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ASWP Events Calendar
August 2010


Our summer programs take place at three locations: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Todd Nature Reserve and the Butler-Freeport Trail access on Monroe Road near Todd. Please read descriptions carefully.


Beechwood Wednesday Walks

Stroll our footpaths with ASWP naturalists.
9:00 am
No reservations needed-simply show up!

Mini Beasts of Todd

Sunday, August 1

Discover the wonderful world of arthopods! Learn what makes this group of animals the most successful on earth!
Ages: All
$2 for members; $5 for nonmembers
Todd Nature Reserve, Sarver, Butler County
2:00 pm—4:00 pm
Reservations required


Outdoor Discovery Camp: Animal Lovers Week

Monday—Friday, August 2-6

They glide by on silver wings, slither beneath the leaves, swim and float and hop about. And as you head out on the trail, they are all around you, each with their own cool habits and adaptations. Yep, just like you, we love animals! Owls, hawks, snakes, butterflies, dragonflies and more! Don’t miss the perfect chance to bird watch, pond dip, find out who’s under that rock, and go fish. We never know what you can find at the reserve each day! This week includes a trip to Todd Nature Reserve, and an outdoor grill-out lunch. Older children will have the opportunity to participate in citizen science projects like e-Bird and the Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project.
Ages: K—5th grade graduates
$225 members; $275 nonmembers (scholarships available)
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Fox Chapel
9:00 am--3:00 pm
Reservations required; visit aswp.org for downloadable brochure


Twilight Investigations at Butler/Freeport Trail

Wednesday, August 4

Ever wonder what goes on in the forest when the sun goes down? Come find out as we venture into summer twilight.
Ages: All
$2 for members; $5 for nonmembers
Monroe Rd. Butler-Freeport Community Trailhead, Sarver, Butler County
7:00 pm—9:00 pm
No reservations needed-simply show up!


Babes in the Woods: Water Wanders

Wednesday, August 4

Play in nature is being recognized as an important part of a childhood development and well-being. Parents and toddlers will delight in using sight, sound, touch and smell to discover water habitats. Strollers/Baby Backpacks welcome.
Ages: 3 and under, with parent or guardian
$2 per member pair; $5 per nonmember pair
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Fox Chapel
10:00 am—11:00 am
Reservations required;


NatureFest at Todd

Saturday, August 7

Join us for a fun-filled day of free nature programs and activities for the entire family! Come early, come late, or stay all day. Pack a picnic lunch and bring a reusable cup for beverages at the cabin. A complete schedule of activities will be posted at aswp.org.
Ages: All
Free
Todd Nature Reserve, Sarver, Butler County
8:00 am—10:00 pm
No reservations needed-simply show up!


An Evening with Invasives at Todd, Part II

Wednesday, August 11

Discover the natural histories and control methods of invasive plants at Todd Nature Reserve, then get your hands dirty while trying some techniques! Each program in the series will focus on one invasive species. Bring work gloves and sturdy shoes.
Ages: Adult
Free
Exact Location TBD, Butler County, check our website!
Todd Nature Reserve, Sarver, Butler County
6:00 pm—8:00 pm
Reservations requested


Family Walkabout at Todd

Thursday, August 12

Hit the trails at Todd in search of signs of summer. Learn activities you and your child can try on your next outdoor adventure! Bring your own picnic lunch and join us on the cabin porch after the program.
Ages: All
$2 for members; $5 for nonmembers
Todd Nature Reserve, Sarver, Butler County
9:00 am—11 am
Reservations required


Summer Camper Finale

Friday August 13

A not-to-be-missed special gathering of 2010 campers and their families at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, complete with a campfire dinner, stories, songs, and snacks. This free program is open to all registered Outdoor Discovery Campers, their siblings and parents/caregivers. Register for camp today!


Important Bird Area Monitoring Walk at Butler-Freeport Trail

Saturday, August 14

Beginner and novice birders are invited to sharpen their skills as part of our Important Bird Area (IBA) field-monitoring project.
Ages: All
Free
Monroe Rd. Butler-Freeport Community Trailhead, Sarver, Butler County
8:00 am
No reservations needed-simply show up!


