Fire Island

National Seashore New York

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More Park Facilities Reopen During May 2013

Watch Hill and Sailors Haven marinas open May 10. Limited ferry service from Sayville to Sailors Haven resumes May 13 and ferries from Patchogue to Watch Hill start on May 18. Remaining park facilities to reopen by May 25, 2013. More »

For Teachers

Take a closer look at the sand grains that make up Fire Island beaches.

Free Educator's Workshop

Beach Dynamics 101
Saturday, April 13, 2013
12:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Wilderness Visitor Center
parking at Smith Point County Park

Park ranger talks to group of adults on platform in front of visitor center.

During your field trip to Fire Island National Seashore, park rangers can provide an orientation and safety message for groups visiting Sailors Haven and the Sunken Forest. Programs may be arranged at other park locations, too.

Explore the wind, waves, and sand, and use Fire Island National Seashore as your outdoor classroom. Discover the forces that shape the barrier island as you experience this hands-on workshop, designed to address NYS Learning Standards for middle and high school grades. Activities include beach profiling, mineral identification, and wind and wave measurements. Workshop participants will receive a certificate upon completion.

This free workshop is open to all educators and youth group leaders who wish to use Fire Island National Seashore as an outdoor classroom. Learn all you need to know to bring school groups to the park, and to address critical coastal management issues facing future decision-makers.

You'll also get an update on Fire Island National Seashore's Traveling Trunk Program, and other educational opportunities at the park.

Registration is required, but there is no charge for this workshop. Parking is available at Smith Point County Park. Workshop sessions begin at the Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center. Bring a snack and drinking water, and come dressed in layers for a day outdoors. (Rain Date: Sunday, April 14, 2013).

For more information or to register, e-mail us or call 631-687-4780.

Group of students pass park sign as they walk down boardwalk to the Wilderness Visitor Center.

A variety of activities and resources are available at Fire Island National Seashore to enhance your educational program. Field trips to Fire Island by ferry can be arranged from Sayville to Sailors Haven/Sunken Forest and from Patchogue to Watch Hill. Locations accessible by bus include the Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center, William Floyd Estate and Fire Island Lighthouse. Please contact our Interpretation & Education staff at 631-687-4780, or e-mail us.

Ranger showing family what's in aquarium.

At each Fire Island National Seashore visitor center, park rangers and volunteers can help teachers and students gain a better understanding of the life in and around Fire Island.

The Teachers Workshop at Sailors Haven/Sunken Forest includes a ranger-guided tour through the Sunken Forest, where teachers and other group leaders are introduced to some of the unique features, including specially adapted plants and animals, that make this Fire Island habitat so rare.