WE’RE MOVING! (temporarily)

Starting January, you can find us at Springfield Blvd. & 76 Ave. 718-229-4000 | www.alleypond.com | info@alleypond.com

January, February, March 2020

Alley Pond Environmental Center

APEC Members receive a 15%

or more discount on each

program registration!

Just Hatched! Ages 12–17 months(parent participation) Nature based playtime for babies and caregivers! Enjoy singing songs, moving to music and hands-on activities that spark curiosity and discovery. Little ones will meet a special animal guest in each class. Limited to 7 infants and ONE adult per child. Tuesdays, 9:00-9:45am NEW TIME! 3 classes per session $42 January Session: January 14, 21, 28 February Session: February 4, 11, 25 March Session: March 10, 17, 24 Wee Sprouts Ages 18-23 months (parent participation) Create memorable nature-based learning experiences for years to come! Observe and touch live animals, make nature themed crafts, enjoy a short nature walk. Limited to 8 participants and ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats. 11 classes $198 Wednesdays, 8:45-9:45am NEW TIME! January 8, 15, 22, 29 February 5, 12, 26 March 4, 11, 18, 25 Thursdays, 8:45-9:45am NEW TIME! January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 27 March 5, 12, 19, 26 Toddler Time Ages 2-3 years (parent participation) Satisfy your toddler’s curiosity with fun nature-themed lessons at APEC! Read stories,

make nature crafts, enjoy a nature walk and meet live animals! Limited to 8 participants and ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats. 11 classes $198 Tuesdays, 10:00-11:00 NEW TIME! January 7, 14, 21, 28 February 4, 11, 25 March 3, 10, 17, 24 Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 NEW TIME! January 8, 15, 22, 29 February 5, 12, 26 March 4, 11, 18, 25 Thursdays, 10:00-11:00 NEW TIME! January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 27 March 5, 12, 19, 26 Fridays, 1:00-2:00 PM NEW TIME! January 10, 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 28 March 6, 13, 20, 27 5 classes $90 Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 NEW TIME! February 29 March 7, 14, 21, 28 Sunny Bunnies Ages 3 – 4 years (drop-off class) Let’s get ready for Pre-K! APEC provides a unique educational experience and prepares children for the preschool class room! Each session incorporates motivating science lessons, hands-on learning experiences and school readiness skills like letter recognition, shapes, numbers, counting and much more! Live animals, crafts, nature walks and great children’s literature create an immersive learning environment. Children bring a

nut-free snack to enjoy at the end of the program. Limited to 12 participants. Participants must be able to use the bathroom independently. No pull-ups or diapers. 23 classes $575 2-Day Program Tuesdays/Thursdays, 9:00-11:00 NEW TIME! January 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 February 4, 6, 11, 13, 25, 27 March 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31 33 classes $825 3-Day Program Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 9:00-11:00 NEW TIME! January 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31 February 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 24, 26, 28 March 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30

Please visit www.alleypond.com for links to register & detailed policy info.

WE’VE MOVED—We’re getting a new building!

Find all of our animals & programs at our new temporary location at Springfield Blvd & 76th

Ave.

Registration opens Monday, December 2, 2019

APEC Adventure Time | Ages 18-36 months (parent participation) | $20 per class Toddlers and parents/caregivers enjoy some special time together as they socialize with other youngsters and learn about nature. Each class focuses on a different science theme and includes live animal guests, art projects, trail walks, and children’s literature. ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats. Furry Friends - Saturday, January 18 11:00-12:15 Touch and feel soft, furry friends including the rabbit and guinea pig. Lovable Lizards - Sunday, February 23 2:00-3:15 Leopard Geckos and Bearded Lizards are interesting reptiles that many children love. Touch and feel their scales and watch them eat a crunchy, crawling snack! Animal Tales | Ages 2 - 4 (parent participation) |$20 per class Encourage your child’s love of reading by sharing a nature related story especially chosen for our littlest nature lovers. Create a nature craft, meet some of APEC’s animals and enjoy a nature walk. ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats. I Love Animals -

Saturday, February 15 10:00-11:15

Show APEC’s animals some love by making tasty critter treats. Meet 3 hungry animal guests that children love! Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss -

Sunday, March 1 1:00-2:15

Share a classic book by Dr. Seuss, have fun making animal sounds and meet some furry and feathery animals. Sunday Science Discovery Lab | Ages 2-4 (parent participation) |$18 Your little scientist will enjoy spending an hour at APEC conducting experiments and exploring science. Limited to 8 participants and ONE adult per child. No siblings except babies staying in infant seats.

