Forsyth Center reptiles get new home
KINGSTON, N.Y. » There is a new home for reptiles at the Forsyth Nature Center at Forsyth Park, 125 Lucas Ave. Extension.
Center Caretaker Mark DeDea said the new reptile pen will contain eight tanks for smaller snakes and lizards. There are also two large enclosures being used as the new home for Ruby, a 9-foot red-tailed boa constrictor; and Ignacio, a green iguana measuring about four feet from head to tail, according to DeDea.
Also residing in the building is Voodoo, a carpet Python; Monty the Ball, a python; and Willie Nelson, a bearded dragon. Four of the eight tanks are currently empty, with new reptiles expected in the future, DeDea said.
The reptiles are visible from the exterior of the building through large display windows.
The resident reptiles were previously housed in the Nature Center’s greenhouse, which was only open to the public during special events and group tours. The greenhouse will now become more of a traditional greenhouse, with tropical plants, vegetables and fruit to be grown with an expanded season.
“The new building enables visitors to see the animals at all times that the facility is open,” DeDea said via email. “This will offer opportunity for expanded and more accessible programming, as well as an added exhibit for the regular visitors.”
The facility is heated to provide a “comfortable home” for the residents, and the walls are painted in a bright “sweet pea” green color with a “pool party” blue ceiling, according to DeDea.
The exterior of the building is Hardie board fiber, with cement siding and asphalt shingles on the roof.
From June through September, the Forsyth Nature Center’s hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays thorough Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and on holidays. In the winter, the center’s hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.