Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are known for their incredible migration patterns, travelling across the United States from Mexico to Canada and back. Some Monarchs have even begun to make trans-Atlantic trips to Bermuda to find milkweed. Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed plants as they migrate, and the caterpillars acquire a toxin from the leaves…
The Naturalist Notebook
Welcome to the Shaver’s Creek blog! The entries here are posted by staff, interns, and volunteers, and aim to keep you informed about the programs, updates, and natural history happenings here at the Creek. Enjoy!
State College Area High School students are lucky, indeed. Imagine spending some time away from class to mingle amidst a Renaissance Faire reenactment, to witness and participate in authentic activities like weaving a maypole; jousting with sticks and swords; playing human chess and checkers; bartering for tarts, cheese, and gingerbread; buying and selling colorful wares;…
Last year, the Penn State Methodology Department’s Green Team enrolled in the CSO’s Green Paws certification program, of which Shaver’s Creek has attained Level 4. The Green Paws program outlines actions your office can do immediately to “green” your workplace, and suggests energy-saving behaviors like using the stairs instead of the elevator, unplugging laptops when…
It’s time again for the annual Shaver’s Creek Birding Cup! Beginning birders, try your luck to win the Potter Mug. Think you’re the best birder in your county? Try for the County Cup. Willing to brave the search for birds on foot, bike, or boat—and forego any form of motorized transportation? You stand to achieve…
It’s time again for the annual Shaver’s Creek Birding Cup! Beginning birders, try your luck to win the Potter Mug. Think you’re the best birder in your county? Try for the County Cup. Willing to brave the search for birds on foot, bike, or boat—and forego any form of motorized transportation? You stand to achieve…
Spaces are still available at our storytelling program on Friday. Join Clem Bowen for songs, stories, skits, and a short hike outside! An Evening of Storytelling Friday, April 27, 6:00–7:30 p.m. Cost: $12 per family; $10 per family of members Clem Bowen, an engaging and imaginative storyteller, often delights children in schools and libraries in…
This Monday, April 16, two extraordinary people will be speaking at Penn State’s University Park campus. Both programs are free and they’re even within easy walking distance of each other! E.O. Wilson: biologist, researcher, theorist, naturalist, author, and man who shows no signs of stopping anytime soon, has just released a book entitled “The Social…
Just as wildflowers are popping up all over, our public programs list for April is also in full bloom. We have plenty of opportunities for the whole family to come out to Shaver’s Creek and get excited about the natural world. Space Explorers: Mission IIFriday, April 137:00–9:00 p.m. As the days get warmer, so do…
Spring is in full swing in central Pennsylvania and a multitude of birds are making their way back north as the cold leaves our region and food reappears. That means that it's the perfect time to join us for our Migration Morning Bird Walks at Shaver's Creek! Naturalists Doug Wentzel and Joshua Potter will help…
Are you an incoming first-year Penn State student to University Park campus? Are you looking to build friendships and spend a week in Philadelphia participating in fantastic community service opportunities, both indoors and outdoors? Then consider USE — the Urban Service Experience offered by Shaver’s Creek, Penn State’s Nature Center. Students enrolled in USE will…