Spring Leap at Teatown: Science, Rabbits and Family Learning

Spring arrives at Teatown Lake Reservation in small leaps. On Sunday, April 12, that space dedicated to natural conservation, located in Ossining, about 20 minutes from Peekskill, will host a family program centered on observation, inquiry, and direct experience. Although the activity is connected to the Easter season, there will be no egg hunt, but rather a focus on learning.

The event, titled Hop into Spring, is a family program whose central theme is lagomorphs. This group of herbivorous mammals includes rabbits, hares, and pikas. They are characterized by long ears, strong hind legs adapted for jumping and a specialized digestive system for processing plants. These topics will be part of the presentation at Teatown, which will use accessible language grounded in scientific content. The session is intended for children ages 4 and older.

The program will be led by Elissa Schilmeister, an environmental educator associated with the reserve’s regular programming. Although the session will include scientific terminology, the goal of Hop into Spring is to translate biological concepts into experiences that are understandable for families.

The session, which will begin at 11 a.m., is designed to be intimate in scale. It is expected to host approximately six families, with no more than five members per family. This format allows for direct interaction between participants and the educator, who will share interesting facts about these animals over the course of one hour. The program will also include an encounter with these species in a controlled, educational environment. The presentation will begin with basic information about lagomorphs: morphology, behavior, and habitat.

In addition to theoretical explanations and interaction with the species, the reserve will offer a hands-on activity, a craft connected to the content learned. The cost of the event is $10 per family for members and $15 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is required. The limited capacity restricts access.

Teatown Lake Reservation operates as an environmental education center with ongoing programming. Its activities prioritize the connection between the community and the local ecosystem. For more information about this and other programs at the reserve, please visit the organization’s website.