FRIENDS
OF LATODAMI ENVIRONMENTAL
Unless
specifically noted, all programs are appropriate for any age individual.
Some programs
may require pre-registration due to limited space or materials.
Although
Latodami’s programs are “rain or shine”, it is recommended to call 724-935-2170
for up-to-date information due to changes or cancellations to the schedule.
A special note
about
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS for 2008:
FEBRUARY
MAMMALS OF
Saturday February 2
LIONS, TIGERS, AND BEARS, OH MY! Well no, more like deer, squirrels and voles. This outdoor walk/talk will have us exploring the many habitats at Latodami as we look for, discuss and document as many as we can of the 27 mammal species found in North Park. Dress well for outdoor hiking. Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.
MAPLE SYRUP MAKING
DEMONSTRATIONS – School, scout and private groups - PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
February 4 through March 1, Monday through Friday, by pre-registration only. Morning, afternoon and after school hours available. Fulfills Forestry Badge for Webelos and Love Maple Syrup Try-it for Brownies. See March 1 for program description. Call 724-935-2170 for more information and group registration.
MARCH
MAPLE SYRUP MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS – Public programs
Saturday March 1
Find out why the season and weather are important to sap production, and how to identify trees without their leaves. Using “home style” methods, we will show you how to tap the trees, collect and boil down the sap and make it table ready. You will learn everything you need to know so you can make your own maple syrup at home. Half of this one hour program is outside, so dress very well for the weather! Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.
MAPLE SYRUP MAKING DEMONSTRATION AT
Public and group programs– PRE-REGISTRATION SUGGESTED,
Saturday March 8
See March 1 for program description. Dress well for cold weather. Park and meet at
NORTH AREA ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL SEEDLING
Pre-order deadline is March 21. Great selection of native trees and shrubs, for school and scout
groups to plant for Earth Day and other conservation projects. Help to
improve wildlife habitats around your home, school, church or camp. For a listing of species and to order, please
call 412-366-3339. Pick up date is April
19, from
APRIL
ALL PLACES WET – Habitat explorations -
Public and group program
Saturday April 5
Come and explore the great variety of plant and animal life that can be found in and around Latodami’s pond, vernal pool, stream, and wetland habitats. Identifying and documenting amphibian species will be one of the highlights of our hike. Dress well for getting wet and muddy! Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.
MAY
BREEDING BIRD SURVEY – Bird identification
hike – Public and group program
Saturday May 3
Since
1950 there have been 240 documented bird species found in
JUNE
NEW! - ASSISTANT NATURALIST PROGRAMS –
Young people’s nature discovery and research programs
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED – Each child
can register for up to three programs in their age group: choice of up to two
daytime programs, and one choice of the evening programs. Registration for all
ages and dates for June, July, and August will be on Wednesday, June 3,
starting at
DAYTIME PROGRAMS –
Box and Wood Turtle – 6
to 11 years – June 16, 12 to 16
years – June 23
Herps and Wetlands – 6 to 11 years – June 18, 12 to 16 years – June 25
Honey Bees – 6 to 11 years – July 14, 12 to 16 years – July 21
Birds – 6 to 11 years – July 16, 12 to 16 years – July 23
Butterflies – 6 to 11 years – August 4, 12 to 16 years August 18
Mammals - 6 to 11 years – August 6, 12 to 16 years – August 20
EVENING PROGRAMS –
General
Night Hike – 6 to 11 years – June 20,
12 to 16 years – June 27
Star Party – 6 to 11 years – July 18, 12 to 16 years – July 25
Owls – 6 to 11 years – August 8, 12 to 16 years – August 22
BOX AND WOOD TURTLES – Educational talk and
walk – Public and group program
Saturday June 7
JULY
A TASTE OF HONEY
–Honeybee program - Public and group program
Saturday July 12
Learn all about honeybees and their important roles in our
economy for the production of honey, wax and in the pollination of our food
crops. Samples of locally produced honey will be tasted. Children will make
their own “honeybee” to take home. Dress well for the weather. Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.
WILDERNESS SKILLS – 2 day with overnight adult educational program – Public and group program – PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED – For ages 16 years and up.
Saturday July 12 overnight
to Sunday July 13.
Special
guest presenters, Lee Dingus (Seneca) and Earl Dingus (Cherokee), will instruct
this two day, overnight outdoor educational program. This program has been developed for the more
adventurous and outdoor people, and features Native American survival skills
and knowledge that include lectures and hands-on experience using both
contemporary and traditional ways and knowledge. Call 724-935-2170 for more information on
this unique opportunity.
AUGUST
BUTTERFLY AND HUMMINGBIRD GARDENING –
Garden program and habitat hike - Public and group program
Saturday August 2
Explore the garden sites at Latodami to learn about the many plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Learn more about our new Butterfly Project and explore our improved butterfly meadow habitats. Food and nectar plant species and resource lists, and a small potted “starter” plant, will be given to participants that might be looking to start their own butterfly, hummingbird garden. Dress well for the weather. Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.
OCTOBER
FIELD OF DREAMS – Grassland program and
habitat hike – Public and group program
Saturady October 4
Grasslands
are one of
NOVEMBER
ALIENS ARE INVADING! – Educational talk and
walk – Public and group program
Saturday November 1
Learn
how to identify over 18 locally invasive alien plant species and discover how
non-native plants are degrading habitats and causing the decline of
biodiversity throughout
DECEMBER
ALL ABOUT
OWLS - Educational talk and
walk – Public and group program
Saturday
December 6
12 pm to 2
pm.
Come today to
learn about Pennsylvania’s 7 owl species, their life histories, special
features and adaptations. Visit our resident barn owl, “George”, at our Barn Owl
Barn, and learn more about our Barn Owl Reintroduction Project. View George on
the internet website, www.latodami.org provided by Friends of
Latodami Environmental Education Center with live webcam and high speed internet
services donated by Nauticom Internet Services. Dress well for outdoor hiking as we will also
explore the Braille and Spur Trails to look for our resident barred owls. Park
and meet at the Nature Center Barn.
LATODAMI NATURE CENTER
2008 SPECIAL GROUP
PROGRAMMING INFORMATION
Programs
are available to school, scout, public and private groups by special request
September through February, Monday through Friday, morning, afternoon, and
after school hours, on or off site (northern
A
special note about
To schedule your group, call 724-935-2170. Scheduling for programs for the year 2008
began September 2007. Scheduling for
programs for the year 2009 will begin
NEW programs available through
·
For the
Birds – Classroom and outdoor explorations on birds of the region and of
efforts in
· Box and Wood Turtles – Detailed in class and outdoor investigations on the Eastern Box Turtle and the Wood Turtle. Also, information on and opportunities to become involved in Latodami’s new Box and Wood Turtle Research Project.
·
Grassland
Ecosystem – A hands-on outdoor program on the restoration and ecology of a
vanishing
·
Honey
Bees – Our new outdoor honey bee hive and indoor observation hive will be
the focal points of our new honey bee displays, programs and activities centered
at the
·
Owls
– A detailed in class and outdoor investigation on native owl species of
· Wetlands – A hands-on detailed outdoor program on the wetland ecosystem (yes, we get wet!).
· Vernal Pools – Hands-on detailed outdoor program on life in and around vernal pools.
Other Program Titles
· Maple Syrup Making Demonstrations – February only. Indoor/outdoor program. Learn how to make maple syrup from your own maple trees.
· Night Hike – A fun filled, active, outdoor, sensory exploration program learning about local nocturnal creatures.
· Night Owl Hike – Whooo lives in Latodami’s woods? An active, outdoor program all about North Park’s owl species, which includes a visit to meet, “George”, our resident Barn Owl. Observe George anytime via live webcams at: www.latodami.org
· Star Party – Exploring the night sky with eyes, binoculars and telescopes, also ancient stories of the stars and constellations.
· These hands-on, active, outdoor programs focus on specific subjects, relative to Pennsylvania, with detailed investigations into each; features, adaptations, changes, interrelationships, etc. Pond/Vernal Pool Study - Field/Meadow/Grassland Study - Bird Study - Wetland Study - Forest Study - Reptile Study - Stream Study - Fish Study - Insect Study - Tree Study - Mammal Study - Amphibian Study - Specific Animal Study (one species in detail)
·
The following, relative to
SCHOOLS AND HOME-SCHOOLS – Programs can be developed to meet curriculum needs for students of any grade level, from one hour classroom presentations to all day outdoor field experiences. Special habitat, research and trail adoption programs are available to schools and classrooms. Teacher training workshops are also available.
PRIVATE – Private group programming can be developed to meet the interests of the group (eg: garden club, nursing/senior home). Volunteer opportunities abound.
SCOUTS – Programs are available to Daisy, Brownie, Girl, Cub and Boy Scouts that are looking to accomplish activities in their handbooks (eg: achievements, electives, badges, try-its, etc.). These active hands-on outdoor programs are usually one hour to two hours in length. Individual and group service projects are available (eg: Silver, Gold, Eagle, Hornaday). I am a Boy Scout Merit Badge Councilor for: Bird Study, Dog Care, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Management, Forestry, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Nature, Reptile and Amphibian Study, and Soil and Water Conservation.
CALL 724-935-2170 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES, SERVICE PROJECTS, SPECIAL ADOPTION PROGRAMS AND MORE!
OTHER SPECIAL PROGRAMS - JANUARY THROUGH
DECEMBER
THURSDAY ADULT NATURE WALK –
Weekly – CELEBRATING ITS 38TH
YEAR!
Every Thursday of the year,
PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN’S HOUR – Once a month – PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
The
second Tuesday of each month, November through March 10 am
to 11 am, and