New York Restoration Project (NYRP) defines a NatureManiac as a person who signs up to spend hours in nature during a seasonal celebration – appropriately named NatureMania Spring Break – held at our Swindler Cove Campus every April during New York City public schools’ spring break. This week-long investigation of plant, water and self exploration allows participants to engage in in-depth educational sessions that emphasize the importance of green spaces, the value of trees, the habits of animals and the power of personal choices.
More than 350 NatureManiacs, also identified as New York City students, engage in hours in nature with NYRP’s education team during their spring break, a way of providing a positive, healthy, outdoor alternative – versus television and video games – while they are out of school. Each day consists of hour-long sessions that showcase opportunities to investigate the many forms and faces of nature. Students complete projects and presentations focusing on environmental themes and actions that community members can take to promote caretaking of water and animal habitats, along with other topics they have explored at Swindler Cove and Highbridge Parks through hikes, games, and arts and crafts that promote stewardship.