Giving Rye is a new occasional feature highlighting non-profits and community groups in and around the City of Rye. Today meet Christine Siller of the Friends of Rye Nature Center.
Your Name: Christine Siller
Organization: Friends of Rye Nature Center
Your role: Executive Director
MyRye.com: Tell us your organization’s mission.
Siller: Friends of Rye Nature Center is an independent, not-for-profit organization which offers programs to people of all ages and abilities. We encourage conservation, provide environmental education, and support our community’s access to nature. We preserve our 47-acre forest so that it can be studied and enjoyed by all of Westchester. Through our Nature Access Fund, we provide nature experiences to people who otherwise may not have these opportunities.
How long have you operated in Rye?
Siller: For 64 years! FRNC began acting as the stewards of the Rye Nature Center shortly after the City established the park in 1959. In 2002, FRNC was chosen as the primary operator and funder of the Nature Center.
What programming or work in Rye is the organization best known for?
Siller: FRNC is known for our quality educational programs including Forest Preschool and Summer Camp. We serve as a community resource for outdoor recreation and year-round access to green space. And people love our annual Oktoberfest!
- Forest Preschool: The 5-, 3-, 2-, or 1-day options. Programs are available in the morning and afternoon with an optional walking component to Rye Presbyterian and Christ’s Church Nursery Schools if you are looking to extend your child’s day.
- Summer Camps: Our summer camp season begins in June with our June Bugs camp for preschoolers. We then run camp through August for students entering preschool through 10th grade. The older campers (grades 8 through 10) attend Paddle Adventure Camp which introduces the joys of kayaking and hiking throughout Westchester. Registration for these programs opens in January.
- Oktoberfest: This community-favorite fundraiser takes place each fall in late-September or early-October. Raising a glass to nature under starry skies is the perfect way to start off the school year.
Looking forward to 2024, what will be your top initiatives?
Siller: In 2024, we will focus on implementing our latest Strategic Plan (2023-2025). Finalized in early 2023, this plan considers the growth of our community and associated needs. The four main tenets of this plan are: make nature accessible, create a forest that fosters community, provide programs for every generation, and secure the future of our facilities.
- Make nature accessible: Develop more opportunities to engage and educate those in our community and beyond through updated programs with a focus on accessibility.
- Create a forest that fosters community: Promote our 47-acres as the community’s space for recreation/conservation education. Inspire all people to protect the forest and invest in its succession and health.
- Provide programs for every generation: Ensure our programs reach all ages. Create segmented educational opportunities for senior citizens, teachers, adults, families, and students.
Tell us about the population you serve and how they can get involved with your programming and services.
Siller: FRNC predominantly serves Rye and the surrounding communities. Our Nature Access Fund focuses on environmental justice and broadens our reach to other partner organizations in Westchester and New York City.
Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit with tax exempt status?
Siller: Yes.
Looking back across 2023, what were your organization’s top achievements?
Siller: Some of our top achievements for 2023 were creating and updating our outdoor public spaces, establishing a strategic plan through 2025, and working on the Blind Brook Riparian Restoration Project.
- Creating and updating outdoor public spaces: Early this summer we completed a new deck off the main building to serve as a program space and a place for the public to rest and observe nature. With the support of The Little Garden Club of Rye, we also reconstructed the educational platform at Nanderwhere Pond and began restoring the plantings in this area. We also began redesigning our educational garden.
- Strategic Plan: After discussions with our board, staff, and stakeholders, we were able to create a Strategic Plan to guide the next three years of FRNC’s program and conservation efforts.
- Blind Brook Riparian Restoration: This year we have been working with an engineering firm to create designs to restore the streambanks and enhance the floodplain for our section of the Blind Brook. This work was made possible through generous funding from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund, Westchester Community Foundation, and Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund.
How can local residents support your organization?
Siller: FRNC offers a variety of educational programs including preschool, after school classes, My Naturalist & Me, weekend workshops, talks, and summer camps. The park is also open to the public daily from dawn until dusk. You can get involved by volunteering with our grounds, animals, or camps. Other ways to support include becoming a member, making a direct donation, and attending one of our annual fundraisers Nature Access Fund Benefit (spring) or Oktoberfest (fall).
What local Rye residents and area businesses have been the longest, steadiest supporters of your organization?
Siller: Since the park was established in 1959, FRNC has long-standing relationships with The Little Garden Club of Rye and Rye Garden Club. Con Edison has been a generous funder of educational programs and conservation projects over the years. One of our other longest partnerships is with the Inner-City Scholarship Fund who we have partnered with since 2008 to bring low-income students from Manhattan and the Bronx to enjoy a free week of summer camp each year. We are also incredibly grateful to our volunteers, including our board of directors.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Siller: I have been the Executive Director for 14 years. I started my role in the summer of 2009.
Is the role full time or part time? Paid or volunteer?
Siller: This is a full-time job.
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Siller: Hilarious
Pick one:
Siller:
| MyRye.com
Select from: |
Your Pick: |
| Coke or Pepsi? | Neither |
| Regular or diet? | Neither |
| Action movie or rom com? | Rom com |
| Cook, order in or eat out? | Does “stands over the sink and eats crackers” work? |
| Dog, cat or no pet? | Dog |
| Balsamic vinaigrette or ranch? | Balsamic vinaigrette |
| Ruffles Original, Lay’s Barbeque or Funyuns? | See above. Crackers. |
| Still, sparkling or tap? | Sparkling |
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?
Siller: In 2022, before one of our long-time volunteers, Michael Penziner, moved to Rhode Island, he took me on a tour of the New York Botanical Garden where he also volunteered as a docent. He spent the day teaching me about orchids, different trees, and the difference between prickles and thorns. It is one of my favorite afternoons.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why, and who would you take with you?
Siller: My son and I are avid skiers. I would love to do a tour of the European mountains to change up our usual Jackson Hole, Banff, Sugarloaf circuit.
What is your favorite streaming / TV series?
Siller: Recently I’ve been enjoying The Bear and Old Enough!
What is your favorite movie?
Siller: The Graduate.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Siller: I have lived in Rye for over 20 years. I currently reside on Midland Avenue.
Thanks, Christine!