Suds and Slime Science- Sunday, February 2 11:00-12:00

Play with bubbles, make bubble wands and dig your hands into some foamy slime! Color and Water Science - Sunday, March 15 11:00-12:00

Explore the colors of the rainbow, enjoy color mixing activities and explore the different properties of water. Little Cooks | Ages 5-7 | $22 For those little ones who just can’t wait to be a Young Chef. APEC Little Cooks will have fun learning about an animal, and then help make a delicious snack to compliment what they’ve learned.

Pickle Party - Saturday, January 25 11:3012:30p We are going to make our own yummy quick pickles! In that process, we will learn a little about fermented foods and why they are good for you. You can bring home your pickles to share with the ones you love. After a job well done, we will feed a cucumber to a special animal friend! Tea Party with Yoga & Guided Meditation - Saturday, February 22 11:30-12:30 You are invited to our tea party! Please join us as we partake in yoga and meditation. Afterwards, we will cozy up with some warm tea and snacks. During our party we will learn a little about tea and meet a fluffy rabbit! Funny Face! - Saturday, March 21st 11:30-12:30 Join us as we make our own edible faces made of hummus and vegetables and enjoy them together. After we create and gobble up our delicious snack, we will meet a few friendly animals and feed them their favorite treats! NEW

*Forest Friends Camp*

Ages: 5 – 7 (drop off) Our nature-based afternoon camp is geared for the young

nature lover. Each weekly session will focus on a science

lesson, literacy, hands-on learning, live animals, and

outdoor experiences (weather permitting). Winter Session

themes include forest animal tracks, winter birds, the

science of snow, ice and frozen bubbles, pinecones and

The Gruffalo! Children can bring a nut-free snack and

bottle of water to enjoy at the start of the program.

10 classes: $190

Thursdays | 3:15 pm – 4:45pm

January 16, 23, 30 February 6,13,27 March 5,12,19, 26

APEC’s Book Circle Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Jan. 15 Keep it Moving-Lessons for the Rest of Your Life by Twyla Tharp; Feb. 19 Reading Lolita

in Tehran-A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi; March 18 Convenience Store Woman By Sayaka

Murata

Family & Friends CPR Training Ages 14+ | $5

Friday, January 10 6:00-8:00pm This course, led by members of the Glen Oaks Volunteer Ambulance Corps, teaches this AHA training the lifesaving skills of adult hands-only CPR and is for people who want to learn CPR

but do not need a CPR course completion card to meet a job requirement. This is ideal for new parents, grandparents, babysitters and others interested in learning how to save a life. Each

student will receive a take home workbook for future reference. Limited to 12 participants. Free childcare provided. Light refreshments.

Winter Bird Walk for Beginners Ages 8+ (children must be

accompanied by adult)| FREE Saturday February 15 10:00am-12:00pm

Walk around Oakland Lake accompanied by Nancy Tognan of the Queens County Bird Club

to look for ducks, coots, grebes, swans, geese & more. Oakland Lake never completely freezes because of the spring water constantly feeding

it, so it becomes a freshwater duck magnet when other ponds are frozen. Learn to use

binoculars and a field guide. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at Oakland Lake - on Cloverdale Blvd just south of 46th Ave.

Tai Chi 24 Form | NEW Adults | $128/8 week OR $18/class

Thursdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20 | 6:00-7:00 pm

PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS! Tai chi is often described as “moving meditation” because

it stimulates your mind, body, and spirit. The 24-posture form will be taught by

certified instructor Elaine Fleishman. All levels welcome to join. Bring a bottle of

water and wear comfortable clothes. Sign up for one or two classes to see if this class

is for you.

