Green Chimneys

It's April, which means it's the Swainson's hawk month! This female was brought to the Green Chimneys Wildlife Center by a falconer/rehabber who found her as a juvenile lost on migration in New Jersey. The hawk had an injured keel (chest bone) and was nursed back to health but it was determined that the bird would not know how to properly migrate and would need a permanent home. The Swainson’s hawk is a North American raptor typically found in the Midwest; it migrates long distances in winter, traveling all the way to Argentina. The breed is also known as a “grasshopper hawk” because they love to chase and eat grasshoppers in fields, in addition to larger prey. Also, stay tuned for more opportunities to see this beautiful bird soon at our Annual Birds of Prey Day!

Celebrate the healing power of nature with us on May 14 at Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown for Green Chimneys’ Annual Spring Gala. This inspiring evening will bring our community together in support of the programs that help students like Troy grow. Through therapeutic education and meaningful experiences with animals and nature, Green Chimneys gives children the chance to feel supported when they need it most. greenchimneys.org/gala

Every March, we take time to honor the impact of Myra Ross’s life work at Green Chimneys. As Co-Founder, Clinical Coordinator, and Director of Admissions for more than six decades, she helped build the foundation of learning and social-emotional growth that continues to support our students and families. Her legacy lives on in all that we do.

Maya and Cricket visited Clearpool Campus today! Students enjoyed brushing the mother and daughter mini duo, who are just starting to shed their thick winter coats.

This year’s talent show brought out an impressive range of student talent, with more than 25 students taking part. Performances included singing, instrumental music, comedy, and unique skills such as yo-yo tricks, ambidextrous handwriting, and flag folding. We're so proud of each student who showcased their abilities in front of the entire school!

Our next Family Volunteer Day is coming up on May 9th! We have different tasks on the farm or in the garden for different ages and abilities – everyone will be able to do something. Plan to join us for a great morning spend out in nature and giving back. Registration is free, but space is limited: greenchimneys.org/family-volunte…

The weather is finally right for tapping the sugar maple trees at Boni-Bel Farm, with warmer days and freezing nights. This time-honored tradition with our students is the first step in creating our beloved small-batch maple syrup, and a sign that spring is just around the corner. Stay tuned for the sugaring process! And don't forget to stop by Boni-Bel Country Store for local artisanal foods and sweet treats, open six days a week: greenchimneys.org/countrystore

We’re excited to share our newest video which explores our nature-based approach: how it works, why it works, and what true partnership with animals means for the young people we serve: youtu.be/BG-jLQto6QA?si…

YOU'RE INVITED! Join us on May 14th for a celebratory event to support the children and animals of Green Chimneys. Our Annual Spring Gala raises funds for innovative education and nature-based programs and therapies for children with special needs, as well as for the care of our animal partners. Tickets on sale now! greenchimneys.org/gala

Pepper the ferret is the star of March! This playful ferret found a forever home in the Nature Room at our Clearpool Campus. Abandoned at a pet store at just 10 months old, Pepper’s health condition indicated that the original owner might not have known how much activity ferrets require. Pepper adjusted to her new surroundings almost immediately as Clearpool students made it their mission to give her daily exercise, helping her to achieve a healthy weight. She lives in a spacious cage next to senior ferret, Minka, and while her playful nature and high energy make Pepper great fun in the classroom, she quickly learned to play gently with her neighbor and they have become true friends! It's still early in the year, and there's still time to get the 2026 Green Chimneys Animal Calendar! Meet some our animal partners and learn their stories: greenchimneys.org/calendar

At the end of February each year, we honor the legacy of Dr. Ross. His belief in the power of connecting young people with animals and nature continues to guide Green Chimneys every day, shaping the experiences and opportunities we provide for students. Dr. Samuel “Rollo” Ross 1928 – 2018

Today Green Chimneys Clearpool classes showed off their research and public speaking skills by giving poster presentations to the entire campus, wrapping up their month long projects about the lives and legacies of notable Black men and women in America. When asked why they chose Rosa Parks, one class said, "Because she showed why it's important to never give up fighting for equal rights."

Our students are bringing a little extra shine to campus, using gold leaf to decorate beeswax candles crafted from wax harvested from our own beehives at the end of summer. Working alongside these remarkable pollinators has sparked curiosity and creativity as students see this long-term project complete. You can find these one-of-a-kind candles at the Boni-Bel Country Store, open six days a week. Alongside student-made gifts, you’ll discover fresh eggs from our chickens, locally grown produce, fiber arts, soaps, pottery, chocolates, honey, cheeses, and other seasonal favorites from regional farms and artisans. Located at 301 Doansburg Road, Brewster. Store Hours are Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 10am-4pm, Wed 10am- 5pm, & Saturday 10am-2pm.

In the Dog Respite Group clinicians help students build social-emotional skills through structured activities with dogs. It can be easier for students to learn a new concept when they can apply the framework to someone else first, before recognizing it in themselves. Recently, students explored the concept of HALT, recognizing when they feel Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired and how meeting those needs supports safe choices and emotional regulation. Staff dog Belle, a rescued Pomeranian living with a permanent leg injury and no teeth as a result of past neglect, helped bring this lesson to life. Students heard her story and saw how consistent care fostered her healing, all while Belle gladly accepted gentle pets.

Tonight begins the month of Ramadan. We wish all those in our community who observe a blessed Ramadan, good fast and a joyful Eid al-Fitr ahead. Ramadan Mubarak!

Happy Lunar New Year and welcome to the Year of the Horse! It's a fitting moment to celebrate the healing and steady presence of the many horses we have on campus and their important role in our program! 🐎

Each year the Science Fair gives students the opportunity to show off their knowledge of the scientific process while exploring a STEAM topic that interests them. One student investigated the use of maglev trains as a transportation method by creating a mini model, another pair demonstrated how to inflate a balloon through a chemical reaction, while another demonstrated the classic potato batter experiment. Each created a detailed presentation board explaining their project, and took questions from parents and staff to showcase what they learned.

We're a few days into February, and that means it's Morty's month! Abandoned in the wild by his former owner, Mortimer—known as “Morty”—was rescued underweight and injured. The Warmblood horse was determined to be of senior age and faces arthritis, tendon injury, and circulation issues requiring daily care. Thanks to Green Chimneys’ equine program focused on groundwork, our Horse Barn staff can provide him with the specialized support he needs, and include him as an important part of the program. Morty engages with students, teaching them about equine medical treatments, such as laser therapy and wrapping, while enjoying their attention as they practice skills in leading, grooming, and behavior observation. It's still early in the year and you can pick up a Green Chimneys Animal Calendar to support our programming and meet some of our other beloved animal partners: greenchimneys.org/calendar

For animals living in captivity, enrichment is more than an activity, it's essential to their well-being. Animals that live in the wild naturally get plentiful enrichment. They spend time searching for food or shelter, and living among other species. It’s hard work but it’s highly stimulating. Farm & Wildlife Center staff and volunteers are always striving to design creative ways to help animals use their natural instincts. See how one volunteer created a new, enriching way to feed our resident Turkey vulture: greenchimneys.org/news-events/vu…

The Green Chimneys campus is currently a winter wonderland! ❄️