Write a commentThe Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center will be presenting a variety of nature and science-based programming over midwinter break, the week of February 19th through February 23rd.
The first program will take place on Monday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m. where attendees will go outside to participate in the great Backyard Bird Count, an annual event that occurs all over the world. This event takes place over four days (February 16th through February 19th) where people can observe, learn about, and celebrate birds while participating in citizen science. The environmental educator will lead this program for attendees to participate with others and will discuss the importance of citizen science for research. All ages are welcome to participate in this event; binoculars, a love for nature and birds, and at least 15 minutes to observe birds is all that is needed to participate!
On Thursday, February 22nd at 10:00 a.m., the environmental educator will be leading a Making Your Own Geodes program inside the education building. Geodes may look like regular rocks on the outside but are hiding a sparkling surprise inside! Participates will have the opportunity to learn how geodes are formed (hint: it takes thousands of years), what makes them so special, and then make their own geodes. Please note, staff are asking each participant who wants to make a geode to bring their own jar for the geode to form in. This can be a glass mason jar, a recycled pickle or mayonnaise jar; something glass that will be able to withstand boiling water.
By now, almost everyone has heard there is a solar eclipse taking place on April 8th this year. But what exactly is a solar eclipse? How often do they occur? Join the environmental educator in the education building on Friday, February 23rd at 10:00 a.m. for “solar eclipse 101”. The educator will give participants all the information they need to enjoy this rare event - according to NASA, it will be 20 years before another total solar eclipse. Some of those in upstate/northern New York will be right in the path of totality; the last time New York had a total solar eclipse was in 1925. All participants will have the opportunity to make a box pinhole projector to be able to observe the total solar eclipse in April.
The fee for these programs is only $4 per person, or $12 for a family. Children under the age of three are free! Preregistration is requested. The recommended age for these programs is 5+. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Find registration and more information on this program and others at http://thatscooperativeextension.org/events.
Even if you aren’t able to attend the program, trails at the Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center are open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. There is no parking fee, and there is a map of the trails when you arrive.
The Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center is located at 748 State Route 183 in eastern Oswego County, between Routes 13 and 69 near Williamstown. More information about the Amboy 4-H Environmental Educational Center and its programming, can be found at http://thatscooperativeextension.org/amboy-4-h-environmental-education-center, or by calling the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County 4-H Office at (315) 963-7286.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities, and provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County office if you have any special needs.
