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2011 Weekend Family Programs

 

Saturday, February 12th  
Winter Trek #3:  Riverbend Ramble   
10:00 a.m.
***Free
The winter tradition continues as the Lower Merion Conservancy partners with Bridlewild Trails Association, the Henry Foundation for Botanical Research, Palace Mission, and Riverbend to present a series of hikes, including the Riverbend Ramble.

Join us at Riverbend to learn more about all of our programs while hiking through our 30-acre preserve.  Bring binoculars to look for birds in the newly restored Alec Williamson Bird Observation Area, enjoy the view of hundreds of native saplings taking root in the restoration area, and learn about the many exciting new projects from our updated Mast Site Plan.

 

Sunday, February 6th        
Adventures in Tracking               
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
*** $15/family
Many local animals are still active during the winter months.  The best way to find out what wildlife are around is to look at their tracks.  During this program, we will learn to identify the tracks of common local animals and set out on a hike in search of animal tracks.  You will even get to make a track craft to take home.

 

Saturday, February 19th  
Family Fun Night                           
6:00-8:00 p.m.
***$15/family
Bring your family out for an evening of natural fun.  The moon will be full and bright tonight, so come on out and enjoy a full moon hike as we see what is happening in the night sky.  Come and learn the secrets of the night sky, followed up with hot chocolate and a craft in the barn.   Please pre-register to scarr@riverbendeec.org or 610-527-5234 x108.

 

Sunday, February 27th     
Science Nerd Series: Part I          
9:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
**** $50/child
New Opportunity…Science Nerd Series

NERD: Someone with an extremely intense interest or fascination in an academic field of study. 

Riverbend is seeking to engage all of the science nerds out there in an exploration of some of the coolest scientific studies around.  So come and spend the morning with fellow nerds, some very cool scientists, and Riverbend’s natural classroom.  The programs will happen once per season and are perfect for children ages 8-14 who are curious about science.  Students will also get to take home a science kit with each program. 
Program Schedule:
Part I:  Geology:  From Dinosaurs to Volcanoes to Outer Space (Sunday, February 27th)
Part II:  Hydrology:  Water, Water Everywhere (Sunday, May 22nd)
Part III:  Herpetology:  Rare and Endangered (Sunday, September 25th)
Part IV:  Ornithology:  Our Fine Feathered Friends (Sunday, November 20th)

 $50/student ($150 if you sign up for all four programs)  Contact Stacy Carr-Poole at scarr@riverbendeec.org or 610-527-5234 x108 for more information or to register.

 

Part I:  Geology: From Dinosaurs to Volcanoes to Outer Space

Scientists from the Hutton Institute will explore the sciences of the Earth with our Science Nerds.  This program will explore many different areas of Geology through rock samples and fossils, including dinosaur fossils, meteorites and much more.  Students and their families can stick around after the program for a look at the Down to Earth: A Practical Guide to the Planet Exhibit presented by the Hutton Institute.

Sunday, February 27th     
Down to Earth:  A Practical Guide to the Planet    
12:00-4:00 p.m.
**** Free
The Hutton Institute is bringing their exhibit, Down to Earth: A Practical Guide to the Planet to Riverbend.  The exhibit will be open to the public free of charge.  Come, enjoy and discover the geology of our planet.  Scavenger hunts and activities will make this a fun experiences for all ages.

 

Sunday, March 6th             
White Tails All Around                 
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
***$5/family
Did you know that deer use their white tail to warn other deer of danger?  Or that male deer lose their antlers each winter?  We will explore the habitat and adaptations of these beautiful animals, and then head out on a hike in search of deer and their signs.

 

Saturday, March 12th                    
Compost Crazy                    
2:30-4:00 p.m.
***$15/family
Composting is nature’s way of recycling.  Join us for a program that explores how to turn banana peels, leaves and other kitchen and yard waste into rich compost.  Families will receive directions on how to build their own compost bin at home.

