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Work is beginning in removing invasive buckthorn as part of the East Canal Ecological Renovation project. Trails may be closed daily, including Service Rd (south), Snakeroot Tr, Old Tifft St, Mosquito Jct Bdwk Tr, and Mounds Bypass. For your own safety, please heed all trail closure signage as heavy equipment is at work.

Workshops

EDUCATION CENTER HOURS:
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Hands-On Workshops

In-depth science activities give students hands-on experiences both indoors and outdoors. Workshops include interactive activities as well as a guided tour of the Preserve. Indoor activity alternatives to the tour may be offered in the event of inclement weather. Engage your class in a unique, inquiry-based learning opportunity that supports New York State Learning Standards. Workshop content is adjusted to suit different grade levels.

Book today by calling 716.825.6397 or email tifftreservations@sciencebuff.org.

Workshop Capacity Limit
  • Max: 60 Students
  • Min: 10 Students
Workshop Length
  • Pre-K & K workshops: 2 – 2.5 Hours
  • All other grades: 2.5 – 3 Hours
Workshop Pricing
  • $13 per student (July – March)
  • Peak Season: $15 per student (April – June) 
Adults
  • Once adult required for every 10 students
  • Adults in 1:10 ratio and required aides are free
Additional Adults
  • $10 per additional adult
  • Peak Season: $12 per additional adult
Book Today!

Call 716.825.6397 or email tifftreservations@sciencebuff.org

Workshop Topics

WHAT’S THE NICHE? | GRADES PRE-K - 2 | SEPTEMBER - JUNE

Investigate real animal homes and various habitats of Tifft. Through hands-on explorations and a guided tour, students discuss survival needs, work together to construct animal homes, and match animals to their proper habitats

SEEDS & NEEDS | GRADES PRE-K - 2 | SEPTEMBER - JUNE

Explore the needs of seeds, plant parts and species diversity. Through hands-on activities and a guided tour, students investigate the shape and function of real plant seeds, create an imaginary seed designed for dispersal and plant seeds in pots to take back for observation.

WINTER SCIENCE | GRADES 3 - 12 | DECEMBER - FEBRUARY

Compare winter animal survival adaptations. Students will use weather monitoring instruments, conduct an experiment, and search for evidence of animal survival on an outdoor hike. Indoor activity alternatives to the tour may be offered in the event of inclement weather. Snowshoeing may be requested ($2 per person), weather permitting.

ECOSYSTEMS & ADAPTATIONS | GRADES 3 - 12 | SEPTEMBER - JUNE

Compare and contrast the diversity of ecosystems that make up Tifft while on a guided tour of the Preserve. Inside, students will examine bird biofacts to learn about adaptations up close and work in groups to design their own imaginary species.

AQUATIC ECOLOGY | GRADES 3 - 12 | APRIL - OCTOBER

Discover our essential connection to water and water habitats of the Great Lakes region. Through hands-on water quality testing and macroinvertebrate sampling, students will discuss watersheds, aquatic biodiversity and human impact.

To include fishing, add $2 per student. This informative program is ideal for older students interested in an immersive study of the waters of the Great Lakes region.

TIFFT THROUGH TIME | GRADES 3 - 12 | SEPTEMBER - JUNE

Embark on a journey through Buffalo’s past to present through indoor hands-on exploration and a guided tour. Explore early settlement, industrial heritage, and the environmental movement that inspired the Preserve’s creation by investigating maps, artifacts, and current invasive species and conservation issues.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL | GRADES 4 - 12 | SEPTEMBER - JUNE

Discuss survival needs and venture on a guided journey indoors and outdoors in search of shelter, water, food, and fire building materials. Students can implement team-building skills while constructing a survival shelter, as well as learn knot-tying, the importance of fire and wayfinding techniques.