For your pleasure, every Saturday and Sunday there is a naturalist-guided walk at 1:15 and another at 2:15, leaving from the Blue Heron Nature Center.
NATURE LIBRARY - Visit Blue Heron Nature Center’s NATURE LIBRARY, a collection of guidebooks, books & magazines about nature in the NYC area -- for adults, youngsters & children. The NATURE LIBRARY is available daily, except Monday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Nature Center -- for your study & enjoyment.
Special Events
March 24 & 25 noon-3:30 pm
Ukrainian Easter Egg Decorating - A program for late teens and adults. Try your hand at Psyanky, the ancient Ukranian art of egg-dyeing. Karen and Ann McKernan will lead you through the intricate steps of creating a beautifully colored egg. For this program, there is a materials fee of $15.00 per person ($12.00 for those repeat students who bring their Kyska (tool)), which must be paid in advance of the program. Space is limited, so reserve early!
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 718-317-1732
April 15 1-4 pm, at the BH Nature Center
Blue Heron Park Celebration - This year we are honoring two true Friends: long-time supporters Helen Granatelli and Councilman Vincent Ignizzio. Reservations are required due to limited seating. Invitations will be mailed very soon. If you did not receive
an invitation and wish to come, or need information, please call
718-317-1732 or 718-948-2662.
June 16, noon-4 pm - Family Fun Fest. Come out with Dad the day before Father's day and join the fun: rides, games, crafts, food, music and more. Also, a special fire prevention program will be on site in addition to apparatus courtesy of the New York City Fire Department.
Spring Programs
April 1 - 11:30am-1:00pm
Hike with Mike - Join naturalist and and local historian Mike Shanley as we explore the park looking for early signs of spring. This easy-to-moderate hike will include background and overview of Blue Heron Park while we discover some of the plants and animals which are emerging from their long winter slumber. Spring peepers, green frogs, box turtles and deer are all possible at this time of year. We will also be looking for early migrant birds like Pine Warbler and Eastern Phoebe. All ages welcome. Binoculars will be provided. Please call Mike @ 917-753-7155 to reserve your spot.
Thursdays, April 5, 12, 19. 26 - 3:00-4:30 pm
Learn to Crochet - Crochet is easy to learn; it can stand on its own or add pizzazz to your knitting. During this four week program, students will learn the basic crochet stitches and symbols, and read patterns with ease. This is a basic how-to class for those with little or no crochet experience. There is a one-time materials fee of $6. Plan to attend all four classes. All ages are welcome. Instructor: Kathleen Ruoti
Registration: 718-967-6158
Tuesdays, April 10, April 24, May 8, May 22, June 5, June 19 - 3:00-4:30 pm
Yoga for the Young at Heart "Chair Yoga" The best remedy for seniors is yoga. Prevent stiff muscles and achy joints. Lift your spirits and calm your mind. Creating greater flexibility gives you a new sense of self. Instructor: Terry Seaman Information: 718-356-0106
April 14 - 1-2:30 PM
Introduction to Digital Photography - Learn the fundamentals of picture taking.- Through nature photography, explore depth of field, metering, f-stops and shutter speeds. Develop techniques of close-up macro photography of flowers and insects, as well as, detailed landscapes within Blue Heron's picturesque park. This basic digital photography session includes camera functions with a fine-art flair. Digital camera required. Instructor: Sara Signorelli
April 29 & May 20 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Spring Sing Series - During the Spring months thousands of birds migrate north in search of suitable sites for breeding. Many visit Staten Island to rest and refuel. Some stay to raise young. Join Cliff Hagen for a walk through the park and enjoy the sights and sounds of our feathered friends.
April 22 - 11:30am-1:00pm
Hike with Mike - April is a very exciting time for birds at the park. Join naturalist Mike Shanley as we look for migrant birds in the park. Hooded, Prothonotary and Yellow-throated Warbler are all possible at this time of year. Other rarities such as Summer Tanager and Red-headed Woodpecker may also be on hand. All ages welcome. Binoculars will be provided. Please call Mike @ 917-753-7155 to reserve your spot.
April 28 - 2-3:30 pm
Starting and Growing an Herb Garden: Whether you have a sunny windowsill, pots on the deck, or an established garden, you can grow chives, basil, parsley, cilantro and other fragrant herbs to flavor your foods and tickle your fancy all summer long. Join herbalist Gert Coleman to learn how to plant and use herbs from seeds and transplants. To register, call 718 356 9235.
