Mengel Natural History Society 2012-2013 Berks County, Pennsylvania

. April 30, 2013

The Mengel Natural History Society originated as the Natural History Hikers in the 1930's, was renamed the Mengel Natural History Society in 1941, and incorporated as a non profit organization in 1956.

The By-Laws state: "The purposes of the Society are the stimulation of interest and study in natural history in all its branches, the promotion and diffusion of scientific knowledge, and the creation of the scientific spirit."
 

The Society meets once a month from September though April at Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. Usually the fourth Friday of the month. In November we meet jointly with the Berks Mineralogical Society (on the second Tuesday) and in December we meet jointly with the Baird Ornithological Club (on the second Friday). In May we meet at a local restaurant for a dinner meeting. Joint meetings may be held at another location. We also sponsor field trips.

If you are interested in joining the Society, you may pay dues at any meeting or mail them in. 
Download dues form (2012-2013) as PDF (20 KB)

A two page brochure of Mengel information and programs for 2012-2013 is available in PDF format at:
Download 2012-2013 Mengel page 1 as pdf. (60 KB):         (Last updated: December 18,, 2012)
Download 2012-2013 Mengel page 2 as pdf. (100 KB)          (Last updated: December 18, 2012)
 
 

.September 30, 2012           Sunday 1:30 PM     FIELD TRIP
Gentians and whatever!  Led by Rich Bonnett  Meet at Maple Spring Swim Club parking lot, Birdsboro.

. October 26, 2012            Friday 7:30 PM
"Exploring SE PA Serpentine Barrens"  by member Mike Slater This program will look at interesting serpentine barrens plants along the PA - MD border. The chemical composition of these barrens are inhospitable to many plants, but for the plants that can tolerate it, it is a refuge. Many are found no where else in the mid-Atlantic Region, while some others are rarely found off the serpentine soils. Barrens are a fire dependent habitat. Between recent fire suppression efforts and intense development, the unique floral communities are rapidly disappearing.  Some other Serpentine Community insects and animals will also be discussed. The program will be followed by our Fall Wildflower Seed Exchange and Giveaway. Bring native wildflower seeds or plants to exchange (first) and to give to members and attendees. Past exchanges have all had many extras to give away. All welcome. Free.

. October 27, 2012                   Saturday 7:00 AM to about 7:30 PM
Bus Trip to American Museum of Natural History  in New York City, NY
Depart 7:00 AM from Berkshire Mall. Park in the lower lot near Sears Auto. Arrive by 10:00 AM at the Museum. The Museum faces Central Park at 79th St. You may, of course, visit any place you wish. 
Depart NYC at 5:30 from the Museum. Trip flier with more information.  Museum web site at www.amnh.org.
Coordinator: Lori Soraparu. Contact Lori at the September meeting or by phone (610-370-5111) to register. We need names and a telephone number.
Cost is $27 to be paid to "Mengel Natural History Society." Payments accepted at the September meeting or send checks to Mengel treasurer, Jane Wolfe, 3326 Pricetown Rd., Fleetwood, PA 19522

.November 13, 2012              TUESDAY 7:30 PM
“Kilauea: Mountain of Fire”
Mineralogical Club hosts MNHS at the READING MUSEUM!  All welcome. Free

.December 14, 2012         Friday 7:30 PM.
“Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time” a DVD presentation, 73 minutes long. Baird Ornithological Club hosts Mengel Natural History Society at McConnell Hall. This DVD “Green Fire" Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time” presents the life and ethos of one of America’s earliest environmentalists. Featured on PBS.  Arrive early for good seats. All welcome. Free. 
Aldo Leopold's book, "A Sand County Almanac," was written in 1948 and describes what his family did on weekends at the 'shack' on a sand farm in Wisconsin. His story and thoughts on conservation and nature make this book a classic and still relevant today. 
 

. PROGRAM CANCELED DUE TO PREDICTED WEATHER
January 25, 2013          Friday 7:30 PM
"Member’s Night" Member’s opportunity to present.
Jim Robbins presents “What a Wonderful Life.”
Ryan Woolwine presents "Costa Rica - Unique Dry Tropical Forest."
Reno Unger presents "Raising Giant Silk Moths."      All welcome. Free.

. February 22, 2013          Friday 7:30 PM
“Reptiles & Amphibians of PA”  Presented by Brandon Ruhe & Marlin Corn. Brandon and Marlin will provide information about current projects of the Mid-Atlantic Center for Herpetology and Conservation (MACHAC), including field anecdotes, and natural history of Pennsylvania's rare and endangered amphibians and reptiles. Information about the new Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Atlas (PARS), a citizen-science driven herpetological atlas launching in 2013, will also be presented to the audience. MACHAC is a non-profit organization that conducts research and conservation projects for amphibians and reptiles. Major initiatives include Bog Turtle and Eastern Massasauga Recovery Programs. All welcome. Free.

