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's documentary: The Great Ledge
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
04
May
Saturday, May 4, 2024 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Pear Orchard Pavilion
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.
Sat
11
May
Saturday, May 11, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Celebrate
spring on a walk around the Nature Center to search out wildflowers. There will
be a 1 hour break between this walk and the Watercolor Wildflowers program;
participants attending both programs are invited to bring their own lunch.
Registration
required. Call 518-872-0800. Meet
at the Nature Center.
Sat
11
May
Saturday, May 11, 2024 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Practice watercolor
techniques as you paint wildflowers with professional artist Diane Steele. $20
per person, cash payable at the time of the program. Meet at the Nature
Center. All skill levels. Ages
18+. Registration
required. Call 518-872-0800. Meet at the Nature Center.
Registration: Required
Sat
18
May
Saturday, May 18, 2024 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Thacher Overlook
SATURDAY ONLY.
Native perennials, shrubs, and trees with
beautiful flowers are for sale! Native plants can fill difficult
areas and bring gorgeous color throughout the year.
Knowledgeable staff will be on hand to assist and answer
questions
Fri
24
May
Friday, May 24, 2024 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center
Meet at the Nature Center.
For children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
The nature center offers many self-guided opportunities for
little hands to explore! Dig for fossils in the kinetic sand table,
build a beaver dam in the stream table, or roast a pretend
marshmallow on the plush campfire with some new friends.
We are open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00am-4:00pm.