These environmental science and ecology field programs engage community members of all ages in hands-on learning and civic stewardship within Irvington Woods Park. From kindergarten through adult education, participants build skills in field biology, GIS and remote sensing, conservation science, soil ecology, maple sugaring, and community-based restoration. Structured pathways include Budding Ecologist (Grades 2–3), Junior Ecologist (Grades 4–5), Changing Forest (Grades 6–12), a Summer Internship (Grades 8–12), and Independent Science Research mentorship (Grades 10–12). Together, these programs cultivate a knowledgeable volunteer base that understands the forest’s needs and takes meaningful action to protect and restore this unique ecosystem, helping secure more than $500,000 in restoration grants and contributing to national recognition of Irvington Woods as an Old Growth Forest.
