named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Afterschool Nature Clubs
After-school programs for elementary and middle school students including Forest Explorers (K–1st grade) and Wilderness Encounters (2nd–4th grade), featuring seasonal themes and hands-on outdoor learning
Eco-Leadership Academy
Four-session seasonal program for high school students (9th–12th grade) focused on local conservation challenges, leadership development, and creating solutions to environmental issues
Envirothon Training
Training program preparing high school students for the Envirothon academic competition in areas such as aquatic ecology, forestry, soils, wildlife, and current environmental issues
Forest Preschool
Early childhood education program that immerses young children in nature-based learning through hands-on experiences in the forest environment
Summer Camp at RNC
Day camp program for children with weekly themes such as Bug Bonanza, Survival Skills, Water World Adventures, and Eco Explorers: Global Habitats, emphasizing ecological exploration and environmental stewardship
activities · 10 groups
What they do
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Onsite & Outreach Environmental Education Programs 4 activities
- Deliver nature-based programs for young children and caregiversOffers the "My Naturalist and Me" program and similar nature education sessions for young children and their caregivers, featuring animal encounters, crafts, short hikes, and hands-on activities.
- Offer seasonal nature programs for childrenProvides themed seasonal programs such as Winter Wonders, Springtime Scientists, and Eel Explorers, featuring 10–12 class sessions focused on winter survival skills, seasonal changes, and local species like glass eels.
- Provide environmental education programs for all agesOffers hands-on environmental education programs for children and adults led by teachers and naturalists, including seasonal workshops, citizen science participation, and themed learning sessions on topics such as pollinators, watersheds, reptiles, and mammals.
- Run afterschool nature clubs for elementary and middle school studentsOffers seasonal afterschool programs including Forest Explorers (K–1st grade), Wilderness Encounters (2nd–4th grade), and other themed clubs that provide hands-on outdoor experiences to inspire curiosity and connection to nature.
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Wildlife Monitoring and Field Research 1 activity
- Host citizen science initiativesTrains and hosts participants in citizen science projects including bird counts, frog monitoring, phenology tracking, box turtle monitoring, and tree mapping to support ecological research and monitoring.
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Nature Preserve Management and Public Access 1 activity
- Manage public access to nature center grounds and trailsOperates and maintains 47 acres of forest, trails, playground, and grounds at the nature center, open daily from sunrise to sunset for community use and enjoyment.
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Guided Outdoor Expedition Programs 1 activity
- Operate Paddle Adventure Camp for older youthRuns the Paddle Adventure Camp (PAC) for students in grades 8–10, featuring kayaking trips, hiking, and outdoor skill-building excursions, with all necessary equipment provided.
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Summer Camp Access Scholarships 1 activity
- Partner to expand access to underserved student populationsCollaborates with the Inner-City Scholarship Fund to provide summer camp opportunities for underserved students from New York City, promoting equitable access to nature-based education.
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Financial Aid and Scholarship Access Programs 1 activity
- Provide need-based financial assistance for program accessOffers financial aid through the Nature Access Fund to support participation in summer camp, forest preschool, and other programs, increasing access to environmental education for underserved communities.
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Summer Day Camp Programs 1 activity
- Provide school break and summer camp programs for childrenOffers outdoor adventure and educational programming during school closures and summer months for children ages 3.5 to 10, including themed workshops, ecological exploration, arts and crafts, and hands-on science activities.
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STEM Competition and Robotics Programs 1 activity
- Run youth leadership and environmental competition programsOffers the Eco-Leadership Academy and Envirothon training for high school students (9th–12th grade), providing leadership development and preparation for environmental science competitions through weekly sessions.
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Community Stewardship Volunteer Programs 1 activity
- Support volunteer programs for land and animal careEngages volunteers in animal care, trail and garden maintenance, ecological surveys, and conservation projects under staff supervision, supporting the stewardship of the 47-acre nature center.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Demonstrate maple syrup production at the Sugar ShedOperates the Sugar Shed to demonstrate the traditional process of making maple syrup from sap collected from maple trees on-site.
