After-school programs focus on wildlife and the customs of the local American Indians

Cornwall —Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 25 and Wednesday, Sept. 26, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum will offer two six-week after-school programs that teach kids about the environment of the Hudson Highlands. Environmental Educator Carl Heitmuller will teach the program at the newly renamed Outdoor Discovery Center, 20 Kenridge Farm, Route 9W, Cornwall. The Wild for Wildlife program will teach, through fun and exploration, children in K to grade 2, about many of the different wild animals that live on the 177 acres of former farm fields, wetlands and woodlands at the Outdoor Discovery Center. Children will explore the outdoors using environmental research tools, including: nets, binoculars, magnifying glasses and critter catchers. This Pathfinders program will take place on six consecutive Tuesdays starting Sept. 25. The class will meet from 3:45 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Outdoor Discovery Center and the cost is $80. Museum members are $70. Class dates are Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9,16,23, and 30. The Native Way program will teach children in grades 3 to 5 about the life style of the Lenape (people who lived in the Hudson Highlands long ago) by doing hands-on projects. This Explorers program will take place on six consecutive Wednesdays starting Sept. 26. The class will meet from 3:45 to 5 p.m. at the Outdoor Discovery Center and the cost is $80. Museum members: $70. Class dates are: Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, and Nov. 7. (No class on Oct.31.) Space is limited. For pre-registration call 534-5506 ext. 204. For more information, visit www.hhnaturemuseum.org.