Community Learning

Photographer Dave Graff captured this group of deer on a rural property in the Waynesboro area. Learn about the techniques and practices of an expert nature photographer. Illustrated with a photographic presentation, Institute faculty member and photographer Dave Graff will teach you some "tricks of the trade" in the effort to capture nature's most magical […]

Morning mist rises from a branch of the Antietam Creek near Waynesboro. Photo by Dave Graff. This is a fun and educational “photo safari” geared toward beginner to intermediate photographers. Led by Institute faculty member and accomplished nature photographer, Dave Graff, the excursion will visit a local area likely to provide many opportunities to practice […]

Hawley Memorial Presbyterian Church on Charmian Road in Blue Ridge Summit, Pa. Spotlight on Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.  Part of a series of programs, Village Stories: Memories and Lore from Waynesboro’s Surrounding Communities. Presented in partnership with the Waynesboro Historical Society, the program is an opportunity to learn about village life and times through shared reminiscences. […]

Spring flower. Beautiful blooming first small flowers in the forest. Hepatica. (Hepatica nobilis) The Naturalist Series of Outdoor Programs Last hike in a series of Appalachian Trail Hikes on the last Sunday of each month, January–May 2022 Hike with us along a portion of the legendary Appalachian Trail! We are fortunate to live in an […]

Dr. Doris Goldman will lead a family walk through the Appalachian Trail in Michaux Forest to observe and learn about the blooming Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), the State Flower of Pennsylvania. Blossoms look like folded origami flowers. The walk is free, but pre-registration is required. Email the Institute at: [email protected] Safety measures in place for […]

Rosebay rhododendron blooms, Wikimedia Creative Commons photo by Famartin. Dr. Doris Goldman will lead a family walk through Birely Trail at Happel’s Meadow in Blue Ridge Summit to observe and learn about blooming rosebay or great rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum). The clusters of flowers are  each almost 2 inches wide, and are a hummingbird favorite. This […]

Monterey Pass garden with raised beds How to Design and Install Raised Garden Beds In the first of a series of three Garden Talks, gardening expert Pam Rowland presents an in-the-garden program on how to design and install raised beds in your backyard. Held in the Institute's Civil War-era garden at Monterey Pass, attendees will […]

Program is FREE! Growing and Drying Herbs In the second of a series of three Garden Talks, gardening expert Pam Rowland presents an in-the-garden program on how to plant and […]

Program is FREE! Herbs as Medicine During the Civil War In the final program in a series of three Garden Talks, guest speaker Greg Susla will discuss the medicinal uses […]

Spotlight on Quincy, Pa. (To Be Confirmed) Location to be announced. Part of a series of programs, Village Stories: Memories and Lore from Waynesboro’s Surrounding Communities. Presented in partnership with the Waynesboro Historical Society, the program is an opportunity to learn about village life and times through shared reminiscences. Current and former residents of the Quincy […]