Alley Pond Environmental Center encompasses 65 acres of woodland, meadows
and fresh and saltwater marshes, surrounded by roadways and developments
that once threatened to engulf this rich diverse ecosystem. The Center was
founded in 1972 by a group of educators concerned about the lack of suitable
environmental education in the public school curriculum. In cooperation
with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, it quickly became
a living laboratory. Its fame spread rapidly beyond its own neighborhood
and in 1976 the center was designated a National Environmental Study Area.
Today miles of nature trails traverse the park. APEC's deck overlooks the
fertile Alley Creek and its wildlife. An old fashioned windmill pumps fresh
water to the surface for resource management and park enhancement projects.
The Center provides an extraordinary range of environmental education programs
for everyone. Daily programs are conducted for children and adults throughout
the year. From tiny tots to senior citizens, a variety of programmed activities
and special events are offered. Activities include: trail walks, nature
crafts, live animal care, plant life and astronomy. Schools also visit the
center daily for formal instructional programs, nature trail walks and crafts,
plus introduction to APEC's pets, More than 20,000 children and 5,000 adults
attended our programs last year. Phone for current program guides
Alley Pond Environmental Center, Inc. (APEC)
228-06 Northern Boulevard Douglaston, NY 11163-1890
Tel: 718-229-4000
Fax: 718-229-0376
Hours: Mon.-Sat. - 9 am - 4:30 pm.