Updated February 3, 2012 Calendar
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10 years old Nature Activities of Organizations in Berks County, Pennsylvania |
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This site contains information about programs, field trips,
exhibits and organizations relating to natural history in
and around Berks County, Pennsylvania. Programs and events are open to
the public.
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1 p.m. - "In My Back Yard" 2 p.m. - "Realm of Light" 3 p.m. - "Tales of the Maya Skies" 4 p.m. - Jack Frost and the Skies of Winter Weekdays at 4 p.m. in January, February, and March. Different Show Each Day - . Tues. - "Dark Star Adventure"; . Wed. - "Tales of the Maya Skies"; . Thurs. - "Jack Frost and the Skies of Winter"; . Fri. - "Oasis in Space" Check the link for admission and other information. Free to Museum members. |
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Photo January 1, 2012 |
Surprise first butterfly sightings for the year in Berks County, PA. Six or more Orange Sulphurs seen. Actually not a surprise since there had been at least six seen the day before on December 31, 2011. They were first seen by birders looking for the rare Green-tailed Towhee (a bird of the western states) at the overflow channel at Blue Marsh Lake. The towhee made a few appearances on both days. The overflow channel is a few hundred yards across and beyond the spillway from the parking lot at the "Stilling Basin." A map is available at http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/sb/docs/trail%20map.pdf. More information on Blue Marsh Lake at Blue Marsh Lake. There have been more sightings since including January 10 and 31, 2012. |
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“Bird Walk” Join birding expert and naturalist Joan Silagy as she guides you along trails and roadways in search of a variety of birds. Walking should be easy with few hills. Bring along your binoculars. Visitor Center off Palisades Road. All welcome. Free. Trail map for Blue Marsh Lake. |
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“Nolde Mansion Open House” The Nolde property was once the home of a wealthy Reading manufacturer. See our story in video, tour the mansion, and enjoy a special event. No registration needed. Today's special program at 2:00 pm is "Tired of Winter - Think Spring Wildflowers" by Frank Plucinsky. Winter lingers and we look forward to the splendor of spring. Take a photographic journey to the natural areas of our region and experience the progression of spring wildflowers from emerging shoots to fragile blossoms and fascinating fruits. At the Mansion, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center on PA-625 south of Reading, (2 miles south of PA-724). All welcome. Free |
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“Books and Boots” Join Gilbert Myers from Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area for this presentation. Join our staff librarian for a morning of mind exercising discussion, followed by a body-exercising walk in Nolde Forest. Books are selected by the group. Bring your own nature/environment themed recommendations to share. Bringing a breakfast item is optional. Please call to register and get current book titles. Program is held the first Monday of every month October through May from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Upcoming gatherings: 2/6, 3/5, 4/2, 5/7. Meet in the Mansion Library, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center on PA-625 south of Reading, (2 miles south of PA-724). All welcome. Free |
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“Spring Waterfowl and an Overview of Middle Creek” Join Gilbert Myers from Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area for this presentation. At McConnell Hall, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center on PA-625 south of Reading, (2 miles south of PA-724). All welcome. Free |
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“Family Fun Day” Bring your family and join us for this monthly program. Activities will vary and may include fishing, trail walks, tracking wildlife, scavenger hunts, outdoor games, and nature crafts. Visitor Center off Palisades Road. All welcome. Free. Trail map for Blue Marsh Lake. |
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“Program to be announced” Auditorium of the Reading Museum. Enter at the rear door and sign in. The only mineral club in this area. All welcome. Free |
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“Rattlesnake Program” Richard Bonnett, an expert on rattlesnakes, will be presenting a very informative and interesting program on rattlesnakes. His presentation will include photos from his research projects including newly born young, adults, and denning sites. Don't miss this program. Conference Center off Palisades Road. All welcome. Free. Trail map for Blue Marsh Lake. |
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“Panama Summer - Hot with Wildlife!” Presented by Linda Ingram, director Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. A visit to the world's most accessible rain forest park where cultural history and natural history are forever intertwined. Program includes all the birds, butterflies, mammals, reptiles and the habitat that surrounds them. At McConnell Hall, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center on PA-625 south of Reading, (2 miles south of PA-724). All welcome. Free <---- Photo by Linda Ingram |
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“Hike with a Ranger” Join the staff on a monthly hike along the trail system at Blue Marsh. The route will vary and will take place in "No Hunting" areas during hunting season. If there is snow bring your skis or snow shoes! Length of hikes will vary from 3-7 miles. Visitor Center off Palisades Road. All welcome. Free. Trail map for Blue Marsh Lake. |
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“Bird Walk” Join birding expert and naturalist Joan Silagy as she guides you along trails and roadways in search of a variety of birds. Walking should be easy with few hills. Bring along your binoculars. Visitor Center off Palisades Road. All welcome. Free. Trail map for Blue Marsh Lake. |
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 calories in a gallon of gasoline? |
For most adults this is the energy in about two weeks of food. |
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You are also invited to the butterfly walks found at the link at the top
of the page. |
| You may contact the web master at the same address. |
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Jack's Backyard, hosted by Jack Holcomb, on Saturdays at 8 to 10 am on WEEU, 830 AM, announces natural history activities at 8 am followed by 2 hours of call-ins and interviews about natural history. |