FRIENDS OF LATODAMI ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

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Unless specifically noted, all programs are appropriate for any age individual.

Some programs may require pre-registration due to limited space or materials.

Although Latodami’s programs are “rain or shine”, it is recommended to call 724-935-2170 for up-to-date information due to changes or cancellations to the schedule.

A special note about North Park’s Latodami Environmental Education Center’s facilities: we have no running water, no public telephone, there is a handicapped port-a-john in the parking lot. Parking is limited at the barn; for organized groups we recommend carpooling.

 

 

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS for 2009:

 

JULY

WILDERNESS SKILLS – 2 day with overnight adult educational program – Public and group program – PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED – For ages 16 years and up.

Saturday July 11 overnight to Sunday July 12.

Call (724) 935-2170 for more information on this unique opportunity and to register.
Special guest presenters, Lee Dingus (Seneca) and Earl Dingus (Cherokee), will instruct this two day overnight outdoor educational program. This program has been developed for the more adventurous and outdoor people, and features Native American survival skills and knowledge that includes lectures and hand-on experience using both contemporary and traditional ways and knowledge.
Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.

 

 

YOUNG NATURALISTS – Three day children’s nature discovery program

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Monday through Wednesday, 9 am to 12:30 pm

6 to 8 years July 20, 21, 22
Does your child enjoy looking for clues of animals and nibbling on wild edible plants? Do they like catching frogs and holding slimy worms? Then this program is for them. These hands-on outdoor experiences, investigations and adventures are designed to develop a lifelong appreciation and interest in the natural environment and an awareness of our relationship with the natural world. Dress well for outdoor adventures as we get hot, cold, wet and dirty every day. Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.

 

 

 

AUGUST

 

BUTTERFLY AND HUMMINGBIRD GARDENING – Garden program and habitat hike - Public and group program

Saturday August 1

10 am to 12 pm.

Explore the garden sites at Latodami to learn about the many plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Learn more about our new Butterfly Project and explore our improved butterfly meadow habitats. Food and nectar plant species and resource lists, and a small potted “starter” plant, will be given to participants that might be looking to start their own butterfly, hummingbird garden. Dress well for the outdoor hiking. Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.

 

 

YOUNG NATURALISTS – Three day children’s nature discovery program

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Monday through Wednesday, 9 am to 12:30 pm

6 to 8 years – August 3, 4, 5

9 to 12 years – August 17, 18, 19

Does your child enjoy looking for clues of animals and nibbling on wild edible plants? Do they like catching frogs and holding slimy worms? Then this program is for them. These hands-on outdoor experiences, investigations and adventures are designed to develop a lifelong appreciation and interest in the natural environment and an awareness of our relationship with the natural world. Dress well for outdoor adventures as we get hot, cold, wet and dirty every day. Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.

 

 

 

LATODAMI NATURE CENTER

2009 SPECIAL GROUP PROGRAMMING INFORMATION

Programs are available to school, scout, public and private groups by special request September through February, Monday through Friday, morning, afternoon, and after school hours, on or off site (northern Allegheny County).  Most of these programs can accommodate special needs persons and/or wheelchairs.  Most programs will assist teachers in providing to their students the new state-mandated environmental education and ecology standards for Pennsylvania and are specially adapted for your classroom needs.

 

A special note about Latodami Nature Center facilities: we have no running water; no public telephone; there is a handicapped port-a-john in the parking lot. Parking is limited at the Barn; for organized groups we recommend carpooling or buses.

 

To schedule your group, call 724-935-2170.  Scheduling for programs for the year 2009 began September 2008.  Scheduling for programs for the year 2010 will begin September, 2009.

 

NEW programs available through Latodami Nature Center include:

·        For the Birds – Classroom and outdoor explorations on birds of the region and of efforts in North Park to provide critical habitat for nesting and migrating species.  Observe birds anytime via our new live wildlife feeder webcam at: www.latodami.org

·        Box and Wood Turtles – Detailed in class and outdoor investigations on the Eastern Box Turtle and the Wood Turtle. Also, information on and opportunities to become involved in Latodami’s new Box and Wood Turtle Research Project.

·        Grassland Ecosystem – A hands-on outdoor program on the restoration and ecology of a vanishing Pennsylvania habitat.

·        Honey Bees – Our new outdoor honey bee hive and indoor observation hive will be the focal points of our new honey bee displays, programs and activities centered at the Nature Center.

