Adult Lifelong Learning
Programs are offered at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve (BFNR) and Todd Nature Reserve (TNR) unless otherwise stated.
Western PA Citizen Science Corps: Join a growing network of people helping in scientific research while enjoying the world right within their own backyards. Workshops and counts are held in season throughout the year. Act 48 credit applies. $6 per member and $10 per nonmember.
Frog Watch Training—encore program
BFNR—Saturday, March 3, 10:00 am—12:00 pm
FrogWatch USA is the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s flagship citizen science program that allows individuals and families to learn about the wetlands in their communities and help conserve amphibians by reporting the calls of local frogs and toads. A FrogWatch USA Chapter, ASWP is the only organization in the area certified to train and oversee FrogWatch USA participants. Learn more about the project and how to get involved.
Firefly Watch Training
BFNR Tuesday, May 22, 7:00 pm—9:00 pm
SC—Thursday, May 24, 7:00 pm—9:00 pm
Firefly Watch, a project of Museum of Science, Boston, Tufts University, and Fitchburg State College, combines a summer evening ritual with real scientific research. Join us to learn more about the project and how to get involved, and learn more about western Pennsylvania firefly species and their behaviors.
Monarch Larva Monitoring Project Training
BFNR—Saturday, July 14, 10:00 am—12:00 pm
SC—Saturday, July 21, 10:00 am—12:00 pm
The Monarch Larva Monitoring Project is a long term study of the distribution, breeding and mortality rates of monarch butterflies. Learn how the project engages people in observing and studying the milkweed habitat, and learn to identify all life stages of the Monarch butterfly in the field.
Raptors in the Field
BFNR—Saturday, August 18, 10:00 am—12:00 pm
SC—Saturday, August 25, 10:00 am—12:00 pm
Develop practical techniques for identifying birds of prey in natural settings. We will review both diurnal and nocturnal species that are common to western PA, meet ASWP’s live birds of prey, and plan a group field trip to the Allegheny Front this fall.
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Educator workshops: Full-day programming for instructors and interested adults. Act 48 credit/hours apply. $50 per person except where noted.
Shale We or Shale We Not?
Thursday, April 12—Saturday, April 14, 9:00 am—4:00 pm
7th—12th grade teachers will learn the risks and benefits of Marcellus shale gas extraction within the context of land use ethics, and gain skills to address the issues in the classroom via hands-on relevant activities. Funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and offered in partnership with Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Range Resources, the course includes Leopold Education Project curriculum training, hands-on instruction in western Pennsylvania geology, a full-day tour of Range Resources’ active rigs, established rigs, water impoundments and headquarters (provided by Range Resources), and a review of current policies and regulations (provided by PEC). Each participant will receive a FREE curriculum kit containing lessons and materials devoted to all aspects of the course, as well as the Leopold Education Project curriculum. The course originates at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, with a visit to Range Resources in Canonsburg, PA. Participants should dress to be outdoors, and bring water each day. $50 per person includes lunch each day.
Learn more and register here.
Natural History for Educators
Monday, June 18—Thursday, June 21, 9:00 am—3:00 pm
Want to be more knowledgeable—and more engaging—in teaching environment and ecology? Then join us for 4 days of exploring the natural habitats of western PA, discovering our region’s plants and animals along the way. Identify species in the field, employing the resources and strategies that naturalists use. Learn about important adaptations, and the roles that plants and animals play in a natural community. Each participant will receive ASWP’s Naturalist Backpack (a $225 value!). The course originates at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, with visits to ASWP’s Succop Conservancy and Todd Nature Reserves. Participants should dress to be outdoors in forests, fields and aquatic habitats, and bring water and a bag lunch each day. $300 per person.
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