Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center

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Address
87 Nature Center Way
Voorheesville, NY 12186

Saratoga/Capital District Region

Latitude 42.655132

Longitude -74.042389

Directions

General Information: (518) 872-0800

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The Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center opened in July 2001 and is located in Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park. The center offers year-round educational programs for school groups, youth organizations, clubs and the general public. Exhibits and displays include a geologic model of the Helderberg Escarpment, a live honeybee observation hive, bird viewing area, fossils, furs and other hands-on collections. Trails for hiking and skiing lead from the nature center to the lake, through woodlands and fields.

Please note fishing is prohibited at the Emma Treadwell Nature Center

Learn more, watch WMHT Specials | The Great Ledge: Exploring Thacher | WMHT

Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

Hours of Operation

Nature Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Snowshoe rentals by appointment only

Fees & Rates

Snowshoe Rentals
$10.00 all day

$5.00 four hours or less

Program Descriptions

Incredible Insects (April-September)

Butterflies, bees, and all kinds of bugs are an important part of nature. Discover what makes them special, and what you can do to support biodiversity in your backyard. Then, take to the fields and forest to see how many insects you can find.

Awesome Aquatics (April-September)

Discover the different parts of a habitat, and what animals need to thrive. Then, borrow nets and see how many lake creatures you can catch! Dress for wading.

Indian Ladder Trail Tour (June-October)

Descend through the entrance of the Indian Ladder Trail to view the amazing rock formations, and the forces that shaped them. This one mile hike offers spectacular views of the valley and mountains north and east.

Hibernation Investigation (November-March)

Explore mammal skulls and skins to learn about the many adaptations that help them survive in their habitat. Then, take to the trails to search for signs of wildlife. The hike will be lead on snowshoes, weather permitting.

Snowshoeing (January-March)

We'll strap on snowshoes and take an invigorating walk on the trails or in your schoolyard. Learn to look for evidence of animal life while you take in the quiet beauty of winter. Warm, waterproof footwear, and snowpants recommended.

Animal Superpowers (All Year)

Meet some of our animal ambassadors and discover the adaptations that help them thrive in their habitat. Then, take a hike to search for some of the amazing plants and animals that call the park home.

Fun With Fossils (All Year)

400 million years ago, New York was submerged under a tropical sea! Explore the geological history of the park, and examine fossils of ancient sea creatures.

The Connect-Kids-to-Parks Grant Program is designed to connect students in New York State with nature and history. Each grant can provide reimbursement for field trips to state and federal parks, forests, historic sites, fish hatcheries, and outdoor recreation areas for districts with at least one Title 1 school.

Additional programs can be designed to meet your group's specific interests. To schedule a field trip or outreach program in your classroom, please call 518-872-0800 or email ThacherEducation@parks.ny.gov.

Sat 05 Oct

Fall Foliage Walk
Saturday, October 5, 2024 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center

Enjoy the fall colors and incredible views of the Hudson Valley on this guided hike.

Sat 05 Oct

Overlooking the Geology (Ages 16+)
Saturday, October 5, 2024 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center

(518) 872-0800

Weather permitting, meet at the Thacher Park Overlook, where on a clear day at least four different landscape regions are visible. Learn how and when they formed and about the many different rock types of which they are made.

Registration: Required

Sat 12 Oct

Caves & Karst (Ages 16+)
Saturday, October 12, 2024 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center

(518) 872-0800

Meet at the Thacher Visitor Center

Discover the development of Thacher Park's unique landscapes as we observe limestone layers, resurging underground streams, and an active sinkhole! Each participant will follow the group leader in their own vehicle as we caravan to different sites.

Registration: Required

Sat 12 Oct

Sunset Storytelling & S’mores
Saturday, October 12, 2024 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center

Join us on the beach at Thompsons Lake Campground for an evening of fall fun: campfire, s'mores, and storytelling! No registration required. Drop-ins are welcome.

Sun 13 Oct

Drop-in Caves & Geology Table
Sunday, October 13, 2024 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center

Meet at the Thacher Visitor Center. Drop in to the Visitor Center anytime between 1:30pm-3:00pm to learn about local geology and caves with Thom Engel, vice-president of the Northeast Cave Conservancy. This is an informational table; we will not be caving. No registration is required.

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Did You Know? We're #1! Our nature center made the top 20 list of places to take kids in the Capital District!

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation