Please join us for a 2-day weekend event as we celebrate our natural world and the autumn season.
Saturday Activities-
8:00 am: Birding the Bog Walk and Presque Isle
Scot Stewart will lead a birding walk from the center through the Bog Walk and parts of Presque Isle. We will walk about a mile or so, looking for peregrine falcons, merlins, warblers, pileated and red-bellied woodpeckers, wild turkeys (14 were seen at Moosewood October 1), green-winged teals and other dabbling ducks, and a wide variety of sparrows, including fox and Harris’s. In the event of rain, the hike will move to Sunday October 10 at the same time. The hike will last about 90 minutes.
12:00 pm: Hunting for Salamanders, Frogs, Snakes, Dragonflies and Birds
Join us for an exploration with Scot Stewart around MooseWood and the neck of Presque Isle in search of blue-spotted salamanders, red-bellied snakes, spring peepers, gray tree frogs, darner and meadowhawk dragonflies and birds in the area. The pace will be slow, with opportunities to discuss, identify and photograph the animals discovered too. The hike will be held unless there is heavy rain and will last about an hour.
1:00 pm: Dino Dig
What is Paleontology? Paleontology is the study of ancient life, from dinosaurs to prehistoric plants, mammals, fish, insects, fungi, and even microbes. Kids 8 years-old and up are invited to particiapate in their very first “Dino Dig.” This one-hour long program will have young “Paleontologists” learning about the fossilization process, where to look, and digging up the bones. Once all found, the bones will be reassembled to a dinosaur that is modeled after Velociraptor and the Utahraptor. Dress for getting dirty. A parent and/or guardian must be present at the program with child(ren).
Complete the afternoon with a visit to the nature center and say “Hello” to our awesome volunteers. Help feed the animals or hold a corn snake. Mikey and Sylvia would love the attention and your visit.
Sunday Activities-
12:00 pm: Autumn Tree Walk
Volunteer, Emily Holsinger will lead a leisurly autumn tree walk to learn why leaves change color as well as what the difference is between red, yellow, and orange leaves. She will also talk about why trees drop their leaves (and which do not) for the winter. The differences between conifer and deciduous trees will be discussed as well as how to identify some of the common trees using both leaves and branching patterns.
1:00 pm: Dino Dig
What is Paleontology? Paleontology is the study of ancient life, from dinosaurs to prehistoric plants, mammals, fish, insects, fungi, and even microbes. Kids 8 years-old and up are invited to particiapate in their very first “Dino Dig.” This one-hour long program will have young “Paleontologists” learning about the fossilization process, where to look, and digging up the bones. Once all found, the bones will be reassembled to a dinosaur that is modeled after Velociraptor and the Utahraptor. Dress for getting dirty. A parent and/or guardian must be present at the program with child(ren).
2:00 – 4:00 pm: Pumpkin Carving and Painting
Choose a small or medium pumpkin to carve or paint while enjoying fresh apple cider and some delightful baked goods. Carving tools and paint supplies will be provided.
Finish off the afternoon with a visit to the nature center. Say “hello!” to Shelldon the snapping turtle. Younger visitors really enjoy the magnetic sand table that is filled with dinosaurs.