Troop 240 Gets Handy for Earth Day at Tanglewood

Just off Ocean Avenue, there is a unique place where residents of all ages can nurture their understanding and appreciation of nature and animals.

The West Hempstead Boy Scouts spent Sunday at this serene escape, called Tanglewood Preserve, to celebrate Earth Day and their hard work.

The Earth-Fest featured games, nature walks and animals, including two miniature horses, which were recently rescued and brought to the preserve. These adorable ponies were without a proper place to stay though until the scouts of Troop 240 stepped up to lend a hand.

They volunteered their time in advance of Earth-Fest to construct a stable and fence for the horses (See photos.) to give them a good home.

The scouts also took part in the festivities, hosting activities for the younger children that included a ring toss and a dino dig.

Shawn Vailes, a Boy Scout from Troop 240, said, “It is a good way of getting involved with the community and we had fun too.”

People attending Earth-Fest were able to take part in a nature walk while learning about some of the animals that reside in the park. They could see geese, bat houses, fish and other animals.

There is also an animal exhibit that features owls, snakes, birds and many more species. All the animals here have been rescued and healed by the preserve.

Tanglewood Preserve is part of the Center for Science Teaching and Learn (CSTL.) Michelle Anselmo, part of the Education Initiatives at CSTL, explained that Tanglewood Preserve offers many programs for people in the community.

The park is open seven days a week, and they host school trips, run a summer camp and hold events for students during school vacations. The preserve also offers a nature nursery school for kids, the only one of its kind on Long Island and one of 65 in the country.

Director Eric Patysiak said CSTL also does much outside of the preserve too. WIth the help of an $80,000 donation from the Honda Foundation, they are able to bring their programs to schools that are not able to come to the preserve.

“We call it a "Museum in a Crate," and it focuses on all different types of sciences,” said Patysiak.

Both Eric and Michelle broke the news to Patch that CSTL, is partnering with S.P.L.A.S.H, and will be opening another location in Freeport by the Nautical Mile that will focus on marine science. They plan to have it up and running next year.

For more information on Tanglewood Preserve, visit their website here or "like" their Facebook page.