Follow our journey on social media:

Facebook.com/alleypond

@apecofqueens

@apecofqueens

Don’t miss a thing and stay up to date on

events and special offers

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

SATURDAY | APRIL 25 | 10 - 4 PM

Join us for a fun-filled day of events for the

whole family!

A TOAST TO SPRING! AN EVENING OF ART &

WINE | ADULTS 21+ | $10

Enjoy a glass of organic wine and tapas as you toast Spring

and paint your own wine glass. Extra wine glasses will be

available for to purchase to paint if you want to take home a

pair. Workshop includes our lively instructor, Masa Kitani,

owner of Creative Scene Inc., all supplies and one wine glass

to paint, refreshments to sample as you paint including wine/

beverages and tapas.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 7-9 PM

Owl Prowl Night Hike | $5

Friday, February 7 7:30-9:30 pm

We are excited to welcome Tesla, the Screech Owl, to our new location for a night hike. The program will

kick off with an indoor presentation led by Biologist & Ranger Eric Powers. Learn how to identify owls by

sight and sound, and how to attract these beneficial birds to your own backyard. Then we’ll head out for a

very quiet guided night walk in search of owls and other nighttime wildlife using a fun, safe, and easy method. Ranger Eric will teach you how to develop

your own night vision – flashlights are not needed. Hot cocoa and refreshments included. For more

information about Ranger Eric, visit his website at www.yc2n.com. Sponsored in part by a grant from the

JPB Foundation.

Registration opens Monday, December 2, 2019

I Want to Be a Vet | Ages 5-7 (drop-off) | $24 per class (NEW TIME!) Sunday, January 26 10:00-12:00 Thursday, February 20 10:00–12:00 Sunday, February 23 10:00-12:00 Sunday, March 22 10:00-12:00 Does your child dream of being a veterinarian? Send them to APEC to learn the basics of animal care. All animals need food, water and shelter to survive, but pets sometimes need medical care too. Enjoy pretend play examining animals, look at animal x-rays, groom the rabbits, and help take care of the turtles. Students will love meeting the live animal guests.

Animal Care Series Animal Care Trainee | Ages 8-10* | $24 Sunday, January 26 10-12 (NEW TIME!) Would you like to help us care for APEC’s animals? This program introduces children to the unique responsibility of being an animal caretaker. Participants will learn about the needs of our animal, and gain hands-on experience in feeding, brushing, and cleaning them. Also, children will be able to make a healthy snack for one of the many animals that call APEC home! *Participation in a prior Animal Care Trainee program is a must in order to qualify for Advanced Animal Care Trainee, students over the age of 10 may be able to take this class under special circumstances. Advanced Animal Care Trainee | Ages 10-13* | $26 Saturday, March 28 10-12 (NEW TIME!) Have you ever wondered what your pet was thinking, or whether the fly on the wall could feel emotions like we do? We’re taking animal care to a whole new level as we study APEC animals’ specie specific behavior. We’ll practice techniques that help us better connect to birds, reptiles, and small mammals, and give their lives more purpose and joy. Learn more about animal needs that go beyond water, food, and a clean shelter. Help care for our animals and all their quirks by learning how to train them, engage them, pamper them, supplement their diets. Participate in a fun craft that will be used for the enrichment of one of our many animal ambassadors! *Prerequisite Requirement: Participation in a prior Animal Care Trainee program is a must in order to qualify for Advanced Animal Care Trainee.)

Animal Science Series

Vet Tech 101 | Ages 10-13* | $28 Thursday, February 20 10-12 (NEW TIME!) Sunday, February 23 10-12 Come join us to learn about animal health basics. During the class we will practice conducting animal check-ups, handling live

animals, and studying animal anatomy. Students can learn the specialized skills needed to keep our animals healthy at this program. From eye examinations to checking teeth, gums, and ears, our Vet Tech students will learn the ins and outs of keeping some of the most common pet animals in peak medical condition. *Because participation in a prior Vet Tech 101 program is a must in order to qualify for Vet Tech 201, students over the age of 13 may be able to take Vet Tech 101 under special circumstances .

