Upcoming events!
Click on an event below to view details
View our Featured Monthly Vendor here
View our current art exhibit here
Summer Art Exhibit - Alisa Workman
Come enjoy our Summer Art Exhibit featuring paintings by Alisa H. Workman. Alisa has had a love for nature all her life. In the summer of 2015 she picked up a paintbrush and brought her love to the canvas. Alisa has been a Dayton area resident most of her life and currently is a full time preschool art teacher at the Soin Early Childhood School at MVS. Her paintings have been exhibited throughout Ohio and found in collections in the US, Canada, and Europe. Her love of nature, art, and science are translated into acrylic paintings of bold flowers and vibrant splashes of color, where each and every painting tells a story.
Alisa’s art will be on sale in the Heidelberg Auditorium through September 14. Thanks to the generosity of our artists, 25% of each sale is donated to support BNC’s mission of wildlife conservation!
Monthly Vendor - Sachiko Adams
Sachiko Adams has been crocheting for a little over 15 years and enjoys creating nature-themed works in miniature. She has won several awards for her art, including first place finishes at the Crocheters Guild of America design competition in 2012, 2013 and 2014 in the art category! She loves the challenge of creating designs from ideas she gets while gardening and time spent outdoors.
Her miniature creations are works of wonder and bring a smile to all who see them! They make the perfect gift for the wildlife lover in your family! Stop out to purchase your favorite miniature owl, Monday - Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm and Sunday: 12:30 - 4:00pm.
Large Owl: $15
Snake: $12
Small Owl: $5
BNC Members receive a 10% discount
Interpretive Building Closed for Labor Day
BNC’s Interpretive Building will be closed on Monday, September 1 for Labor Day. Our trails, however, will remain open from sunrise to sunset, so gather family and friends to take a fall hike on our woodland trails!
Featured Vendor - Linda Stiles Smith
Welcome to NatureScapes Studio! I’m Linda Stiles Smith, and I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. Creating has always been a part of who I am, and over the years, I’ve explored many different mediums – painting, printmaking, metal clay and polymer clay jewelry and sculpture, each one offering new ways to express my love for the natural world. Weather I’m sculpting a delicate piece of jewelry or crafting a unique work of art, my goal is to create something that feels special—something that connects with the heart.
For over 30 years, I’ve had the joy of sharing my art through galleries, juried shows, and private collections across the USA. It has been a thrill every time a piece wins an award in a competition that allows me to speak to a wider audience about the beauty of our world. I hope my work brings a little bit of natures magic into your life!
Prices range from $14 – $28
BNC Members receive a 10% discount
Winter Arts & Crafts Vendor Form - Deadline
We are now accepting applications for one-of-a-kind nature-based artisans! BNC’s Winter Arts & Crafts Show will be held on Saturday, December 6 from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The deadline for vendor applications is Monday, September 8 by 5:00pm. All entries will be juried, with the most unique, natural or “green” crafts selected by Friday, September 12.
For more information or a vendor form, contact us at info@bruknernaturecenter.com, stop by to pick up a registration form or click here to download a form. All proceeds from this event benefit our wildlife programs!
Homeschool Nature Club
Homeschool Nature Club
10:00am – 12:00pm or 1:00pm – 3:00pm
3rd Wednesday of the month (September – May)
Sign-up your 5 – 10 year-old homeschooled student for a morning or afternoon of discovery! Staff naturalists have developed hands-on fun and educational lesson plans, using live wildlife and outdoor exploration! This is a drop-off program.
Cost: BNC Members are $5/child each month or nonmembers are $8/child each month
Currently taking a waiting list for September – December classes! Please email info@bruknernaturecenter.com or call 937-698-6493 to be added to our list.
Registration will open on Monday, November 3 for classes offered January - May.
September’s topic: “Nature Detectives”
Did you know that spicebush swallowtail caterpillars have large eye spots that are not their real eyes!? These spots help them to look like snakes to avoid being eaten by birds. Most of the time, we can not see these creatures as they roll themselves up into leaves to hide. This is a good reminder that sometimes, we must take a closer look at nature to see the wonders that might go unnoticed around us. Join us as we explore the outdoors as “Nature Detectives”, meet live wildlife ambassadors, and do fun activities to uncover the hidden world of nature.
