2024 Educational Nature Programs

Posted February 29, 2024

The Linn Conservancy Offers New & Exciting Nature Programs in 2024

2024 is packed with fun-filled programs for children, adults and families. Our educational programs focus on conservation and nature themes throughout the year and will be hosted at many of the conservation easements that we work to monitor and protect. As your local land trust, we work hard to protect and preserve natural spaces and education plays a large role in creating an impact. We hope you will join us this season.

Please see the schedule below for our 2024 nature programs.

For more information, please email [email protected] or call 570-524-2959.

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Feeding the Birds & Winter Scavenger Hunt at RB Winter Snow Fest

Sunday, February 25, 2024

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: RB Winter State Park, 17215 Buffalo Road, Mifflinburg, PA

Visit the Linn Conservancy booth at Snow Fest where you can enjoy a Winter Scavenger Hunt and make bird-friendly, edible garland to take home for your backyard birds.

All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Suggested donation of $5 per participant. Registration encouraged. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

Wildflowers & More Program Series Part 1: Introduction to PA Wildflowers

Saturday, March 2, 2024

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

(Adults and Older Children Only)

Location: Community Room, East Buffalo Township Building, 589 Fairground Road, Lewisburg, PA

Guest Hosts: Irmgard Seidl-Adams, Plant Biologist & Research Professor (focus on Insect & Plant Interactions) at Penn State University, and Sara Street, Rider Park Manager for the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania

Join local wildflower experts for this indoor presentation introducing spring wildflowers of Pennsylvania. Participants will learn how to identify many species and discover where and when to look. This program is part one of a two part series with part two taking participants for a walk along Dale’s Ridge in search of wildflowers.

For adults and older children only. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Suggested donation of $5 per participant. Registration required. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

Math & Symmetry

Saturday, March 9, 2024

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

(Nature’s Explorer Program – Ages 4-10 and Their Families)

Location: Dale-Engle-Walker Property, 1471 Strawbridge Road, Lewisburg, PA

Guest Host: Nathan Ryan, Professor of Mathematics at Bucknell University

Exploring math and symmetry in nature.

This event is in coordination with the Lewisburg Children’s Museum, Bucknell University Humanities Center, and the Union County Historical Society. For ages 4-10. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Program fee $7. Registration is required. Please register for this program with the Lewisburg Children’s Museum by https://www.lewisburgchildrensmuseum.org/natures-explorers.htm.

Wildflowers & More Program Series Part 2: Wildflowers & More Walk

Saturday, April 6, 2024

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

(Adults and Older Children Only)

Location: Dale’s Ridge Trail, 1471 Strawbridge Road, Lewisburg, PA

Guest Hosts: Irmgard Seidl-Adams, Plant Biologist & Research Professor (focus on Insect & Plant Interactions) at Penn State University and Sara Street, Rider Park Manager for the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania

Join local wildflower experts for this morning walk along the Dale’s Ridge Trail while looking for PA wildflowers of spring and other interesting plants. Participants will learn how to identify many species and discover where and when to look.

Suggested donation of $5 per participant. For adults and older children only. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Registration required. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

Volunteer Day at Dale’s Ridge Trail

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Rain Date Saturday, April 20, 2024

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Lunch Provided After)

(Adults and Older Supervised Children Only)

Location: Dale-Engle-Walker Property, 1471 Strawbridge Road, Lewisburg, PA

Project Leaders – Brian Auman, Landscape Architect and Community Planner and Bob & Chris Shabanowitz, Chief Trail Stewards for Dale’s Ridge Trail

Seeking volunteers to help with trail improvement projects including invasive species removal and building a new section of trail. Work will be physically demanding, though some tasks may be less labor intensive than others. Lunch and beverages provided.

Prefer able-bodied adults and supervised older children. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Registration encouraged. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

Geology, Rivers & Fossils

Saturday, April 13, 2024

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

(Nature’s Explorer Program – Ages 4-10 and Their Families)

Location: Dale-Engle-Walker Property, 1471 Strawbridge Road, Lewisburg, PA

Guest Host: Ellen Chamberlin, Assistant Professor of Geology & Environmental Geosciences at Bucknell University

Exploring geology through rivers, fossils and nature.

This event is in coordination with the Lewisburg Children’s Museum, Bucknell University Humanities Center, and the Union County Historical Society. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Program fee $7. Registration is required. Please register for this program with the Lewisburg Children’s Museum by https://www.lewisburgchildrensmuseum.org/natures-explorers.htm .

