FRIENDS OF LATODAMI ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

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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 North Park’s Latodami Environmental Education Center’s facilities: we have no running water, no public telephone, there is a handicapped port-a-john in the parking lot. Parking is limited at the barn; for organized groups we recommend carpooling.

 

 

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS for 2008:

 

 

FEBRUARY

 

MAMMALS OF NORTH PARK – Mammal program and habitat hike - Public and group program

Saturday February 2

12 pm to 2 pm. 

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

10 am to 11 am, and 12 pm to 1 pm.

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 MARSHALL TOWNSHIP’S ELLIS FRYE BARN –

Public and group programsPRE-REGISTRATION SUGGESTED, CALL MARSHALL TOWNSHIP TO REGISTER FOR THIS PROGRAM 724-935-3090.

Saturday March 8

11 am to 12:30 pm.

See March 1 for program description.  Dress well for cold weather.  Park and meet at Marshall Township’s Ellis Frye Barn located off of Knob Road in the Marshall Township Community Park.

 

NORTH AREA ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL SEEDLING SALE – PRE-ORDERING REQUIRED

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 9am to 12 pm. at Latodami Nature Center Barn.

 

 

APRIL

 

ALL PLACES WET – Habitat explorations - Public and group program

Saturday April 5

12 pm to 2 pm.

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

10 am to 12 pm.

Since 1950 there have been 240 documented bird species found in North Park with over 100 being breeding/nesting birds.  Come and be a part of our ongoing documentation of nesting bird species in North Park.  No experience necessary, just bring your binoculars and a smile!  Dress well for outdoor hiking.  Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.

 

 

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 9 am on a first call basis at 724-935-2170. Limit of three children per call. There will be no exceptions to the registration procedure. No age exceptions. Please call for detailed information on each program, 724-935-2170.

 

DAYTIME PROGRAMS 9 am to 12 pm

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 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

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

2 pm to 4 pm.  Box and wood turtle populations are declining rapidly due to habitat destruction and fragmentation. Learn all about box and wood turtles and about Latodami’s new research opportunities for these species. Tour our new Box and Wood Turtle Enclosure built through Boy Scout Eagle Projects. Hike with us in a variety of Nature Center habitats to search for and document these interesting turtles. Dress well for outdoor hiking. Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.

 

 

JULY

A TASTE OF HONEY –Honeybee program - Public and group program

Saturday July 12

10 am to 12 pm.

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

10 am to 12 pm.

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

2 pm to 4 pm.

Grasslands are one of Pennsylvania’s fastest disappearing habitats.  Agricultural areas are quickly being lost to expanding industrial, commercial and residential development.  Wildlife species that were dependant upon these habitats are also disappearing.  Unfortunately most people don’t even realize what is being lost of local biodiversity and how it affects our own quality of life.  Learn what Latodami is doing to recreate grasslands, fields and meadows in order to provide food, water and shelter to declining wildlife species. Dress well for outdoor hiking and bring your binoculars. Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.

 

 

NOVEMBER

 

ALIENS ARE INVADING! – Educational talk and walk – Public and group program

Saturday November 1

2 pm to 4 pm.

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 North Park and North America.  Dress well for outdoor hiking.  Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.

 

 

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 Allegheny County).  Most of these programs can accommodate special needs persons and/or wheelchairs.  Most programs will assist teachers in providing to their students the new state-mandated environmental education and ecology standards for Pennsylvania and are specially adapted for your classroom needs.

 

A special note about Latodami Nature Center facilities: we have no running water; no public telephone; there is a handicapped port-a-john in the parking lot. Parking is limited at the Barn; for organized groups we recommend carpooling or buses.

 

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 September 3, 2008.

 

NEW programs available through Latodami Nature Center include:

·        For the Birds – Classroom and outdoor explorations on birds of the region and of efforts in North Park to provide critical habitat for nesting and migrating species.  Observe birds anytime via our new live wildlife feeder webcam at: www.latodami.org

·        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 Pennsylvania habitat.

·        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 Nature Center.

·        Owls – A detailed in class and outdoor investigation on native owl species of Pennsylvania. Pre, field, and post trip programs for schools include: Adopt-an-Owl activities, classroom food rearing opportunities, live barn owl webcam access, power point presentation, artifacts, pellet dissections, Barn Owl Barn tour, Night Owl Hike.

·        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 Pennsylvania, are general, broad topic programs, providing a lot of information without going into great detail.       Habitats   -   Seasonal Discovery   -   Vertebrate Study   -   Plant Study

 

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, 10 am to 12 pm.  Are you looking to learn more about nature, has your doctor recommended that you start exercising more, would you like to meet new people that enjoy the out-of-doors?  Originally started as a program for stroke and heart patients this nature group has expanded to any interested adult.  This informal adult nature group meets rain or shine every Thursday of the year.  Local naturalists guide these enlightening, leisurely paced walks.  New nature adventures and discoveries each week!  No need to pre-register, just show up with a smile.  Dress well for outdoor walking.  Park and meet at the Ice Skating Rink parking lot off Kummer Road.

 

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 1 pm to 2 pm, April through October 9:30 am to 11 am, and 1 pm to 2:30 pm.  No November 11, 2008 program due to Veterans Day Holiday. This program is specifically designed to introduce young children to the out-of-doors.  This class is very hands-on oriented and we spend most of our time outside for every class.  Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will be actively assisting in the teaching/learning process for their child.  To be placed on the waiting list for openings call 724-935-2170.  Dress well for outdoor explorations as we do get hot, cold, wet and dirty.  Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.