Nassau BOCES Outdoor and Environmental Education Site at Brookville
www.nassauboces.org/enviroed

195 Brookville Rd.
Brookville, NY 11545

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Phone: 516-626-1420
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Contact person: Mary Watros

This outdoor classroom is not open to the general public. Visitors can be scheduled by appointment (see note).

The Nassau BOCES Environmental Education Nature Explore Classroom (NEC) is currently in the beginning stages of construction. It is located on a 16-acre outdoor and environmental education program site that was formerly a NIKE missile base. More than 15,000 students, parents, and educators visit each year.

The goals of this outdoor classroom are:

• To assist in the demonstration and promotion of NEC spaces in schools and communities;
• To use the NEC for in existing and future BOCES programs;
• To involve the community in the design, construction, and implementation of the NEC [e.g., building is being done by Nassau BOCES Barry Tech carpentry students; design elements include contributions from Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) students; early childhood educators and outdoor educators collaborate in the design and implementation of programs, including professional development];
• Additional elements that extend learning beyond early childhood: cultural connections to Long Island, elements of green design (demonstration of alternative energy and use of local materials when possible, e.g.), links to New York State standards and hands-on applications of concepts.

Note: One of the purposes of having the NEC at Nassau BOCES is to promote of similar spaces in local communities and schools. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to set an appointment to visit.

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