Vet Tech 201 | Ages 11-15* | $32 Sunday, March 22 10-12 (NEW TIME!) Come see and learn from a licensed Veterinary Technician as we delve deeper into the science of animal care. Students will get to work with the Vet Tech one on one using tools and techniques at a more advanced level than in Vet Tech 101. From testing heart rates and examining animal x-rays or bones, to using stethoscopes and viewing slides, all our Vet Tech 201 students will learn the invaluable techniques for in-depth animal examination. *Prerequisite Requirement: Participation in a prior Vet Tech 101 program is a must in order to qualify for Vet Tech 201, unless you are an APEC Volunteer.

MISSION STATEMENT: The Alley Pond Environmental

Center (APEC), a nonprofit environmental education organization, is

dedicated to educating children and adults in the New York

metropolitan area, protecting and preserving Alley Pond Park, open

spaces and waterbodies, & advocating for sustainable environmental

policies and practices.

Looking for a Next Step? Children ages 14+ can apply for a volunteer position at APEC to help care

for our animals and our center after school!

4-Day Winter Mini Camp: Mid-Winter Recess Wildlife Camp |$120 Grades K-2 Tuesday - Friday Feb. 18,19,20 , 21 1:30 – 4 pm Join enthusiastic educators for this exciting mini four day afternoon camp focusing on winter wildlife. Learn about some of our forest friends and their winter adaptations, participate in STEM activities and group games, create crafts, listen to nature stories

and join in fun outdoor hikes. Trail mix and hot cocoa will be served. Reserve your spot, space limited to 12 participants. Animal Meet-Up & Nature Hike |Ages 6-10 (drop-off) |$15 Wednesday, February 19 10:30-12:00 Spend some time at APEC with our critters! Play an animal guessing game, meet four different animals and enjoy a nature hike to enjoy the crisp winter air.

&

Looking to book a

school field trip?

APEC’s nature programs are

perfect for all ages!

Living Lab | Ages 7-10 | $21 per class Join us as we explore the question what does it mean to be alive. Each session will include experiments with the help of live animals or plants. Soil Science - Saturday, February 1 10:30 – 12:00 What can be found in the dirt beneath us?! Join us as we get our hands dirty while discovering what is in the soil. We will use microscopes to get a closer look and perhaps even find living things. Then we will meet some animal friends that like to live in the soil. Our Winter Environment -

Saturday, March 21 10:30-12:00 Let’s explore what happens to our ecosystem

during the winter. How are the plants and animals

surviving? The program will include meeting APEC

animals, an art project, and going on an outdoor

winter adventure (come prepared in appropriate

Registration opens Monday, December 2, 2019

Winter Care: An Aromatherapy Workshop | $10 Saturday, January 11 2:30-4:00 There are a myriad of essential oils that best target winter maladies- learn about the numerous ways to use a selection of essential oils as well as safe practices and best modes of use for relief during a cold or flu. Use these oils to blend a synergy which will help clear congestion, combat inflammation & ease muscle aches. DIY Product takea-way included with this 90 min class. Led by certified aroma-therapist, Ann Mascia of La Strega Buona Aromatherapy. This class is sponsored in part by a grant from the JPB Foundation

Preparing Your Garden for Spring | $5 Friday, January 31 4:00-5:00pm Join a Queens Botanical Garden expert for this workshop focusing on caring for your plants & soil appropriately. The workshop will cover soil testing, cover crops, compost application, & planning tips to help you get your garden rolling as soon as the weather warms up. Participants will receive a compost goodie bag and compostable pot to start seedlings in.

Vegetarian Bengali Cooking Class | $15 Friday, February 21 7-9pm Join Biny once again as she transports you to Bangladesh through colorful and flavorful cuisine! Born and raised in Queens, NY – she has been an avid cook with a passion for all things food for over 10 years. She spends her free time teaching cooking classes out of her home kitchen and mentoring young aspiring chefs! Together we will create a vegetarian comfort spread including Paneer Makhni– a savory curry made with farmers cheese rich in protein, vitamins and nutrients along with some Bengali surprises. Complimen-tary childcare available upon request.

