At Forsyth Nature Center, we want to give you the chance to make your own memories with nature.
Forsyth Nature Center is a handicapped accessible outdoor learning center located at 157 Lucas Avenue in uptown Kingston, New York. A facility of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department, the center offers more than two-dozen animal exhibits and beautiful gardens that foster a connection to the natural world for visitors of all ages. The center is open year-round and is free to the public.
History
Since 1936
In 1855 the Forsyth sisters donated eighteen and a half acres of land for the park in memory of their father, Ulster County Judge James C. Forsyth. In 1936 the Forsyth Park Zoo opened its gates after a bear wandered into the park and became the popular inaugural exhibit. The Nature Center continues to grow and expand under the management of the City of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department and with support from the Friends of Forsyth Nature Center.
![img_2413-1 img_2413-1](https://forsythnaturecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_2413-1.jpg)
Experience something new
Do you remember your first encounter with nature?
When is the last time you fed an apple to a steer? Petted an alpaca? Gazed at a flock of geese flying overhead? Felt the softness of a lamb’s ear plant? These are just a few of the experiences available at the Nature Center.
Connecting to nature
A good place to be.
Watching a peacock shake his majestic feathery fan, inhaling the scent of a colorful rose blossom, or counting frogs camouflaged between the pond reeds are just some of the ways Forsyth Nature Center fosters a connection to the natural world for visitors of all ages.
![fnc-peacock-credit-kyla-haber fnc-peacock-credit-kyla-haber](https://forsythnaturecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/fnc-peacock-credit-kyla-haber.jpg)
Nature awaits you.
Programs, Gardens, Events, Animals, and more.
![collage_fotor_fnc2 collage_fotor_fnc2](https://forsythnaturecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/collage_fotor_fnc2.jpg)
Your nature stories
What visitors say
Contact us
Friends of Forsyth Nature Center
P.O. Box 3923
Kingston N.Y. 12402
info@forsythnaturecenter.org
Forsyth Nature Center Caretaker, Mark DeDea
845-339-3053
forsythnature@aol.com
Kingston City Environmental Education and Sustainability Coordinator,
Julie Noble
845-481-7339
julielnoble@kingston-ny.gov
Environmental Educator, KC Keegan-Twombly
845-481-7336
Kckeegan@kingston-ny.gov
Audio Tour
Use your mobile device to access our audio tour. Learn interesting facts and stories about the exhibits as you tour the Nature Center.