Tree Walk Program Series: Arbor Day Tree Walk in Downtown Lewisburg

Friday, April 26, 2024

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

(Family Program – All Ages Welcome)

Location: Hufnagle Park, Lewisburg, PA 17837

Guest Hosts: Dr. Chris Martine, David Burpee Professor in Plant Genetics and Research and Biology Chair at Bucknell University and Sara Street, Rider Park Manager of the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania and members of the Lewisburg Borough Shade Tree Commission

Join Bucknell Biology professor and Certified Tree Expert Dr. Chris Martine on a stroll through downtown Lewisburg to visit and learn about some of the trees there. Participants will learn about the natural history and common uses of numerous tree species — from conifers to oaks and everything in-between. Event is co-sponsored by Lewisburg Borough Shade Tree Commission.

All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Suggested donation of $5 per participant. Registration required. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

Nature Painting @ Lewisburg Arts Festival

Saturday, April 27, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

(Family Program – All Ages Welcome)

Location: Hufnagle Park, Lewisburg, PA 17837

Calling all artists and amateurs – no experience needed. Join us during the Lewisburg Arts Festival to get inspired by nature and create a painting for you to take home.

All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Limit one canvas per participant. Suggested donation of $5 per participant. Registration is encouraged to ensure that we have enough supplies for you and your party. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

Spring Plein Air Event

Saturday, May 4, 2024

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Location: Dale-Engle-Walker Property, 1471 Strawbridge Road, Lewisburg, PA

Hosted in collaboration with the Lewisburg Arts Council and the Union County Historical Society, this event will promote art in nature with a workshop in the morning from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, followed by artists spreading out around the property to paint. The day will end with an outdoor reception to see what each artist has done – finished or not.

For more information and to register, please email [email protected].

Nature’s Blueprint: Engineering Inspired by the World Around Us

Saturday, May 11, 2024

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

(Nature’s Explorer Program – Ages 4-10 and Their Families)

Location: Dale-Engle-Walker Property, 1471 Strawbridge Road, Lewisburg, PA

Guest Host: Kelly Salyards, Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Bucknell University

Explore engineering in nature.

Endangered Species and Biodiversity @ Shikellamy Bluffs

Saturday, May 25, 2024

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

(Living Landscape Program – Adults and Accompanied Children)

Location: Shikellamy State Park Rd, Union Township, PA 17870

Guest Hosts: Dr. Chris Martine, David Burpee Professor in Plant Genetics and Research, and Biology Chair at Bucknell University, Claire Campbell, Professor of History, History Department Chair, Affiliated Faculty in Environmental Studies & Sciences and “The Bird Man”, Michael Kuriga.

This Living Landscapes program will be broken into three parts: an endangered plant species and biodiversity exploration, a presentation about peregrine falcons and the many environmental impacts that affect birds of prey, and a presentation about natural history and human impacts.

This event is in coordination with the Bucknell University Humanities Center, and the Union County Historical Society. All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Suggested donation of $5. Registration is required. Registration required. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

The Great American Backyard Campout

4:00 PM Friday, June 28, 2024 – 11:00AM Saturday, June 29, 2024

(Family Program – All Ages Welcome)

Location: Glacier Pools Preserve, 757 Pine Tree Road, Hughesville, PA

Guest Hosts: Michael Gross, Glacier Pools Preserve Landowner, Sara Street, Rider Park Manager for the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania

Open to the public and for both experienced campers and curious newcomers, this is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Educational demonstrations by local organizations will be offered Friday afternoon. The evening will include building a campfire, cooking mountain pies and s’mores and a night hike complete with owl prowl, salamander search, and star gazing. Morning activities include hiking, bird watching and nature art. Dinner, s’mores, breakfast and beverages will be provided.

All ages welcome. Parents must accompany children. Individuals and families are responsible for providing their own camping gear. Suggested donation of $15 per person/family discount of $30 per family. Registration required. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

Degenstein Library Outreach – PreK Storytime – Garden & Conservation

Tuesday, July 9

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

(Family Program – Ages 1-5 and Their Families)

Location: Degenstein Library, 40 S 5th St, #1, Sunbury, PA

Adventure Coordinator, Becky Stugart, will host story time for preschoolers and their families. Storytime will include a garden themed book, fingerplays, songs, crafts and playtime to follow.

For children ages 1-5 years and their families. Registration encouraged. Please register with the Degenstein Library in Sunbury by calling 570-286-2461 or sending an email to [email protected].

Degenstein Library Outreach – Family Centered Program – Garden & Conservation

Tuesday, July 9

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM

(Family Program)

Location: Degenstein Library, 40 S 5th St, #1, Sunbury, PA

Adventure Coordinator, Becky Stugart, will host a garden and conservation program with interactive activities.

For children and their families. Registration encouraged. Please register with the Degenstein Library in Sunbury by calling 570-286-2461 or sending an email to [email protected].

