Youth Education on the East End

Cornell Cooperative Extension has been educating the citizens of Suffolk County for over 30 years about our marine resources, and offers educational programming both in-school or at the Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center in Southold. Our youth education programs are designed to immerse students in Long Island's unique marine habitats. Inspiring and educating the next generation of scientists and stewards is something we feel is key to creating, maintaining and sustaining a health marine environment. Through field excursions, interactive experiences with local marine life, hands-on restoration projects and creation of marine inspired artwork, our youth education program participants partake in meaningful and memorable experiences! 

Our educators are dedicated to teaching our future environmental stewards about Long Island's unique marine habitats. Our programs are designed to teach students about specific aspects of the marine environment and offer unique opportunities to learn by doing with exciting, hands-on educational activities.

Long Island’s South Fork is a worldwide attraction, in part because of the beauty of it's different marine habitats. The Atlantic Ocean and the Peconic, Shinnecock and lesser Bays are part of the unique culture here, with many residents who's livelihoods often depend on our marine resources and landscapes, to thousands of summertime visitors who want to enjoy the beauty and bounty that the South Fork has to offer. Cornell Cooperative Extension has been educating the citizens of Suffolk County for over 30 years about our marine resources, and offers educational programming both in-school or at the Town of Southampton's Tiana Bayside Facility in Hampton Bays. School programs are designed to interest students in grades K-12 in the many diverse and exciting marine topics, and to teach them how they can help protect and enhance our marine environment. Please view our school program brochure on the right side of this page for specific programs and pricing. Tiana Bayside programming offers topics in both Marine Science and Art, or both! 

Tiana Bayside Facility offers a truly unique setting for youth education and recreation. From our facility on Dune Road in Hampton Bays, students can explore the diversity of marine habitats that make Long Island such a special place to live and visit. Sheltered from the ocean by the dunes, the calm waters of Tiana Bay harbor salt marshes, seagrass meadows, and mud flats. A short walk across the protective barrier island, and you arrive at the mighty Atlantic Ocean. This unique position allows students to gain an understanding of the biology and ecological importance of these marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. All of our programs are led by experienced CCE Marine Educators, skilled in fostering positive relationships between children of all walks of life. Students who attend our programs forge a life-long relationship with maritime culture and come away deeply inspired by the natural world.

Groups can schedule a field trip to explore our beautiful beachfront in Southold or Hampton Bays - or our educators can bring the beach to your classroom!

Last updated May 4, 2022