Pickering Creek 2009 Fall/Winter Schedule

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Sep. 19th, 2009

FAMILY PROGRAMS
Please register in advance by calling 410/822-4903. Pre-registration is required. Children are considered ages 15 and under.

Autumn Family Canoe
Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 2-4 PM
Cost: $10/adult; $5/child
Learn how to canoe! We’ll cover everything you need to know to safely go canoeing with your family. The parts of the paddle and canoe, PFD fitting, safety, paddle strokes and technique, entering and exiting your canoe, what to do if you’re canoe capsizes, and how to switch positions while you’re canoeing. After we cover all the basics, we’ll test your new skills on the water and go for a short paddle. We provide canoes and PFDs, but you may also bring your own. After this program you should feel confident taking your family canoeing at Pickering Creek without a staff member present. Our canoes are free for members and supporters to use during our operating hours.

Local Farm Foray: Chapel’s Country Creamery
Sunday, September 27, Depart Acme Easton 12:30 PM
Chapel’s Country Creamery farm is nestled away in the countryside of Talbot County on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Chapel's Country Creamery farm is home to Eric and Holly Foster, four kids and 110 head of Jersey and Holstein dairy cows. Their dairy cows graze on clover and rye grass on our sprawling 112 acres of fertile pasture. Chapel’s Country Creamery Cheese was launched in the fall of 2005 during annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland to a very receptive cheese loving crowd. This is a great chance to learn about dairy cows and cheese making. Van transportation is provided for each excursions, with pick ups for program participants at the Easton Acme parking lot. Space is limited for each program, so reserve your spot soon. Van transportation provided, limit 13 participants. This program is provided at no cost thanks to a grant from the Town Creek Foundation.

Gourmet Italian Wine Dinner to Benefit Pickering Creek at Scossa Restaurant
Sunday, September 27 beginning at 5: 30 PM
$125 per person

18th Annual Harvest Hoedown Festival
Sunday, October 11, 2009 11 AM- 4 PM
$10/car
Bring the whole family to the farm to enjoy music, craft and foot stompin family fun! Artisans, vendors, food, live music all day long!

Bird Search!
Saturday, October 17, 2009 and Saturday, October 31, 2009 from 8-9 AM
Cost: $2/Audubon Members; $4/general public
Hike around Pickering Creek’s diverse habitats in search of fall bird species. We’ll learn the difference between black and turkey vultures, how to tell an eagle from a vulture in flight, look for FeederWatch species in the woods and gardens, and keep our eyes peeled for any early waterfowl. Great walk for beginners and intermediate bird watchers. Binoculars are available.

Creative Pumpkin Carving and Campfire
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 6-8 PM
Cost: $10/adult; $5/child
Turn your pumpkin from plain ol’ to masterpiece in just one evening. Learn how to carve nature-inspired images for your squash. One pumpkin will be provided for each person. Afterward, ease the chill of autumn with a seat by the campfire for some warmth and s’mores.

Project FeederWatch
Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 2-3 PM
Enjoy bird watching? Have fun learning more about birds and their habits? Then Project FeederWatch might be for you! Project FeederWatch is a winter-long survey, November-April, of birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America. FeederWatch data help scientists track bird distribution and abundance. Join us here at Pickering Creek as we go over what Project FeederWatch entails and how you can participate at home or by volunteering here at the Center. Anyone with an interest in birds is welcome!

Talbot Bird Club Walk
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Depart Easton Acme parking lot at 7 AM
Pickering Creek Audubon Center for waterfowl, winter wren, wintering sparrows and other grassland birds. Leaders: Karen Harris and Amanda Spears.

PROGRAMS AT TALBOT COUNTY FREE LIBRARY, EASTON
There are no fees for these programs, however donations to Pickering Creek Audubon Center are greatly appreciated. To register call 410-822-1626.

Scale Tales, All Ages, 4-4:45 PM
Location: Talbot County Free Library, Easton
Shiny, not slimy. Rough, not soft. Learn about our scaly-skinned friends – turtles, lizards and snakes and how they walk, run and slither around. There is no fee for this program, but donations are encouraged.
Thursday, August 27

Meet the Creatures of Pickering Creek
Thursdays: September 24, October 22, November 19, and December 17, 2009 from 4-4:45 PM
Shiny, not slimy. Rough, not soft. Learn about our scaly-skinned friends – turtles, lizards and snakes and how they walk, run and slither around. All ages.

Tiny Tots: Creatures of the Night
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 from 4-5 PM
Bats, skunks, opossums – oh my! Learn about these nocturnal animals and why they enjoy the night. Ages 4 and up with accompanying adult.

Tiny Tots: Animals in the Winter
Monday, November 9, 2009 from 4-5 PM
Fur and fluff. Down and hair. These are the coverings that keep animals warm all winter long. Discover the ways animals endure the winter season. Ages 4 and up with accompanying adult.

Eco-Friendly Holiday Gifts
Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 11 AM-1 PM
Get creative this holiday season and use nature as your inspiration! We will reuse, reduce and recycle to make wrapping paper, twig frames, paper cards and much more. All ages.

PROMGRAMS AT TALBO COUNTY FREE LIBRARY, ST. MICHAELS
There are no fees for these programs, however donations to Pickering Creek Audubon Center are greatly appreciated. Call 410/745-5877 to register.

Tiny Tots: Creatures of the Night
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from 4-5 PM
Bats, skunks, opossums – oh my! Learn about these nocturnal animals and why they enjoy the night. Ages 4 and up with accompanying adult.

Eco-Friendly Holiday Gifts
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 from 4-5 PM
Get creative this holiday season and use nature as your inspiration! We will reuse, reduce and recycle to make wrapping paper, twig frames, paper cards and much more. All ages.

VOLUNTEER EVENTS
National Public Lands Day Workday
Sunday, September 26, 2009 from 10 AM-12 PM
Join Pickering Creek in celebrating lands that are free and open to the public. Help us improve habitat for birds, wildlife and visitors while giving back. We will provide work gloves, camaraderie, and service projects.

Harvest Hoedown
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Come and help out on the one day of the year that people are everywhere you look at Pickering Creek! Please call for more information on volunteer time slots and jobs.