Dine to Donate at Hickory River Smokehouse
We hope you can join us at Hickory River Smokehouse, located at 135 S. Garber Dr. in Tipp City on Wednesday, September 17 from 11:00am - 9:00pm for this month’s Dine to Donate. Hickory River Smokehouse will donate a percentage of all sales to help support our wildlife ambassadors – simply mention Brukner Nature Center or show a flyer when paying for your meal. Good for dine-in, carry-out and drive-thru. Click here for a flyer. Thank you for your support!
Autumn Equinox Exhibit & Presentation
Autumn Equinox Exhibit & Presentation “Nature’s Beauty” by artist, Libby Rudolph
People & Wildlife by speaker, Dr. Bennett Grooms
Doors open at 7:00pm for you to enjoy a tasty autumn treat as you take in the new watercolor exhibit by Libby Rudolf. Nature inspires this Yellow Springs artist and her medium of expression is watercolors! Like many future nature artists, Libby’s parents encouraged engagement with the outdoors from a young age. She continues to enjoy hiking in the forests and fields surrounding Yellow Springs, as well as travelling to natural areas for her inspiration.
At 7:15, we’ll settle into our seats to welcome Dr. Bennett Grooms from the Otterbein University Zoo and Conservation program. His training as a conservation behaviorist has led him to research how the thoughts, experiences, and behaviors of people influence their interactions with wildlife, and how zoos and wildlife agencies can use this information to further promote conservation engagement and success to improve future conservation efforts
Admission for this seasonal celebration is Free, so bring a friend and enjoy a relaxing evening of art and entertainment!! Libby’s art will be on sale in the Heidelberg Auditorium through December 14. Thanks to the generosity of our artists, 25% of each sale is donated to support BNC’s mission of wildlife conservation!
PEEP Fall Session 2 Registration - Open to Public
Fall Session 1 runs from October 27 – December 12
PEEP is a drop-off class geared specifically for children ages 3 – 5 years old, who are potty-trained (no pull-ups) and not attending Kindergarten (or being homeschooled for Kindergarten). Preschoolers meet once a week for six weeks and will discover a different nature-related topic as we share stories, encounter wildlife and explore the outdoors! Class sizes are limited to 10 children. Classes last 1.5 hours of mostly outdoor activity, so always dress your child for the weather and muddy trails!
Classes are offered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00am and Thursday afternoon from 1:00 – 2:30pm.
Fee for Fall Session 2: $55 per child for BNC Members or $75 per child for nonmembers
Pre-registration guidelines below:
• Email info@bruknernaturecenter.com and provide your child’s name, age, birthdate, and your phone number. Also, list your top 3 choices for class day and time (see options above).
• Wait for an email to confirm your child is pre-registered and which day they will be attending.
• You will then have 5 days to make your payment – cash or check preferred. If payment is not received within 5 days, your child’s spot will open for another child.
• Withdrawal Policy: Reimbursement of payment is not available for PEEP cancellation within two (2) weeks of the start of PEEP. Any cancellation occurring more than 2 weeks prior to the start of PEEP, will receive a 50% refund. Non-transferrable.
Dine to Donate at Texas Roadhouse
We hope you can join us at Texas Roadhouse, located at 1809 Towne Park Dr. in Troy on Wednesday, August 27th from 3:00pm – 9:30pm for this month’s Dine to Donate.
Texas Roadhouse will donate a percentage of all sales to help support our wildlife ambassadors – simply show a flyer when ordering. Thank you for your support!
Trailguide Training
We are reaching out to everyone to let you know that we have a Trailguide Training scheduled for Wednesday, August 27th from 1:00 – 3:00pm. BNC Staff will be going over our Nature Awareness program and Animal Adaptations (we hope to be introducing a few changes to this program). Please check your calendars and if you are able to attend, simply give us a call at 937-698-6493 or email info@bruknernaturecenter.com so we have an idea of who to expect. Also, feel free to share this training invite to any friends or family members who may be interested in learning more about trailguiding.
