All Ages, preferred ages 8 and up | Citizen Science Event

Join an educator to learn all about seine fishing and learn all about the aquatic organisms that call Jones Bay home.

Seine fishing employs a large net (seine) with two poles. Two people stand parallel to the shore, each holding one pole. As it sweeps the water, the net catches aquatic organisms. After surveying these organisms, we will be releasing them to the bay.

Fee: Free

Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors

Weather: In the case of inclement weather, we will notify folks of cancellation via-email

RSVP: RSVP Required.

We will meet at the Center to check-in and use the restrooms, and then you will get back in your vehicle and follow us to the seining site.

Please arrive on time, program departs 10 minutes after start time. If you have any questions, call 516-809-8222.

We will provide:

• Seine net

You MUST bring:

• Clothes you are comfortable getting wet.

• Closed-toe water shoes. NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS.

• Water

• Sunscreen

All Ages | Guest Lecture

Join Dr. J. Bret Bennington for a night of summer skies! The program will start indoors for a brief talk on the night sky before heading outside. On our back deck, we will use a telescope to focus on the Moon, the brighter stars, and their constellations.

Fee: Free

Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors and Outdoors

Weather: In the case of inclement weather, we will notify folks of cancellation via-email, and we will update this webpage morning-of.

RSVP: RSVP Required.

Speaker:

Dr. J. Bret Bennington - Chair of the Department of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability, Hofstra University

Dr. Bennington is a paleontologist who is also interested in regional geology and the geologic history of Long Island, his home for most of his life. In 2019 he was honored with the Neil Miner Award by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers for exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth sciences.

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Bike Ride

Join us for a leisurely bike ride with rest stops for birding. Learn about the different habitats on Jones Beach and keep your eyes open for shorebirds, ospreys, warblers, tree swallows, and more. No experience required. Binoculars are provided--but bikes and helmets are not.

We will be meeting at the Center, going over a few basics of birding and facts and then participants will follow our educator via bike across the West End.

Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply

Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors. Will be cancelled via email in the case of inclement weather.

Distance: Up to 4 miles of biking.

RSVP: RSVP Required.

Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Walk

Slow down, relax, and enjoy the calm serenity of beachcombing in this mindful wellness program.

Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply 

Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors 

Distance: Up to 3 miles of walking on sand.  

RSVP: RSVP Required. 

Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend. 

If you need to cancel your reservation, please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov so your spot may be made available to others.

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Craft

Learn a new skill with us and create a craft to decorate your home, gift to a friend, or just to help you unwind and relax.

Theme: Tote Bags

Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply

Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors

RSVP: RSVP Required.

Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

The Teachers’ Workshop provides educators with an immersive experience at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center. Teachers are placed in the role of students, and learn about how to use the building and site to teach students about environmental design, dune ecology, climate change, coastal resilience, and more. Participants can receive CTLE (Continuing Teacher and Leader Education) hours through the New York State Education Department.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Here are some preview questions from the Energy and Us unit. This will cover the first 30 minutes of the workshop

https://forms.office.com/g/7q7qisgE4q

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Class

A basic level yoga class to restore calm and balance through stretching and meditation

We will provide yoga mats, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Join the NYS Parks Wellness Challenge to win an exclusive sticker!

Fee: Free / Vehicle use fee may apply

Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors, weather allowing—otherwise will be indoors. 

RSVP: RSVP Required.

Program begins 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend. 

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Citizen Science

Help us catalog the species that can be found at Jones Beach State Park during the summer! Please have the free “iNaturalist” app pre-downloaded and bring your own smartphone to participate in this program.

We will be walking outdoors on our trails to find different species. Please dress for the weather.

Learn more about iNaturalist here:

https://www.inaturalist.org/

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects

Fee: Free

Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors

Distance: Up to 1 mile of walking across sand and/or pavement

RSVP: RSVP Required

All Ages | Activity

Join us with our guest, AOSNY. for an evening of night skies! On our back deck, we will use multiple telescopes to focus on the various celestial bodies.

Fee: Free

Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors

Weather: In the case of inclement weather, we will notify folks of cancellation via-email, and we will update this webpage morning-of.

RSVP: RSVP Required.

Speakers:

Amateur Observers’ Society of New York

Established in 1965, the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York (“AOSNY”) was created as a means for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages to meet together. Amateur Astronomy is about helping others, learning, doing, and having fun!

