Who We Are...

"The Nature of Things" is an environmental outreach program that presents quality live animal presentations to schools and centers throughout the greater Metropolitan areas in New York and Connecticut. The program was begun in 1982 and continues to be owned and operated by Deborah and Allan Mumford. We provide early childhood centers, elementary schools, special needs programs, recreation programs, and senior citizens with hands on age-appropriate science education that utilize our live animal collection. Our naturalists are available weekly, monthly, and annually, and are booked in advance.

Now, "The Nature of Things" is housed at the Mumford house in North Salem, New York and is home to over 160 live animals. Over the years, the Mumford house has been renovated for the family and animal entourage. After several trial sites, such as the kitchen and a bedroom, the basement of the Mumford house has become "The Nature of Things" office and animals’ home. In addition to the live animal collection, the staff consists of a business manager, office manager, a live animal curator and 5 professional educators. We are proud of our accomplishments and look forward to sharing our nature education programs to more facilities in the future.