Placer Nature Center
Events & NewsJanuary 2011

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Happy New Year !

This month learn about the history of telescopes, make music naturally, mark your calendars for homeschool classes, nature bowl and more!  Read on!

Nature News:


Creature Feature: Black Phoebe

 

"Phee-bee!" Have you heard this chirp? It is not a melodious song just a single chirp. It belongs to the Black Phoebe, Sayornis nigrican. You can see this little bird at the nature center year-round. Read more...

 

Sierra Nevada GeoTourism Map

The Sierra Nevada MapGuide highlights natural, historic, and cultural points of interest and assets to our community. Unlike any other mapping project, a favorite local restaurant, farm, winery, hiking or biking trail, swimming hole, museum or artist gallery are samples of the type of nominations National Geographic and its project partners will be seeking. See our geotourism entry and explore other local assets...

 

Star Gazing Tools

Get ready for the First Friday Telescope presentation by getting outside to gaze at the stars. Here are a couple cool tools to help you get started! Auburn Clear Sky Chart  (know ahead of time when the skies will be clear) and the Auburn Sky Map (see what constellations are overhead). Then come to "400 Years of the Telescope" at the State Theater this Friday (see below) and follow up with a Astronomy class at the Nature Center with Don Maccholz at the nature center.

**** Upcoming Events! ****

First Friday Lecture
Friday, January 7

Location:
State Theater
985 Lincoln Way
Auburn, CA 95603
  

Doors open at 7 PM with free locally grown goodies offered by Foothill Farmer's Market growers!

Lectures start promptly at 7:30 PM. Please arrive early as there are no seat reservations

 
One of the world's most politically explosive and intellectually enlivening scientific instruments - the telescope is an important tool in history.

Kris Koenig will lead us through a stunning chronicle of the history of the telescope from the time of Galileo, its profound impact upon the science of astronomy, and how both shape the way we view ourselves in the midst of an infinite universe.

$9 Members & Students; $12 General Public

Advanced tickets online or pay cash only at the door. 

Save 25% when you buy three tickets! Learn more...

*Don't forget to bring money for the raffle - a copy of 400 Years of the Telescope will be available!

Make Music Naturally!
Sunday, January 9
1pm - 4pm
at Placer Nature Center

Special Presentation at 1:30pm by Auburn Music Together


Make musical instruments out of natural and/or recycled materials! Children and adults can make rain sticks, whistles or clappers! Learn about how Native Americans made musical instruments out of natural materials. On the trail listen to nature's music in the form of bird song, frog song and the breeze - see what you can hear. A special appearance by Jr. Naturalists to lead children in camp songs. At 1:30 PM Families with Preschoolers and toddlers can join a fun and playful nature singing circle with Teacher Mandee from Auburn Music Together.

Takes place rain or shine!
Make a day out of it and bring a picnic lunch.
Nature Shop open. Ages 1+
Free to members, General Admission is $3/person.

Cash and checks only at this event.
Location: Placer Nature Center
Classes are designed to engage and educate children in grades K- 4th.

Each class is about 2 hours long and incorporates a trail hike into the program lesson. They all adhere to the California Content Standards.

Classes are held the following Wednesdays, starting 10AM:
  • Wed., Jan. 19 - Wings: Birds, Bats, and Bugs
  • Wed., Jan. 26 - Life Cycles: Growing Up, Seed or Frog
  • Wed., Feb. 9 - Native Americans of the Foothills
  • Wed., Feb. 16 - Waterworks
  • Wed., Feb. 23 - Food Chains: Who's Eating Whom?
Class fees and program descriptions...
Jan. 15, Saturday
9:00am-12:30pm

Coaches are trained to prepare teams of 3rd through 6th graders through taking part in a mock Nature Bowl. Any adult can lead a team!

All participants receive a packet of materials to help you continue working with your kids to prepare for semi-finals on March 23rd!

If you wish to update your email preferences or unsubscribe, you can do so through the links at the bottom of this e-mail.  
 
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!
400 Years of the Telescop
Make Music Naturally
Homeschool Classes
Populations & Genetics
Quick Links

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Next months
Friday Lecture Topic:
February 4, 2011
7:30 PM
@ State Theater in Auburn
Many Thanks to our 2010-2011 1st Friday Lectures Sponsors!
 
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Gold Country Media
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49er Printing
 & Copy Center
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Nurture your child's musical growth in our playful parent/child classes! Join us in Auburn & Granite Bay.
auburnmusictogether.com

Have your next Celebration at the Nature Center!

Want to do something truly unique for your next party or get-together? Placer Nature Center is now offering wonderful nature parties! Children of all ages (up to 102!) will enjoy this fully-customized hands-on celebration. Get two fun-filled hours that are tailored to you or your to the your interests. 

All-natural and all-fun! 

Read more here...

Auburn Music Together