Their mission is to bring Long Island astronomy to the public and provide astronomy resources to members. This expresses their commitment not only to serve their members, but also to educate and inspire the public.

All Ages | Hike

State parks are a great place to explore from behind the lens of a camera! Photographers of all experience levels are invited to hike through the West End. Participants must provide their own camera equipment. Participants are welcome to use their phone cameras.

Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply

Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors

Distance: Up to 2 miles of walking on sand and pavement.

RSVP: RSVP Required.

Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Citizen Science

Help us catalog the species that can be found at Jones Beach State Park during the spring! Please have the free “iNaturalist” app pre-downloaded and bring your own smartphone to participate in this program.

We will be walking outdoors on our trails to find different species. Please dress for the weather.

Learn more about iNaturalist here:

https://www.inaturalist.org/

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects

Fee: Free

Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors

Distance: Up to 1 mile of walking across sand and/or pavement

RSVP: RSVP Required

All Ages | Activity

Join us with our guest, AOSNY. for an evening of night skies! On our back deck, we will use multiple telescopes to focus on the various celestial bodies.

Fee: Free

Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors

Weather: In the case of inclement weather, we will notify folks of cancellation via-email, and we will update this webpage morning-of.

RSVP: RSVP Required.

Speakers:

Amateur Observers’ Society of New York

Established in 1965, the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York (“AOSNY”) was created as a means for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages to meet together. Amateur Astronomy is about helping others, learning, doing, and having fun!

Their mission is to bring Long Island astronomy to the public and provide astronomy resources to members. This expresses their commitment not only to serve their members, but also to educate and inspire the public.

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Craft

Learn a new skill with us and create a craft to decorate your home, gift to a friend, or just to help you unwind and relax.

Theme: Sustainable Pillows

Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply

Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors

RSVP: RSVP Required.

Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Children (Ages 7-12) | Class 

Slap on those gloves and get your dissection tools ready because we’re diving into the anatomy and survival adaptions of the squid. Join us for a guided squid dissection for a deeper understanding of these magnificent marine animals. 

All kids must be accompanied by an adult. 

Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply 

Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors on tables. 

RSVP: RSVP Required.  

Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend. 

The Teachers’ Workshop provides educators with an immersive experience at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center. Teachers are placed in the role of students, and learn about how to use the building and site to teach students about environmental design, dune ecology, climate change, coastal resilience, and more. Participants can receive CTLE (Continuing Teacher and Leader Education) hours through the New York State Education Department.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Here are some preview questions from the Energy and Us unit. This will cover the first 30 minutes of the workshop

https://forms.office.com/g/7q7qisgE4q

RSVP required. Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov to cancel your reservation if you cannot attend so your spot can be made available to others.

All Ages | Hike

State parks are a great place to explore from behind the lens of a camera! Photographers of all experience levels are invited to hike through the West End. Participants must provide their own camera equipment. Participants are welcome to use their phone cameras.

Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply

Outdoors/Indoors?: Outdoors

Distance: Up to 2 miles of walking on sand and pavement.

RSVP: RSVP Required.

Program departs 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Volunteer Event

Ages 12 and up—all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Plan to arrive by 9:30 am (schedule below). Help survey Jones Beach! NYS DEC and NYS Parks, with support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, hosts a Marine Debris survey and clean-up biannually. Come learn more about why this survey is so important! The duration depends on conditions but is expected to take 3-4 hours.

For this day at the beach, we will provide:

• PPE (gloves)

• Garbage bags

• Data recording materials

• Other equipment needed for the cleanup and survey

However, we ask that you please bring:

• Reusable water bottle

• Sun protection

• Weather appropriate clothing

• Closed toed shoes

• Lunch or light snack

Schedule:

9:30am—Welcome, Sign-in and registration (waivers and photo release) at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

9:45am—Introduction to staff, project, and research protocols

10:00am— Walk to beach

10:30am—Survey and beach cleanup. Some groups will finish earlier than others. Survey's usually take between 2.5 - 5 hours depending on number of volunteers and the amount of trash present.

---

Presented by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center with support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program

If there are questions, please feel free to reach out to francis.mcparland@dec.ny.gov or jbenc@parks.ny.gov.

Families (All Ages) | Walk

RSVP REQUIRED

$4 fee per program participant

In the winter, Jones Beach welcomes back its winter seal population. Learn about these incredible marine mammals and their migration to Jones Beach, and go for a walk to spot Harbor and Gray Seals feeding in our bay.

