FAMILY NATURE PROGRAMS
Sponsored with a generous gift from Bayer Healthcare, LLC, dedicated to science education
Saturdays 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Welcome to the Plainsboro Preserve’s Family Nature Programs. Each program is designed to explore nature through a theme. A portion of each program may be spent outdoors building a deeper connection to the natural world through fun and informative activities. We provide a highly trained environmental educator for each of our programs. Join us and create memories that will last a lifetime. Educational and fun, these Family Nature Programs are perfect for beginning naturalists and their families ages 6 to adult. Cost: members, $3 per person; nonmembers, $5 per person (unless otherwise noted). Pre-registration is encouraged – call 609.897.9400
BIRDING
Saturday, September 11
3:30P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Take your birding to a new level. On this adventure we will try to locate as many species of bird as possible in 90 minutes! Bring your binoculars and field guide along on this journey into the Preserve searching for our resident birds and passing migrants. A limited number of loaner binoculars and field guides will be available.
WONDERS OF WETLANDS
Saturday, September 18
3:30P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Wetlands are home to a variety of animal and plant species. The Plainsboro Preserve has a diversity of wetlands including streams, lake, vernal pools, and hardwood swamp. In this exciting program we will search for some of the plant and animal species that utilize wetland environments.
ANIMALS THAT CALLTHE PRESERVE HOME
Saturday, September 25
3:30P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
The Plainsboro Preserve is home to a diversity of wildlife species. We will put on our detective hats and search for animal homes, tracks, and signs during this outside adventure!
BIRDFEEDING: HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Saturday, October 2
3:30P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
We will spend some time visiting our feeding station and discussing the essential components that should be present at every feeding station. Learn about different food resources that will help you to maximize the diversity of species visiting your feeding station this year. Learn to avoid some of the most common mistakes people make and how to keep your feathered friends happy and healthy during the fall and winter feeding season.
THE BEAVERS OF LAKE MCCORMACK
Saturday, October 9
3:30P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
The Plainsboro Preserve has a family of beavers that live in a lodge on Lake McCormack. We will learn about North America’s largest rodent. What do they eat? How do they survive the winter months? During class we will hike and explore some of the areas visited by our beaver friends. Come prepared with comfortable walking shoes.
FABULOUS COLORS IN THE FALL FOREST
Saturday, October 16
3:30P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
The leaves of the trees are turning the brilliant colors in one last show before they drop to the forest floor. During this educational and eye-opening walk through the colorful woods of the preserve, we will learn about a variety of trees and their importance to the wildlife in the forest community. Participants will connect with nature while learning the reasons for seasonal changes. This class is sponsored by the Shade Tree Advisory Commission.
FULL MOON FORAY
Saturday, October 23
Special Time 6:00
Join Teacher Naturalist Corey Sperling for a foray into the Preserve as a full moon rises in the East. Corey will share a story, some interesting facts, and a great adventure under the glow of the Harvest Moon.
THE CREEPY CRAWLY CRITTERS OF HALLOWEEN
Saturday, October 30
3:30P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Are bats, bugs, spiders, and snakes scratched off of your cute and cuddly list? Come and learn about the life cycles, habits, and habitats of some of these amazing animals. After we learn some interesting facts about these misunderstood mammals, you can build your very own spider, snake, or bug.
FEATHERS AND FLIGHT
Saturday, November 6
3:30P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Ever wish you could fly? We will examine bird specimens, bones, and feathers and try to uncover the secrets of flight including: aerodynamics, airfoil, uplift, and feather design. After some intensive indoor investigation we will head outside and try our hand at making things fly.
NATURE SHOW AND TELL: THE ART OF NATURAL SPECIMENS
Saturday, November 13
3:30P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
If I could share one secret for helping you find the path to becoming a naturalist, then it would be how to collect natural specimens. Come join us for a hands-on experience to uncover the secrets of plaster casts, fur, feathers, skins, and skulls. Then we will hit the trail and look for signs and clues of animals on the preserve.
TRACKING: MAKING PLASTER CASTS
Saturday, November 20
3:30P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Join Sanctuary Director Sean Grace and learn the finer points of making plaster casts from tracks found in your favorite outdoor haunts. Class will begin with an introduction to a variety of actual plaster casts including bears, coyotes, and birds. After a brief introduction we will go outside to find tracks and make our own plaster casts.
GARBAGE TO GIFTS
Saturday, November 27
3:30P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Is your recycling bin overflowing with milk jugs and magazines? Don’t recycle them just yet! Come learn how to turn those recyclables into useful gifts. This year you can add a personal touch to your holiday gifts with your own homemade gift bows! Or make a milk carton bird feeder to hang out this winter! These crafts are great family activities that can also help you save money!