Mengel Natural History Society 2011-2012 Berks County, Pennsylvania

3Feb2011

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 (2011-2012) as PDF (20 KB)

A two page brochure of Mengel information and programs for 2011-2012 is available in PDF format at:
Download 2010-2011 Mengel page 1 as pdf. (48 KB):         (Last updated: January 29, 2012)
Download 2010-2011 Mengel page 2 as pdf. (84 KB)
 
 

. Friday , October 28, 2011         7:30 PM
"Dragonflies" by member Ken Lebo. Ken will take us in close with wonderful photography to examine the life cycle, colors, and beauty of a wide variety of Dragonflies.  (Not to be confused with his previous excellent Damselfly presentation). The program will be followed by our annual 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.

.Tuesday, November 8, 2011         7:30 PM
”Volcanoes and Earthquakes of Pacific Northwest” by Dr. Stan Mertzman of Franklin & Marshall College.
This subject and region of the country are Dr. Mertzman’s area of research. Joint meeting with the Berks Mineralogical Society and held at the READING MUSEUM!  All welcome. Free

.Friday, December 9, 2011       7:30 PM. 
“The Science of Sky Color”  by Dr. Susan Marshall of Penn State - Berks. The program is illustrated with photographs of the sky and of classic paintings of the phenomenon. Joint meeting with Baird Ornithological Club (host). All welcome. Free.

.Friday, January 27, 2012        7:30  PM PROGRAM
"Member’s Night "   Short programs by members of the Society. “Caterpillars” by Jim Eckert ; “Buzz Pollination” by Mike Slater; and “Hiking the Grand Canyon, Rim-To-Rim” by Peter Wolfe " All welcome. Free.

.  Friday , February 24, 2012        7:30 PM
“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. All welcome. Free.    (Photograph by Linda Ingram)

Friday, March 23, 2012       7:30  PM PROGRAM
“Circumnavigating Isla Espiritu Santo by Sea Kayak” Presented by Richard Bonnett, MNHS President. This program covers a 6 day adventure paddling from camp to camp while exploring a protected deserted island  located near the southern tip of Baja Mexico in the Sea of Cortez. All welcome. Free. (Photograph by Richard Bonnett.)

. Friday, April 27, 2012     7:30  PM  PROGRAM
"The Life Zones of Southern Chile - Following Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle" by Robert Stamper, adjunct Biology Professor at Muhlenberg College. Supported by photographs from a visit to Chile, this program relates the geology to the climate and life forms found there and discusses what Darwim observed during his extended stay. Lecture followed by our annual Wildflower Exchange and Giveaway.All welcome. Free. (Photo by Robert Stamper.)

. Saturday, April 28, 2012      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. 

.  Saturday, May 5, 201210:00 AM   OR   Sunday, May 6, 2012  2pm   FIELD TRIP
"Hidden Jewels of the Deep Woods" at Hay Creek   Limited to about 10 people, no children. Call leader to get meeting location. Leader: Rich Bonnett 610-582-8656.

.   Friday, May 18, 2012      6:30 PM  Dinner Meeting
Annual Mengel Dinner at Chef Allen's American Bistro,  Gathering at 6:30, dinner at 7:00 p.m. Meal options and cost to be announced later. “Mountain to Sea Sojourn”  presented by Todd Bauman. In December 2010, Hawk Mountain’s own Todd Bauman paddled from Hawk Mtn. to Cape May with the help of a dedicated support team. Often paddling at night to avoid wind, Todd found himself in several unexpected, humorous, and dangerous situations. Come enjoy his sojourn which also became the sojourn of the many that followed his daily blog.

. Saturday, July 14, 2012      6:30 PM  to  ?
"Picnic and Moth Night" at Nolde Environmental Edu Center.  A joint event with theBaird Ornithological Club.   Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the Katy-dids with friends and family as our leaders bait trees and hang sheets to bring in the night insects. A flashlight would be helpful. Who knows what will turn up.  Meet at picnic area behind main parking lot. Soft drinks will be provided. Leaders are Ryan Woolwine 610-777-2333,  Ken Lebo 610-856-1413, and Jim Eckert. 

. Saturday, August 4, 2012      10:00 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. Joint walk with Baird Ornithological Club. Leaders: Karl Gardner, 610-987-3281 and Ken Lebo, 610-856-1413. The public is welcome. Free.

. Saturday,  September 1, 2012  10 AM FIELD TRIP
“Butterfly Identification Walk”  Wyomissing. 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 a few blocks. 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. 

To receive email notices of programs and field trips sponsored by the Mengel Natural History Society send an email request to