School Programs

The Columbia Land Conservancy appreciates the vital importance of environmental education for children. For almost a decade, we have provided activities that promote a better understanding and greater appreciation for the natural world and environmental science. These programs encourage curiosity and hands-on investigation and enable students to apply lessons learned in the field to real life. In addition to natural science programs such as Hudson River Snapshot Day, CLC programs cover a variety of disciplines, including art, social studies, and math. We provide field trips free of charge to our Public Conservation Areas with funding available to offset transportation costs. When schools are unable to visit CLC’s public lands, CLC’s educators go to the schools.

In 2010, more than 2000 students participated in CLC education programs. We had programs in 10 public schools and worked with 25% of the students enrolled in Columbia County schools. In addition, we have programs for non-traditional schools, home school groups, scout troops, and a variety of early education facilities. The combination of structured lesson plans and free time for discovery helps instill a long lasting appreciation and understanding of natural communities, ecosystems, and their associated landscapes with long-term benefits for future conservation efforts. “It’s easier to learn with a physical experience,” says a Hudson High School eleventh grader who participated in a CLC field trip in fall 2010.

If you are interested in learning more about our programs with schools, contact Jenny Brinker at 518.392.5252, ext. 210 or Jenny@clctrust.org.