Connecting Youth to Nature
Environmental Education is about learning skills, developing character, and making friends. At the Y, our programs introduce people to the natural world — often for the very first time — through hands-on exploration, outdoor adventures, and nature-based learning experiences. We visit more than 30 schools across the Fox Cities to bring science education directly into classrooms, and we offer exploration-based nature classes right here at the Y for children ages 3–5. Our curriculum is rooted in the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, helping participants discover how those values apply not just to the people around them, but to the natural world as well.
Benefits of Environmental Education Programs
Our programs do more than teach science — they shape the kind of caring, curious, and responsible people the Y has always believed in.
Love of Nature
By introducing children to the natural world early, we help them build a genuine connection to the outdoors that lasts a lifetime.
Character & Values
Our curriculum incorporates the Y’s core values — caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility — and applies them to how we treat our environment.
Hands-On Learning
Stories, crafts, hikes, and activities make every lesson memorable and engaging for learners of all ages and backgrounds.
Health & Well-Being
Spending time in nature helps reduce stress, improve mood, and support overall physical and mental well-being.
The Bruce B. Purdy Nature Preserve
The Bruce B. Purdy Nature Preserve is a 104-acre parcel of native habitat located at the Apple Creek YMCA, featuring hiking trails open to all Y members and guests year-round. It serves as the heart of our Environmental Education programs — the place where children take their first hike and discover that the natural world is full of things worth caring for. Whether you’re joining us for a class or simply looking for a peaceful trail to walk, the Preserve is yours to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our programs serve a wide range of ages. Exploration-based nature classes are available starting with Parent & Caregiver classes, and independently for ages 3-12. Outdoor Exploration Camps serve ages 3–13, and field trips are available for students from preschool through high school.
Most programs take place at the Apple Creek YMCA and the Bruce B. Purdy Nature Preserve. Our Nature Kids and school outreach programs bring education directly to classrooms across the Fox Cities.
Yes! The Apple Creek YMCA and Bruce B. Purdy Nature Preserve offer 2-hour and 4-hour field trip options for all grade levels, led by trained naturalist staff. Contact Richard Imp at gro.seiticxofacmy@pmir to learn more.
Nature Kids is a classroom-based program where our naturalist staff come directly to your school — no transportation required. It’s a great way to bring hands-on environmental science into the school day.
Hiking trails at the Bruce B. Purdy Nature Preserve are open to all Y members and their guests year-round. The Preserve is located at the Apple Creek YMCA.
Register online through the program listing on this page. Y members enjoy priority registration and discounted rates. Questions? Contact us at gro.seiticxofacmy@ofniy.
