Hi !
Boy are we busy! This month, on top of school field trips we have several new events! Learn about human variation and molecular anthropology, the endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, the history of felting, fruit tree pruning, docent training, astronomy and...(pause to breathe)...you'll just have to keep reading! On top of that, there are some great citizen science opportunities to get involved with. Read on!
Nature News
Creature Feature: Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Called the "the bravest of the Sierra mountaineers" by John Muir, the sight of Sierra bighorn sheep drifting like wind-borne tufts of white fur up incomprehensibly sheer walls of rock is truly awe-inspiring and always mind-boggling. Read more... 'Tis the Season for mushrooms Check out some very cool pictures of mushrooms that were taken at Placer Nature Center by Linda Desai's sons! Video Contest for high school students Human population is set to reach seven billion by the end of 2011. As we approach this immense milestone, it is important to understand how we got here, analyze the impact of our choices, and realize that our decisions can and will impact the future. Citizen Science Opportunities Great Backyard Bird Count Feb 11-14: Help scientists track and identify trends in bird populations. This annual Presidents' Day Weekend event is an opportunity for you to count the birds in your backyard and beyond. You can report your findings to the GBBC website, and view your results and those of other local birders. Orion Observation Campaign - Can you See the Stars? Feb 21- Mar 6: Help scientists by recording the brightness of the night sky. For two weeks every March, in the early evening before the moon rises, the constellation of Orion can be seen by everyone everywhere. Children and adults match the appearance of Orion with 7 star maps of progressively fainter stars found on the website www.globeatnight.org. They can then submit measurements (e.g., which star map they chose) online with date, time and location. |
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**** Upcoming Events! **** |
First Friday Lecture
Friday, Feb. 4
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
What does our DNA tell us? If you ask a molecular anthropologist like Dr. Beth Shook, she could tell you where your ancient ancestors migrated from! Using forensic research with DNA we can learn about population growth, mutations and disease. We can also learn about human migration throughout the globe.
Dr. Shook's own interests have spanned from research in Native American DNA to how molecular anthropology is unearthing secrets of the long dead and forgotten. She will also discuss how recreational genetics is being used today and what you as a consumer should look out for. Other topics presented will include genetics and the idea of "race" and "identity."
$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!
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Sunday, Feb. 6 1pm - 3pm at Placer Nature Center - Map
Learn the hows and whys of pruning fruit trees for the best homegrown fruit. Bring your favorite pruning tools or borrow ours, and get hands-on experience pruning the trees in our demonstration garden. We've teamed up again with the UCCE Placer County Master Gardeners to present a series of green gardening workshops. Each class starts with an indoor presentation, followed by a hands-on demonstration and/or walk around the center's demonstration garden.
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Tuesdays & Thursday Feb. 8-24 9:00am-12:30pmToday, fewer children than ever are getting the opportunity to experience nature on a daily basis - but you can help! As a Placer Nature Center docent you will lead groups of schoolchildren through various hands-on, fun nature investigations and activities. Programs are easy to learn and fun to deliver - we show you everything you need to know. Your Docent Training Class is filled with enriching lessons on natural and cultural history. The class is a great way to learn about our foothill environment and local history while gaining the best strategies and skills to share with our children and community. Come experience nature as a kid again, with all the wonder and discovery! If you ever wondered if you could be a docent, come to the introductory class on Tuesday, February 8th at 9AM In this class you'll learn what's like to be a docent and what to expect in training, and you'll get a tour of the nature center by Linda Desai, our Education Director. Learn more on our website or call Linda directly at: (530) 878-6053 ext. 609
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Saturday, Feb. 12 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Placer Nature Center - Map
Do you have an interest in astronomy? This class will help satisfy that desire to know more about the heavens and show you how to see objects with a telescope. The class covers information about the earth, moon, planets and stars - from making a scale model of our system to understanding the difference between stars. - Telescope* or binoculars (*if you have one! There will be loaners available. To learn to use a telescope, please read about the Telescope class, as instruction in this class focuses on stargazing and celestial bodies)
- Warm coat
- Flashlight (It's really, really dark! Perfect for seeing stars!)
- Cash (we can't take cards at the center) or a copy of your prepurchased ticket
Canceled if you can't see the stars. Ages 8+ Free to members; General Admission is $7/person.
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Bighorn Sheep & Felting for Your Valentine! Adventures in Nature
Sunday, Feb. 13
1pm - 4pm
at Placer Nature Center - Map
Make felt hearts, flowers and more to take home for your valentine while learning about wool as well as the process and history of felting. Learn about natural dyes and our native Bighorn Sheep!
The beauty and majesty of the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep was written about many times by John Muir in both "Mountains of California" and "The Wild Sheep." The Sheep have been listed as an emergency endangered species since January 2000. Come learn about the challenges they face and their unique adaptations.
Takes place rain or shine!
Make a day out of it -- bring a picnic lunch! Nature Shop open. Ages 1+ Free to members, General Admission is $3/person.
Cash and checks only at this event.
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Theme: Cloudy Sky Sunny Sky - Fun with Weather! These dynamic two-hour sessions present and demonstrate "nature play" in Early Childhood Education to help build school readiness skills through nature exploration. Read more...
Learn how to weave nature themes into all your activities -- support reading, math, science and physical exercise. You can attend all sessions or just your favorite topics. Takes place rain or shine! Adults only - please do not bring children.Free program thanks to First 5 partnership.Preregistration is required
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Saturday, Feb. 19 9:30am - 11:30am at Placer Nature Center - Map
Theme:
Muddy Boots - Winter Wonders!
Explore a winter wonderland of plants and animals. Where are they and what are they doing!? Free class for tots, preschoolers & their families to explore, wiggle, sing, hike, do crafts and more! Have fun and learn about things to do in nature to aid in your child's physical, mental and emotional development. Makes learning fun! All children get to take home a magnifying lens to continue the discovery at home. Takes place rain or shine! Make a day out of it -- bring a picnic lunch!Ages 0- 5 + family! Nature Shop openFree program thanks to First 5 partnership.Preregistration helps ensure we'll have enough instructors and materials!
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Classes are designed to engage and educate children in grades K- 4. Each class is about 2 hours long, incorporates a trail hike into the program lesson, and adheres to California Content Standards. Classes are held the following Wednesdays, starting 10 am: - 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...
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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!
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Questions, comments, suggestions? Give us a call!
530-878-6053
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Next months
Friday Lecture Topic:
March 4, 2011
7:30 PM
@ State Theater in Auburn
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Many Thanks to our 2010-2011 1st Friday Lectures Sponsors!
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Welcome to our newest volunteer! Suzanne Jones She has volunteered to help us with grant writing. We are extremely grateful as the process is very time consuming but extremely necessary!
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Nature Birthday Party!
Want to do something truly unique for your child's next party? 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...
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Seeking Volunteers!
We're turning 20! We'll be celebrating with a Blue & Green Ball on May 14th (save the date!)
Today we need creative volunteers to help design and create the decorations for the event.
If interested please sign-up here! |
What are we up to?
Currently we are applying for grants to augment some of our preexisting programs, inlcuding:
- A stream bank restoration project in Lincoln in collaboration with Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead.
- A Native Bee Sanctuary Garden to be planted during our May Family Volunteer Day.
- Seeking funding for students in Placer County to cover field trip cost to the Nature Center.
Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed!
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