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, and Brandwein lectures. The programs take place within the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve and are part of the Brandwein Institute’s nature-based science education efforts.
The Institute’s mission is “To inspire and teach all people, especially children, to embrace the wonders of nature.” The Brandwein Institute, as a national and international convener, catalyzer, and communicator of nature-based science education, supports social and environmental justice for all. It commits to providing scholarships to underserved minority children to attend Brandwein Summer Science Camps and providing access to underserved families to attend Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve Programs.
Sara Mayes is the interpretive naturalist for the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve, and she has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Ball State University. For over three decades, she has dedicated her entire career as a professional naturalist to nature-based education. The leadership team includes William D. Bavoso, Chairman of the Brandwein Board; David Bavoso, President of the Brandwein Institute; Jeff Rosalsky, Treasurer of the Brandwein Institute; Edwin (Win) Everham, Professor of Marine and Ecological Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University; David Foord, Brandwein Institute Vice President; Kasey Stankunas, who directs the Brandwein Nature Science Camp; and Sara Mayes, interpretive naturalist for the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve.
The Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve is located on a 77-acre Rutgers Creek Wildlife Conservancy conservation preserve that consists of wooded, old field succession with diverse wildlife habitats traversed by stack stone walls and bisected by Rutgers Creek. The Conservancy is surrounded by active dairy farms and growing residential development in the rolling wooded hills near the town of Greenville, Orange County, New York, and is used by students, teachers, scientists, and other lifelong learners for studies of the environment and natural systems. Two houses sit adjacent to the Rutgers Creek Conservancy, including the Brandweins’ home, a farmhouse dating from about 160 years ago, and the former residence of Evelyn Morholt, which houses early specimen collections.
Individuals and organizations dedicated to educating and inspiring others to conserve nature for future generations, in the USA and internationally, are publicly appreciated each year with the Brandwein Medal award. The Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve contact phone number is 845-672-9297. Directions to the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve specify taking Interstate 84 to Exit 2 on Mountain Road in New York State, turning left at County Route 35/Mountain Road for 1.0 miles, turning left at Minisink Turnpike, and continuing another 0.2 mile to the entrance drive and bus parking area.
Last updated May 30, 2026.
The Institute’s mission is “To inspire and teach all people, especially children, to embrace the wonders of nature.” The Brandwein Institute, as a national and international convener, catalyzer, and communicator of nature-based science education, supports social and environmental justice for all. It commits to providing scholarships to underserved minority children to attend Brandwein Summer Science Camps and providing access to underserved families to attend Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve Programs.
Sara Mayes is the interpretive naturalist for the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve, and she has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Ball State University. For over three decades, she has dedicated her entire career as a professional naturalist to nature-based education. The leadership team includes William D. Bavoso, Chairman of the Brandwein Board; David Bavoso, President of the Brandwein Institute; Jeff Rosalsky, Treasurer of the Brandwein Institute; Edwin (Win) Everham, Professor of Marine and Ecological Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University; David Foord, Brandwein Institute Vice President; Kasey Stankunas, who directs the Brandwein Nature Science Camp; and Sara Mayes, interpretive naturalist for the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve.
The Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve is located on a 77-acre Rutgers Creek Wildlife Conservancy conservation preserve that consists of wooded, old field succession with diverse wildlife habitats traversed by stack stone walls and bisected by Rutgers Creek. The Conservancy is surrounded by active dairy farms and growing residential development in the rolling wooded hills near the town of Greenville, Orange County, New York, and is used by students, teachers, scientists, and other lifelong learners for studies of the environment and natural systems. Two houses sit adjacent to the Rutgers Creek Conservancy, including the Brandweins’ home, a farmhouse dating from about 160 years ago, and the former residence of Evelyn Morholt, which houses early specimen collections.
Individuals and organizations dedicated to educating and inspiring others to conserve nature for future generations, in the USA and internationally, are publicly appreciated each year with the Brandwein Medal award. The Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve contact phone number is 845-672-9297. Directions to the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve specify taking Interstate 84 to Exit 2 on Mountain Road in New York State, turning left at County Route 35/Mountain Road for 1.0 miles, turning left at Minisink Turnpike, and continuing another 0.2 mile to the entrance drive and bus parking area.
Last updated May 30, 2026.
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