Profile: Sam Weinstock, Program Director for the Weinberg Nature Center

Last summer, I had the privilege of volunteering at the Weinberg Nature Center under the tutelage of Sam Weinstock. When I was assigned to write a profile on a leader in my community, he was the obvious choice. Weinstock serves as the program director for the Weinberg Nature Center and he's the Scarsdale Village naturalist. At the nature center, he makes connections with the community while designing environmental education programs to efficiently utilize the preserve's 7.8 acres of land. These programs include Little Fern's early childhood education nature programs, elementary school programs, animal adaptation programs, petting zoos, special events, after-school programs, library programs, adult garden classes, and scouts programs, to name a few.

Despite the immense amount of work Weinstock partakes in, he still finds the role rewarding. He cherishes working with his colleagues and parks department workers, and ultimately getting a "real good feel for the community."

There are funny moments, too. Weinstock recalls a moment during a program where he put a chinchilla on his head because, as a mountain animal, they are fond of higher places. To his surprise, after being placed on his head, the chinchilla peed on him! He reflects that the children got quite a kick out of that moment.

Even though Weinstock's passion for his work is evident, he acknowledges that leading the center comes with its challenges. Weinstock notes that encouraging people to register for programs can be difficult due to the busy lifestyles of Scarsdale residents. He recognizes that although residents may be interested in an activity, registering and attending it can be more demanding.

Weinstock has always had a love of the outdoors and education. Before becoming the program director of the nature center, he obtained a graduate degree in environmental conservation education at New York University. While studying in New York City, he decided to visit Australia and spend time in a rural area. He participated in field work in Australia, which rekindled his interest in animal behavior. Synthesizing his interests in animal behavior, education, and environmental conservation, he made his way back to his roots in Westchester County and applied for the role he holds currently.

Outside of running the nature center, Weinstock enjoys kayaking, hiking, biking, and being a part of the outdoors each season. He also values visiting and exploring other nature centers like Greenberg, Rye, and Scarsdale.

Weinstock's love of nature and the outdoors has left a profound impact on his local and global communities. His parting words frame his personality perfectly: "Be positive and don't let the troubles of pollution or the greenhouse effect prevent you from doing the things that are worth doing. Just take the proper precautions. Wear a hat, use sunblock, and be aware that there are ticks out there, but don't let that prevent you from going hiking, enjoying, and connecting with life."