Sachem Public Library
Discovery Grove

As Sachem children continue to use Discovery Grove to explore nature, dramatic play, and their imaginations, they learn how every experience they have in nature is different and exciting. Our patrons can enjoy nature in Discovery Grove in every season and in all kinds of weather. The space is open all year long, rain or shine. In 2023 we had more than 29,000 visitors and an additional 2,361 people participating in programs. Discovery Grove continues to be a vital nature resource in the Sachem community.

Throughout the year we offer dozens of programs for children and their families from birth through fifth grade. This past year children built rainsticks, pinecone creatures, toad houses, nature collages, driftwood art, and hummingbird swing feeders. They ran obstacle courses, took hikes, flew kites, and met farm animals. Our vegetable and flower gardens were completely created by district children. International Mud Day was another very popular experience and if mud isn’t their favorite, children could join us for the “cleaner” programs, Water Play or Bubble Play.

We have also started hosting field trips off-site in order to introduce our patrons to the plethora of nature-engaging spaces that we have on Long Island. We have flown kites at the beach, taken nature hikes in local parks with a guide to see seals and osprey, and visited local farms to meet farm animals and learn every aspect of maple sugaring. This gives us the opportunity to offer children experiences in nature that they may not otherwise have. It also educates the parents about the unique nature resources available for their families to explore on Long Island.

Every day a child spends in nature is an opportunity to discover, invent, and imagine. When children spend time in Discovery Grove and in the many natural areas on Long Island, they do all of that and more.