Volunteer Work Day takes place Saturday, July 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Help SLNC maintain its grounds. Be prepared to get wet and dirty. Bring a refillable water bottle. Lunch will be provided for volunteers who work four hours. This event is rain or shine. Register online, by phone or at the Visitors’ Building.
Intro to Kayaking Class takes place Saturday, July 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. This two-hour class, led by kayaking instructor Melanie Pawlowski, introduces participants to the parts of a kayak, how to hold and move a kayak paddle, how to enter and exit a kayak, ways to keep balance while kayaking and how to get around on the water in a kayak. The class takes place on the waters of Silver Lake. Class size is limited. Pre-registration/payment is required (at least two days prior to the program) in order to participate. Register online, by phone or at the Visitors’ Building. Cost is $30 per person, or $25 per person for Friends of Silver Lake members.
Moonlight Kayaking Excursion takes place Saturday, July 6 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. This excursion is for those who have kayaked at least once before. It starts at the edge of Silver Lake and travels into Magnolia Lake, where participants will dock on the island in the middle. Here, they’ll enjoy a campfire and roast marshmallows. The moonlight will guide the way on the journey back. Space is limited. Must be 18 years old to participate. Pre-registration/payment is required (at least two days prior to the program) in order to participate. Register online, by phone or at the Visitors’ Building. Cost is $35 per person, or $30 per person for Friends of Silver Lake members.
NABA Butterfly Count takes place Saturday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is for those who would like to have a rewarding experience, help contribute to local and national research efforts and have the opportunity to learn about butterflies. Tracking species of butterflies can be educational and enjoyable. Join SLNC as it participates in the North American Association Annual Butterfly Count. Beginners are welcome, as well as seasoned butterfly watchers. Sign-up is required. There is a $3 NABA fee for all participants that is donated to the NABA organization. Robert Mercer will lead the portion of the count that takes place at SLNC. Register online, by phone, or at the Visitors’ Building.
Flower Pounding takes place Saturday, July 20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Learn how to extract beautiful colors from plants and flowers through an easy, fun process. Make and take home a unique project. Bring your own hammer. Families and individuals are welcome. Register online, by phone or at the Visitors’ Building. Cost is $3 per person, or $2 per person for Friends of Silver Lake members.
Tracking Wild Animals takes place Saturday, July 27 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wild animals leave behind all types of signs that give us clues to their behaviors. During this expedition, participants will learn how to examine animal signs and how to make a plaster cast of a footprint to take home with them. All ages welcome. Register online, by phone or at the Visitors’ Building. Cost is $3 per person, or $2 per person for Friends of Silver Lake members.
Preschool Nature Camp (“Tadpole Camp”) takes place July 8-12, July 29-Aug. 2, and/or Aug. 19-23, from 9 a.m. to noon. Four- and five-year-olds are invited to join SLNC for three weeks this summer for a half-day of fun-filled outdoor play and exploration. Early childhood education specialist, PattiAnn Cutter, designed this program to increase children’s awareness of and connection to the natural world. Tadpole Campers will engage in nature exploration excursions, outdoor games, creative arts, free-play in the “Natural Play Area,” science experiments, being nature detectives, making new friends and more. Register online, by phone or at the Visitors’ Building.
Silver Lake Nature Center is located at 1306 Bath Road, Bristol. For more information and to register for events, visit SilverLakeNatureCenter.org or call 215-785-1177.
