Volunteer Work Day takes place Saturday, Sept. 7, 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. Give four hours and SLNC will provide lunch. This event is rain or shine.
Saturday Morning Bird Walks are offered from September through November at 7:30 a.m. These events are free. Meet outside of the Visitors’ Building, near the parking area.
Intro to Kayaking takes place Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. This two-hour class, led by 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 program) in order to participate. Cost is $30 per person, or $25 per person for Friends of Silver Lake Members.
Full Moon Kayaking Excursion takes place Saturday, Sept. 14, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. This program is for those who have kayaked at least once before. The excursion will start at the edge of Silver Lake, travel into Magnolia Lake and dock on the island in the middle. Here, participants will enjoy a campfire and roast marshmallows. The moonlight will guide the way back. Space is limited. Must be at least 18 years old to participate. Registration/payment is required (at least two days prior to program) in order to participate. Cost is $35 per person, or $30 per person for Friends of Silver Lake Members.
Earthship Tours take place Saturdays, Sept. 14 and 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. These events are free. Stop by to visit and learn about these interesting, sustainable structures.
Homeschool Enrichment Series – Fall Session, takes place on Wednesdays, Sept. 18-Nov. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. SLNC’s Homeschool Enrichment Series is an option for families who take a different approach to educating their children, ages 5-14. The 8-week program provides an opportunity for children to get hands-on experience within the STEM disciplines without formal constraints. Each of the lessons are developed with the PA Standard Aligned System in mind and ensure that children will excel in all settings. Children should dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty. For members, cost is $100 for the 8-week session, or $15 per class on a class-by-class basis. For non-members, cost is $120 for the eight-week session, or $18 per class on a class-by-class basis.
Amazing World of Insects takes place Saturday, Sept. 21, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This adventure for all ages will lead participants through many habitats in search of various species of insects that live among the forests, fields and swamps of SLNC. Discover the hidden world of these amazing creatures and see why they’re the Earth’s most successful animal group. Cost is $3 per person, or $2 per person for Friends of Silver Lake Members.
Waterfall Exploration takes place Saturday, Sept. 28, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. At the far end of Silver Lake Park, the lake flows over a dam, creating an oxygen-rich habitat. Turn over rocks and use nets to get an up-close look at Silver Lake’s aquatic critters. Please wear shoes that can get wet. Must be able to climb up and down a three-step ladder. Cost is $3 per person, or $2 per person for Friends of Silver Lake Members.
Medicine Drum Making Workshop with Rainbows of Healing at the Earthship takes place Sunday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will be supplied everything needed to create their own frame, drum and accompanying beater. Valerie and Ian of Rainbows of Healing will then teach participants how to care for and use their drums. Workshop space is limited. To register, visit RainbowsOfHealing.com.
Eco-music Group Concert – Music of Puerto Rico, takes place Sunday, Oct. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. Musicians include Gloria Galante on harp, Suzzette Ortiz on piano, Raul Berrios on percussion, Asaf Berrios on steel drum, and dancing by Waleska Lopez. A special part of the concert will include learning about the many different instruments that Raul made by reusing/recycling items that may have otherwise been trash. The concert will be held inside the Visitors’ Building. Tickets are $12 per person in advance, $15 per person at the door. Advance ticket sales end Oct. 12 at 5 p.m. Prices are the same for all ages. No refunds/exchanges.
Charlie Zahm & Tad Marks Concert – “A Tribute to John Denver & the Great Outdoors!” takes place Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will take place inside the Visitors’ Building. Cost is $12 per person in advance by Nov 1, or $15 per person at the door (if available).
Paint a Portrait of Your Pet with A Taste of Artistry on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. This fun-for-all-ages paint class offers the non-artist a personalized pre-traced canvas of their pet, two hours of instruction and art supplies. Instructor Abbie will show participants how to paint their pet in a traditional or funky style – their choice. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are welcome. Cost is $40 per person. $10 from every ticket sold will be donated to the nonprofit Friends of Silver Lake Nature Center. For registration information, visit atasteofartistry.com.
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.
