The Mission of the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center is to connect people with nature while promoting a sense of environmental stewardship through natural science educational programs.

Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center, located in Oyster Bay, was established in 1923 as the first Audubon Songbird Sanctuary in the nation. Twelve acres were donated by W. Emlen and Christine Roosevelt in memory of their cousin, the late Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. The Sanctuary’s original purpose was to provide a protected environment for songbirds whose populations were declining due to habitat loss. Today, it is a vibrant resource offering a wide variety of activities, including environmental education, wildlife research, and conservation advocacy.

The goal of the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center is to provide high-quality effective environmental education programs to all audiences. Using hands-on, experiential, and inquiry-based methods, program participants will develop a deeper understanding and consideration for our natural world, gain a sense of stewardship for their local environment, and become informed decision-makers for the future. The science-based educational programs are geared to promote a better understanding of the natural world and how the quality of life is affected by what happens in nature. An appreciation for the importance of conservation and stewardship is instilled in each program to ensure a healthy planet for all.