Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Address
87 Nature Center Way
Voorheesville, NY 12186
87 Nature Center Way
Voorheesville, NY 12186
Latitude 42.655132
Longitude -74.042389
- General Information: (518) 872-0800
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The Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center opened in July 2001 and is located in Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park. The center offers year-round educational programs for school groups, youth organizations, clubs and the general public. Exhibits and displays include a geologic model of the Helderberg Escarpment, a live honeybee observation hive, bird viewing area, fossils, furs and other hands-on collections. Trails for hiking and skiing lead from the nature center to the lake, through woodlands and fields.
Please note fishing is prohibited at the Emma Treadwell Nature Center
Learn more, watch WMHT Specials | The Great Ledge: Exploring Thacher | WMHT
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Hours of Operation
- Nature Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00am - 4:00pmSnowshoe rentals by appointment only
Fees & Rates
- Snowshoe Rentals
$10.00 all day
$5.00 four hours or less
Program Descriptions
Incredible
Insects (April-September)
Butterflies, bees, and all kinds of bugs are an important part
of nature. Discover what makes them special, and what you can do to support
biodiversity in your backyard. Then, take to the fields and forest to see
how many insects you can find.
Awesome Aquatics (April-September)
Discover the different parts of a habitat, and what animals need
to thrive. Then, borrow nets and see how many lake creatures you can catch!
Dress for wading.
Indian Ladder Trail Tour (June-October)
Descend through the entrance of the Indian Ladder Trail to view
the amazing rock formations, and the forces that shaped them. This one mile
hike offers spectacular views of the valley and mountains north and east.
Hibernation Investigation (November-March)
Explore mammal skulls and skins to learn about the many
adaptations that help them survive in their habitat. Then, take to the trails
to search for signs of wildlife. The hike will be lead on snowshoes, weather
permitting.
Snowshoeing (January-March)
We'll strap on snowshoes and take an invigorating walk on the
trails or in your schoolyard. Learn to look for evidence of animal life while
you take in the quiet beauty of winter. Warm, waterproof footwear, and
snowpants recommended.
Animal Superpowers (All Year)
Meet some of our animal ambassadors and discover the adaptations
that help them thrive in their habitat. Then, take a hike to search for some of
the amazing plants and animals that call the park home.
Fun With Fossils (All Year)
400 million years ago, New York was submerged under a tropical
sea! Explore the geological history of the park, and examine fossils of ancient
sea creatures.
The Connect-Kids-to-Parks Grant Program is designed to connect students in New
York State with nature and history. Each grant can provide reimbursement for
field trips to state and federal parks, forests, historic sites, fish
hatcheries, and outdoor recreation areas for districts with at least one Title
1 school.
Additional programs can be designed to meet your group's
specific interests. To schedule a field trip or outreach program in your
classroom, please call 518-872-0800 or email ThacherEducation@parks.ny.gov.
Sat
03
May
Saturday, May 3, 2025 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Pear Orchard Pavillion, I Love My Park Day is an annual event that
brings together
thousands of volunteers to enhance and
celebrate New York's amazing parkland. Join your friends, family and neighbors
and sign up today to volunteer at your favorite state park or site.
Registration required.
Register here: www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day.
Registration: Required
Sat
03
May
Saturday, May 3, 2025 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800
Meet at the Visitor Center,
Participants will come to understand the
development of Thacher Park's unique landscapes and the terms associated with
them. We will observe the limestone layers and the resurging underground
streams, and visit the active sinkhole and other unique areas. Each participant
is expected to follow the group leader in their own vehicle as we caravan to
the different sites. Registration encouraged: Call
518-872-0800.
Registration: Required
Sat
03
May
Saturday, May 3, 2025 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Visitor Center,
Drop in anytime between 1:30pm-3:30pm to
visit the fossil table and learn about local geology with educator Mike
Nardacci.
No registration required.
Sun
04
May
Sunday, May 4, 2025 10:30 AM - 03:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800
Meet at the Nature Center,
Both a field study and classroom activity,
this class introduces students to the various ways to journal your environment.
All materials are provided and you will go home with a journal, technical
pencil, and eraser plus suggested videos to strengthen your drawing. Other
materials such as watercolor pencils, water brushes, and inks will be available
to use during the class. $30 cash per person. Bring bagged lunch.
Registration required: Call 518-872-0800
Registration: Required
Sun
04
May
Sunday, May 4, 2025 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
(518) 872-0800
Meet at the Nature Center. All ages welcome,
but best for 8+,
Learn about and observe our early bloomers on
this easy .75-mile hike.
Registration required. Call 518-872-0800.
Registration: Required