Conservation Conversations
Conservation Conversations on Saturday, August 16, 10:30am – 12:00pm
with Native Ohio Plants sale from 9:30am - 2:00pm
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 16 for our next Conservation Conversations with Terry Lavy. These discussions will cover the many topics concerning your backyard and how to improve its wildlife potential. Bring your questions! Stop out and see Ron Corbett, owner of Native Ohio Plants, who will be selling his native trees and plants from 9:30am - 2:00pm and then join us at 10:30am for our discussion. No registration is required. Free for BNC Members and free for nonmembers with paid admission to BNC.
Native Ohio Plants Sale
Stop out and see Ron Corbett, owner of Native Ohio Plants, who will be selling his native trees and plants from 9:30am - 2:00pm
Summer Night Hike
Friday, August 15, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Bats are one of the most misunderstood night-flying creatures. Even though they are rarely seen, Ohio is home to 13 different species of bats that surprisingly help us. From eating pests that destroy crops to devouring disease-carrying mosquitoes, these amazing creatures are beneficial to have around! Join us on Friday, August 15 as we hike in search for bats and record their unique sounds. We will also discuss common bat myths while meeting a real live bat!
Call 937-698-6493 or email info@bruknernaturecenter.com to pre-register.
Deadline to register is Wednesday, August 13 by 5:00pm. Maximum of 20.
$5/person for BNC Member • $7/person for nonmembers
"Good Grub" Summer Camp
All spots for camp are currently full!
When you think about your favorite food, what comes to mind? Is it mice?! Or bugs?! How about grass?! We may not eat the same food as our wild neighbors, but even they don’t all like the same things. These herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores are specially adapted to find, catch, and consume their own favorite dinner items. The broad-winged hawk will even peel the skin off a frog before enjoying!
Camp runs from Monday, August 4 - Friday, August 8 (9:30am - 11:30am)
Homeschool Nature Club Registration Opens
3rd Wednesday of the month (September – May)
10:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Sign-up your 5 – 10 year-old homeschooled student for a morning or afternoon of discovery! Staff naturalists have developed hands-on fun and educational lesson plans, using live wildlife and outdoor exploration! This is a drop-off program.
COST: BNC Members: $5/child each month and Nonmembers: $8/child each month
Registration opens Monday, August 4 for September – December programs
September 17 – Nature Detectives
October 15 – Bats
November 19 – Move or Snooze
December 17 – Tracks
Complete list is found at https://www.bruknernaturecenter.com/homeschool-nature-club
Registration opens Monday, November 3 for January – May programs
PEEP Fall Session 1 - Registration Opens
Open registration began Monday, July 28
Fall Session 1 runs from September 8 – October 17
Nature-centered play experiences instill wonder and curiosity in our children. What’s great is that these experiences can take place anywhere outdoors like backyards, playgrounds and parks, can be guided or unstructured, and should be a part of children’s everyday lives. Reconnecting children with nature is not an environmental issue – it is a childhood development issue. Reconnect your preschooler and sign them up for Fall Session 1 of PEEP.
PEEP is a drop-off class geared specifically for children ages 3 – 5 years old, who are potty-trained (no pull-ups) and not attending Kindergarten (or being homeschooled for Kindergarten). Preschoolers meet once a week for six weeks and will discover a different nature-related topic as we share stories, encounter wildlife and explore the outdoors! Class sizes are limited to 10 children. Classes last 1.5 hours of mostly outdoor activity, so always dress your child for the weather and muddy trails!
Classes are offered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday mornings from 9:30 – 11:00am and Thursday afternoon from 1:00 – 2:30pm.
Cost: $55 per child for BNC Members • $75 per child for nonmembers
Registration guidelines below beginning on Monday, July 28:
• Email info@bruknernaturecenter.com and provide your child’s name, age, birthdate, and your phone number. Also, list your top 3 choices for class day and time (see options above).
