New programs pair arts, nature

SHERBURNE, N.Y. » Friends of Rogers is launching two new recurring programs at Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne.

Explore a specific topic with an experienced expert in a casual atmosphere during Learning Lectures, to be held the first Wednesday of each month. On the second Thursday of each month, get outside for a fun educational adventure with EdVentures. For the month of September, both Learning Lectures and EdVentures explore the fine arts of nature.

On Sept. 5, “Paint By Nature” launches the first Learning Lecture. Participants will paint “en pleine air,” learning how to capture a Rogers Center vista on canvas. Jill Kraft, from The Artists’ Palette, provides instruction in recreating this tranquil scene. While the paint dries, Marissa Nolan, senior environmental education, presents a short program about waterlilies and their role in the ecosystems they inhabit. Registration is $10 per member and $12 for non-members, which includes a canvas panel and all painting supplies.

“Feathered Seranaders” is the topic for the first EdVenture on Sept. 13. Birds use song to communicate a variety of things. John Pumilio, Colgate University’s director of sustainability, explains the music of Rogers Center’s best vocalists. Enjoy light refreshments while learning how to recognize a bird by its unique melody and what it is trying to say. Individual registration is $4 per member and $5 for non-members. Family registration is $10 for Friends of Rogers members and $12 for non-

members.

Learning Lectures and EdVentures are recommended for ages 13 and up. Sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. and are held in the Visitor Center, just off Route 80 in Sherburne. Paid pre-registration is required by noon the day prior; call 607-6744733 for more details.

Rogers Center is operated by Friends of Rogers Envi- ronmental Education Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers educational programs for people of all ages. Seasonal hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

PHOTO COURTESY FRIENDS OF ROGERS Rogers Center is a great place to explore the fine arts of nature. New ‘Learning Lectures’ and ‘EdVentures’ with Friends of Rogers allow participants to cultivate a new appreciation for Mother Nature’s – and their own – creative side.