May 20 - 11:30am-1:00pm
Spanish Camp Walk - Join archaeologist and local historian Mike Shanley on a walk through the ruins of historic Spanish Camp as he talks about its history and legacy and future. Spanish Camp was a private community started in 1923 by anarchists from Spain
who sought to live a life independent of modern society. Over time, Spanish Camp developed into a thriving self-sufficent community. Beginning in 1972, Catholic Worker founder Dorothy Day began spending much of her time at there, enchanted by the nearby ocean, and the simple, cooperative living of her neighbors. This may be one of the last chances to see what is left before development of the site begins! All ages welcome. Please call Mike @ 917-753-7155 to reserve your spot.
May 20 - 2-3:30 pm
Walk on the Wild Side: What's growing in the woods, meadows, and gardens at Blue Heron Park in mid-Spring. Join herbalist Gert Coleman for a walk through the park to identify weeds and native plants. Meet in front of the Nature Center. To register, call 718 356 9235.
June 10 - 11:30am-1:00pm
Breeding Birds of Blue Heron Park - Many birds spend their Summer here at Blue Heron Park to raise their young. Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Green Heron, Wood Thrush, Red-eyed Vireo and Yellow-billed Cuckoo are all annual breeders in the park. All ages welcome. Binoculars will be provided. Please call Mike Shanley @ 917-753-7155 to reserve your spot.
June 10 - 2-3:30 pm
Walk on the Wild Side: What's growing in the woods, meadows, and gardens at Blue Heron Park in early Summer- Join herbalist Gert Coleman for a walk through the park to identify weeds and native plants. Meet in front of the Nature Center. To register, call 718 356 9235.
June 24 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Lunchtime Lepidoptera - The manicured gardens of Blue Heron Park offer easy access to a colorful fanfare of butterflies enjoying the variety of fresh blooms. Two dozen species of our winged insects can be identified in the park each summer.
Photographers and butterfly enthusiasts are invited to join Cliff Hagen for an introductory course in butterfly identification. This preparatory course is to be followed by the annual Staten Island Butterfly Count June 30th. For more information call Cliff Hagen at 718-313-8591.
Children's Programs
Doodlebug FunTime
Series 1 - April 20, May 11, June 8
Series 2 - April 27, May 25, June 15
Kick off the weekend early with some Friday afternoon fun. Join Kathleen Hagen for storytelling, music & crafts. Materials charge is $1.00 per child. Registration is a must in order for us to have a craft project for each little one. Please restrict
registration to one series only. Fridays, 1:00 pm
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 718-227-8839
Kids & Kritters
All programs take place on Saturdays, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Dress your child weather appropriate. (Coats, hats, gloves and shoes you don't mind getting dirty) Part of these programs will take place outdoors. All programs will include a craft, story or game indoors. Instructor: Nancy Zawada Clair 917-751-0071
April 7 -Animal Eggs - We know birds lay eggs, but what other animals do. Join us for an eggs-citing time.
April 21 - Earth Day - Come celebrate Earth Day with a hike, and learn how we can be kind to Mother Earth.
May 12 - Hummingbirds - Yes, we have Hummingbirds on Staten Island; join us for fascinating facts while we search for them.
May 19 - Butterflies - Join us as we learn about their life cycle and search for these colorful insects!
May 26 - Rachel Carson's Birthday - Rachel Carson was an important environ-mentalist. Join us for her story and a look at the food chain.
June 2 - Pond Dip - Who's lives in a pond? Come join us for a hands-on exploration of the creatures that live in the pond.
Krafty Kids
Join Nancy Zawada Clair and wiggle, hop or fly over to the Nature Center and join us for some Saturday afternoon crafty fun. These Programs are free, though pre-registration is required so we have enough materials for crafts for each child: 917-751-0071. 1-2 pm on the following Saturdays:
April 7 - Egg Craft - Join us for a fun egg craft.
April 21 - Recycled Crayons - Reuse your broken bits of Crayolas (only). Bring a few different colors and recycle them into one crayon that is unique!!
May 12 - Fairies of The Blue Heron Forest - Fairies
May 19 - Butterfly Craft - Make a colorful stained glass effect butterfly craft.
May 26 - Pet Rocks - Enjoy this retro-craft, and learn what it takes to make and care for your pet rock.
June 2 - Mystery Nature Craft - Join us for a surprise nature craft.
