Chasing Darkness: Total Eclipses of the Sun and The Great American Solar Eclipse of  April 8, 2024

Dr. Laurence Marschall, Professor of Physics Emeritus, Gettysburg College, returns to The Institute annually to discuss a topic of astronomical interest. Dr. Marschall has provided fun, educational and entertaining astronomy programs for us for many, many years! Dr. Marcshall has relocated out of the area, and we are delighted to offer his program virtually. Arranged […]

Appalachian Trail Hike Series-February 2024

NEW! We now have an online registration form—see below. To sign up for this program, fill out the form below. Attendance is FREE but registration is required.  The second in a series of monthly trail hikes on the last Sunday of the month, January through April 2024. Hike with us along a portion of the […]

Winter EXPLORE! Backyard Birding

Pine Hill Recreation Area 12684 Mentzer Gap Rd, Waynesboro, PA, United States

Use the form below to register for this program in the EXPLORE! winter series.  Thursday, Feb. 29, 4 to 5 p.m. Backyard Birding Final program in the Winter Explore! Series. 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. […]

Recurring

WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER & FALL “SOAR” Bird Walks

SOAR (“Studying Ornithology Around the Region”) bird walks IMPORTANT: Locations rotate year-round among several parks in the region, with Waynesboro’s Antietam Meadow Park as “home base.” Visit THIS PAGE to see the current schedule of locations. (If in doubt about the weather—check Buttonwood’s Facebook page) First and third Saturdays ONLY Start time: 8:00 a.m.  First […]

Telescope Clinic—Learn How to Use Your Telescope!

Church of the Apostles 336 Barnett Avenue, Waynesboro, PA, United States

We now have an online registration form—see below. Attendance is FREE but registration is required. In partnership with the Tri-State Astronomers Club, The Institute is hosting a telescope clinic on Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the social room at the Church of the Apostles, 336 Barnett Avenue in Waynesboro, Pa. […]

Winter EXPLORE! Keeping Track

Pine Hill Recreation Area 12684 Mentzer Gap Rd, Waynesboro, PA, United States

This final EXPLORE session was rescheduled from Feb. 22 and is now on March 7. Use the form below to register.  See the flier with the whole series of five programs here. Thursday, March 7, 4 to 5 p.m. Keeping Track (NEW DATE!) Final program in a series of five Winter Explore! Series programs. Students […]

Spring Lecture #1: Adventures in The Michaux Forest

Church of the Apostles 336 Barnett Avenue, Waynesboro, PA, United States

Each spring, The Institute presents a series of related programs. For 2024, the lectures will be on Thursdays March 14, 21 and Tuesday, April 2. Our unifying theme is Enjoy Franklin County, PA. This first program in a series of three is on March 14. Admission is free and all are welcome. Presented by Suzanne […]

Recurring

SPRING, SUMMER, FALL & WINTER “SOAR” Bird Walks

SOAR (“Studying Ornithology Around the Region”) bird walks IMPORTANT: Locations rotate year-round among several parks in the region, with Waynesboro’s Antietam Meadow Park as “home base.” Visit THIS PAGE to see the current schedule of locations. (If in doubt about the weather—check Buttonwood’s Facebook page) First and third Saturdays ONLY Start time: 8:00 a.m.  First […]

Appalachian Trail Hike Series-March 2024

The March 17 spring hike is SOLD OUT! The third in a series of monthly trail hikes will happen on St. Patrick's Day! Hike with us along a portion of the legendary Appalachian Trail! Led by an Institute naturalist, the hike will explore some of the wonders to be found in the woods and along […]

StoryWalk Sunday March 2024

Pine Hill Recreation Area 12684 Mentzer Gap Rd, Waynesboro, PA, United States

This month's StoryWalk was moved to March 17 due to high winds on the original date (March 10). Sign up below and join us on March 17!  StoryWalk® Sunday adventures […]

Spring Lecture #2: Play Days in the Park—Not Just for Kids!

Church of the Apostles 336 Barnett Avenue, Waynesboro, PA, United States

Each spring, The Institute presents a series of related programs. For 2024, the lectures will be on Thursdays March 14, 21 and Tuesday, April 2. Our unifying theme is Enjoy Franklin […]

Spring Lecture Series #3–Foraging in Franklin County

Church of the Apostles 336 Barnett Avenue, Waynesboro, PA, United States

Each spring, The Institute presents a series of related programs. For 2024, the lectures will be on Thursdays March 14, 21 and Tuesday, April 2. Our unifying theme is Enjoy Franklin […]