Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve Programs
Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve at Rutgers Creek Wildlife Conservancy, 390 Minisink Turnpike, Port Jervis, NY 12771
About
Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve Programs include Sundays at the Preserve, Summer Camp programs, nature exploration experiences, and Brandwein lectures. The programs take place within the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve and are used by students, teachers, scientists, and other lifelong learners for studies of the environment and natural systems.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
The Institute’s mission is “To inspire and teach all people, especially children, to embrace the wonders of nature.” The Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve is located on 30 acres of the 77-acre Rutgers Creek Wildlife Conservancy conservation preserve, which consists of wooded, old field succession with diverse wildlife habitats traversed by stack stone walls and bisected by Rutgers Creek. The preserve is surrounded by active dairy farms and growing residential development in rolling wooded hills near the town of Greenville in Orange County, New York, close to the New Jersey and Pennsylvania state lines. Two houses sit adjacent to the Rutgers Creek Conservancy, including the Brandwein home, a farmhouse dating from about 160 years ago, and the former residence of Evelyn Morholt, which houses early specimen collections.
Sara Mayes is the interpretive naturalist for the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Ball State University, and has worked for over three decades as a professional naturalist in nature-based education. The leadership team includes founding member and Brandwein Board Chairman William D. Bavoso, Brandwein Institute President David Bavoso, Treasurer Jeff Rosalsky, Vice President David Foord, Brandwein Nature Science Camp Director Kasey Stankunas, and interpretive naturalist Sara Mayes. As a national and international convener, catalyzer, and communicator of nature-based science education, the Brandwein Institute supports social and environmental justice for all, provides scholarships to underserved minority children to attend Brandwein Summer Science Camps, and provides access to underserved families to attend Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve Programs. It also uses national platforms including the Brandwein Medal, Brandwein Lecture, and Young Professional Award to recognize and further the conservation achievements of diverse and under-represented peoples throughout the world, and awards a scholarship annually to an under-represented high school senior who is going to college to major in environmental studies. Individuals and organizations in the USA and internationally who are dedicated to educating and inspiring others to conserve nature for future generations are publicly appreciated each year with the Brandwein Medal award.
Last updated February 9, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
The Institute’s mission is “To inspire and teach all people, especially children, to embrace the wonders of nature.” The Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve is located on 30 acres of the 77-acre Rutgers Creek Wildlife Conservancy conservation preserve, which consists of wooded, old field succession with diverse wildlife habitats traversed by stack stone walls and bisected by Rutgers Creek. The preserve is surrounded by active dairy farms and growing residential development in rolling wooded hills near the town of Greenville in Orange County, New York, close to the New Jersey and Pennsylvania state lines. Two houses sit adjacent to the Rutgers Creek Conservancy, including the Brandwein home, a farmhouse dating from about 160 years ago, and the former residence of Evelyn Morholt, which houses early specimen collections.
Sara Mayes is the interpretive naturalist for the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Ball State University, and has worked for over three decades as a professional naturalist in nature-based education. The leadership team includes founding member and Brandwein Board Chairman William D. Bavoso, Brandwein Institute President David Bavoso, Treasurer Jeff Rosalsky, Vice President David Foord, Brandwein Nature Science Camp Director Kasey Stankunas, and interpretive naturalist Sara Mayes. As a national and international convener, catalyzer, and communicator of nature-based science education, the Brandwein Institute supports social and environmental justice for all, provides scholarships to underserved minority children to attend Brandwein Summer Science Camps, and provides access to underserved families to attend Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve Programs. It also uses national platforms including the Brandwein Medal, Brandwein Lecture, and Young Professional Award to recognize and further the conservation achievements of diverse and under-represented peoples throughout the world, and awards a scholarship annually to an under-represented high school senior who is going to college to major in environmental studies. Individuals and organizations in the USA and internationally who are dedicated to educating and inspiring others to conserve nature for future generations are publicly appreciated each year with the Brandwein Medal award.
Last updated February 9, 2026.
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