Upcoming Sterling Nature Center Events

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For more information please contact the nature center at this email address or by calling us at 315-947-6143.

Cayuga Naturally 2008 Photo Contest
We are holding this contest again this year since Cayuga County is a diverse and wonderful place filled with nature’s best from the shore of Lake Ontario to the heart of the Finger Lakes.  Capture your favorite place for hiking, canoeing, fishing, hunting or other outdoor activity as well as the beauty of the streams, lakes, trees, wildflowers, birds, animals and other aspects of nature.  All photos must be taken within Cayuga County and be of nature related subjects.  For official entry form send a stamped self-addressed envelope to: SNC Photo, PO Box 216 Sterling NY, 13156 or visit our web site at www.cayuganet.org/sterlingpark.

Going Batty
Wednesday July 16, 8pm
Bats do many incredible tasks in their ecosystems from eating thousands of insects to pollinating flowers and dispersing seed.  Join Naturalist Jim D’Angelo for a fascinating look into the lives of bats.  We will discover the truths surrounding many common myths, discuss their conservation needs and take a short walk to watch bats feeding on insects over the fields.
A special bat detector instrument will allow us to hear their echolocation calls as well.  An in school version of this program is also available.  The program is free and open to the public.

Dragonflies – Master’s of the Sky
Wednesday July 23, 1pm
Join Naturalist Jim D’Angelo for an indoor presentation and discussion on dragonflies followed by a hunt for these insect master’s of the sky. We will take a hike to several of the wetlands and meadow to observe and identify these amazing creatures.  This program is free and open to the public.

Ferns of the Forest
Saturday July 26, 1pm
Ferns are specialized to live in the shade of the forest, their intricate foliage adding unique texture to the woodland landscape. Take a walk along the cool forested trails of the Sterling Nature Center to learn tip, techniques and maybe a few tricks to identifying these wonderful plants.  This program is free and open to the public.

Reptiles & Amphibians
Wednesday July 30, 1pm
Snakes, turtles, frogs and salamanders will be the topic for exploration.  Join Naturalist Jim D’Angelo and help search for these sometimes creepy critters and learn the truth about their beneficial behavior in our ecosystem.  The program is ideal for kids with a parent as well as anyone with an interest in herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians.  The program is free and open to the public.

Come Fly a Kite
Wednesday August 6, 1pm
Kite flying is an enjoyable activity for all ages and was even used by Benjamin Franklin as part of a science experiment. So come and test the breeze off Lake Ontario as well as
your skill at kite flying. Bring your own, use one of ours or make a simple and easy to fly kite to take home with you

Nature Night
Friday August 8, 6-9pm
Come out and celebrate the Perseids Meteor Shower!!!  Talk a hike, watch the sunset, have a picnic, or view the exhibits inside the interpretive building before one of the years most watched meteor showers. The interpretive building will be open this evening from 6pm to 9pm.

Perseids Meteor Shower
Friday August 8, 9pm
Come out away from the lights and enjoy some of nature’s fireworks with Bill Irwin and other members of Stars Over Sterling, (our amateur astronomy group), to watch and enjoy one of the best meteor showers of the year.  Keep in mind that clouds or other conditions may obstruct viewing of the night sky.  Please bring a lawn chair or something else to sit on. The program is free and open to the public. The interpretive building will also be open this evening from 6pm to 9pm.

Meet a Tree
Wednesday August 13, 1pm
Join Connie Cosmento to learn more about the trees of the woodlands around you.  Choose a tree at the Sterling Nature Center then get close and personal. Measure the girth, the height and the crown. Classify your tree, make a bark rubbing, dry a leaf and take your entire tree story home with you. Tips on how to care for trees will also be discussed. Materials provided.

FOSNC 10th Annual Pig Roast
Noon to 4pm Sunday August 17
Join the Friends of the Sterling
Nature Center for their 10th annual Pig Roast at the Sterling Nature Center for good food, good music, a good time and of course good Friends.

Bugs, Bugs and more Bugs
Wednesday August 20, 1pm
When is a bug not a bug and are all insect bug or all bugs insects??? Join Naturalist Jim D’Angelo for an exploration of insect life at the Sterling Nature Center.  Widow skimmer, monarchs and tiger beetles may be a few of the insects that we find and observe. We will also use sweep nets and other methods to collect, observe and identify and set free insects of field and forest.  The program is ideal for kids with a parent as well as anyone with an interest in insects.  The program is free and open to the public.

Owls: Rulers of the Night
Wednesday August 27, 8pm
We end our summer Wednesday Wildlife series with the popular and fascinating summer owl prowl.  Discover how owls rule the night by exploring their adaptations, hunting skills, where they roost and how to find them.  We will then take a stroll through the night in search of the interesting and elusive predators.

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