How are we funded?

The Demarest Nature Center's funding is obtained from two sources: membership dues/gifts and the annual Oktoberfest, which combines a celebration of the season with a high quality craft show. The Oktoberfest is usually held on the second Saturday of October and admission is free. Fees are charged for participation in children's games, the purchase of food, and similar activities. Individual crafters set their own prices for their wares and pay the Nature Center for the rental of display space.

What do we fund?

The Demarest Nature Center has no full time employees and no building or permanent exhibits. The trails are open every day of the year from one half hour before dawn to one half hour after sunset. Dogs are permitted on the trails as long as they are leashed and their droppings are picked up. Programs are held in various buildings in Demarest including the Railroad Station, Demarest Public Schools, Demarest Churches, and the Wakelee Field House. In 1999 The Demarest Nature Center Association contributed $ 15,000.00 to the Demarest Athletic Association (DAA) to be applied toward the construction of the Wakelee Field House. The field house, with it's public meeting room and public rest rooms is an asset to the entire community and its location, just across Waklee Field from the nature center, and the Demarest Playground, is ideal.