 

Saturday, March 19th                    
Family Fun Night               
6:00-8:00 p.m.
***$15/family
Bring your family out for an evening of natural fun.  Early spring nights are full of the sights and sounds of local amphibians.  Come out to Riverbend for a program all about these wonderful animals and a night time hike to see who is out and about.

 

Sunday, April 3rd                
Earth Champions                           
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
***$5/family
From turning off the water to unplugging electronics, there are many ways that we can each reduce our impact on the Earth.  Through fun games and experiments, participants can find new ways to tread lightly this Earth Month.

 

Saturday, April 9th             
Wilderness Survival                      
2:30-4:00 p.m.
**** $15/family
Can you start a fire, make a shelter out of logs, or find your way in the woods?  Join Riverbend and learn about how to survive in the wild.  Participants will learn how to start fires, identify wild edibles, build shelters and read a compass.  It is recommended that participants wear long pants and sturdy shoes.

 

Sunday, May 1st                 
Teeny Tiny Tadpoles                    
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
***$10/family
What has a big head and a tail?  Tadpoles!  It is the season for tadpoles at Riverbend, so come and see them before they become toads and frogs.  With nets and cups we will explore the ponds for these wonderful creatures.  Program also offered on Saturday, May 14th.

 

Saturday, May 14th            
Teeny Tiny Tadpoles                    
2:30-4:00 p.m.
***$10/family
What has a big head and a tail?  Tadpoles!  It is the season for tadpoles at Riverbend, so come and see them before they become toads and frogs.  With nets and cups we will explore the ponds for these wonderful creatures.  Program also offered on Sunday, May 1st.

 

Sunday, May 22nd              
Science Nerd Series: Part II       
  9:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
**** $50/child
New Opportunity… Science Nerd Series

NERD: Someone with an extremely intense interest or fascination in an academic field of study. 

Riverbend is seeking to engage all of the science nerds out there in an exploration of some of the coolest scientific studies around.  So come and spend the morning with fellow nerds, some very cool scientists, and Riverbend’s natural classroom.  The programs will happen once per season and are perfect for children ages 8-14 who are curious about science.  Students will also get to take home a science kit with each program. 
Program Schedule:
Part I:  Geology:  From Dinosaurs to Volcanoes to Outer Space (Sunday, February 27th)
Part II:  Hydrology:  Water, Water Everywhere (Sunday, May 22nd)
Part III:  Herpetology:  Rare and Endangered (Sunday, September 25th)
Part IV:  Ornithology:  Our Fine Feathered Friends (Sunday, November 20th)

 $50/student ($150 if you sign up for all four programs)  Contact Stacy Carr-Poole at scarr@riverbendeec.org or 610-527-5234 x108 for more information or to register.

 

Part II:  Hydrology:  Water, Water Everywhere

Hydrology is the study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water throughout the Earth.  Join hydrogeologist Tom Maher and explore the tools that he uses and why his job is so important.  The program will include a study of the quality of the water at Riverbend, so bring your stream shoes.

Sunday, June 5th                 
Lovely Ladybugs                            
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
***$15/family
One of the most popular insects, the ladybug beetle eats garden pests and adds a bit of color to the landscape.   Join us as we learn about these colorful insects, including what they eat, where they live and how they grow.  We will also get up close and personal with some of these insects as we release them into the garden at Riverbend.  Each family will also get several ladybugs to take home and release.

 

Friday, June 17th                
Family Camp-out                           
6:00 p.m.
*** $80/family
Riverbend is once again offering a series of Family Camp-outs.  These are the perfect opportunity for families with first time campers to try it out while still close to home, or for parents who don’t want to take on all of the work of a camping trip.  All you need is a tent and sleeping bags; Riverbend provides the food, fire and staff to help you through the experience.  Pre-registration is required, to register contact Stacy at scarr@riverbendeec.org or 610-527-5234.

 

Date TBA                              
Summer Solstice Celebration     
6:00-8:00 p.m.
***$10/Family (Free for Riverbend and Lower Merion Conservancy Members)
****In Partnership with Lower Merion Conservancy
Join Riverbend and the Lower Merion Conservancy for a celebration of the longest day of the year.  Enjoy the extra day light with games, crafts, roasted marshmallows, pond exploration and more.

