Maplewood Nature Center- Coming Soon!
The City of
Rochester has committed to the development of an urban nature center at
Maplewood Park in order to increase community-wide access to nature. In
recognition of this commitment, Mayor Evans has dedicated an existing facility in the City’s Historic Maplewood
Park to be the site of the urban nature center.
Located along the
Genesee River and adjacent to the historic Maplewood Rose Garden, the Maplewood
Nature Center (MNC) will include indoor exhibit and learning space, demonstration gardens, a nature playground and much more. The center will help
connect key stakeholders and providers of environmental and nature-based
programming from across the community.
If
you wish to get involved or support the development of the Maplewood Nature
Center, contact Sara Scott, the City's Director of Programs & Park Stewardship, at Sara.Scott@cityofrochester.gov
Happier, Healthier, Smarter.
Investing
in the health and happiness of our youth is key to ensuring a future where our
community thrives. Improving children’s access to nature can lead to multiple
benefits including lifelong patterns of physical activity, healthy eating, improving
executive functioning, and increasing family and caregiver bonding.
Nature makes kids healthier.
Kids today
spend up to 44 hours per week in front of a screen -- and on average -- less
than 10 minutes a day outside. A lack of physical activity has led to serious
health problems for many children, putting them on a fast track for a lifetime
of chronic disease.
Nature makes kids happier.
Multiple
studies show that spending time outdoors, together, strengthens family bonds.
And active outdoor families support our city’s parks and outdoor spaces.
Spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety, promotes positive moods,
and improves the social functioning of children. Unstructured outdoor
recreation provides opportunities to take risks, develop problem solving skills
and build self-esteem and sense of agency. And, the greater the amount of
nature exposure, the greater the benefits.
Nature makes kids smarter.
When kids
learn and play in natural environments, we see improved performance in reading,
writing, math, science and social studies. Time in nature also helps kids
develop a love of outdoor places and develops a conservation ethic in children.
This is critical for the future of our natural resources.
Guided Nature Walks from the Maplewood
Nature Center
Starting
in spring 2021 we will be offering monthly guided nature walks from the soon to
be Maplewood Nature Center! Join the City’s Environmental Education Specialist
and special guests for a chance to discover nature with your family. Tour dates TBD.
More on Rochester’s Outdoor and
Nature initiatives:
CitiesConnecting Children to Nature (CCCN Rochester) Initiative
EnvironmentalEducation
EnvironmentalAdvocacy
EnvironmentalStewardship
OutdoorRecreation for Kids and Adults
Self-Guided
Outdoor Recreation Resources
HorticulturalPrograms
Contact
Department
of Recreation & Human Services
Stephanie Benway, Environmental Education Specialist Stephanie.Benway@CityofRochester.gov