East Shore Ranger Program in New Haven, New Haven County, United States | Outdoor Activities

In 1985 the ranger station at Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven, Connecticut United States was opened and has been the headquarters of the East Shore Ranger Program ever since. East Shore Park, Fort Nathan Hale/Black Rock Fort and Lighthouse Point Park are all serviced from the ranger station at lighthouse. Programs are varied but focus upon seashore and marine ecology, maritime history, and the history of the forts.

The ranger station houses a salt water hands-on ?touch tank? and several smaller aquarium tanks where visitors learn and even hold live specimens from Long Island Sound. Other displays include an interactive sailing ship's deck complete with a ship's wheel, sailor's hammock, and sails that can be raised and lowered. In 2001 the East Shore Rangers began leading tours to the top of the Lighthouse.

A major thrust of the East Shore Ranger Program remains the provision of interpretive nature oriented recreational learning for park visitors and interested citizens. Special emphasis, however, has been placed on curriculum oriented programs for school-aged children. The East Shore Ranger Programs have been a magnet for school visits from both New Haven as well as throughout Connecticut. Classroom programs are complimented by visits to Lighthouse Park to reinforce the message that New Haven parks are irreplaceable public resources, habitat to myriads of wildlife, and special environments to be preserved, used and enjoyed by all. For additional information on curriculum based programs, consult the "Educational Services Program Guide" available by mail or in person at any of the ranger facilities throughout the City of New Haven, Connecticut.

Several water-based adventure programs, including canoeing, kayaking are conducted at Lighthouse.