Programs

Pleasantville Organic Vegetable Garden

The Pleasantville Organic Vegetable Garden serves as an experimental and demonstration area utilizing techniques in harmony with the natural environment. Different methods are employed in the garden, including “Square Foot Gardening,” “Straw Bale Gardening,” “Companion Planting,” and growing in raised beds. This spring, because of Covid-19, gardening was very limited. Typically, Nature Center staff, along with student Garden Keepers, grow over 700 plants in the hoop house, most of which are transplanted into the garden. The 2021 season plans include growing plants to be sent to Pace’s New York City campus gardens. Students will also be expanding the educational components of the garden by creating signs and small plant identification plaques that will enable visitors to learn about the garden and some of the growing techniques employed.

Garden Club

During spring and summer, staff and faculty attended an informal “lunchtime” get together to share gardening experiences and work out gardening problems. After meeting for a cup of coffee in the Environmental House conference room, members would walk through the Nature Center’s organic garden to observe different growing techniques and sometimes even take home fresh vegetables.

Wellbeing Committee

The Center has been actively involved in the University’s Health and Wellness efforts, providing programs for students, faculty and staff throughout the year. Some of the offerings include nature walks on the woodland trails, gardening projects and other stress reducing events. Due to the Center’s aesthetic attributes, it is regarded as a natural “oasis” by students, providing a quiet place to study, meet with friends, or relax by getting away from the everyday rigors of their busy lives.

Academic Programs

ENV 130

Angelo Spillo, Director of the Center, teaches two Environmental Studies classes each semester. The classes titled “Naturalists” utilize the Center by combining classroom lectures with experiential learning, incorporating its gardens and trails. For example, in the past, students have spent time in the classroom learning about honeybees, and followed up by a visit to the Center’s apiary.

Events

Communiversity Day

The Nature Center was a major attraction during Communiversity Day, where local community members were invited to attend various programs at Pace’s Pleasantville campus.

Earth Month

Each spring, Nature Center staff sponsor Earth Month programs, offering over 25 events during the month of April, that are a combination of academic, recreational, celebratory, and informational programs. Some of the highlights include bee keeping presentations, poetry readings, classroom lectures, nature walks, and tree planting ceremonies.

Student Activities

Volunteering at the Nature Center

The Nature Center serves as a fun opportunity for students to volunteer and earn community service hours. On Pace Makes a Difference Day, student volunteers spent the day adding wood chips to the wetlands nature trail, washing out plant trays to make ready for spring planting, and moving soil into the pasture. Each year, 10 or more students typically achieve their community service requirements by volunteering in the Nature Center. Often, working alongside other students results in developing lasting friendships.

Working at the Nature Center

The Center employs a small group of students throughout the year. They are Garden Keepers, taking care of the organic vegetable garden. They are the work force that keeps the Nature Center running and an important source of income to the students.