We start at the Center, with a talk about seals, and then participants follow our educators in their personal vehicles over to the seal-watching spot for a guided 1.5 mile walk on the sandy beach.

This program has portions both INDOORS and OUTDOORS. Dress appropriately.

Please wear:

• Warm coat

• Gloves, Scarf, Hat

• Boots or other warm closed-toe footwear

If you need to cancel your reservation, please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov so your spot may be made available to others.

Families (All Ages) | Walk

RSVP REQUIRED

$4 fee per program participant

In the winter, Jones Beach welcomes back its winter seal population. Learn about these incredible marine mammals and their migration to Jones Beach, and go for a walk to spot Harbor and Gray Seals feeding in our bay.

We start at the Center, with a talk about seals, and then participants follow our educators in their personal vehicles over to the seal-watching spot for a guided 1.5 mile walk on the sandy beach.

This program has portions both INDOORS and OUTDOORS. Dress appropriately.

Please wear:

• Warm coat

• Gloves, Scarf, Hat

• Boots or other warm closed-toe footwear

If you need to cancel your reservation, please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov so your spot may be made available to others.

Families (All Ages) | Walk

RSVP REQUIRED

$4 fee per program participant

In the winter, Jones Beach welcomes back its winter seal population. Learn about these incredible marine mammals and their migration to Jones Beach, and go for a walk to spot Harbor and Gray Seals feeding in our bay.

We start at the Center, with a talk about seals, and then participants follow our educators in their personal vehicles over to the seal-watching spot for a guided 1.5 mile walk on the sandy beach.

This program has portions both INDOORS and OUTDOORS. Dress appropriately.

Please wear:

• Warm coat

• Gloves, Scarf, Hat

• Boots or other warm closed-toe footwear

If you need to cancel your reservation, please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov so your spot may be made available to others.

Scouts (All Ages) | Walk

Do you and your troop want to see seals? Meet us at Field 10 to learn all about the seals that visit Long Island between 10:00am – 12:00pm. Walk along the beach and watch out for swimming seals--our educators will be ready with a scope to point out these magnificent marine mammals!

This walk is about a 1 mile roundtrip on sand, and is unfortunately not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. However, we will have educators stationed at the accessible docks which are by the water and also have a chance of seeing seals. Stop by at any point

Wear layers, gloves, hats, and scarves because wind conditions along the bay can make the walk extra chilly. Bring binoculars if you have them. There are no open bathrooms at this site, but the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is a short drive down the road and will have open bathrooms.

Fee: Free

RSVP: No RSVP required

Scouts (All Ages) | Walk

Do you and your troop want to see seals? Meet us at Field 10 to learn all about the seals that visit Long Island between 10:00am – 12:00pm. Walk along the beach and watch out for swimming seals--our educators will be ready with a scope to point out these magnificent marine mammals!

This walk is about a 1 mile roundtrip on sand, and is unfortunately not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. However, we will have educators stationed at the accessible docks which are by the water and also have a chance of seeing seals. Stop by at any point

Wear layers, gloves, hats, and scarves because wind conditions along the bay can make the walk extra chilly. Bring binoculars if you have them. There are no open bathrooms at this site, but the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is a short drive down the road and will have open bathrooms.

Fee: Free

RSVP: No RSVP required

Adults & Teens (Ages 12+) | Craft

Learn a new skill with us and create a craft to decorate your home, gift to a friend, or just to help you unwind and relax.

Theme: Pot O’ Paint

Fee: $4 per program participant / Vehicle use fee may apply

Outdoors/Indoors?: Indoors

RSVP: RSVP Required.

Doors close 10 minutes after start time. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.

Families (All Ages) | Walk

RSVP REQUIRED

$4 fee per program participant

In the winter, Jones Beach welcomes back its winter seal population. Learn about these incredible marine mammals and their migration to Jones Beach, and go for a walk to spot Harbor and Gray Seals feeding in our bay.

We start at the Center, with a talk about seals, and then participants follow our educators in their personal vehicles over to the seal-watching spot for a guided 1.5 mile walk on the sandy beach.

This program has portions both INDOORS and OUTDOORS. Dress appropriately.

Please wear:

• Warm coat

• Gloves, Scarf, Hat

• Boots or other warm closed-toe footwear

If you need to cancel your reservation, please call 516-809-8222 or email jbenc@parks.ny.gov so your spot may be made available to others.