up to 2 miles. Adults and teens. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Tue 14 Oct
Tot Time
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. Story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Thu 16 Oct
Seasonal Crafting for Seniors: Fall Wreaths
Thursday, October 16, 2025 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Create a beautiful wreath with rustic wood chips & autumnal decorations for your front door or home décor. Socialize with peers and enjoy the beauty of our park on an option hike. Ages 55+. Click here to register!
Registration: Required