• Wait for an email to confirm your child is pre-registered and which day they will be attending.
• You will then have 5 days to make your payment – cash or check preferred. If payment is not received within 5 days, your child’s spot will open for another child.
• Withdrawal Policy: Reimbursement of payment is not available for PEEP cancellation within two (2) weeks of the start of PEEP. Any cancellation occurring more than 2 weeks prior to the start of PEEP, will receive a 50% refund.
"Good Grub" Summer Camp
Limited space remaining for camp - email info@bruknernaturecenter.com to pre-register!
When you think about your favorite food, what comes to mind? Is it mice?! Or bugs?! How about grass?! We may not eat the same food as our wild neighbors, but even they don’t all like the same things. These herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores are specially adapted to find, catch, and consume their own favorite dinner items. The broad-winged hawk will even peel the skin off a frog before enjoying!
Camp runs from Monday, July 28 - Friday, August 1 (9:30am - 11:30am)
Stillwater Adventure River Float - FULL
Pre-registration begins March 3
For kids entering grades 6th-12th
BNC has a variety of habitats and diverse wildlife in part because we’re next to the scenic Stillwater River. Known for its slow moving, clean and clear water, the Stillwater River is home to many pollution-intolerant fish and macroinvertebrate species. Join us as we explore while tubing the calm and cool waters; along the way we’ll use nets to catch critters, wear snorkeling masks to observe the underwater habitat and watch for mammals and birds along the shorelines! Maximum of 8 kids each day. Lunch will be provided. Please follow registration guidelines on the right.
$30 for BNC Members • $40 for nonmembers
Summer Program Guidelines:
• Please email info@bruknernaturecenter.com or call Monday – Friday at 937-698-6493 to pre-register your child for our Summer Camps or Stillwater Adventure River Float.
• Wait for an email to confirm pre-registration and follow payment details provided.
• Withdrawal Policy: Reimbursement of payment registration is not available for any program cancellation within two (2) weeks of the start of a program. Cancellation occurring more than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program, will receive a 50% refund.
"Home Sweet Habitat" Summer Camp
All spots for camp are currently full!
Did you know that Ohio is home to four different species of garter snakes? The eastern and Butler’s garter snakes can be found in a wide range of habitats from forests to our own backyards! However, the plain’s and short-headed garter snakes can only be found in prairies. Even though these species are closely related to one another, they still have different preferences for which habitats they live in. Join us this July as we explore the different habitats that can be found in Ohio as well as the unique wildlife that can be found there. We will roll over logs in a wetland in search of amphibians and reptiles, wade through a creek to find the creatures that call it home, and set up camera traps in a forest to discover its secretive wildlife!
Camp runs from Monday, July 14 - Friday, July 18 (9:30am - 11:30am)
“Home Sweet Habitat” Summer Camp
All spots for camp are currently full!
Did you know that Ohio is home to four different species of garter snakes? The eastern and Butler’s garter snakes can be found in a wide range of habitats from forests to our own backyards! However, the plain’s and short-headed garter snakes can only be found in prairies. Even though these species are closely related to one another, they still have different preferences for which habitats they live in. Join us this July as we explore the different habitats that can be found in Ohio as well as the unique wildlife that can be found there. We will roll over logs in a wetland in search of amphibians and reptiles, wade through a creek to find the creatures that call it home, and set up camera traps in a forest to discover its secretive wildlife!
Camp runs from Monday, July 7 - Friday, July 11 (9:30am - 11:30am)
Interpretive Building Closed for Independence Day
BNC’s Interpretive Building will be closed on Friday, July 4 for Independence Day. Our trails, however, will remain open from sunrise to sunset so after celebrating with family bring everyone out and take a stroll along our woodland trails!
