Family Fun in Nature

Enjoy nature on the Mountain with the entire family in this new interactive, monthly series!

March 23 – Kestrel Nestbox Building: Join a scientist and learn how your family can help conserve the smallest falcon in North America. After a short presentation, build a nest box that will become part of the monitoring program! FREE. Limited to 12 families. Registration Required.

April 20 – Amazing Amphibians: Make a toad abode to take home and explore the sanctuary on a guided quest for our local amphibian residents – salamander searches and finding frogs. All participants will get to meet LIVE amphibians! $15 Members, $20 Non-Members; 1 adult and 1 child, additional family members $5 each

May 18 – Pollinator Puppet Show: Join us for the debut of Hawk Mountain’s Puppet Show Theater and learn about honeybee conservation with “Billy the Bee and the Mystery of the Vanishing Hives!” A special guest beekeeper talk will follow the puppet show. Billy the Bee and the Mystery of the Vanishing Hives coloring books and other small crafts will be available for children to enjoy and learn about honeybee conservation. All ages. $5.

June 15 – Pennsylvania Nature Symbols: This month features a program plus a guided walk through Sanctuary trails to look for PA’s state flower, mountain laurel, and other symbols of PA nature.

July 20 – All About Bats: This month features the chance to meet a LIVE bat, learn more about bat protection and their importance, and witness the release of a rehabilitated bat into the wild! 

Aug 17 – Reptiles & Amphibians: A live presentation of captive-raised reptiles and amphibians, followed by a literal hands-on component. $15 Members, $20 Non-Members. Price covers 1 adult and 1 child, additional family members $5 each. 

Sep 21 – Undercover Rodents:  All about the chipmunks and other rodents that live along the Appalachian forest floor. $15 Members, $20 Non-Members. Price covers 1 adult and 1 child, additional family members $5 each. 

Oct 19 – Art in Nature: Creative Cafe in Nature with Sandra Sabene offers guided drawing activities that inspires a deeper connection to nature. Families love to create together. This is a drawing class that offers an educational opportunity as we explore our surroundings and then create art to help teach others what we learned. We use a mixture of art mediums on heavy paper and often incorporate or treasures right into our art! Everyone is guided along with how to draw and use the materials which creates a beautiful 16×20 inch poster for each family to take home. The workshop includes a short nature walk and LIVE raptor encounter for inspiration. $25 per person – All materials provided.

Nov 16 – Tracks and Scat: This month features a presentation about how to track down animals using information from their foot prints and everything else they leave behind. Make your own tracks before you leave! $15 Members, $20 Non-Members. Price covers 1 adult and 1 child, additional family members $5 each. 

Dec 21 – Winter Holiday Crafts: This month features a short guided walk through the beautiful winter forest, followed by holiday nature crafts and hot cocoa to celebrate the season. Also get to meet a live bird!