StoryWalk® Sundays-May 2022

Pine Hill Recreation Area 12684 Mentzer Gap Rd, Waynesboro, PA

Our series of StoryWalk® Sunday adventures for kids continues in May. The story posted on the StoryWalk® trail at Pine Hill Park will change monthly, and plans call for a special event to accompany each one on the second Sunday of each month. May's StoryWalk® Sunday is the perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day! Kids…

Photo Safari: Nature Photography Field Trip

Antietam Meadow Park 11881 Rinehart Drive, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

Morning mist rises from a branch of the Antietam Creek near Waynesboro. Photo by Dave Graff. This is a fun and educational “photo safari” geared toward beginner to intermediate photographers. Led by Institute faculty member and accomplished nature photographer, Dave Graff, the excursion will visit a local area likely to provide many opportunities to practice…

Village Stories: Memories and Lore from Waynesboro’s Surrounding Communities

Fort Ritchie Community Center 14421 Lake Royer Drive, Highfield-Cascade, MD

Hawley Memorial Presbyterian Church on Charmian Road in Blue Ridge Summit, Pa. Spotlight on Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.  Part of a series of programs, Village Stories: Memories and Lore from Waynesboro’s Surrounding Communities. Presented in partnership with the Waynesboro Historical Society, the program is an opportunity to learn about village life and times through shared reminiscences.…

Recurring

SPRING, SUMMER, FALL & WINTER “SOAR” Bird Walks

SOAR (“Studying Ornithology Around the Region”) bird walks IMPORTANT: Locations rotate year-round among several parks in the region, with Waynesboro’s Antietam Meadow Park as “home base.” The monthly schedule for 2023 is below.  (If in doubt about the weather—check The Institute’s Facebook page) First and third Saturdays ONLY Start time: 8:00 a.m.  January: Antietam Meadow…

Grand Opening Civil War Garden

Monterey Pass Battlefield Museum 14325 Buchanan Trail East, Waynesboro, MD

Groundbreaking for the new Civil War era garden. Join us for a special celebration and Grand Opening of our new Civil War era designed garden! Based on extensive research and planned and installed by master gardeners, this garden will be an educational tool for area school children and for visitors to Monterey Pass Battlefield Museum.…

Spring Season Family Trail Hike

Appalachian Trail PA

Spring flower. Beautiful blooming first small flowers in the forest. Hepatica. (Hepatica nobilis) The Naturalist Series of Outdoor Programs Last hike in a series of Appalachian Trail Hikes on the last Sunday of each month, January–May 2022 Hike with us along a portion of the legendary Appalachian Trail! We are fortunate to live in an…

Bloomin’ Walks #1: Mountain Laurel

Michaux Forest 10099 Lincoln Way E, Fayetteville

Dr. Doris Goldman will lead a family walk through the Appalachian Trail in Michaux Forest to observe and learn about the blooming Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), the State Flower of Pennsylvania. Blossoms look like folded origami flowers. The walk is free, but pre-registration is required. Email the Institute at: [email protected] Safety measures in place for…

StoryWalk® Sundays-June 2022

Pine Hill Recreation Area 12684 Mentzer Gap Rd, Waynesboro, PA

Our series of StoryWalk® Sunday adventures for kids continues in June. The story posted on the StoryWalk® trail at Pine Hill Park will change monthly, and plans call for a special event to accompany each one on the second Sunday of each month. June's StoryWalk® Sunday is the perfect way to celebrate the lazy, crazy…

Recurring

SPRING, SUMMER, FALL & WINTER “SOAR” Bird Walks

SOAR (“Studying Ornithology Around the Region”) bird walks IMPORTANT: Locations rotate year-round among several parks in the region, with Waynesboro’s Antietam Meadow Park as “home base.” The monthly schedule for 2023 is below.  (If in doubt about the weather—check The Institute’s Facebook page) First and third Saturdays ONLY Start time: 8:00 a.m.  January: Antietam Meadow…

Bloomin’ Walks #2: Rhododendron

Happel's Meadow Wetlands Preserve Blue Ridge Summit, PA

Rosebay rhododendron blooms, Wikimedia Creative Commons photo by Famartin. Dr. Doris Goldman will lead a family walk through Birely Trail at Happel’s Meadow in Blue Ridge Summit to observe and learn about blooming rosebay or great rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum). The clusters of flowers are  each almost 2 inches wide, and are a hummingbird favorite. This…