Seasonal Walks and Other Programs Open to the Public

Meet the Birds of Prey Shows
Every Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. from April through mid-November.

Migration Morning Bird Walks with Naturalist Doug Wentzel
September Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.—September 3, 10, 17, 24
* Free courtesy of Wiscoy for Animals

Plant Yer Own Patch: Guidelines for Establishing and Growing Ginseng and Other Native Forest Medicinal Plants
Saturday, October 11
8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
Registration Required: Contact Eric Burkhart via e-mail or by phone at 814-863-2000
Sponsored by Pennsylvania DCNR and Shaver's Creek

In this workshop, hosted by program director Eric Burkhart, participants will be introduced to one of Pennsylvania’s most valuable and challenging crops, American ginseng. Biology, ecology, markets, growing options, propagation techniques, and management issues (pests, theft, regulations) will all be covered. Other commercial medicinal forest plants, such as goldenseal and black cohosh, will be discussed. Visit the DCNR wild plants site for more on plants.

Fall Foliage Walk w/S'mores
Sunday, October 12
1–3 p.m.
Meet outside the main building at Shaver's Creek.

This special walk will be conducted by forest steward John Buzzell. Come hungry for s’mores around a campfire at the walk’s conclusion!
Fee for this foliage walk only: $5 non-members; $4 members

Fall Foliage Walk
Wednesday, October 29
5:00 p.m. to Dusk
Meet outside the main building
Free and open to the public (donations appreciated)
Call 814-863-2000 to register

Join program director Eric Burkhart in search of fall foliage splendor in Stone Valley. Whether new to fall tree identification, or an expert, there is sure to be something to learn and appreciate. Tree identification, fall coloration patterns, and edibility of nuts, berries, and other tree fruit encountered will all be discussed. With the change of seasons and leaf color, no two walks are guaranteed to be the same. Consider attending them all!

Kids Corner
a facilitated activity for preschoolers/toddlers and their parent(s)
* Free courtesy of Growing Tree Toys in downtown State College
Wednesdays, November 5, 12 and 19 and December 3 and 10, 2008
10:00 a.m.–noon in the Discovery Room
(Note: The self-guided Kids Corner is available all week.)

Invasive Plants in Your Backyard
Sunday, November 16
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Just in time for fall yard clean-up, this program will introduce you to common exotic invasive plants that occur in central Pennsylvania and what you can do about them. Join Eric Burkhart, program director with Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, as he discusses identification, environmental concerns, and management options for invasive plant problems. Plants that will be covered include Japanese barberry, honeysuckle, oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose, privet, and garlic mustard. This program is open to the public although preregistration is requested. There is no cost to attend but your donation of $5 or more will support continued programming at Shaver’s Creek. Please call 814-863-2000 to preregister. This will be an outdoor program so dress appropriately. We will meet outside the main office and bookstore.

PA Farm Show 
January 5–12, 2008
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Live Bird of Prey/animal shows every hour

Mushroom Identification Walks, featuring Bill Russell
Bill Russell has been leading mushroom workshops and walks for more than forty years. He is the author of Field Guide to the Wild Mushrooms of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic, available in the Shaver’s Creek bookstore. These mushroom walks often feature a seasonal mushroom of interest such as chanterelle or black trumpet, but everything that is encountered is discussed. Identification, edibility, and habitat information are all covered. Bring a notebook, comfortable walking shoes, and any mushroom books.
Mushroom walks are often weather dependent and may be scheduled only a couple of days in advance of the walk. If you wish to be notified of upcoming walks via our e-mail list, please contact program director Eric Burkhart or phone 814-863-2000.
* registration required

Bee Keeping with Andy Jones
None scheduled
Andy will describe the process of keeping bees—starting from snow melt to snow fall. The emphasis will be on managing the hives for the hobbyist. He is able to bring a complete hive (weather permitting), an observation hive, package bee containers, queen cages, pollen traps, queen rearing supplies, integrated pest management tools for mites, and some of the tools used in extracting and making comb honey. Participants should avoid wearing and/or using perfumes, heavily scented shampoo, and dark clothing—especially black.
* registration required

Fall Foliage Family Walks with Forest Steward John Buzzell
None scheduled
Learn about trees and leaves and why they turn such bright colors. The walk will end with a campfire and s'mores.
Nonmembers, $5; Members, $4 Kids 4 and under are free.
* registration required