South Fork Natural History Museum And Nature Center

Mission:

The mission of the South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center – SoFo is to stimulate interest in, advance knowledge of, and foster appreciation for the natural environment, with special emphasis on the unique natural history of Long Island’s South Fork.

The goals of the museum and nature center are to:

Engender in children and adults a sensitivity to the natural world through direct observation and joyous hands-on nature experiences in the museum and in the out-of-doors, and to give them the tools they need to become engaged and responsible caretakers of our planet now and in the future.

Procure, preserve, document, study, and display material relevant to the natural history of the South Fork of Long Island.

Serve as a central source of local natural history information with facilities and programming designed for all segments of the public – from the interests of children to those of the scientific community.

Work in partnership with other educational and environmental organizations on the local, state and federal level.

To carry out its mission the museum presents hands-on interactive exhibits and guided educational experiences, in the museum and in the out-of-doors. All programs are designed to:

Encourage direct observation and hands-on exploration of the natural world.

Emphasize the universal interconnectedness of all living things and stress the need for conservation and preservation of our natural resources.

Raise the level of ecological awareness to prepare the individual to make intelligent environmental decisions.

Provide joyous experiences that will inspire the pursuit of future explorations and curiosity as well as foster a lifelong fascination and affection for nature.