Summer Equinox Event
Summer Equinox Celebration
Acrylics by artist, Alisa Workman and “People & Wildlife” by speaker, Dr. Bennett Grooms
Come enjoy homemade refreshments featuring local ingredients while you take in our Summer Art Exhibit featuring Alisa H. Workman. Alisa has had a love for nature all her life. In the summer of 2015 she picked up a paintbrush and brought her love to the canvas. Alisa has been a Dayton area resident most of her life and currently is a full time preschool art teacher at the Soin Early Childhood School at MVS. Her paintings have been exhibited thorughout Ohio and found in collections in the US, Canada, and Europe. Her love of nature, art, and science are translated into acrylic paintings of bold flowers and vibrant splashes of color, where each and every painting tells a story.
At 7:15, we’ll settle into our seats to welcome Dr. Bennett Grooms from the Otterbein University Zoo and Conservation program. His training as a conservation behaviorist has led him to research how the thoughts, experiences, and behaviors of people influence their interactions with wildlife, and how zoos and wildlife agencies can use this information to further promote conservation engagement and success to improve future conservation efforts
Admission for this seasonal celebration is Free, so bring a friend and enjoy a warm and relaxing evening of art and entertainment!! Alisa’s art will be on sale in the Heidelberg Auditorium through September 14. Thanks to the generosity of our artists, 25% of each sale is donated to support BNC’s mission of wildlife conservation!
Stillwater Adventure River Float - FULL
Pre-registration begins March 3
For kids entering grades 6th-12th
BNC has a variety of habitats and diverse wildlife in part because we’re next to the scenic Stillwater River. Known for its slow moving, clean and clear water, the Stillwater River is home to many pollution-intolerant fish and macroinvertebrate species. Join us as we explore while tubing the calm and cool waters; along the way we’ll use nets to catch critters, wear snorkeling masks to observe the underwater habitat and watch for mammals and birds along the shorelines! Maximum of 8 kids each day. Lunch will be provided. Please follow registration guidelines on the right.
$30 for BNC Members • $40 for nonmembers
Summer Program Guidelines:
• Please email info@bruknernaturecenter.com or call Monday – Friday at 937-698-6493 to pre-register your child for our Summer Camps or Stillwater Adventure River Float.
• Wait for an email to confirm pre-registration and follow payment details provided.
• Withdrawal Policy: Reimbursement of payment registration is not available for any program cancellation within two (2) weeks of the start of a program. Cancellation occurring more than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program, will receive a 50% refund.
Dine to Donate at Chipotle
We hope you can join us at Chipotle, located at 1934 W. Main St. in Troy on Wednesday, May 21st from 4:00pm - 8:00pm for this month’s Dine to Donate. Chipotle will donate a percentage of all sales to help support our wildlife ambassadors – simply mention Brukner Nature Center or show a flyer when ordering in person or use code YWHXTJB for online orders. Thank you for your support!
Homeschool Nature Club
Pre-registration Begins July 29
Did you know that studies have found kids who spend more time in nature are generally healthier, happier, and test better in school than those who don’t? Sign-up your 5 – 11 year-old homeschooled student for a morning or afternoon of discovery! Staff naturalists have developed hands-on fun and educational lesson plans, using live wildlife and outdoor exploration! This is a drop-off program. You can register for multiple months.
Wednesday, May 21 topic – “Swimming Survivors”
Program Dates
3rd Wednesday of each month (September - May)
Morning session: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Afternoon session: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Program Cost
BNC Members: $5/child each month
Nonmembers: $8/child each month
Registration
E-mail info@bruknernaturecenter.com or call (Monday – Friday) 937-698-6493.
WAIT for an email to confirm your child is now registered and which month(s) they will be attending.
You will then have 5 days to make your payment. If payment is not received within 5 days, your child’s spot will open for another child.
Payment is non-refundable.
Topics for 2024 - 2025
September 18 – Beneath the Bark (invasive species)
October 16 – Spider Senses
November 20 – Exciting Ecosystems
December 18 – Ohio’s Nocturnal World
January 15 – Remarkable Raptors
February 19 – Chirps, Growls, Quacks, and Howls (animal communication)
March 19 – Salamander Sleuths
April 16 – Pollinators
May 21 – Swimming Survivors
Monthly Vendor - Marie McConnaughey
Marie Mcconnaughey is 68 years old and started scrap metal art 8 years ago when herhusband taught her how to weld! She has always been drawn to wildlife with her work and is excited to see her whimsical and creative pieces come to “life”.