·        Owls – A detailed in class and outdoor investigation on native owl species of Pennsylvania. Pre, field, and post trip programs for schools include: Adopt-an-Owl activities, classroom food rearing opportunities, live barn owl webcam access, power point presentation, artifacts, pellet dissections, Barn Owl Barn tour, Night Owl Hike.

·        Wetlands – A hands-on detailed outdoor program on the wetland ecosystem (yes, we get wet!).

·        Vernal Pools – Hands-on detailed outdoor program on life in and around vernal pools.

 

Other Program Titles

·        Maple Syrup Making Demonstrations – February only. Indoor/outdoor program. Learn how to make maple syrup from your own maple trees.

·        Night Hike – A fun filled, active, outdoor, sensory exploration program learning about local nocturnal creatures.

·        Night Owl Hike – Whooo lives in Latodami’s woods? An active, outdoor program all about North Park’s owl species, which includes a visit to meet, “George”, our resident Barn Owl.  Observe George anytime via live webcams at: www.latodami.org

·        Star Party – Exploring the night sky with eyes, binoculars and telescopes, also ancient stories of the stars and constellations.

·        These hands-on, active, outdoor programs focus on specific subjects, relative to Pennsylvania, with detailed investigations into each; features, adaptations, changes, interrelationships, etc.      Pond/Vernal Pool Study  -   Field/Meadow/Grassland Study  -      Bird Study   -   Wetland Study   -  Forest Study   -   Reptile Study    -   Stream Study   -   Fish Study   -   Insect Study   -   Tree Study   -   Mammal Study   -   Amphibian Study   -   Specific Animal Study (one species in detail)

·        The following, relative to Pennsylvania, are general, broad topic programs, providing a lot of information without going into great detail.       Habitats   -   Seasonal Discovery   -   Vertebrate Study   -   Plant Study

 

SCHOOLS AND HOME-SCHOOLS – Programs can be developed to meet curriculum needs for students of any grade level, from one hour classroom presentations to all day outdoor field experiences.  Special habitat, research and trail adoption programs are available to schools and classrooms.  Teacher training workshops are also available.

 

PRIVATE – Private group programming can be developed to meet the interests of the group (eg: garden club, nursing/senior home).  Volunteer opportunities abound.

 

SCOUTS – Programs are available to Daisy, Brownie, Girl, Cub and Boy Scouts that are looking to accomplish activities in their handbooks (eg: achievements, electives, badges, try-its, etc.).  These active hands-on outdoor programs are usually one hour to two hours in length.  Individual and group service projects are available (eg: Silver, Gold, Eagle, Hornaday).  I am a Boy Scout Merit Badge Councilor for: Bird Study, Dog Care, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Management, Forestry, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Nature, Reptile and Amphibian Study, and Soil and Water Conservation.

 

CALL 724-935-2170 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, SERVICE PROJECTS, SPECIAL ADOPTION PROGRAMS AND MORE!

 


 

OTHER SPECIAL PROGRAMS - JANUARY THROUGH DECEMBER

 

THURSDAY ADULT NATURE WALK – Weekly – CELEBRATING ITS 39TH YEAR!

Every Thursday of the year, 10 am to 12 pm.  Are you looking to learn more about nature, has your doctor recommended that you start exercising more, would you like to meet new people that enjoy the out-of-doors?  Originally started as a program for stroke and heart patients this nature group has expanded to any interested adult.  This informal adult nature group meets rain or shine every Thursday of the year.  Local naturalists guide these enlightening, leisurely paced walks.  New nature adventures and discoveries each week!  No need to pre-register, just show up with a smile.  Dress well for outdoor walking.  Park and meet at the Ice Skating Rink parking lot off Kummer Road.

 

PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN’S HOUR – Once a month – PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

The second Tuesday of each month, November through March 10 am to 11 am, and 1 pm to 2 pm, April through October 9:30 am to 11 am, and 1 pm to 2:30 pm.  This program is specifically designed to introduce young children to the out-of-doors.  This class is very hands-on oriented and we spend most of our time outside for every class.  Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will be actively assisting in the teaching/learning process for their child.  To be placed on the waiting list for openings call 724-935-2170.  Dress well for outdoor explorations as we do get hot, cold, wet and dirty.  Park and meet at the Nature Center Barn.