 

Friday, July 16th                 
Family Camp-out                           
6:00 p.m.
*** $80/family
Riverbend is once again offering a series of Family Camp-outs.  These are the perfect opportunity for families with first time campers to try it out while still close to home, or for parents who don’t want to take on all of the work of a camping trip.  All you need is a tent and sleeping bags; Riverbend provides the food, fire and staff to help you through the experience.  Pre-registration is required, to register contact Stacy at scarr@riverbendeec.org or 610-527-5234.
 

Saturday, July 23rd                        
Harriton Honey Harvest              
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
*** Free
**** Meet at historic Harriton House, 500 Harriton Road, Bryn Mawr, PA
Join Riverbend and Harriton House for what is sure to BEEEEEEE a fun day for the whole family.  Learn about beekeeping, see honey being taken from the hives, and get up-close and personal with some of Harriton House’s resident bees.

 

Sunday, August 7th            
From Caterpillar to Butterfly      
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
*** $5/family
The warm summer months are a great time to watch beautiful butterflies moving from flower to flower.  The butterflies are not only finding food for themselves, by helping the plants by spread pollen from flower to flower.  Join us for an exploration of our bird garden, as we look for butterflies and other important pollinators. 

 

Saturday, August 13th       
SSSSSnakes                                     
2:30-4:00 p.m.
*** $5/family
As you walk around on a warm day, it is not unusual to see a snake sunning themselves on the rocks around Riverbend.  Milk snakes, garter snakes and black rat snakes are just a few of the local snakes that make Riverbend home.  We will learn about the many cool adaptations of snakes, look for snakes along the trails and even visit with our resident snakes.

 

Friday, August 19th            
Family Camp-out                           
6:00 p.m.
*** $80/family
Riverbend is once again offering a series of Family Camp-outs.  These are the perfect opportunity for families with first time campers to try it out while still close to home, or for parents who don’t want to take on all of the work of a camping trip.  All you need is a tent and sleeping bags; Riverbend provides the food, fire and staff to help you through the experience.  Pre-registration is required, to register contact Stacy at scarr@riverbendeec.org or 610-527-5234.
 

Saturday, September 10th           
Solar Energy                                    
2:30-4:00 p.m.
***$15/family
The sun provides the energy for all living things.  Follow the energy up the food chain and then learn about how we can use solar energy in our everyday lives.  Each family will make a solar oven to take home.

 

Saturday, September 17th           
Family Fun Night                           
6:00-8:00 p.m.
***$15/family
Bring your family out for an evening of natural fun.  Late summer and early fall is a great time to listen for nocturnal insects.  From cicadas to katydids, we will look and listen for these fascinating animals.  After our hike we will gather around the campfire and roast marshmallows.  Please pre-register to scarr@riverbendeec.org or 610-527-5234 x108.

 

Sunday, September 25th  
Science Nerd Series: Part III                   
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
**** $50/child
New Opportunity… Science Nerd Series

NERD: Someone with an extremely intense interest or fascination in an academic field of study. 

Riverbend is seeking to engage all of the science nerds out there in an exploration of some of the coolest scientific studies around.  So come and spend the morning with fellow nerds, some very cool scientists, and Riverbend’s natural classroom.  The programs will happen once per season and are perfect for children ages 8-14 who are curious about science.  Students will also get to take home a science kit with each program. 
Program Schedule:
Part I:  Geology:  From Dinosaurs to Volcanoes to Outer Space (Sunday, February 27th)
Part II:  Hydrology:  Water, Water Everywhere (Sunday, May 22nd)
Part III:  Herpetology:  Rare and Endangered (Sunday, September 25th)
Part IV:  Ornithology:  Our Fine Feathered Friends (Sunday, November 20th)

 $50/student ($150 if you sign up for all four programs)  Contact Stacy Carr-Poole at scarr@riverbendeec.org or 610-527-5234 x108 for more information or to register.