Degenstein Library Outreach – PreK Storytime – Forest Conservation

Tuesday, July 23

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

(Family Program – Ages 1-5 and Their Families)

Location: Degenstein Library, 40 S 5th St, #1, Sunbury, PA

Adventure Coordinator, Becky Stugart, will host story time for preschoolers and their families. Storytime will include a tree conservation themed book, fingerplays, songs, crafts and playtime to follow.

For children ages 1-5 years and their families. Registration encouraged. Please register with the Degenstein Library in Sunbury by calling 570-286-2461 or sending an email to [email protected].

Degenstein Library Outreach – Tween/Teen Centered Program – Forest Conservation

Tuesday, July 23

1:00 PM – 2:15 PM

(Ages 9-17)

Location: Degenstein Library, 40 S 5th St, #1, Sunbury, PA

Adventure Coordinator, Becky Stugart, will host a forest conservation program with interactive activities.

For tweens and teens. Registration encouraged. Please register with the Degenstein Library in Sunbury by calling 570-286-2461 or sending an email to [email protected].

Tree Walk Program Series: National Tree Day Walk at Bucknell Campus

Thursday, July 25, 2024

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

(Family Program – All Ages Welcome)

Location: Bucknell Campus, Lewisburg, PA (meet at the Bucknell gate where University Avenue meets Loomis Street)

Guest Hosts: Dr. Chris Martine, David Burpee Professor in Plant Genetics and Research and Biology Chair at Bucknell University and Sara Street, Rider Park Manager of the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania and Amy Metheny of the Lewisburg Borough Shade Tree Commission

Biology professor Dr. Chris Martine will lead a tree identification and natural history walk beginning with the historic Bucknell Grove and continuing through the rest of campus, with a stop in the Wayne Manning Herbarium (Bucknell’s collection of more than 25,000 plant specimens) along the way. Event is co-sponsored by the Bucknell Department of Biology.

All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Suggested donation of $5 per participant. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

Nature Scavenger Hunt @ Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo

Saturday, August 3, 2024

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

(Family Program – All Ages Welcome)

Location: Shikellamy Marina, 401 Bridge Avenue, Sunbury, PA

Join us at the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Outdoor Expo. Fun for all ages, our nature scavenger hunt will help you explore the natural spaces at Shikellamy Marina in search of items in nature. Complete the nature scavenger hunt and return to the Linn Conservancy booth to collect your prize.

This is a free activity. All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

~~Nature Scavenger Hunt @ Lewisburg’s National Night Out~~

~~Tuesday, August 6, 2024~~

~~5:00 PM – 9:00 PM~~

~~(Family Program – All Ages Welcome)~~

CANCELLED – DUE TO WEATHER

Location: St. Mary’s Park, Lewisburg, PA

Join us at Lewisburg’s National Night Out. Fun for all ages, our nature scavenger hunt will help you explore the natural spaces at St. Mary’s Park in search of items in nature. Complete the nature scavenger hunt and return to the Linn Conservancy booth to collect your prize.

This is a free activity. All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

Degenstein Library Outreach – Dale’s Ridge Trail Adventure

~~Friday, August 9, 2024~~

Rescheduled Due to Rain – Wednesday, August 14

11:15 AM – 12:30 PM

(All Ages Welcome)

Location: Meet at the Homestead Parking Lot, Dale’s Ridge Trail, 1471 Strawbridge Road, Lewisburg, PA.

Adventure Coordinator, Becky Stugart, will take participants on a guided adventure along Dale’s Ridge Trail. This event is co-hosted by the Degenstein Library of Sunbury. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy free exploration post program.

Open to participants of all ages. Registration encouraged. Please register with the Degenstein Library in Sunbury by calling 570-286-2461 or sending an email to [email protected].

Nature Scavenger Hunt @ Union County West End Fair

Saturday, August 10, 2024

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

(Family Program – All Ages Welcome)

Location: 1111 PA-235, Laurelton, PA 17835

Join us at the Union County West end Fair for Children’s Day. Fun for all ages, our nature scavenger hunt will help you explore the natural spaces at the West End Fair in search for items in nature. Complete the nature scavenger hunt and return to the Linn Conservancy booth to collect your prize.

This is a free activity. All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

Tour of Acid Rain Mitigation Site on Buffalo Creek

Saturday, September 7, 2024

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

(Living Landscape Program – Adults and Accompanied Children)

Location: Gated entrance between cabins located at 1490 and 1545 Buffalo Flat Road, Millmont, PA

Guest Hosts: Carl Kirby a Bucknell Professor of Geology, Emeritus; Dave Rebuck, Aquatic Biologist and Secretary of the R.B. Winter Chapter Trout Unlimited; and David Staebler, Tom Duck, Gerald Heckler and Thom Fantaskey of the Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance

This Living Landscapes program will include a tour of the mitigation site focusing on the importance of the project and key points of interest along the way. Participants will be able to see the mitigation ponds, engage in water sampling, and explore the creek to find macroinvertebrates which are observed to correlate water quality.

