Work begins on new Education Center and renovated Nature Center in October

Teatown Lake Reservation is embarking on an exciting new chapter of its history. This October, construction will begin on a state-of-the-art Education Center alongside a full renovation of Teatown’s Nature Center.

Groundbreaking for the Education Center is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, marking the culmination of more than five years of planning with Teatown’s staff, board, and community. Award-winning nARCHITECTS will lead the design of the new Education Center, the renovation of the existing Nature Center, and broader campus enhancements. The firm is known for projects such as the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center and the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center.

Working alongside nARCHITECTS, landscape architect Starr Whitehouse will reimagine Teatown’s campus into a more accessible, ecologically enriched, and pedestrian-friendly environment.

What Visitors Can Expect

• Nature Center closure: The Nature Center will close for renovation by October 1. A temporary reception trailer will be located in the main parking lot that is next to the Nature Center. Portable restrooms and the composting toilet will be available.
• Parking updates: The south Gravel Lot will be expanded this fall. Once complete, the Main Lot will close and be restored as a native wildflower meadow with accessible trail access. The Blinn Road lot will be closed for the duration of the project.
• Animal Ambassadors: During renovations, the wildlife usually housed in the Nature Center and Raptor Loop will be temporarily relocated. They will not be on public view daily but can still be seen during select public programs.
• Trails remain open: Teatown’s 15 miles of trails will remain open daily, year-round, from dawn to dusk. Trail access will be limited near the construction campus. Access to Lakeside Trail will be via Wildflower Woods.

Construction is expected to take 12–16 months.

“For more than 60 years, Teatown has been one of the Hudson Valley’s most cherished community resources,” said Kevin Carter, Teatown’s Executive Director. “This project ensures we can continue to inspire future generations of environmental stewards while creating a more accessible, welcoming campus for everyone.”

Teatown invites the community to follow updates on Instagram, Facebook and our e-newsletter, or reach out to us at info@teatown.org with questions.