 

Part III:  Herpetology:  Rare and Endangered

Herps, a.k.a. reptiles and amphibians, can be some of the most interesting animals to study.  With climate change and other environmental factors, many herp populations are endangered.  Learn how herpetologists study these animals and go on a herp gathering expedition.

Sunday, October 2nd                      
Going Batty                                      
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
***$5/family
It’s not a bird, it’s not an airplane, it’s a BAT!  Join us as we explore the wonders of these magnificent animals, and work to disprove many of the myths that make people afraid of bats.

 

Sunday, November 6th                  
Fall Foliage Hike                            
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
*** $5/family
Yellows, oranges, and reds make up the beautiful palette of fall colors.  Join a Riverbend naturalist for a hike through Riverbend’s woods as we enjoy this magnificent time of year.  Learn why trees loose their leaves and which trees have the best and longest lasting leaf color.

 

Saturday, November 12th
Life of the Lenape                         
2:30-4:00 p.m.
*** $15/family
The Lenape would gather along the bank of the Schuylkill River during the summer months, but when the weather would begin to change they would seek the shelter of the woods.  Come and visit Riverbend’s Lenape Village and learn about how the Lenape would prepare for winter and even make a pot for storing nuts.   Then try your hand at making a shelter in the woods.  Please pre-register to scarr@riverbendeec.org or 610-527-5234 x108.

 

Saturday, November 19th
Family Fun Night                           
6:00-8:00 p.m.
*** $15/family
Bring your family out for a night of natural fun at Riverbend.  Some hoot, some screech and some sound kind of like a horse, they are OWLS of course!  Join us for a lesson on the amazing adaptations of owls, and then we will prowl the grounds listening for any that make Riverbend home.  Please pre-register to scarr@riverbendeec.org or 610-527-5234 x108.

 

Sunday, November 20th   
Science Nerd Series:  Part IV      
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
*** $50/child

NERD: Someone with an extremely intense interest or fascination in an academic field of study. 

Riverbend is seeking to engage all of the science nerds out there in an exploration of some of the coolest scientific studies around.  So come and spend the morning with fellow nerds, some very cool scientists, and Riverbend’s natural classroom.  The programs will happen once per season and are perfect for children ages 8-14 who are curious about science.  Students will also get to take home a science kit with each program. 
Program Schedule:
Part I:  Geology:  From Dinosaurs to Volcanoes to Outer Space (Sunday, February 27th)
Part II:  Hydrology:  Water, Water Everywhere (Sunday, May 22nd)
Part III:  Herpetology:  Rare and Endangered (Sunday, September 25th)
Part IV:  Ornithology:  Our Fine Feathered Friends (Sunday, November 20th)

 $50/student ($150 if you sign up for all four programs)  Contact Stacy Carr-Poole at scarr@riverbendeec.org or 610-527-5234 x108 for more information or to register.

 

Part IV:  Ornithology:  Our Fine Feathered Friends

As winter approaches many changes are going of for our local birds.  Ornithologists are monitoring the migrations, populations and ranges of many of our local birds.  So come out and learn about our local birds and what they can tell us about changes going on in the world.

 

Sunday, December 4th      
Pines, Furs and Hollies…OH MY!                       
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
*** $15/family
Some of our local trees stay green all year round and provide tons of food and shelter for local wildlife.  Join us for a hike around Riverbend to look at some of these wonderful trees.  Then we will head back to the barn to make some seasonal decorations from some of the things that we found.  Please pre-register to scarr@riverbendeec.org or 610-527-5234 x108.

 

Date TBA                              
Winter Solstice Celebration                    
6:00-8:00 p.m.
***Free
****Located at Rolling Hill Park in partnership with Lower Merion Conservancy
Join Riverbend and the Lower Merion Conservancy for a celebration of the longest night of the year.  Our celebration includes storytelling by the campfire, night hikes, crafts, refreshments and star gazing in the field of Rolling Hill Park, 1301 Rose Glen Road, Gladwyne.

 

 

 

 

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