Major projects of the Eastern Queens Alliance, Inc. (EQA), are the restoration of Idlewild Park Preserve and the creation of an environmental science learning center, replete with not only a physical environmental center building, but trails, boardwalks, overlooks, informational kiosks, open classrooms and activity nodes.
The overarching goal of the environmental center project is to develop environmental awareness and the education of the children and adults in the Southeast Queens Community with a view towards creating environmental stewardship and advocacy.
Our major current project goals are two-fold:
1) To continue to educate children and adults, including educators, about the importance and ecological benefits of Idlewild Park Preserve and the Jamaica Bay Watershed, and the environment in general; and
2) To continue to offer the types of environmental educational/stewardship programs for children and adults that will ultimately be offered through the Idlewild Park Salt Marsh Environmental Science Learning Center, funded by Borough President Helen Marshall in the 08 NYC Capital Budget. Ground breaking is scheduled for Fall 2013.
Towards these ends, Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Science Learning Center Project offers authentic, natural opportunities to learn and enjoy the unique ecological alnd cultural resources in Idlewild Park. We offer hands-on educational in-school workshops and field trips to Idlewild as well as summer and after-school Science-in-the-Park workshops which use Idlewild as a laboratory. Workshops, field trips for children as well as weekend/evening workshops, tours, film/discussions and recreational activities for families, and adults such as canoeing, nature walks and concerts in the park are the hallmarks of this project. The program has been partially funded through small grants from NYCEF, DYCD, Con Ed, HEP and our state legislators.
Over the years, the in-school workshops and summer and after-school Science-in-the-Park workshops* have provided unforgettable learning experiences for youngsters. They have inspired and excited youngsters about the environment as has the free reptile shows we have sponsored which enabled children and their parents to see, touch and learn about a wide variety of lizards, snakes, turtles, etc., including five foot yellow python and a four foot alligator. These programs help our children meet NYC Department of Education performance standards in science. Our center houses a small live animal exhibit which supports our workshops.
Participants in Science-in-the-Park program are not just individual registrants. We offer workshops to summer day camps and other child-centered organizations. There are activities for every season, every child, every educator, and every adult.
The construction of the Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Science Learning Center is under way and we are eagerly awaiting the opening in Fall 2020. In the meantime, we are operating out of Springfield Park and a large office trailer in the parking lot of the Idlewild Park Cricket Field.
Call 347-824-2301 or email info@easternqueensalliance.org for information on current offerings for after-school, summer and vacation week Science in the Park offerings for youngsters, tours and other events and actiities in Idlewild Park Preserve
*See current offerings for Science-in-the-Park here.
