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…
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!
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…
It’s the first day of spring, and Maple Harvest Festival is almost here! Join us this weekend, March 24 and 25, for an action-packed day of maple sugaring demonstrations, interactive teaching stations, live music, Bird of Prey shows, and the ever-favorite all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. Our pancake breakfast features pure maple syrup from regional PA producers,…
It's that time of year again – where teachers, naturalists, administrators, students, and environmental education professionals gather for one conference: the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators (PAEE) conference, titled: "Earth: The Educator's Manual." Shaver's Creek staff have been helping to prepare an exceptional event. Expect workshops and presentations on citizen science, engaging diverse audiences, using…
The skunk cabbage is blooming, the sap is flowing, and young bird fancies are turning to thoughts of love—especially if the young bird in question is a bald eagle. Bald eagles start nesting in late February and early March, and the bald eagles here at Shaver’s Creek are no exception. We have three bald…
Hoot hoot! Our first Owl Prowl of the season is coming up quickly! Join us on Friday, February 24 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. We will take a close look at the injured owls that live at Shaver’s Creek, and learn how owls survive the winter. Then we’ll head outside and try out some of the wild…
The Kids Corner program is up and running:10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center—Discovery RoomWednesdays, February 22, 29, and March 7Cost: FREE thanks to the support of our members and sponsor Growing Tree Toys Exciting, environmental programs for preschool-aged participants and their parents or grandparents! Crafts, games, experiential learning, and more. Last week’s program focused on…
With winter programs happening at Shaver’s Creek like wreath-making and the Solstice Sale & Stroll, it may not seem like we are closed to the general public – but in fact we were, for a couple of months, at least. Of course the staff has been busy – teaching classes both here and on campus,…