- Operate Forest Preschool program for young childrenProvides full-year and half-year forest preschool programming for children aged 3.5 to 5.5 years, fostering a lifelong connection to nature through outdoor experiential learning.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$2.56M
Contributions & grants$602K24%
Program service revenue$1.77M69%
Investment income$75K3%
Other revenue$109K
expenses
Total expenses$2.43M
Program expenses71%
Admin / overhead20%
Fundraising9%
Salaries & benefits$1.90M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$3.00M
Cash$407K
Investments$2.12M
Liabilities$605K
Net assets$2.40M
Liquid reserves12.4 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +9.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHRISTINE SILLER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 45 | $197K |
board members · 17
- BRETT HARSCH — DIRECTOR
- BRYAN MCARDLE — DIRECTOR
- CAITLIN LAYNG — PRESIDENT
- DANIEL ALLEN — DIRECTOR
- EMILY IVERS — DIRECTOR
- FRANK LUCIANO — DIRECTOR
- JAMES ENGERRAN — VICE PRESIDENT
- JENNIFER LAMBERT — TREASURER
- JESSICA O'MARY — DIRECTOR
- MARIA TIGRE BARBOSA — DIRECTOR
- MARY JULIAN — DIRECTOR
- MEGAN SCHATZ — DIRECTOR
- MELISSA BELLEVILLE — VICE PRESIDENT
- NATASHA CHOLERTON-BROWN — DIRECTOR
- SUSAN MORELAND — SECRETARY
- TODD SMITH — DIRECTOR
- WILLIAM MEYER — DIRECTOR
relationships · 12
Who they work with
- American Red Cross Partner — Provides certification standards for lifeguards leading Paddle Adventure Camp excursions.
- Audubon Partner — Collaborates on the Great Backyard Bird Count citizen science initiative.
- Blind Brook Partner — Site for Eel Explorers citizen science program studying glass eel migration
- Christ’s Church Nursery School Partner — Offers an optional walking component for students attending Christ’s Church Nursery School.
- Inner-City Scholarship Fund Partner — Partner organization that collaborates with FRNC to bring underserved students from New York City to attend summer camp at the Nature Center.
- National Phenology Network Partner — Hosts and trains participants for citizen science efforts aligned with the National Phenology Network.
- Project FrogWatch Partner — Participates in and supports frog monitoring through the Project FrogWatch program.
- Rye Nature Center Government — FRIENDS OF RYE NATURE CENTER operates programs at and in partnership with the Rye Nature Center, utilizing its 47-acre forest and facilities.
- Rye Nature Center Government — FRIENDS OF RYE NATURE CENTER operates the June Bugs camp program at the Rye Nature Center, indicating a formal operational or administrative relationship with the facility.
- Rye Nature Center Partner — Collaborates to support community access to nature and environmental education programs.
- Rye Presbyterian Church Partner — Located across from the entrance to the Rye Nature Center, used as a geographic reference point for visitor navigation.
- Rye Presbyterian Nursery School Partner — Offers an optional walking component for students attending Rye Presbyterian Nursery School.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Equitable Access Through Scholarships and Community Partnershipsmethodology: equitable_access_through_scholarships_and_partnershipsBy offering donor-supported scholarships and partnering with nonprofits and families, the organization ensures that children from diverse backgrounds can access nature-based programs, because financial and collaborative barriers are actively removed to promote inclusion.
- Outdoor Experiential Learning Modelmethodology: outdoor_experiential_learningBy using nature as the primary teacher and facilitating hands-on, sensory-rich experiences in outdoor settings, children develop a deep and lasting connection to the natural world, because direct interaction fosters emotional, cognitive, and social engagement more effectively than classroom-based instruction.
- Place-Based Learning Philosophymethodology: place_based_learningBy allowing the local natural environment to serve as the primary teacher, children achieve deeper understanding and stewardship, because learning rooted in real, familiar places fosters meaningful and lasting connections.
- Play-Based and Imagination-Facilitated Educationmethodology: play_based_learningBy embedding developmental and educational goals within play-based routines and imaginative activities, children naturally engage with nature and build self-awareness and social skills, because learning feels intrinsic and joyful rather than imposed.
- Youth and Family Co-Engagement Modelmethodology: family_engaged_nature_educationBy involving both young children and their caregivers or peers in shared nature experiences, the organization strengthens intergenerational learning and social responsibility, because joint participation reinforces environmental values at home and in peer groups.