You may have met Marie at BNC’s Winter Arts & Crafts Show where she displays her metal sculptures in the Bug Box and always ends the day with much less of her work than she started with!
What’s cool is that Marie has two large metal sculptures in Springfield, Ohio. One is a giant ring in front of Beyers Jewelers and the other is a 10’ ballerina in front of Ohio Performing Arts Institute on High Street! How cool is that?!
Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase Marie’s amazing creations on sale in the BNC Nature Shop throuhg June!
“It’s an adventure that I am passionate and privileged to have and hope to be able to continue.” ~ Marie McConnaughey
Prices range from $35 – $55
BNC Members receive a 10% discount.
Dine to Donate at Buffalo Wings & Rings
We hope you can join us at Buffalo Wings & Rings, located at 989 E. Ash St, Piqua on Thursday, April 24th from 5:00pm - 8:00pm for this month’s Dine to Donate.
Buffalo Wings & Rings will donate a percentage of all sales to help support our wildlife ambassadors – no flyer is needed. Thank you for your support!
5K Run Wild for Wildlife
Run Wild for Wildlife!
a 5K Run/Walk to support our Mission of Wildlife Conservation
If you enjoy running or hiking on woodland trails, you’ll love BNC’s annual 5K Run Wild! Each participant receives scrumptious homemade refreshments, a visit with our amazing wildlife ambassadors, the opportunity to win some great eco-friendly door prizes and a commemorative T-shirt, if ordered! All for just $25 for BNC Members and $30 for nonmembers! Start training today!
Email info@bruknernaturecenter.com if you would like to be contacted when registration forms are ready.
Homeschool Nature Club
Pre-registration Begins July 29
Did you know that studies have found kids who spend more time in nature are generally healthier, happier, and test better in school than those who don’t? Sign-up your 5 – 11 year-old homeschooled student for a morning or afternoon of discovery! Staff naturalists have developed hands-on fun and educational lesson plans, using live wildlife and outdoor exploration! This is a drop-off program. You can register for multiple months.
Wednesday, April 16 topic – “Pollinators”
Program Dates
3rd Wednesday of each month (September - May)
Morning session: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Afternoon session: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Program Cost
BNC Members: $5/child each month
Nonmembers: $8/child each month
Registration
E-mail info@bruknernaturecenter.com or call (Monday – Friday) 937-698-6493.
WAIT for an email to confirm your child is now registered and which month(s) they will be attending.
You will then have 5 days to make your payment. If payment is not received within 5 days, your child’s spot will open for another child.
Payment is non-refundable.
Topics for 2024 - 2025
September 18 – Beneath the Bark (invasive species)
October 16 – Spider Senses
November 20 – Exciting Ecosystems
December 18 – Ohio’s Nocturnal World
January 15 – Remarkable Raptors
February 19 – Chirps, Growls, Quacks, and Howls (animal communication)
March 19 – Salamander Sleuths
April 16 – Pollinators
May 21 – Swimming Survivors
Spring Art Exhibit
Spring Art Exhibit
Featuring Block Prints by artist Becky Rowley
We invite you to stop out and see our Spring Art Exhibit featuring the works of Rebecca Rowley (Becky). Becky is a lifelong resident of Beavercreek, Ohio and is a linocut print artist. As a kid growing up near creeks and rivers, she formed a lifelong love with water and the outdoors. Since September of 2021, Becky has been creating artwork featuring native flora and fauna. When not in her home studio, Becky works for Five Rivers MetroParks in the Administration offices. She enjoys gardening, baking, hiking and camping with her husband Rob and their black lab, Peaches Marie.
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:00am - 4:00pm and Sunday, 12:30pm - 4:00pm. Admission is just $2.50/person for nonmembers and free for BNC members. Sunday is free for everyone!
Becky’s art will be on sale in the Heidelberg Auditorium through June 22. Thanks to the generosity of our artists, 25% of each sale is donated to support BNC’s mission of wildlife conservation!
