From Scully

Eco-Carnival!

The long-awaited Third Annual Eco-Carnival finally arrived with splendid weather in tow, what Ruth labels the "Seatuck charm."  There were so many things to keep the
kids intrigued and busy all day long.  As people arrived they were given a scavenger hunt to help them meander through the Green Tent Business Expo and try out the Great South Bay YMCA's obstacle course nearby. 

The stage started off with Jungle Bob Live showcasing enormous reptiles.  There was a ten-foot snake that took 15 kids to hold and a relaxed iguana that strolled through the grass, as mesmerized eyes followed his every step. Then the music started to flow, lead by Jack's Waterfall, and recycled instruments were brought out for all to share in the fun.  Old soda bottles turned into musical fun as kids poured onto the stage singing their hearts out and dancing away to the beat.  Soon after, Dennis, our live animal educator, brought the crowd into silence as everyone was awed by the beauty and stature of the birds  of prey he showed them.  The Suburban Brothers Band took the stage towards the end of the day, playing family favorites and getting all the visitors to tap their feet at some point.  

Away from the stage, still within earshot, there were flying squirrel bean bags being launched into the trees as kids tried to hit their targets.  Smiling faces painted with wildlife could be found everywhere, especially out at our nature stations along the trail with their hands covered in mud or holding insects.  Some people were peering into the worm boxes for composting or painting murals and shells. Some kids even had the chance to hold quail for the first time.  Ms. Eco could be found all over, greeting visitors with a welcoming smile and posing for photo-ops.  The food court kept visitors bellies full with the help of delicious tacos from Bubba's Burrito Bar and grilled chicken sandwiches from Marconi Manor Caterers.

The day seemed to rush by so fast with all the excitement that filled the air and so many things to see and do in honor of Earth Day! At the very end of the day, as a little girl walked by, I heard her say, "can we live here?!"  A smile stretched across my face. 

Thank you to everyone, especially our volunteers and sponsors, who made this day possible for that little girl and all the other families who had the pleasure of learning about, and enjoying nature for a day!

 

- Jessie

Ps. For more Eco-Carnival goodness and our other weekly nature programs, please visit us here. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

Kids delighted by a box turtle.

 

Dennis entertaining the crowd.

 

Suburban Brothers Band

Autumn Decor

The crisp autumn air hasn't been the only refreshing shift Seatuck has received the past two weeks.  The building has received its annual fall makeover which wouldn't be complete without diligent volunteers, flying bats, a staircase spider, and mice climbing the light fixtures.  There's more to the decorating than just atmosphere however.   All of Seatuck's Halloween displays are designed to mimic the natural world by including only native animals you would find locally this time of year. 

Everyone joined the creative process.  The Great South Bay Garden Club devoted hours to beautifying the Scully Mansion entrance and walkways.  Seatuck friend, volunteer, and decorator extraordinaire, Lisa Smith, took to the ladders to make sure the moss was perfected and the overhanging, lighted trees had plenty of spooky crows to keep the Halloween aura.  Enrico hand painted a fall moon for a shadowy owl display.  Families spun beautiful spider webs in the bird room.  We couldn't have done it without our numerous volunteers.  It's truly a work of art.

If you haven't visited us recently, come on down and see what we've down with the place.  Believe it or not, we stumbled upon another baby box turtle this week also.  If they like our designs so much, surely you will too. Maybe we'll even see you tomorrow
night for the Bats-N-Brews Fundraiser, which in keeping with a natural theme, will feature a lecture on bloodsucking creatures and plenty of local brews to enjoy!

-Jessie