Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Brings Popular ‘Knee High Naturalist’ Program to Newburgh



Great nature program for little kids

Great nature program for little kids

HHNM Program Director Emily Nestlerode leads the Knee High Naturalist program for Newburgh Residents at the Newburgh Public Library.  Photo by Joanna Marvel


With generous support from Hudson Valley Credit Union and the Malcolm Gordon Charitable Fund, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum (HHNM) has been able to bring its popular Knee High Naturalists Program to the Newburgh Public Library on Tuesdays from 10am-10:45am, at no charge to Newburgh residents. This 8 week outdoor program will continue to run weekly through June 8.  


Knee High Naturalists is a seasonal program designed for children ages 2-4 as an introduction to nature and organized activities. Children attend with their caretaker, who supports them during class time. 


Though HHNM has been unable to restart the Knee High Naturalist program on-site since the pandemic began, it has been in existence for well over a decade (with plans to restart on-site in the near future).  No matter the location, the goals of the program are the same;  To provide an environment for children of similar ages/development to socialize, to introduce children to basic classroom behavior and expectations, to increase children's comfort level with the outdoors, nature, and animals, and to decrease barriers for caretakers when recreating or learning outside with children. 


According to Program Director Emily Nestlerode, “It always astonishes me to see the growth between week one and week eight, and it's most obvious when taking attendance. The first week, most kids aren't really sure what is going on or are too shy to speak up when they hear their name. By week eight, they are waving, yelling 'here!' and greeting all of their classmates with exuberance.”

 

Off-site at the Library, some modifications needed to be made to the layout of the program, while keeping the essence of the program fully intact. For example, Educators may have been able to set up feeders ahead of time to watch birds arrive and feed during class time

at the Nature Museum, they can now instead introduce birds commonly seen around the City of Newburgh and provide caretakers with a guided activity to find those birds on their way home after class and beyond. 


There is still an emphasis on getting bodies in motion, touching natural objects, and learning appropriate behavior in this setting. The grants have also allowed for the translation of program materials so that both English and Spanish versions may be provided in order to increase accessibility for caretakers who may be leading after-class activities. The Nature Museum is grateful to Hudson Valley Credit Union and the Malcolm Gordon Charitable Fund for enabling the ability to adapt the parameters of Knee High Naturalists for a new off-site environment,  and allowing for the program itself to evolve and grow. 




Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs

    Third Annual Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby

    The Third District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby will run from April 1 through Sept. 4, 2023. The event is open to young people between the ages of 4 and 18 who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents. read more »
  • Kids aren't eating fruits and veggies

    Happiest Baby's Dr. Harvey Karp has tips to change that

    A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that approximately 32% of 1- to 5-year-olds did not eat a single piece of fruit a day and nearly one half (~49%) didn't eat any vegetables a day. Roughly 51% drank a sugar-sweetened beverage, like fruit drinks or soda, at least once a week. read more »
  • 5 sleep habits essential for heart health

    Make sure you get your zzz's with these tips

    In the days following a time change due to daylight saving time, research shows a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes. However, losing sleep anytime can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. read more »
  • Take these 6 steps to manage your blood pressure

    Hypertension can be dangerous

    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of adults in the United States, and only about 1 in 4 with this condition have it under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). read more »
  • Make your St. Patrick's Day spread green with envy

    These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or an appetizer

    Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family. read more »
  • Lucky mint brownie perfection

    A twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate

    How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year. read more »
  • 3 ways parents can encourage social emotional learning in children

    Parents focus on social emotional skills, mental health, kindness and understanding differences

    Most parents would agree the quality of their children’s education plays a key role in their overall development. While parents are optimistic about the future of education, they also recognize children have educational needs beyond what is considered the standard. read more »
  • Selecting a health care provider

    Resources to guide your selection

    Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you’re just getting started with Medicare or have changes in your life, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. It can be overwhelming if you need services like nursing home care, have to find a new doctor or get home health care. read more »
  • 5 simple solutions for proper nasal hygiene

    Keep your nasal passages clean, clear and moisturized

    Your nose is essential for conditioning the air you breathe and serves as the first line of defense against dust, pollution, bacteria, viruses and more. The presence of these substances in your nasal passages can trigger infections, disease and illness. read more »
  • Have a bump on your foot?

    Don’t ignore it

    Have a lump or bump on your foot? Whether it’s painful or not, it could potentially signal a serious condition. Foot and ankle surgeons warn it’s important to have it checked out, no matter its size or location on your foot. read more »