always something to do, something to learn
PEEP - Summer Session
This program offers a unique opportunity for children, aged 3 through 5, to learn about the natural world through nature hikes, crafts and stroytime. Snacks are also shared as different nature-related topics are explored each week. Sessions run four weeks and are offered for one day a week. Classes take place either on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for 9:30 - 11:30am. The fee is $35.00 for BNC members and $45 for non-members. Sign up for one session or all three. Registration begins April 27th and all fees are due upon registration. Class size is limited to 12 children so be sure tu sign up today!
Summer Session 1: June 3 - June 26
Summer Session 2: July 1 - July 24
Summer Session 3: July 29 - August 21
Brukner Woodcarving Show
Saturday May 3, 10am - 6pm
Sunday May 4, 11am - 5pm
Brukner Nature Carvers invite you to their 33rd anniversary world class Woodcarving Show to enjoy and purchase the works of over 30 wood artists from the Miami Valley and surrounding areas. This two-day show includes fine art, collectibles, decoys, character carvings, chip carvings, wildlife and much more! There will also be tools, supplies and demonstrations for beginners to advanced woodcarvers. Take a chance on the raffle and the opportunity to win beautiful prizes. Admission is $3.00 (children under 12 free if accompanied by an adult). All proceeds benefit BNC.
Wildflower Walks
Sundays, May 4 and 11, 2pm
Come enjoy a guided hike along BNC's trails and learn to identify the woodland's wildflowers before the thick leaves of summer set in. Do you know how bloodroot got its name? Or how to distinguish between rue anemone and false rue anemone? Learn these interesting facts and more! Free for BNC members. Sunday admission for non-members.
Early Morning Bird Hikes
Every Tuesday and Saturday Morning in May
7:30 am
Warblers are small, insect-eating birds, many of which pass through Brukner Nature Center each spring on their way north to their breeding grounds. Last year a record 28 different warbler species were recorded at Brukner Nature Center, including the rare worm-eating warbler! Most warblers are strikingly beautiful and have been called the 'butterflies of the bird world'. Come explore the spring woodlands and enjoy the discovery of each new winged jewel! Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Binoculars and field guides are also available form the nature center - just call ahead of time and we'll make sure you have what you need! All levels of experience are welcome. Free and open to the public.
Tunes in the Trees
Saturday, May 10, 10:00 – 4:00pm.
Come enjoy some toe-tappin’ music at
our 4th annual musical celebration featuring: Rum River Band, Sugar Grove,
Ann & Phil Case, 'Eli', Rock Island Plow Company, Wild Breed Boys, Peaceful
Mountain, C & M Bluegrass, True Life Travelers, Tree & Friends, Country
Grass, Walter Smith & the Cumberland Mt. Boys, and Laurel Mountain! These
musicians volunteer their time to perform Bluegrass, Folk and American
Acoustic music to raise funds for BNC's wildlife rehabilitation unit.
Acquaint yourself with BNC, walk the trails, meet the wildlife, listen to the
music, visit the special groups including Bee Keepers, Birders,
Star Gazers,
Wood Carvers, Fiber Guild, Herb Society, and Gem Club. Something for
everyone! Bring your lawn chair and stay the day!
2 Stages ~ 13 Bands ~ 6 Hours of
Music ~ Nature Trails ~
Over 40 Wildlife Ambassadors
Drawing for a SWDG Martin guitar will be held at 4 pm! Get your tickets
now!
Wild Journeys
"Trekking in Nepal"
Monday, May 12, 7:00pm
Namaste! Come enjoy the tallest mountains on earth and the elephants of tropical jungles, all found in the tiny country of Nepal. In 2004 Jaime Johnson, BNC Director of Education, spent four months living in Katmandu, the city that saw the airplane before a car had ever entered the valley, and she is excited to share some of her adventures with you. From taking classes with prestigious Buddhist Lamas, visiting sacred Hindu shrines, riding elephants through community forests, and trekking in the shadows of Mount Everest, you will learn all about this amazingly diverse nation. Come join the fun and be inspired to create your next grand adventure! This program is free for BNC members. Non-members admission is only $2 per person.
Homeschool Nature Club
“Stream Quality”
Wednesday, May 14, 2:00 - 4:00pm.
