Hello Members and Friends of Shaver’s Creek,
The birds are singing their spring songs, the sap is starting to rise, and Shaver’s Creek is excited to welcome you back to the Center for our 2011 season! We have lots of fun programs and special events coming up — and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Wednesdays, March 2, 9 & 16, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE, thanks to Kids Corner sponsor Growing Tree Toys
Kids Corner is a fun way for Toddlers and Pre-K children with an accompanying adult to explore nature! Each week will focus on a different topic and theme and can include nature-based crafts, stories, lessons, and games both inside and outside the center. Come dressed to go outside! Feel free to bring a lunch and stay after the program. Explore the Discovery Room, enjoy the Raptor Center, and visit the bookstore and gift shop! Pre-registration is accepted, but not required, by calling 814-863-2000 or 814-667-3424.
These programs are designed to introduce family groups to a wide range of outdoor-based discoveries, activities, hobbies, and games. If you are a parent, guardian, or grandparent that is curious or excited about exploring the out-of-doors with your child, this is the right program for you! These programs are geared to children ages 6-12 and their parents/guardians. For additional questions, please contact coordinator Lucy Richardson or e-mail her at lbr118@gmail.com
A Walk in the Woods
Saturday, March 19
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Cost: Nonmembers $4, Members: FREE
Are you an active family with lots of energy? If so, hiking is a wonderful hobby that allows for exercise, outdoor exploration, and appreciation for the natural world. In this program, we will embark on a 2-mile hike and discover the diversity of Pennsylvania’s plants and animals, while also learning about the importance of Leave No Trace. Please bring a picnic lunch to enjoy while on the trail! Pre-registration is required by calling 814-863-2000. You will be asked to provide the number of participants and full contact information when you call to register.
Backyard Birding
Saturday, April 23
9:00–11:00 a.m.
Cost: Nonmembers: $4, Members: FREE
Do you have birdfeeders in your backyard? Have you ever wondered what those birds are that keep coming? Come learn about the common birds you might find in your backyard and how to keep them coming back. We’ll see how many different species we can find! Please feel free to bring your own binoculars and/or field guides; there will also be items on site that can be used during the program. Pre-registration is required by calling 814-863-2000. You will be asked to provide the number of participants and full contact information when you call to register.
Saturday, March 26 & Sunday, March 27
10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: Festival and pancake breakfast (includes two organic sausages):
– Nonmembers: $10 (ages 12+) and $6 (ages 6–11)
– Members*: $5 (ages 12+) and $3 (ages 6–11)
– *Members Only: FREE breakfast and special program on Sunday from 9:30–10:30 a.m.
– Children ages 5 and under: FREE
Shaver’s Creek has held this annual festival since 1984 to celebrate the first harvest of the New Year and help people learn about the maple sugaring process — both in colonial times and the present day. At the festival you can:
– Savor all-you-can-eat pancakes and real maple syrup
– Learn how to identify and tap sugar maple trees
– Explore the Sugar Shack and watch real maple syrup being made
– Watch costumed interpreters demonstrate sugaring techniques used by Native Americans,
pioneers, and modern-day farmers
– Enjoy live music and bird of prey and reptile shows
– Experience new heights on the rock-climbing wall
Meet the Creek Weekends (formerly Meet the Birds)
Saturdays & Sundays, April–November
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Join Shaver’s Creek staff, interns and volunteers throughout the year as they introduce you to the many fun and interesting things to be found at “The Creek”. On any given weekend, you may have a chance to meet our birds of prey, snakes, or turtles, take a guided walk on one of our trails, participate in a unique craft, or learn to tie knots. During the month of April these programs will be led by the day’s Roving Naturalist from our Natural History Interpretation class at Penn State. Visit our website closer to April for the most up-to-date list of topics, or come prepared to be surprised!
Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27, and May 4 & 11, Meet in front of the center at 7:00 a.m.
Cost: FREE, courtesy of our sponsor Wiscoy for Animals
Take a leisurely hike or carpool to local hotspots to see and hear the numerous bird species that migrate through central Pennsylvania. Shaver’s Creek naturalists Doug Wentzel and Joshua Potter will help participants identify the songs, calls and field marks of species from hawks and eagles to thrushes and woodpeckers. Bring a good pair of hiking boots, binoculars, any guidebooks you have, and an inquisitive mind! Migration Morning walks are open to birders of all experience levels. Some binoculars are available to borrow.
Save the date! Plans are in the works for the 2nd Shaver’s Creek Music Festival to be held Saturday, August 27th, 2011. Stay tuned for further details later this spring.
Call us at 814-863-2000 or email ShaversCreek@outreach.psu.edu with any questions. Visit http://ShaversCreek.org for a list of upcoming programs and events at Shaver’s Creek.