Spring Night Hike
Come join us as we explore the woods in search of amphibious creatures! We’ll start off the evening with a short presentation about one of our most common native inhabitants, and then jump into the hike. Speaking of amphibians, did you know the highly reclusive eastern spadefoot toad only emerges from its burrow if there are two or more inches of rain? Neat! Remember to dress for the weather as we will be spending all of our time outside. Children 16 years-old and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Limited to 20 people.
Call 937-698-6493 or email info@bruknernaturecenter.com to pre-register. Deadline to register is Wednesday, March 26.
$5/person for BNC Member
$7/person for nonmembers
Spring Equinox Celebration
Spring Equinox Celebration
Featuring Block Prints by artist Becky Rowley
BNC’s Botanical Wonders by speaker, Graham King
Thursday, March 27 at 7:00pm
Come enjoy homemade refreshments featuring local ingredients while you take in our Spring Art Exhibit featuring the works of Rebecca Rowley (Becky). Becky is a lifelong resident of Beavercreek, Ohio and is a linocut print artist. As a kid growing up near creeks and rivers, she formed a lifelong love with water and the outdoors. Since September of 2021, Becky has been creating artwork featuring native flora and fauna. When not in her home studio, Becky works for Five Rivers MetroParks in the Administration offices. She enjoys gardening, baking, hiking and camping with her husband Rob and their black lab, Peaches Marie.
At 7:15, we’ll settle into our seats to welcome volunteer and botanist, Graham King. After several years studying with botanists and herbalists in southwest Oregon, Graham was able to bring his newfound passion back to my hometown to survey the diverse and abundant botanical wonders of Brukner Nature Center. Please join me as we highlight some personal favorites, talk about using native plants in the home landscape, and look forward to helping native plants thriving in 2025 at BNC.
Admission for this seasonal celebration is Free, so bring a friend and enjoy a warm and relaxing evening of art and entertainment!! Becky’s art will be on sale in the Heidelberg Auditorium through June 22. Thanks to the generosity of our artists, 25% of each sale is donated to support BNC’s mission of wildlife conservation!
Dine to Donate at Long Shots
We hope you can join us at Long Shots, located at 2315 S. Co. Rd. 25A in Troy on Wednesday, March 26th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm for this month’s Dine to Donate. Long Shots will donate a percentage of all sales (food and drink) to help support our wildlife ambassadors. Thank you for your support!
Trailguide Training
If you are fascinated by wildlife, enjoy being outdoors, and love working with preschool and elementary-aged children, then we are looking for you! Join us on Wednesday, March 26th from 1:00 – 3:00pm to learn more about being a BNC trailguide. Our education programs range from 1–2 hours, involve hiking, and are scheduled throughout the week between 9:00am and 4:00pm. This is a great opportunity for college students, retired individuals or those who simply want to get more involved at BNC! Training is provided. We could also use a couple of extra “hands” for our PEEP and Homeschool Nature Club – you’re that extra adult keeping an eye on all the little PEEPers or joining the elementary age children in their program – so much fun! Interested individuals may complete a volunteer form at www.bruknernaturecenter.com/volunteering. Please call 937-698-6493 or email info@bruknernaturecenter.com if you plan to attend. No obligation – but we hope you get hooked – it’s so rewarding!
Homeschool Nature Club
Pre-registration Begins July 29
Did you know that studies have found kids who spend more time in nature are generally healthier, happier, and test better in school than those who don’t? Sign-up your 5 – 11 year-old homeschooled student for a morning or afternoon of discovery! Staff naturalists have developed hands-on fun and educational lesson plans, using live wildlife and outdoor exploration! This is a drop-off program. You can register for multiple months.
Wednesday, February 19 topic – “Chirps, Growls, Quacks, and Howls” (animal communication)
Program Dates
3rd Wednesday of each month (September - May)
Morning session: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Afternoon session: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Program Cost
BNC Members: $5/child each month
Nonmembers: $8/child each month
Registration
E-mail info@bruknernaturecenter.com or call (Monday – Friday) 937-698-6493.