Homeschool Nature Club has had a really fun year! We have participated in an array of hands-on activities that range from dissecting owl pellets to tracking woodland animals. Now, we are going to end this homeschool nature club season with a splash! This month we will pick up our nets, step off the land, and get our feet wet as we search for aquatic invertebrates. Homeschoolers will dip down into the creeks and look under rocks, searching for indications that the water is healthy. We will cross our fingers and hope to find the pollutions intolerant water penny, an invertebrate used as an indicator of the health of the stream or river. Sign your homeschooler up today for this wacky water adventure. Pre-registration is due by 5pm on Monday, May 12. Please dress your child for wet and muddy fun!
Night Hike
“Flying Squirrels”
Saturday, May 17, 8:00pm
Have you ever seen a wild flying squirrel? Did you know that there are more flying squirrels in Ohio than any other type of squirrel? If you haven’t seen them, there’s a good reason for that. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and like to hang out at the tops of trees, far from human eyes. So come over and learn more about these creatures and maybe even meet a live one up close. This program is free and open to the public. So get ready for an adventure and please dress for the weather.
Public Star Gaze
Saturday, May 17, 9:00pm
Join the Stillwater Stargazers as they take in the starry winter night sky above BNC! Members will have their telescopes set up and will be available to answer questions. This program is free and open to the public, please meet in the parking lot following the night hike
View from the Vista
Sunday, May 18, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Come discover BNC’s Tree Top Vista birdlife, enjoy some tasty refreshments and join members of the BNC Bird Club as you learn to identify BNC’s feathered friends! Spring is such an exciting time - migration is in full swing and you never know what your may see or hear! Perhaps the vista microphone will pick up the distinctive 'chick-brrr' of the beautiful male scarlet tanager or perhaps you'll witness the elaborate courtship display of the brown-headed cowbird. Enjoy the surprises and get hooked on bird watching, the fastest growing hobby in America!
Annual Members Meeting
Wednesday, May 21, 7:00pm.
As you all know, Brukner Nature Center is a privately-funded, non-profit nature preserve, dedicated to environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation. We are governed by you, our members and your support, opinions and advice are very important to us. Please join us for this annual meeting as we share our "State of Brukner Nature Center" and our vision for the future. Enjoy refreshments as you meet our hardworking staff and dedicated trustees. Hope to see you all there! Please RSVP by calling 698-6493 by May 15.
Need a Martin Guitar?
Brukner Nature Center is selling raffle tickets to give away a new 2007 Martin SWDGT! Stop by the nature center and get your tickets today. They're just $5.00 each or 6 for $25.00! The lucky winner will be drawn at the Tunes in the Trees event on May 10th, 2008! All proceeds will benefit the orphaned and injured wildlife cared for in our wildlife rehabilitation unit.
Entertainment Book
Help support BNC by purchasing your Entertainment Book! They offer a great savings and may also be the solution for that hard-to-buy-for person on your gift buying list. The Entertainment Books are $25.00 and the proceeds support Brukner Nature Center's environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation programs.
Looking Ahead to May…
* Summer Day Camp I begins Monday, June 9. Nature
fun and outdoor
exploration for kids ages 6-9!
* Summer Discovery Days, Sunday, June 15, 2pm. Bring Dad for an
afternoon of discovery!
* Summer Day Camp II begins Monday, June 16. Science exploration
with hands-on activities for kids ages 6-9.
* Night Hike, Saturday, June 21, 9pm. Come enjoy a guided hike along
BNC's woodland trails.
* Public Star Gaze, Saturday, June 21, 10pm. Join the Stillwater
Stargazers for a look at the starry skies.
* View from the Vista, Sunday, June 22, 2-4pm. Come learn to ID those
cool birds with the BNC Bird Club.
*
Summer Solstice Concert, Thursday June 26, 7pm. Toe-tappin
entertainment with Rum River Blend!
* Summer Art Exhibit Opening, Thursday June 26, 8pm. After the concert
meet our summer artist, Doug McLarty!
Do you shop the Internet? Give to BNC!
Next time you buy something off the Internet, go first to www.iGive.com, join for free and choose Brukner Nature Center for a charity contribution! It costs you nothing and you can access many popular shopping destinations such as L. L. Bean, Amazon, and many more. Check it out today!