Placer Nature Center
Events & NewsMarch 2011
Hello!
  
The wildflowers are just starting to bloom and the animals are migrating! Read on to learn about how to help track migrations. If you missed Friday's lecture, see the side bar for a link to some pictures and notes. Also look for a link to free wallpaper for your computer in the side bar. Don't miss Hawk Talk at the Adventures in Nature and be sure to look at next months's Friday Lecture to participate in a study of oil usage. Oh! And you can now get your Blue & Green Ball tickets...read on!

Nature News

 

Creature Feature: California Sister 

You very rarely will see this butterfly on flowers, they prefer rotting fruit! Starting in April they will be flying which will be a great time to look for them.

Read more...  
 

Thank a Science Teacher - Award nominations

Do you know a science teacher who stands out among the rest? Someone who takes their passion for the environment and brings it into the classroom, inspiring students to learn and engage in environmental issues? If so, considering nominating them for the Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award winner will receive $5,000 and two merit winners will receive $750 each.  Nominations due March 14th. The award will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week, the first week in May 2011.

 

Get your tickets now for the Blue & Green Ball!

Come celebrate Placer Nature Center and Placer Land Trust's 20th Anniversary and honor the community that has supported these two organizations' work to protect the blue and green ball upon which we all live, work, and play. The ball will feature a PlacerGROWN dinner created by the Rustic Table featuring lamb from Flying Mule Farm. Options will be available for vegans and food intolerances. Also featuring a door prize, slent auction, music and dancing!

* If you are interested in sponsoring the ball, please contact Megan: (530) 878-6053 ext. 609 or [email protected] 

 

Citizen Science Opportunities 

 

 

How are native trees and flowers responding to environmental changes like global warming, the loss of species or the decline in native pollinators? That is the question Project BudBurst seeks to answer. Participants monitor the phenological events of native plants, like the date when Pacific trillium blooms, black locust leafs out or woods strawberry puts out fruit. The collective observations extend scientists' reach far beyond what would be possible otherwise. Because climate change will have such widespread effects, citizen science is one of the best ways to document it.

 

 

The Great Sunflower Project
 
One of the youngest citizen science programs in the country, the Great Sunflower Project is also among the most fun - since it involves planting one's own sunflowers. But the larger goal is much bigger: to understand more about how bees feed themselves, and hopefully how we can help reverse recent staggering declines in bee populations. All you have to do to participate is plant sunflowers - you receive a seed packet in the mail when you sign up - and when they bloom, observe bee activity on the flowers. It takes no more than 30 minutes per observation.

 

 

**** Upcoming Events! ****

Adventures in Nature
Sunday, Mar 13
1:00pm-4:00pm
at
Placer Nature Center
Special Presentation by Jay Sheets of Hawk Talk at 2 PM!
After the presentation, Jay will stay until 4 PM to answer questions and show off his beautiful raptors. Participants also get to make a pinecone bird feeder to take home to attract backyard birds. Learn about how beaks and feet have evolved on different types of birds and other unique adaptations. Many bird nests will be on display and binoculars will be an hand to borrow for bird watching.

Takes place rain or shine!
Make a day out of it and bring a picnic lunch.
Nature Shop open.
Free to members
General Admission is $3/person.
Discover Nature with Young Children
Thursday, Mar. 17
6:00pm - 8:00pm
at Placer Nature Center - Map  
Learn how to weave nature themes into all your activities - support reading, math, science and physical exercise. these dynamic two-hour sessions present and demonstrate "nature play" in Early Childhood Education to help build school readiness skills through nature exploration. After learning all about the benefits, you get to use hands-on tools and receive inspirational ideas to facilitate nature study both indoors and out. Information & Registration
Takes place rain or shine at Placer County Office of Education.
Certificate of participation, 2 hours of professional growth.
Free program thanks to First 5 partnership.

Saturday, Mar. 19

9:30 am - 11:30 am  

at Placer Nature Center - Map  

 
 
The grass is green and wildflowers are peeking through everywhere. Let's look for all the colors of the rainbow! 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 and bring a picnic lunch.
Nature Shop open.
Free program thanks to First 5 partnership.

*Spanish interpreter is always in attendance!

In it's 27th year, Nature Bowl engages students in critical and creative thinking using innovative strategies to teach and reinforce conservation. A cooperative team competition for 3rd-6th Graders.  Learn more about Nature Bowl!
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!
Hawk Talk
Flying Feathers
Our Day Outside
Nature Bowl Semi Finals
Oil on the Brain
Quick Links

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Did you miss
Dr. Paul Doherty at the last Friday Lecture?
 
Next months
Friday Lecture Topic:
Friday
April 1, 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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Seeking Volunteers!

Blue & Green Ball

 

Today we need creative volunteers to help design and create the decorations for the event. If interested please sign-up here!

Nurture your child's musical growth in our playful parent/child classes! Join us in Auburn & Granite Bay.
AuburnMusicTogether 

Free Nature Computer Wallpaper

Provided by local photographers. Themes change monthly.