WAIT for an email to confirm your child is now registered and which month(s) they will be attending.
You will then have 5 days to make your payment. If payment is not received within 5 days, your child’s spot will open for another child.
Payment is non-refundable.
Topics for 2024 - 2025
September 18 – Beneath the Bark (invasive species)
October 16 – Spider Senses
November 20 – Exciting Ecosystems
December 18 – Ohio’s Nocturnal World
January 15 – Remarkable Raptors
February 19 – Chirps, Growls, Quacks, and Howls (animal communication)
March 19 – Salamander Sleuths
April 16 – Pollinators
May 21 – Swimming Survivors
Young Birder's Club
Geared just for students in 5th – 12th grade who are members of Brukner Nature Center and have an interest in birding. High quality binoculars and field guides are provided for meetings and field trips!
As winter begins to fade into spring many of the birds have begun their push north towards their breeding grounds. Ohio is perfectly placed as many of these birds’ flight routes cross right over our state. Join us for Young Birders Club in March as we travel to a popular resting spot nearby to search primarily for species of waterfowl which begin migrating north as soon as the waters thaw.
Please contact Brian for more detailed information on place and time at brian@bruknernaturecenter.com!
Summer Camp Registration Opens
Summer camps are geared specifically for children going into K – 5th grade and run from 9:30am to 11:30am. Please dress for the weather as campers will spend a large amount of time outside.
“Home Sweet Habitat”
(choice of 2 weeks/pick one from below)
July 7 – 11 or July 14 – 18
Did you know that Ohio is home to four different species of garter snakes? The Eastern and Butler’s garter snakes can be found in a wide-range of habitats from forests to even our own backyards! However, the plain’s and short-headed garter snakes can only be found in prairies. Even though these species are closely related to one another, they still have different preferences for which habitats they live in. Join us this July as we explore the different habitats that can be found in Ohio as well as the unique wildlife that can be found there. We will roll over logs in a wetland in search of amphibians and reptiles, wade through a creek to find the creatures that call it home, and set up camera traps in a forest to discover its secretive wildlife!
“Good Grub”
(choice of 2 weeks/pick on from below)
July 28 – August 1 or August 4 – August 8
When you think about your favorite food, what comes to mind? Is it mice! Or bugs? How about grass! We may not eat the same food as our wild neighbors, but even they don’t all like the same things. These herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores are specially adapted to find, catch, and consume their own favorite dinner items. The broad wing hawk will even peel the skin off a frog before enjoying!
Cost for each Summer Camp:
$75/child for BNC Members or $100/child for nonmembers
Deadline to register is the Wednesday before each camp begins.
Summer Program Guidelines:
• Please email info@bruknernaturecenter.com or call Monday – Friday at 937-698-6493 to pre-register your child for our Summer Camps or Stillwater Adventure River Float.
• Wait for an email to confirm pre-registration and follow payment details provided.
• Withdrawal Policy: Reimbursement of payment registration is not available for any program cancellation within two (2) weeks of the start of a program. Cancellation occurring more than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program, will receive a 50% refund.
Winter Art Exhibit
“Ohio’s Fierce & Feathered Wildlife”
by Jeff & Charlize McCormick
We would like to invite everyone to enjoy the works of Charlize and Jeff McCormick, a daughter and father from Tipp City, Ohio. Charlize is a high school junior who loves nature, playing sports, and being outside. Jeff is an aerospace engineer who enjoys adventures with the family. Charlize’s interest in birds of prey grew while observing a red-tailed hawk family living near her house, and Jeff took to the challenge of depicting the fierce look of raptors. Charlize and Jeff began drawing falcons, hawks, and owls as something to do together, and as their portfolio grew, they made a goal of completing their own poster of Ohio’s fierce, feathered wildlife!
Charlize & Jeff’s art will be on sale in the Heidelberg Auditorium through March 16 and available for pick-up after this date. Thanks to the generosity of our artists, 25% of each sale is donated to support BNC’s mission of wildlife conservation!