Community Learning

As reports of increasing numbers of snowy owl sightings emerged across Pennsylvania and other northern states in the winter of 2013–14, a team of researchers gathered to learn more about these owls, calling their effort Project SNOWstorm. Steve Huy is a co-founder of Project SNOWstorm, and co-director of Project Owlnet, a long term study of saw-whet […]

NEW DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 This winter excursion, led by former Renfrew Institute staff member and naturalist, Lori Schlosser, is for participants aged 15 and up. The activity is free (donations accepted), but registration is required and limited to 60. Spaces fill up quickly for this popular event, so anyone wishing to join the walk […]

Dr. Lawrence Marschall, Professor of Physics Emeritus, Gettysburg College, discusses what astronomical conditions can affect the climate of a planet. He asks, “How do we know that current climate change is not caused by astronomical changes?” Come to this free program to learn more about this “hot topic.” Night sky viewing after the program, weather […]

Presented by Roger Swartz, Author, Educator & Historian and Deborah ‘Turtle’ Swartz, Native American Living Historian & Authority An illustrated overview of the history and way of life of Pennsylvania’s Native Americans will be presented. Covering the period from circa 1525 through 1800, the Swartzes will talk about the major groups of Native Americans living […]

The safety and health of our community are of utmost importance to us. This program has been postponed. The new date is yet to be determined and will be posted here when confirmed.  Presented by Andre Weltman, Chairman, Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Andre Weltman will discuss the impact of the iron industry—in […]

To celebrate 25 years of the Institute at Renfrew’s spring kite fly event, kite masters George and Sam Adams will present a program on kite power. Learn how kites have been used historically—not just for recreation, but to move machines and generate electricity. The Adams brothers will then help guests build their own kite from […]

Raised hands with trash and recycle sign, vector illustration Co-sponsored by Antietam Watershed Association and The Institute at Renfrew. Still confused about what’s recyclable and what isn’t? Local experts address the status of recycling in the Waynesboro area and Franklin County. Panelists include: Washington Township Manager, Jeff Geesaman; Waynesboro Boro Manager, Jason Stains; Franklin County […]

Technology meets nature— Learn about the use of nature identification apps on the smartphone, including iNaturalist, Seek, and others. From hikers to birders to beach-combers, everyone can be a naturalist, […]

Friday, September 25, 7:30–9 p.m. Discover nocturnal insects at Renfrew Park! The program introduces participants to insects not normally seen during the daytime. The instructor will talk about the special attributes these bugs have to live at night, and the group will examine the ones they can catch up-close. Bring flashlights, and a blanket or […]

Saturday, September 26, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Participants learn how the flax plant is transformed into beautiful linen cloth. The program covers the history of flax, and how it affected our culture. Many common ‘sayings’ we still hear today come from the time when nearly every farm grew and processed flax. Visit Renfrew’s flax patch and learn […]