Just as wildflowers are popping up all over, our public programs list for April is also in full bloom. We have plenty of opportunities for the whole family to come out to Shaver’s Creek and get excited about the natural world.
Space Explorers: Mission IIFriday, April 13
7:00–9:00 p.m. As the days get warmer, so do the nights…and stargazing is all the more enjoyable. If you missed our February astronomy program for kids, don’t miss this night of family fun and exploration! In partnership with the PSU Astronomy Department, Shaver’s Creek will offer activities both inside and outside to learn more about comets, planets, and the constellations. PSU instructor Chris Palma and Jason Young will interpret the night sky. If it’s a clear night, you might get an up-close view of the stars by telescope! These types of programs are supported by memberships. It is free for
members of Shaver’s Creek, and we suggest a $5 donation per person for non-members. Please call Shaver’s Creek to register at (814) 863-2000. We recommend this program for ages 8 and up. Earth Day Spring Cleanup
Sunday, April 22
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. What better way to spend Earth Day than volunteering with your friends and family for some spring cleaning at Shaver’s Creek? We’d love the help of friends and members of Shaver’s Creek in habitat restoration (yanking out invasive species); cleaning, painting, and dusting of the facility; and trailwork. Bring a picnic lunch and relax at the end of the day with some ice cream provided by us! Call (814) 863-2000 for more information or to register—please consider committing to a two-and-a-half hour piece of time. An Evening of Storytelling
Friday, April 27
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Clem Bowen, an engaging and imaginative storyteller, often delights children in schools and libraries in the Northeast. As a special treat, he’s visiting Shaver’s Creek at the end of April to offer some natural history stories. He may have you giggling with the music and movement! The cost is $12 per family, or $10 per family of members. Recommended for families with kids ages preschool to 3rd grade. Please call Shaver’s Creek at (814) 863-2000 to register. Migration Morning Bird Walks
Wednesdays, April 11, 18, 25, and May 2, 9, and 16
7:00–8:30 a.m. Take a leisurely hike to see and hear the numerous bird species that migrate through central Pennsylvania. Shaver’s Creek naturalists Doug Wentzel and Joshua Potter will help participants identify the songs, calls, and field marks of species from hawks and eagles to thrushes and woodpeckers. Bring a good pair of hiking boots, binoculars, any guide books you have, and an inquisitive mind! Migration Morning walks are open to birders of all experience levels. Some binoculars are available to borrow. For more information, please call Shaver’s Creek at (814) 863-2000. This program is free thanks to the generous support of our members, and courtesy of Wiscoy for Animals. Our Migration Morning Bird Walks kicked off with a great start last Wednesday. Doug Wentzel, naturalist and bird walk leader extraordinaire, writes about April 4’s walk: “A beautiful morning to be out and about with 10 other enthusiastic mid-week birders. After a half hour “stand” in the front lawn, we strolled to the boardwalk area. In addition to being a great day for woodpeckers (see list below); other highlights included singing Pine Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, and lots of Ruby-crowned Kinglets.” 28 species were seen in total including:
Canada Goose 1
Turkey Vulture 12
Mourning Dove 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 5
Pileated Woodpecker 2
Eastern Phoebe 7
Blue-headed Vireo 1
Blue Jay 8
Common Raven 2
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6
American Robin 8
Pine Warbler 1
Chipping Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow 4
Dark-eyed Junco 10
Northern Cardinal 2
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
American Goldfinch 12 We hope you can make it out to one of these programs! Visit our website at www.ShaversCreek.org or call (814) 863-2000 for more information.