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Spring 2026
Dear Birders,
We hope you’ve been enjoying the excitement of migration season and are just as thrilled as we are to welcome our bird friends back to town! From classrooms to community talks and outreach, it's been wonderful connecting with students, educators, and partners through hands-on birding and STEM learning. As we head into summer, we're looking forward to harbor cruises, youth programs, and local beach clean ups. We can't wait for another season of connecting people to the natural world through birds!
EcoExplorers Program
From Peconic Bay to Brooklyn, CIBS has been bringing exciting hands-on STEM experiences to over 200 students of all ages.
A major focus this season has been helping students identify local native bird species to foster confidence, curiosity, and appreciation for our feathered neighbors. Students at the Grenville Baker Boys & Boys Club participated in a five-week afterschool series exploring bird sounds, physical characteristics, and behaviors while strengthening their bird identification skills. Sessions also encouraged students to identify threats facing local bird populations and develop creative solutions.
This spring, CIBS has brought learning directly into classrooms and community spaces; visiting Glenwood Landing Elementary, Peconic Bay Elementary, The Riverview School (277Q), and partnering with organizations including local Boys & Girls Clubs, The Waterfront Center, Alley Pond Environmental Center, and Brooklyn Boatworks.
Learning came to life through the use of binoculars and our one-of-a-kind bioartifacts, creating engaging and memorable experiences. As Ms. Irini shared, "Our kids are still talking about it."
We are grateful to work alongside so many schools and community partners and look forward to continuing to connect young people with birds, conservation, and the natural world. Interested in brining CIBS to your school or community center? Please reach out to learn more!
Community Education
In addition to serving local youth, CIBS expanded its education efforts into community spaces to highlight the importance of data collection and population monitoring. This season, we presented a talk on migratory birds at Wild Birds Unlimited in Syosset and spoke with the North Shore Audubon Society about the critical role education plays in avian conservation.
Looking Ahead
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Wings 2 Roots
CIBS, in collaboration with Planting Fields Arboretum, is enthusiastic to host Wings 2 Roots, a three session summer series for children ages 5-12. Designed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, this program connects participants with birds, nature, and conservation through engaging, on-the-ground experiences.
Summertime Birding
We are very excited to announce our first summertime birding dates! Join us aboard the historic Tartan, a classic wooden motorboat, for an immersive 2-hour guided birding expedition. Whether you choose a serene morning outing or a breathtaking evening sunset tour, you’ll dive deep into the world of our local bird species. Each tour is limited to 6 passengers, so reserve your spot now!
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Great Nature Play Day Festival
CI Bird Sanctuary will be joining the 2026 Great Nature Play Day Festival!
Visit our team at the Education Center, we’ll be running hands-on programming where kids and families can explore birds, learn about their habitats, and discover the wonders of the natural world through interactive activities.
