Nature Community Center

Explore. Enrich. Thrive.

At People’s Arc Nature Community Center, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all people through nature-based education. Our mission is to empower each person to explore, enrich and thrive at their own pace, embracing their unique strengths and needs abilities.

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Who We Are
At People’s Arc Nature Community Center, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all people through nature-based education. Our mission is to empower each person to explore, enrich and thrive at their own pace, embracing their unique strengths and abilities. Through hands-on experiences in the natural world, we cultivate confidence, creativity, and resilience, while promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development. We believe every person deserves to feel valued and capable, and our approach is rooted in respect, individuality, and a deep connection to the environment. Together, we create a community where people can thrive, flourish, and build a lifelong love for learning.
 
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a person-centered, inclusive community where people are empowered to learn, grow, and connect with nature in a way that honors their unique strengths. We aim to inspire a lifelong love for exploring and personal development by fostering creativity, resilience, and self-confidence.

Explore

EXPLORE

At People’s Arc Nature Community Center, exploration is at the heart of our approach, encouraging individuals to engage with the natural world through curiosity, hands-on discovery, and sensory experiences. Whether identifying plants on a forest walk, observing wildlife, or just appreciating the surroundings of our beautiful community, people supported are guided to follow their interests, ask questions, and make connections that deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. This spirit of exploration fosters independence, creativity, and a lasting sense of wonder.

St Ann’s, Green House at W.Sayville Golf, Great South Bay Audubon Bird Walks, CEED, Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Heckscher State Park, Spirit of Huntington Art Center, Islip Arts Council, Northshore Art Guild

Enrich

ENRICH

These nature-based programs enrich the lives of the people we support by fostering self-awareness, emotional growth, and a sense of belonging through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Engaging with the natural world helps reduce stress, improve focus, and build resilience, while collaborative activities nurture communication and social skills. By learning practical skills like gardening, cooking, and creating art from natural materials, individuals gain confidence and a deeper appreciation for their own abilities, leading to greater independence and well-being.

Growing plants and flowers, bird houses, conservation, animals, butterflies, horticulture, art classes (plein air), photography, nature crafts, Outdoor games

Thrive

THRIVE

Through these nature-based programs, people supported thrive by developing practical skills, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose through consistent, supportive engagement. The programs are designed to honor each individual’s pace and learning style, allowing them to take ownership of their growth. This culminates in meaningful community contributions such as art shows, garden harvests, and food pantries. These experiences empower individuals to showcase their talents, give back to their community, and take pride in their growth and accomplishments.

Art shows, Nature Festivals, Farmers Market, St Ann’s Food Pantry, Thrift shop, and Fire Island

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LATEST NEWS

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ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

People's Arc of Suffolk is currently accepting applications for all our adult programs