Adult Eco-Series: Monarch Monitoring

Saturday, August 14

ASWP is a part of a North American citizen science project called the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project. A long term study of the distribution, breeding and mortality rates of monarch butterflies, the project engages its volunteers in observing and studying the milkweed habitat. This session will introduce you to the milkweed patch as an important habitat for monarchs, as well as help you to identify all life stages of this butterfly in the field. 2 Act 48 hours.
Cost: $2 per member; $5 per nonmember
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Fox Chapel
10:00 am—12:00 pm
Reservations requested


The Trees of Todd

Saturday, August 14

Join our naturalist as we explore the variety of trees and shrubs at Todd. Learn the “tricks of the trade” and how to use a dichotomous key to identify tree species.
Ages: All
$2 for members; $5 for nonmembers
Todd Nature Reserve, Sarver, Butler County
2:00 pm—4:00 pm
Reservations required


Stream Safari at Todd

Sunday, August 15

Get your feet wet as you discover the flora and fauna that thrive in and around the water. Learn how scientists use the animals they find to determine if their watershed is healthy. Participants must wear creek shoes.
Ages: All
$2 for members; $5 for nonmembers
Todd Nature Reserve, Sarver, Butler County
2:00 pm—4:00 pm
Reservations required


Pennsylvania’s Wild Resources Symposium

Tuesday, August 17

Educators and the general public are invited to broaden their knowledge of Pennsylvania’s native flora and fauna. Held at Lutherlyn, the symposium will feature research and protection programs and allows teachers to meet environmental education resource providers. Act 48 hours available.
Download the agenda and registration form here. (PDF)
Audience: Adults, Educators
$50.00, includes lunch
Lutherlyn, 8:30 a.m.—3:30 p.m.
Registration required


Important Bird Area Monitoring Walk at Butler/Freeport Trail


Wednesday, August 18

Beginner and novice birders are invited to sharpen their skills as part of our Important Bird Area (IBA) field-monitoring project.
Ages: All
Free
Monroe Rd. Butler-Freeport Community Trailhead, Sarver, Butler County
8:00 am
No reservations needed-simply show up!


Fledglings Mini Camp

Tuesday—Thursday, August 17-19

For our little ones and their favorite big person! Join us for three fun-filled mornings as we hike, snack, create and discover our ways around the trails.
Ages: 3--5 years with parent/caregiver
$35 members; $45 nonmembers (1 adult free per camper; scholarships available)
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Fox Chapel
10:00 am--12:00 pm
Reservations required; visit aswp.org for downloadable brochure


Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club

Mushrooms in Allopathic, Naturopathic, Homeopathic and Holistic Medicine

Tuesday, August 17

Dr. Frank Lotrich will explain how mushrooms are used in these four different branches of health care.
Ages: All
Free
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Fox Chapel
7:00 pm
No reservations needed-simply show up!


Owl Prowl at Todd

Wednesday, August 18

Learn about the behaviors and calls of owls as we try to spot them in their natural habitats.
Ages: All
$2 for members; $5 for nonmembers
Todd Nature Reserve, Sarver, Butler County
8:00 pm—10:00 pm
Reservations required


Important Bird Area Monitoring Walk at Todd

Saturday, August 21

Beginner and novice birders are invited to sharpen their skills as part of our Important Bird Area (IBA) field-monitoring project.
Ages: All
Free
Todd Nature Reserve, Sarver, Butler County
8:00 am
No reservations needed-simply show up!


Todd Conservation Day

Sunday, August 22

Practice stewardship in your own backyard! Clear and maintain trails, remove invasive plant species, participate in native plantings and more*! Dress for the weather and bring gloves and clippers (if you have them). This is a great opportunity for families and organized groups to work together to conserve the natural world!
*actual projects to be determined
Ages: All (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
Free
Todd Nature Reserve, Sarver, Butler County
1:00 pm—4:00 pm
Reservations required


An Evening with Invasives at Todd, Part III

Wednesday, August 25

Discover the natural histories and control methods of invasive plants at Todd Nature Reserve, then get your hands dirty while trying some techniques! Each program in the series will focus on one invasive species. Bring work gloves and sturdy shoes.
Ages: Adult
Free
Exact Location TBD, Butler County, check our website!
Todd Nature Reserve, Sarver, Butler County
6:00 pm—8:00 pm
Reservations requested