Inspire the next generation of environmental advocates committed to making a lasting impact for birds and the planet.
What We鈥檙e Doing
We work to increase youth knowledge and experiences with the urban environment, connecting students to local birds and teaching critical thinking and problem-solving needed to make informed decisions and take responsible action.
Field Trip to Astoria Park with PS 085.Photo:Lianne D'Arcy/约炮视频
We are building a diverse community of youth leaders inspired to become active participants in 约炮视频鈥檚 conservation efforts. Our place-based, experiential programs support students of all ages to engage in conservation through the unique and relatable lens of birds. These learning opportunities provide knowledge of local bird species and habitats, while encouraging lifelong interest in protecting their environment for both birds and people. Our focus is on engaging young people and community members from schools and neighborhoods across all five boroughs of New York City, ensuring all students have access to hands-on experiences with their environment.
For the Birds!
We support the elementary school curriculum and provide foundational skills and knowledge in bird conservation. Through hands on lessons, students learn about topics such as bird adaptations, raptors, migration, conservation efforts, and NYC pigeons!
In-person Programs:During 1, 4, 8, or 12 sessions, students learn about birds and local habitats through both in-class and outdoor lessons. The curriculum is adaptable for grades K-6 and is aligned to Common Core and Next Generation Science standards. Each program culminates in a field trip to a local park, bird walk, and/or a habitat project designed to attract birds and other wildlife to their community.
LARK: (Learn, Advocate, Rise-up, and Keep Conserving)
We support middle, high school, and college students to take action on local conservation issues and foster career development. We work to instill a culture of environmental stewardship for young adults through school lessons, internships/mentorships, and our Youth Leadership Council (YLC).
Classroom Lessons:We offer a rigorous environmental curriculum for middle and high school youth, and college students. Students explore topics such as climate change, environmental justice, and bird-friendly cities using real-world data and 约炮视频 research. We collaborate with educators to co-plan a program that meets the needs of their students. Programs include a field trip to a local park and/or a habitat project designed to introduce students to local actions that protect birds.
Youth Leadership Council
In partnership with , our YLC provides an opportunity for NYC high school youth to address environmental policies and practices that shape the lives of their communities, develop interpersonal and professional skills, explore college and career opportunities, and learn how to work collaboratively to create solutions to local environmental problems.
Get Involved
School groups, volunteers, and partners, we want to work with you!
For the Birds! in-school program.Photo:Lianne D'Arcy/约炮视频
Hear from our partners!
Michelle Mangiaracina, 3rd Grade Teacher, PS 110
"This program is really aligned with our science program and our science lessons, especially with habitats and adaptations. What鈥檚 also nice about the program is that it鈥檚 more than science, it is also cross-curricular: writing, reading, and even math."
Gabriela Hernandez, 4th Grade student
"There are twenty-one different student names. In the world, there are 8,500 different bird names. Birds are named because of their looks, their color, what they do, where they were born, or who discovered them. Some are named for the way they sing and for friends and family. The black-capped chickadee is named after its black cap and the sound it makes."
Gini Stowe, Volunteer
"Being able to work with and help children learn to see, appreciate, and gain more knowledge about nature has been a wonderfully satisfying experience. Not only are the students more observant of the natural world, but their regular journal recordings about birds and their habitats have improved the children's overall attentiveness and writing skills. We make a difference. It is truly exhilarating!"