This event is in coordination with the Bucknell University Humanities Center, and the Union County Historical Society. All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Suggested donation of $5 per participant. Registration required and opens on August 1. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

Gardening at the Bucknell Farm

Saturday, September 14, 2024

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

(Nature’s Explorer Program – Ages 4-10 and Their Families)

Location: Bucknell Farm, One Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA

Guest Hosts: Mark Spiro, Associate Professor of Biology Farm Director and Jen Schneidman Partica, Farm & Garden Coordinator at Bucknell University

Learn about sustainable gardening practices while exploring the Bucknell Farm.

Community Fossil Dig

Saturday, October 5, 2024

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

(Family Program – All Ages Welcome)

Location: Spring Township Shale Pit, T574, Beaver Springs, PA

Guest Hosts: Jeff Trop, Presidential Professor of Geology at Bucknell University, Gavin Davidson, Director of Labs, Department of Geology & Environmental Geosciences at Bucknell University, and Mary Beth Gray, Professor and Chair for the Department of Environmental Geosciences at Bucknell University, Representatives of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Bureau of Geological Survey

Discover and collect fossils from a quarry containing a rich trove of ancient life and learn about the natural history of our region. You can expect to find 390 million-year-old marine fossils. The most abundant are brachiopods and crinoids. Trilobites, bivalves, gastropods, cephalopods, corals, and bryozoans are not as common, but have been found here.

This event is in coordination with the Geology professors and students from Bucknell University as well as colleagues from Lycoming College and the PA State Geological Survey. All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Suggested donation of $5 per participant. Registration is encouraged to ensure that we have enough supplies for you and your party. Registration opens August 1. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

~~Pumpkin Decorating~~

~~Saturday,October 12, 2024~~

~~10:00 AM – 4:00 PM~~

~~(Family Program – All Ages Welcome)~~

~~Location: Hufnagle Park, Lewisburg, PA~~

~~Come decorate a pumpkin and meet the staff and volunteers of the Linn Conservancy while learning about our mission and how you can help us create an impact.~~

All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Suggested donation of $5 per participant. Limit one pumpkin per participant. Registration is encouraged to ensure that we have enough supplies for you and your party. Registration opens August 1. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

CANCELLED

Maps & Mysteries

Saturday, October 12, 2024

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

(Nature’s Explorer Program – Ages 4-10 and Their Families)

Location: Dale-Engle-Walker Property, 1471 Strawbridge Road, Lewisburg, PA

Guest Host: Claire Campbell, Professor of History at Bucknell University

Using maps and historical documents, discover the history and mysteries of the Dale-Engle-Walker homestead.

Math in Nature

Saturday, November 9, 2024

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

(Nature’s Explorer Program – Ages 4-10 and Their Families)

Location: Dale-Engle-Walker Property, 1471 Strawbridge Road, Lewisburg, PA

Guest Host: Sara Stout, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Bucknell University

Explore math in nature.

~~Winter Picnic, Wreath Making & Activities for Conservation in Your Backyard~~

~~Saturday, December 14th, 2024~~

~~1:00 PM – 3:00 PM~~

~~(Family Program – All Ages Welcome)~~

~~Location: Kidsburg at Hufnagle Park, Lewisburg, PA~~

Join us for a family friendly winter picnic with activities to include a winter scavenger hunt, wreath making, nature crafts, educational activities for conservation in your backyard and hot chocolate with snacks.

All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Suggested donation of $15 per participant/$30 per family. Registration is required and opens on August 1. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

CANCELLED

~~Winter Solstice Gathering~~

~~Saturday, December 21st, 2023~~

~~6:00 PM – 8:00 PM~~

~~(Family Program – All Ages Welcome)~~

~~Location: Dale-Engle-Walker Property, 1471 Strawbridge Road, Lewisburg, PA~~

Follow the luminaries along the way to the Dale-Engle-Walker Homestead to find a cozy campfire. Celebrate the yuletide season by mingling around the fire with a cup of cheer and festive treats for the whole family to enjoy.

All ages welcome. Parent(s) required to accompany children. Suggested donation of $5 per participant. Registration is required and opens on August 1. Please register at linnconservancy.org/registration.

CANCELLED

The Linn Conservancy’s fall program lineup was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation administered through the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership’s Susquehanna Greenway Mini Grant Program. Additional funding was provided by the Charles B. Degenstein Foundation, The Charles & Betty Degenstein Foundation, the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation and from Union County through the American Rescue Plan Act.