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 […]

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 […]

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

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 […]

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 […]