Community Learning

The Naturalist Series of Outdoor Programs Enjoy our series of Appalachian Trail Hikes, planned for 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 area that the Trail crosses through in several nearby locations. Led by an Institute […]

The Naturalist Series of Outdoor Programs Join us for a series of Appalachian Trail Hikes, planned for 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 area that the Trail crosses through in several nearby locations. Led by […]

Geologist Jeri Jones In partnership with the Franklin Co. Rock & Mineral Club Geologist Jeri Jones returns to present another FUN, fascinating look into our shared geological history.  Attend in person, or via Zoom. Zoom link sent on request—call 717-762-0373 or email to [email protected]. In partnership with Franklin Co. Rock & Mineral Club. Geologist Jeri […]

Devil's Racecourse, also known as Raven Rock Boulder Field A Geologic Drive Around the Neighborhood  Geologist Jeri Jones of Jones Geological Services will lead a field trip, “A Geologic Drive Around the Neighborhood” on Saturday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by The Institute, the carpool-style field trip is open to those […]

Join us for this joint program of the Antietam Watershed Association & The Institute. Online via ZOOM also available! Led by The Institute's Watershed Science Coordinator/Environmental Educator, Dave Graff. Explore the natural wonders of our local watershed through photography during “Antietam Watershed Wonders: Nature Photographs,” a free program on Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m. […]

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 […]