Natural Science Club
Programs for curious nature-oriented students ages 8-12. This Club will meet with Clay Wollney on the days listed with different topics relating to natural science. On the following days from 2-3:30 pm INFORMATION: 718-967-3542
Saturday, April 29 - The World Of Worms. Earthworms, roundworms and planaria represent the three groups of worms. Participants will learn how to find these common worms and compare the characteristics unique to each of these common invertebrates.
Sunday, May 27 - Soil Isn't Just Dirt. The composition of the ground under our feet is this month's subject. Soil composition determines what plants and animals can live in an area. Through a series of experiments students will learn about the make-up of the soil and the organisms that call it home.
Sunday, June 10 - Pond Study. Some come to the surface to breathe and some have gills. Learn to identify the various organisms that live in a pond and their adaptations to life in the water. The ecosystems of Spring Pond will be studied during this session.
Explorers of the Wild
Explorers can learn a lot about the environment from Clay Wollney. Clay is a Naturalist, a science teacher at Staten Island Academy, & a featured columnist for the Staten Island ADVANCE. Clay is also known as "Mr. Discovery" at the Staten Island
Institute of Arts & Sciences. On the following days from 2-3:30 pm INFORMATION: 718-967-3542
Saturday, April 22 - The Importance of Insects. The classification, life cycles, diet, ecology and economic impact of insects are the subject of this session. Bugs, beetles, dragonflies and ants are just a few of the six-legged arthropods that participants will examine and learn about.
Sunday, May 20 - What Lives under Rocks. From millipedes to salamanders, the microenvironment under rocks provides many small animals with a moist, dark place to live. Participants will learn how these animals survive and interact in there hidden worlds.
Sunday, June 3 - Snails and Slugs- Mollusks of the Woodlands. The anatomy and behavior of the only mollusks that live out of water will be examined by the participants in this workshop. Experiments will be conducted to discover their habitat preferences and wild specimens will observed..
Birding with Friends of Blue Heron
Young birders & enthusiastic "bird people" will learn about how birds behave & migrate. Howie Fischer will emphasize bird identification. Places and times are listed below. All participants (for every walk) should bring binoculars and be prepared for some walking. Rain, snow or any severe weather will cancel any scheduled walk.
Questions: Call Howie at 718-981-4002 or email him at cotingas@aol.com
Any off Island trip may begin at an earlier time so please be aware of that.
April 7 - Mount Loretto --We will meet in the parking lot at 8AM to look for early spring migrants. One of our target birds will be the Wilson's Snipe, which may be present if the fields are flooded from spring rains. Eastern Phoebes, kinglets and warblers should be arriving at this time and we might see a diversity of birds.
April 21 - High Rock Park and Pouch Camp in the Greenbelt --We meet in the High Rock Park lot at 8 A M. the parking lot is at the top of Nevada Avenue. At this time of year a number of birds can be found in the Greenbelt woodlands in spring. Migrants will of course be our focus today.
April 28 - Clove Lakes Park - We meet on Martling Avenue at the concrete bridge opposite Martling's Pond at 8 AM. CLP is one of the best locations in Staten Island to see migrant species. The stream, woods and brushy edge habitat near the tower attracts birds in both spring and fall. We should see a nice variety of warblers and other migrants.
May 5 - Clove Lakes Park - We meet at 8 A M at the Martling bridge. This month and date could very well be the peak of the spring migration depending on weather. There should be a variety of warblers, orioles, flycatchers and vireos to satisfy all of us.
May 13 (Sunday) -Clove Lakes Park -Our traditional Mother's Day Bird Walk is not only for mothers. We meet at the bridge at 8 A M. Again, migratory birds will be our focus.
May 19 - E. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge located in southern New Jersey - This birding outing is an all day trip to a 20,000 acre refuge located in the coastal zone of southern N J. The drive is approximately a 90 minute trip on the Garden State Parkway to exit 48. Traffic can make our drive longer so be aware of that. We will leave the Blue Heron Parking lot at 7 A M or, you may meet us in the refuge parking lot at 8:30. It is a fine locale for migratory birds and we hope to see a variety of shorebirds depending on the local conditions such as tide and weather. Please call me or email me for details, especially if you are meeting us there. Registration is recommended so I can plan in advance. We usually stay in the refuge for 4 hours or more.
June 2 - High Rock Park/Greenbelt - We will explore the woods in High Rock and Pouch Camp and look for birds that are resident breeding species - we may find a surprise or two. Perhaps we may even find a few late migrants such as Olive-sided Flycatcher or
Mourning Warbler in the Loosestrife Swamp. Meet at 8 A M in the High Rock Parking lot.
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