A Proposal to Celebrate the

25th ANNIVERSARY

of the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center

History

& Setting

The Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center originated from an extraordinary act of generosity when Fred Schroeder approached State Parks about building a nature center at Thompson's Lake. Fred had benefited as a child from a summer camp at the lake, was later Director of Camp Thacher, and wanted to pay it forward to future generations of children. With the dedication of the Center in 2001, thus launched a public -private partnership in nature-based education that thrives to this day. Now the Center welcomes over 8,500 visitors per year to observe nature, go on a guided hike, or participate in programs about the area's animals, plants and geology led by the educa­tion staff.

Keeping true to Fred's vision, the Center reigns as one of the most popular attractions for children's education in the Capital District.

In 2023, our educators provided nature-based programming to over 3,000 students from local school districts on field trips. Not only was the Center built with private philanthropy, but Fred and Martha Schroeder also established an endowment to ensure that the Center would always remain vibrant. Proceeds of the Schroeder endowment enable the hiring of an educator to augment the State's investment in a Center Director and other program and maintenance staff.

1906

The Thachers begin acquiring land along the Helderberg Escarpment to protect it from development.

1909

John Boyd Thacher passed away. Emma Thacher inherits several ridge-top parcels.

1914

Emma Thacher donates 350 acres in honor of her husband, establishing John Boyd Thacher State Park.

1920

Emma Thacher donates an additional 50 acres: 40 acres for Thompson’s Lake Campground and 10 for the Albany Boy’s Camp (now the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center)

2000

Opening of the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center.

For 25 years, the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center has welcomed visitors of all ages and abilities to explore and learn. After nearly three decades, the Center’s exhibits are ready for an upgrade. The Center’s new layout and exhibits will capture the minds and attention of young visitors, provide space for large groups, and offer amenities to families and chaperones.

  • With floor space at a premium, exhibits were evaluated for their size and utility.

  • Improvements to expand access will make the Nature Center welcoming to people of all abilities.

We propose an interior transformation of the center in celebration of its 25th anniversary. With thoughtful direction from dedicated nature education professionals and the creativity of an architectural design firm specializing in public exhibit spaces, the Center can be made more accessible, more useful, and more engaging to children, our prime audience.

Envisioning the future of the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center

Budget

The interior renovations you see below can be accomplished with $300,000. Our goal is to amass this funding through a combination of private donations and grants. State Parks will continue to maintain and invest capital improve­ments as needed for utilities, building envelope and site work including parking, trails, gardens and more. Click here to donate to this project and help to make our vision a reality.

Proposed Plan & Renderings

The final scheme is organized thematically around four habitats of Thacher: Meadow, Pond, Forest, and Devonian Sea. Each habitat features an element that children can climb on or crawl into, transforming the space into an all-seasons attraction. The displays emphasize the harmony between the learning and discovery that takes place inside the Nature Center, and the wonderful resources found throughout the park. The memories made here spark a lifelong appreciation of New York’s natural places.

  • Learning Through Play

    The Meadow area features hexagon structures stacked like a honeycomb. Each cell is large enough for younger children to crawl into or sit in as they discover the lifecycle of a honeybee through photos on the back of the cells, and imaginative play. The stack of cells is low enough for younger visitors to climb across or walk over.

  • To Sea is to Believe

    The ancient sea / geology room will feature an accessible fossil dig where visitors can uncover the past and learn more about the evolution of New York State’s wildlife and ever evolving habitats.

  • Learning About Habitats

    The Wet Meadow / Dry Meadow exhibit will feature a curved table top divided into two sections: wet meadow and dry meadow. The display will feature a live animal tank and horizontal and vertical surfaces for flexible displays.

  • Pond-ering Nature

    The Pond Room will feature a stick-built beaver den, a blue heron nest, and several hands on activities to engage visitors. The full-room pond landscape mural will create an immersive and educational space that embodies adventure.