Register for one session OR any number of programs in the series of five programs!
Use the form below to register for this or any other program in the EXPLORE! winter series.
See the flier with the whole series of five programs here.
Winter Fun & Fort Building Thursday, Feb. 1, 4 to 5 p.m.
The first EXPLORE! in the February series. This popular program activity returns. Students will go on a guided “wondering walk” through the forest, and learn how humans keep warm in the winter. Students work together with others to gather a variety of natural materials like branches and leaves. With a book for inspiration, they will build a lean-to structure or fort, requiring collaborative creativity and teamwork. This program introduces STEM concepts through problem solving.
Instructor: Lynn Teach • Grades: K–5
Cost: $6 member, $7 non-member. Limit: 15.
Location: Pine Hill Recreation Area
Future programs in the Winter Wee Wonders Series:
Thursday, Feb. 8, 4 to 5 p.m. Mad About Mammals
What is a mammal? How do mammals survive through the cold winter? Students will learn about migration by playing a fun tag-like game, plus look at and feel various animal pelts. They will also experience what it is like to be a hibernating groundhog!
Thursday, Feb. 15, 4 to 5 p.m. A Squirrelly Snowy Valentine
How many sides does a snowflake have? Can it be too cold to snow? Students will listen to a book about snow, including some “fun facts” about the fluffy white stuff. And what about squirrels? How do squirrels find food in the winter? Can a squirrel plant a tree? Kids will take a nature hike and gather decorations for a squirrel Valentine. If there is snow, they will decorate a “snow cake” with food coloring. Otherwise, they will create a nature art Valentine for squirrels.
Thursday, Feb. 22, 4 to 5 p.m. Keeping Track
Students learn the art of observation as they look for animal tracks in the snow—or in the mud! What kind of animal tracks are found in the woods? They will also learn other telltale signs of animals being near, like burrow entrances, deer rubs, and gnawed pinecones. They will go on a scavenger hunt looking for these signs, trace their own track path, and read a story!
Thursday, Feb. 29, 4 to 5 p.m. Backyard Birding
Backyard birding is just what it sounds like—looking for birds in your own backyard! You don’t need to go on a hike to interact with nature. Sometimes, nature is right outside our door! Students learn how to identify common birds, how to use a monocular to spot birds, and how to be respectful while birding. They will also make a bird feeder to take home, and read a story about what birds do in winter to survive.
EXPLORE! programs are sponsored by The Anderson Family Fund, in memory of Vida Mae Anderson.
Additional support provided by The Institute’s Today’s Horizon Fund Contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; Marge Kiersz; Alma W. Oyer; and The Carolyn Terry Eddy Family: Carolyn, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin. Facility support courtesy of Washington Township.
Guiding the people of the Cumberland Valley region to become stewards of their natural and cultural worlds.
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