Placer Nature Center
Events & News September 2009
Greetings!
 
School has officially started for people of all ages, but that doesn't mean the fun is over! Check out this month's engaging, interactive activities in the Upcoming Events section! You can also always check the calendar of events on the web site.
 
Also, if you wish to update your email preferences or unsubscribe, you can do so through the links at the bottom of this e-mail.
 
Nature News:

Points of Lighting: 
Switching to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) is one quick and easy way to decrease the amount of energy you need to light your home as well as decreasing your utility bill! But to make them the most environmentally responsible choice, they need to be disposed of properly. When your CFL's finally do burn out, take them to a proper recycling station. The easiest way to find one near you is to go to www.earth911.org and type in CFL and your zip code. If the drop-off is out of the way, you may want to consider storing old CFLs in a secure container until you'll either be in the area, or you have enough old bulbs to warrant a trip.

Treasured Trees:
Trees benefit the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water, and harboring wildlife. They improve property value with both aesthetic value and direct economic benefits. Air-conditioning costs are lower in a tree-shaded home, as well as reduced heating costs when a home has a windbreak. Placer Nature Center, Placer Tree Partners, the City of Roseville and Placer County are doing a series of events and seminars as part of an Urban Forestry Grant. This fall one of the first is the with All About Oaks! This is followed by a special Treasured Trees Walk in downtown Auburn. Also be sure to check out the Tree Resources page for important information about the best methods to live with trees.
 
New special web pages for teachers & kids:
Teachers come in all different kinds and teach all types of different things. As a thank you, Placer Nature Center is maintaining a new web page just for teachers, caregivers and anyone else who helps distribute knowledge. Workshops, grants and scholarships are listed and updated on the Just for Teachers page.If your life is or has been touched by a special teacher, please forward this page to them!

On the Kid's page find games, quizzes, and scholarship/grant information!
Upcoming Events!
 
Salmon at the Heart of Nature
Friday, September 25
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
(doors open at 7 p.m. with local music)
at
Unity of Auburn
1212 High Street, Auburn 95603

The American River has changed significantly in the past 150 years, and salmon and steelhead populations have changed too. They have dramatically decreased. So, where have all the fish gone? Dr. Tim Horner, recipient of the 2008 College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Distinguished Teaching Award, will
wade through history, challenges and what is being done today.
Tickets: $5/Full-time Students, $8/Members, $10/General Public
Read more about this lecture, and upcoming lectures here...
oaksAll About Oaks!
Saturday, September 12
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
at PNC
 
From acorns to oak galls, the majestic oak has helped both humans and creatures to survive. Learn about these fantastic trees; the various types, their importance to wildlife, habitat topography, how the Maidu used them and the challenges these magnificent trees face today. Bring your questions! Naturalist will guide walks at 11:30 am and 12:45 pm. All exhibits will be open and many hand-outs on the care of oak trees will be available.
Free to members and children, General Public is $5/adult.
Docent Training
September 14-30
Mondays & Wednesdays
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
at PNC
 
Learn, teach and have fun! Docent Training covers all Placer Nature Center's school programs from habitats to watershed to Maidu cultural. Learn how to share this information with school children from Preschool to 5th grade.
Learn more about becoming a docent here...
Our Day Outside - Leaves & Seeds!
Saturday, September 19
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
at PNC
 
Explore, wiggle, sing, hike, do crafts and more with your young child (specifically designed for children up to 5 years old). This special class engages the family in strategies to use nature play to aid in your child's physical, mental and emotional development. Class made possible by a grant from Placer First 5. *Spanish interpreter is always in attendance! Free! Read more here about this series...
treesTreasured Tree Walk
Tuesday, September 29
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
in downtown Auburn
 
A gentle, guided, three mile walk through downtown Auburn will highlight the mature and treasured trees that grace the streets. Walkers are invited to join or detour out of the walk at any time. A naturalist will share the natural and cultural history of these magnificent trees. Call (530) 878-6053 for details or check our web site. Free!
4th Friday Lecture Series
2009-2010, six lectures
7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
at 1212 High Street, Auburn, CA 95603
 
Each lecture opens with local music and ends with questions & answers and a raffle of local goods and services! Presenters will be available afterwards for personal introductions. Doors open at 7 PM with music ranging from blues to classical to jazz! Tickets are $5/Full-time Students, $8/Members, $10/General Public

First lecture:
September 25, 2009
Salmon at the Heart of Nature by Dr. Tim Horner
Where did all the fish go? Dr. Horner explores the last 150 years of Salmon and Steelhead in the American River and looks towards the future. Read more...

Get your lecture tickets or season pass now!
Naturally yours,
 
Founders Leslie and Linda, and all the docents, volunteers, and everyone at Placer Nature Center!
Questions, comments, suggestions? Give us a call!
530-878-6053
Upcoming Events!
Salmon
All About Oaks!
Docent Training
Our Day Outside
Treasured Tree Walk
4th Friday Lecture Series
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List
Thank you to our 4th Friday Lecture Sponsors!









Marion Friedman

49er Printing
& Copy Center

Unity of Auburn

Other fun stuff to do in September:

Sat., Sept. 19, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM
Native Plant Sale, Redbud Chapter of the California Native Plant Society
At Sierra College in Grass Valley www.redbud-cnps.org

Fri., Sept. 25, 7:30 PM-?
Nature Creativity & Health; An Evening with Richard Louv
At Smithwick College in Los Altos Hills www.cincbayarea.org
end