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 for kids continue… The story posted on the StoryWalk® trail at Pine Hill Park changes regularly, and a special story event accompanies each one on […]

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 County, PA. Admission is free and all are welcome. Presented by Janet Pollard, Executive Director at Franklin County Visitors Bureau This illustrated presentation explores the […]

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 County, PA. Admission is free and all are welcome. Presented by Dr. David Foster, Professor of Biology & Environmental Science, Messiah University This final presentation […]

Recurring

FernGully: The Last Rainforest Movie at Waynesboro Theatre

Waynesboro Theatre 75 West Main Street, Waynesboro, PA, United States

Come to the “Meet and Greet” with Buttonwood Nature Center (formerly The Institute) staff members at the 4 p.m. showing.  In this beautifully animated film, the magical inhabitants of a rainforest fight to save their home, which is threatened by logging and a polluting force of destruction called Hexxus. FernGully is set in an Australian […]

Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party with NASA Scientist Todd Toth

Waynesboro Area Senior High School 550 E 2nd Street, Waynesboro, PA, United States

NASA space scientist, Todd Toth, and the staff of Buttonwood Nature Center (formerly The Institute) will guide a safe viewing experience of a solar eclipse at the stadium of Waynesboro Area Senior High School. On April 8, 2024, the shadow of the Moon will sweep across the entire United States from the Texas-Mexico border through the […]

The Chesapeake Bay, a joint program with AWA

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

Life on the Chesapeake Bay A joint program of Buttonwood Nature Center, Home of The Institute and the Antietam Watershed Association Presented by Lara Lutz, editor of the Bay Journal and executive director of Bay Journal Media. Admission is free. The iconic Chesapeake Bay will be in the spotlight during this illustrated talk. Captain John […]

Annual Kite Fly 2024

Hooverville Elementary School 10829 Buchanan Trail East, Waynesboro

April is National Kite Month Our 28th annual kite fly event in Waynesboro! Free kite flying (all ages) with expert flying help from our Kite Masters—brothers Sam and George Adams—in the fields adjacent to Hooverville Elementary School in Waynesboro, Pa. Bring your own kite. Build a Kite workshop is ongoing, all welcome; $1 materials donation […]

Recurring

Wee Wonders Nature Series for Preschoolers Spring 2024

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

NOTICE: See our online registration form below. To sign up for this series, fill out the form below. Registration for the FULL SERIES is required. Thursdays, April 18 & 25, and May 2, 9 & 16 • 9:30–11 a.m. at Pine Hill Recreation Area in Waynesboro, Pa. This spring, we have five new sessions, with […]

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 […]

Recurring

Wee Wonders Nature Series for Preschoolers Spring 2024

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

NOTICE: See our online registration form below. To sign up for this series, fill out the form below. Registration for the FULL SERIES is required. Thursdays, April 18 & 25, and May 2, 9 & 16 • 9:30–11 a.m. at Pine Hill Recreation Area in Waynesboro, Pa. This spring, we have five new sessions, with […]