MycoPaper: Making&Unmaking with Mushrooms | $5 Saturday, March 7 2-5pm With the ecological challenges our world is facing, now more than ever, mushrooms are a vital and relevant queendom to understand, cultivate, and forage. During this workshop we will partner with mushrooms to explore new ways of making and unmak-ing materials. We will

discuss how artists, design-ers, and scientists have been working with mushrooms to heal our planet. We will also get our hands dirty making mycopaper together using DIY papermaking. Instructor: Nica Rabinowitz. Sponsored in part by a grant from the JPB Foundation.

Pet CPR & First Aid | Ages 12+ with an adult | $55 Thursday, March 19 7-9pm Hosted by Paws N Claws 911, this workshop is designed for anyone with an interest in protecting the safety and wellness of animals. Training is geared towards pet parents, pet care professionals, groomers, dog sitters, dog walkers, vet techs, and animal rescue group volunteers. Taught by a 25+ year seasoned pre-hospital care provider and educator, the class includes lecture, demonstration and an emphasis on hands on skills practice to ensure your proficiency in the life saving skills presented. Class includes handbook, certificate and emergency muzzle. To register, visit www.pawsnclaws911.com & click “register online.” Questions? Call Tom Rinelli 631-721-8129.

Apec 2 hour party:

An enriching party for Ages 2+ Live Animals • Guided Nature Walk • Activity $275 up to 15 children, $14 each additional

Log cabin blowouts: Designed for ages 8+

2 hour party options include: Spa Day, Survivor Party, Wild Shindig

$325 for a maximum of 15 participants

Party animals on wheels (p.a.w. Party): We bring the animals to you! 1 hour animal presentation

Starting at $325 for a maximum of 30 participants

Our Hiking Club is for adults, and we will explore local areas suited for easy hikes. To learn more

about these hikes, please visit www.facebook.com/APEC.Hikers or e-mail tom0153@hotmail.com

Monday Jan 27, Feb 24, and March 30 6:45-8:00pm

We challenge you to carefully observe and document something that interests you, be it a pattern, a change, or a trend that’s happening now or that occurred in the past. We will meet the Second and Fourth Sundays of the Month at 10:00 am at APEC. To learn more e-mail the Club facilitator at tom0153@hotmail.com

Missed or Cancelled Classes: Program fees are non-refundable. No refunds or credits will be

given for any missed programs. If APEC is notified within one week that the registrant cannot

attend or if APEC cancels the program, a registration credit the amount of the class will be

applied to you account to be used for future APEC program registration.

Make-Up Policy: There are NO make-up classes for single session programs.

Think Tank | Ages 7-10 | $23 per class

Children will explore their inner scientist with this fun filled, hands-on experimenting class. They will be challenged to form a hypothesis based on the materials of the day, then draw conclusions based on their experimentation. Water in the Winter - Saturday, February 15 10:30-12:00

How does snow effect an ecosystem? If there is snow on the ground, we will gather some and examine it with a magnifying glass (hint: it is not just water). Snow or no snow - come help us experiment with different water filtration systems and find out which one works the best. We will discover the water cycle, learn about snow science, and discuss the importance of the accessibility to clean water.

Thank you to our

Members & Donors

Thanks and Welcome to our new Members as well as members who renewed and continue to

support our Center.

• Thanks to those who contributed to our annual campaign and move: Eneas Arkaway,

Sandra & Louis Cuoco, Martin Dehler, Janice Dowd, Elaine Fleischman, Victoria Gleicher, Carol Landess, John Manessis,

Adam Reich, Rita Sherman, Robin Spiegelman, and North Hills Estate Civic

Association

• Thanks for donations in honor of Amber’s birthday & Jacob Mamiye’s birthday

• Thanks for gifts from: Louise Winhusen, Victoria Loudis, Nicholas Tsounis

In addition to registering for one of our programs, thanks to those who chose to donate now.