Community Learning

Presented by James Hart, Mammalogist and Wildlife Biologist, Wildlife Specialists, LLC Underwriting support provided by Robert and Grace Brown This presentation covers the general ecology of bats as well as types of bats throughout the world, including the bats of Pennsylvania and their importance to our environment. James Hart will discuss the current status of […]

Geologist Jeri Jones presents a quick-paced and informative program on fascinating aspects of the local underground world. “What Do Our Local Landscapes Tell Us About the Geology?” combines fun with education and continues the popular “Renfrew Rocks!” annual geology series. The program will highlight the types of rocks found in the local region and their […]

Presented in partnership with Antietam Watershed Association Visitors Center, Renfrew Park, Waynesboro PA Learn about the health of our local streams and what area residents can do to maintain or improve water quality. Renfrew Institute and the Antietam Watershed Association (AWA) promote watershed education and healthy streams with a citizen stream-monitoring program. Presented by Melodie […]

An illustrated PowerPoint talk by Dr. Doris Armstrong Goldman, Renfrew Institute staff biologist. Your own yard can provide a great habitat for endangered plants. Native plants provide four times more forage for beautiful butterflies and the birds that feed on them. Learn which native plants are tailored to your yard’s conditions, whether sunny or shady, […]

Geologist Jeri Jones explains the significance of stone characteristics in a tunnel during a field trip. Stops vary each year on our geology field trips, with a focus on the geologic history and topography of our region. This year,  participants will travel by coach bus to Lansford, PA to tour the No. 9 Mine and […]

Coulsontown, historic stone structure near Delta, Pennsylvania. An exciting small-group adventure with geologist Jeri Jones, who leads this historic-based tour to Delta, PA. Here the world-famous Peach Bottom Slate was quarried from 1840s into the 1940s. In 1840, Peach Bottom Slate was voted the best building slate in the world at the London Expo, and […]

NASA scientist Todd Toth conducted a Solar Eclipse Party for Renfrew Institute on August 21. He will discuss the eclipse and review the significance of the data collected by observers. Toth will also provide an overview of his place of employment—NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The presentation will include a quick tour of the Goddard campus, […]

NASA scientist Todd Toth will discuss various citizen science programs at NASA, highlighting the GLOBE Program, an international science and education program that allows students and the public worldwide to participate in data collection and the scientific process. Free.

Workshop Filled! Email us at [email protected] to be put on the waiting list. Create an exquisite pysanka, an intricately decorated egg, using techniques of the traditional Ukrainian folk craft. Workshop Fee: $25 for RI members, $30/non-member. Ages 15 and up, limited to 10. For more information, call 717-762-0373 or email to [email protected]. Participants will learn to create […]

Will Sheppard, Historic Archaeologist Part One of Annual Lecture Series 2018: Keep the Wheels Turning. Presented by Will Sheppard, Historic Archaeologist and Anthropology Instructor. Will Sheppard has been a historic archaeologist for 25 years, with a long-standing relationship to the Renfrew property. The program will focus on the mills associated with the Royers, the family […]

Stanley Steamer car Part Two of Annual Lecture Series 2018: Keep the Wheels Turning. Presented by Bill Calimer, Wheelwright, Calimer’s Wheel Shop, Waynesboro, Pa. After a career in cancer research at Hershey Medical Center, Bill Calimer returned to Waynesboro and took over his father’s wheel and carriage shop in 1980. His father and grandfather were blacksmiths […]