March 22, 2013           Friday 7:30 PM
“Caterpillars, the Things they turn into, and Other Bugs Along the Way” Presented by our own Jim Eckert.
Jim did such a great job with caterpillars on Members night in 2012 that he is back by popular demand!  More about caterpillars; hunting them, identifying them, and watching how they metamorphose. A rewarding past-time loaded with surprises, fun, and frustration!  And an area of nature study where good observation may enable one to yet make original contributions to natural knowledge. All welcome. Free.

. March Herp Helper Night for Spotted Salamanders.
Contact Lori Soraparu (Woodswoman@aol.com) to get on e-mail contact list. Emergence is weather dependent. Often a windy or foggy night, always rainy.

.  April 6, 2013               Saturday 10:00 AM      FIELD TRIP
"Wildflower Walk" led by Mike Slater 610 775 3757. Meet at large parking lot on west side of Maple Grove / Edward’s Rd. about 2.5 miles south of Maple Grove Dragway and just north of the bridge over the Turnpike. All welcome. Free.

. April 26, 2013           Friday 7:30 PM
CHANGE IN PROGRAM. Dr. Lord will not be able to make his presentation on the 26th. There will be two short programs in it's place.
Ryan Woolwine presents ”Costa Rica - Unique Dry Tropical Forest"  and
Richard Bonnett presents "24 hours In a North Carolina Swamp." Wildlife and scenics of a solo paddle into one of my favorite East Coast places.  
Lectures are followed by our annual Wildflower Exchange and Giveaway. All welcome. Free.
The originally planned program is listed immediately below. 
“An Inspirational Presentation”   presented by Dr Rexford Lord. Tonight we have the honor of hearing from one of our senior members who has written several books on American mammals and studied wildlife as a profession throughout the Americas. Dr. Rex will cover 3 themes: radio tracking, vampire bats, and capybaras, tying them into an inspirational message. Parents, bring you budding naturalists teens. Lecture followed by our annual Wildflower Exchange and Giveaway. All welcome. Free.

. April 27, 2013               Saturday 10:00 AM      FIELD TRIP
"Butterfly, Bird, and Botany Walk" on Neversink Mountain. Butterflies, birds and plants. We will view at a distance and for a good look we will capture some butterflies and put them in viewing jars so you can get a close look before releasing them. Meet at S. 10th and South Street Reading. Park on South Street. Joint walk with  Baird Ornithological Club. Leaders: Karl Gardner, 610-987-3281, Ryan Woolwine 610-777-2333, and Ken Lebo 610-856-1413. The public is welcome. Free. 

. May 17, 2013          Friday 6:00 PM          Dinner Meeting
Joint BANQUET  with Baird Ornithological Club at Chef Alan’s American Bistro - Fairgrounds Mall. A buffet-stye dinner. Our speaker will be Jack Holcomb, longtime Baird Ornithological Club member and host of the popular radio program, "Jack's Back Yard." His presentation will include insights gained from years of studying nature and the people who watch Nature especially birds. Cost is $25.  Click  here for more information on the reservation form.

. June 29, 2013          Saturday 8:00 PM  to  ?   FIELD TRIP
"Picnic and Moth Night" at Nolde Environmental Edu Center.  A joint event with the Baird Ornithological Club.   Enjoy the Katydids with friends and family as leaders bait trees and hang sheets to bring in the night insects. A flashlight and a camera would be helpful. Who knows what will turn up.  Meet at picnic area behind main parking lot. Leaders are Ryan Woolwine 610-777-2333,  Ken Lebo 610-856-1413, and Jim Eckert. All welcome. Free.

. July 21, 2013                             Sunday  1:45 PM     FIELD TRIP
"Valmont Bog Botany Walk "for summer orchids. Led by Rich Bonnett, 610-582-8656. Limited to 15 people. Will car pool to Hazleton. Meet 1:45 pm at Rednerís south of Leesport. 

.August 3, 2013        Saturday 10 AM        FIELD TRIP
"Butterfly Identification Walk" near Lake Ontelaunee. We will view at a distance and for a good look we will capture some butterflies and put them in viewing jars so you can get a close look before releasing them. Meet at Dam Breast on RT-73. We will drive to nearby location. Joint walk with Baird Ornithological Club. Leaders: Karl Gardner, 610-987-3281 and Ken Lebo, 610-856-1413. The public is welcome. Free.

. August 31, 2013    Saturday 10 AM    FIELD TRIP
“Butterfly Identification Walk”  in Wyomissing fields. We will view at a distance and for a good look we will capture some butterflies and put them in viewing jars so you can get a close look before releasing them. From Reading Museum go west on Parkside Drive South to Old Mill Rd. Turn right and continue about a block. Park on left in gravel lot near creek. Joint walk with Baird Ornithological Club. Leaders: Karl Gardner (610-987-3281), Ken Lebo, and Ryan Woolwine (610-777-2333). Bad weather will cancel (or reschedule). The public is welcome. Free. 

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