Teachers' Ecology Workshop

Teachers' Ecology Workshop is sponsored by Greentree Foundation. A year-long, intensive professional development program for educators. The program includes a five-day summer session at the Greentree estate and seven field trips throughout the school year. It is designed to enhance teachers' knowledge of Long Island's natural world and provide skills for incorporating ecology into the NYS Science Learning Standards. Participants can earn up to 70 hours of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credits and have the option to earn graduate credits through Adelphi University.

Geographic focus: Long Island, Queens, and Brooklyn, NY

Focus areas: Education, Environment, Science

2026/2027 GREENTREE FOUNDATION TEACHERS' ECOLOGY WORKSHOP July 6-10, 2026 for Elementary School Teachers July 13-17, 2026 for Secondary School Teachers Workshop Schedule is 8:00 am to 2:00 pm (Lunch Provided) Seven Field Trips Throughout the 2026/2027 School Year Greentree Foundation and Seatuck Environmental Association are pleased to announce the 2026/2027 Greentree Foundation Teachers’ Ecology Workshop.

The Workshop provides in-depth lectures, field-based programs and hands-on learning experiences designed to enhance participants’ knowledge of Long Island’s natural world. It also provides skills and techniques for incorporating nature into school curricula, using the outdoors as an extension of the classroom, and adapting nature study to the NYS Science Learning Standards.

The Workshop is lead by Seatuck staff and professors from Adelphi University, Hofstra University, as well as other local experts. Participants also hear from Workshop alumni about their experiences in taking the program’s lessons back to their schools. The connection to these and other teachers in the robust community of Workshop alumni facilitates an ongoing process of learning and collaboration.

The Workshop commences with a week-long session in July at Greentree in Manhasset, New York. Participants will spend most of the day outside on the property’s 400 acres of mature woodlands, restored grasslands and glacial topography. This provides a remarkable natural classroom to immerse in the study of Long Island’s ecology.

The lectures will also be conducted primarily outside (weather-permitting) as well as through pre-recorded videos. The program continues throughout the school year, with seven Saturday field trips and programs across Long Island to explore the region’s varied and unique natural features. One trip focuses on curriculum planning and development, and another features an Astronomy Night at Hofstra University.

The other sights visited include: South Shore Nature Center Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge The program culminates with a graduation reception at Greentree, where participants receive a Certificate of Completion. Must be an active NYS certified teacher or administrator working in a school district on Long Island, Queens or Brooklyn. Must attend all 12 days of the Workshop – five days in July plus seven field trips.

Elementary School Teachers click HERE . Secondary School Teachers click HERE . Administrators click HERE .

The deadline for submitting applications for the 2026/2027 program is Friday, May 15, 2026 . Selection for this program will be largely based on the extended response question on the application. Acceptances will be sent by email.

The Workshop qualifies for a maximum of 70 hours of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) through Adelphi University, a NYS CTLE-approved institution. Participants can also earn up to 6 graduate credits ($500/credit) through Adelphi University. Registration materials will be provided on the first day of the Workshop.

For more information, please contact Dr. Emily Kang ekang@adelphi. edu. "My learning here has forever changed my classroom teaching practices for my students, empowering them to be activists and change agents."

"Those who will learn and benefit from this experience transcends above and beyond the teachers who are lucky enough to experience it in the first place."