ENVIRONMENTAL EXPLORATION DAYS

Clean lakes and streams, dramatic gorges and waterfalls, and rich diversity of natural communities make the Ithaca area a healthy (and fun!) place to live. Environmental Exploration Days is a five day program for youth, ages 12-14, to experience the area's unique natural beauty and get to know how they take part in its protection. We will spend each day at a different location taking part in hands-on activities, getting wet, and taking fun hikes. This year's camp takes place August 20 - 24 During the week, we will explore: Cayuga Lake & Taughannock Falls State Park Our day begins at the Ithaca Farmers' Market, where we will board the MV Haendal (centerpiece of the Cayuga Lake Watershed's "Floating Classroom" program) to take an eco-cruise! Guided by instructors from Floating Classroom, our group collectively will test the health of Cayuga Lake, do some wildlife watching and discover how the lake was formed. We will arrive at Taughannock Falls State Park for a picnic lunch, time to swim, and hike the gorge before returning to the Farmers' Market by boat. The Cornell Plantations Cornell Plantations is the site of Cornell University's botanical garden, arboretum and acres and acres of natural areas. Morning activities will provide us with an overview of what you can find at the Plantations, an understanding of our region's growing season, and a closer look (and taste) at heritage plant varieties. After-lunch activities include a treasure hunt in mature woodland. Robert H. Treman State Park Our day begins in the lower section of the park where we will explore the stream and the plants and creatures that live in and around it, followed by a picnic lunch and swimming. In the afternoon, we will hike the upper section of the gorge. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology The Cornell Lab of Ornithology (www.birds.cornell.edu/) is dedicated to bird and habitat conservation both locally and worldwide. Our group will meet the staff, learn about their many citizen science programs and take a hike around the lab to identify some birds. The Ecology of Downtown Ithaca Learn about the History of City's drinking water source, geology/ecology of Six Mile Creek and the balancing act of preserving nature while providing clean drinking water.

Program Information

Ages: 12 to 14

Schedule: August 20 – 24; 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Enrollment Information: August 13

Fees: $225 for the week. Snacks and water will be provided; participants must bring their own lunch that does not require refrigeration.