September programs on tap at Jacobsburg
Jacobsburg Environmental Center, 400 Belfast Road, Bushkill Township, will offer the following programs:
Weekly Weeders: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Volunteer to work alongside the education staff as they mulch, pull weeds, divide plants and amend soil in the center’s native plant garden. Instruction, tools, and weeding mats provided.
DiscoverE: Tales for Tots Sessions 1-7: 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 6 through Oct. 18. Join for story time followed by nature activities for preschoolers ages 3-5. Each week the session will explore a different topic by reading a book followed by a craft and short scavenger hunt. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register all members of your party including adults and additional children for each session that you plan to attend as space for this program is limited to 20 attendees total. Children that attend six sessions will earn a DiscoverE Hide n’ Seekers certificate. Note: both sessions will be identical during a given week.
Hike for Health: 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 7. These guided monthly hikes are
2 to 2.5 miles over uneven terrain. Dogs are welcome to hike on a leash. Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole at 400 Belfast Road. Registration is not required. Join the email reminder list by contacting us at 610-746-2801 or jacobsburgsp@pa.gov.
Monarch Madness: 9-11 a.m. Sept. 11, 5-7 p.m. Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 17 and 1-3 p.m. Sept. 17. You will have the opportunity to participate as a citizen scientist for Monarch Watch, a conservation and research program based at the University of Kansas. Participants will learn to catch, handle, and tag monarch butterflies. Learn current conservation efforts and ways that you can help the species to thrive throughout its life cycle.
Family Science Night: Monarch Madness: 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 16. You will have the opportunity to participate as a citizen scientist for Monarch Watch, a conservation and research program based at the University of Kansas. Participants will learn to catch, handle, and tag monarch butterflies. Learn current conservation efforts and ways that you can help the species to thrive throughout its life cycle. This program is for families with young children.
Intro to Mountain Biking: 9-11 a.m. Sept. 24. Bring your own bike. This program is designed to make a first-time mountain biker feel comfortable exploring Jacobsburg’s multi-use trails. During the first portion of the program, learn essential information such as bike parts, preparedness and safety, Jacobsburg’s trails, and proper trail etiquette. The second portion of the program will be used to inspect your bike for fit and function followed by a ride on a beginner trail led by a professional. Helmets required. To register you must meet the following criteria: you are able to ride a bike; you own a bike in proper working condition that fits your body; your tires fully inflate with proper tread; you can safely transport your bike to the meeting location; you own a helmet that fits properly; and you feel comfortable riding on uneven terrain while performing physical activity. Open to ages 15 and older.
Mentored Youth in Conservation — The White-tailed Deer: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 24. Examining landscapes and drawing conclusions about how wildlife use their habitat is a fun and important part of spending time outdoors. To celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day, youth ages 12-16 are invited to increase their knowledge about how ecosystems are influenced by white-tailed deer populations and experience target archery with a certified archery instructor. Dress appropriately for the weather. Bring plenty of water and a packed lunch.
Dutch Oven Campfire Cooking: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 24. Looking for delicious campfire recipes? Learn the basics of campfire cooking with a Dutch oven. Volunteers Brian and Jean Krenicky will cover general instruction on getting the most from a cast iron Dutch oven and then participants will have the opportunity to prepare lunch. Ingredients for soup, a main dish, a side, and dessert will be provided. Dishes include: vegetarian chili soup; main dishes: meatloaf and turkey, sides: yams, apples, and potatoes; desserts: chocolate cherry cake; blueberry cheese dump cake. Let us know ahead of time if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accommodate them. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water and your appetite. For ages 12 and older. Fee: $12. Registration closes on Sept. 21.
Project Learning Tree Educator Workshop: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct.
27. Are you a college student, pre-service teacher, classroom teacher, environmental educator, or homeschool provider seeking lessons and skill-building to engage students (pre-K through 8th grade) in nature? Dive into environmental education activities, receive a Project Learning Tree activity guide with 96 field-tested lessons, experience a sampling of activities from the guide, and learn tips and tricks for working with students outdoors. This workshop will be co-led by professional educators. Bring a lunch and dress for outdoor fun. Attendees will be eligible to receive four and a half (4.5) act 48 hours. There is a $25 registration fee to attend this workshop.
Registration required for all programs unless noted. You can view and register for community programs online at events.dcnr.pa.gov/search/ events?order=date&search=jacobsburg. If you need an accommodation to participate in a program contact the park office at 610-746-2801 or jacobsburgsp@pa.gov. Interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs with at least five days notice.