Calendar of Events
May 2011
May 1, 7, 8, 14, 15: 2-3pm
Weekend Wildflower Walks
BWNC’s premier woodland wildflower garden is a local treasure. Join caretaker Audrey Loewer for a pleasant walk through one of the wonders of spring. Each week new species will bloom, and Audrey will reveal their past and present medicinal and culinary uses. The garden is handicap accessible; please call ahead if you need assistance. Donations appreciated.
May 4: 7-8:30pm
Birding Series: Identifying and Understanding Raptors
Take a closer look at raptors, including species ID, behavior, and migration patterns. Onondaga Audubon’s Gerry Smith will share his impressive wealth of knowledge and experiences monitoring raptors at Derby Hill. Join him for the Derby Hill Field Trip on May 7th. $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers.
May 5: 8:30-10:30pm
Star Party: Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower, resulting from dust left over from Halley’s Comet, should be a treat. Saturn and the spring Milky Way will not disappoint either! Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you want to lie back and watch for meteors. Back-up date: May 6. $5 for members; $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family.
May 7: 8:30am-1pm
Bird Field Trip: Raptors at Derby Hill
Test your raptor ID skills at Derby Hill. This exposed hilltop lies directly in the path of a major raptor migration route, and on a good day you can see hundreds of these magnificent birds. Gerry Smith will be on hand to offer ID tips and provide insight into the ongoing raptor monitoring project. Meet at Baltimore Woods at 7am to carpool, or meet at Derby Hill at 8am. $15 members; $20 nonmembers. Lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers.
May 7: 2-3:30pm
Habitat Gardening Series with Janet Allen: Gardening for Monarchs and Other Butterflies
Do you see as many butterflies as you did in the past? Most people’s favorite butterfly, the monarch, is beautiful and has a fascinating life history, but it’s facing great challenges to its survival. Other previously common butterflies are also at risk. Learn how to create a Monarch Waystation to help the monarch butterfly, and how you can provide for the needs of other butterflies, too. $5 for members; $8 for nonmembers.
May 8: 11am-4pm
Mother’s Day Garden Tour and Art Exhibit and Sale at Sycamore Hill Gardens
Invest in some family time, bring Mom out to enjoy over 30 acres of landscaped gardens and ponds with over 500,000 flowering bulbs, 700 flowering trees and shrubs. Browse the art exhibit for unique pieces of art to treasure. Take the color and joy of the garden home with you— hanging baskets will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Tickets for the garden tour are $5 through May 1st; $10 after May 1st and at gate. Visit www.baltimorewoods.com for complete information and ticket sale locations.
May 10: 10:30-11:30am
Keep it Natural: Birds and Beavers
Join a naturalist on a favorite spring outing along the Griffith’s Trail in search of migrant birds and resident beavers. The altered landscape of the flats should bring some interesting finds! $5 for members; $8 for nonmembers.
May 11: 7–8:30pm
Birding Series: Kick It Up a Notch: Calls, Behavior, Warblers
This last program in our birding series will introduce you to more advanced topics, including identifying bird calls, using behavior as an ID tool, and the excitingly daunting world of warblers. The follow up field trip (May 14) will give us a chance to spot warblers during peak migration. $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers.
May 14: 8-11am
Birding Field Trip: Local Hot Spots II
CNY is blessed with excellent birding opportunities. Join BWNC and Onondaga Audubon on this day trip to explore some great local hot spots. This trip will reinforce bird call and warbler ID. Meet at Baltimore Woods. $15 members; $20 nonmembers. Lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers.
May 14: 2-3:30pm
Habitat Gardening Series with Janet Allen: Our Future Flies on the Wings of Pollinators
Did you know that pollinators are responsible for one of every three bites of food we eat – and that these pollinators are at risk? The world has been buzzing with news of the honey bees’ Colony Collapse Disorder, but other pollinators are in trouble, too. Learn about the importance of pollination in our own gardens and beyond, and about the challenges bees face. And learn the simple steps you can take in your own yard to help these useful creatures–and to enjoy the busy-ness and buzziness they can bring to your yard! $5 for members; $8 for nonmembers.
May 14: 4-7pm
Members Only Plant and Herb Sale
Located at Baltimore Woods.
May 15: 10am -3pm
Plant and Herb Sale
This event is open to the public, unlike the previous members only event. Come to The Woods to outfit your spring garden. Native plants and perennials, herbs, shrubs and hanging baskets will be available for purchase. Gardening experts are on hand to answer your questions. Win the raffles, snack in the café, browse gently-used garden related items in the “gardenage” garage sale. Free parking, no admission charge. Event held rain or shine!
May 16: 10-11am
Nature’s Little Explorers: Attracting Woodland Fairies
Through folklore and observation explorers experience the forest first-hand. The highly imaginative mind of the explorer is used as a stepping stone to the investigation of the living and non-living world of a woodland forest. Explorers can come to their own conclusions regarding the existence of woodland fairies, whose sole purpose it is said is to protect the plants and animals of Baltimore Woods.
Join Baltimore Woods in fun and discovery as we follow the Growing Up Wild curriculum, along with Baltimore Woods’ original programming, to learn about the natural world around us. Children and parents will be guided through exploration and discovery of the natural world all around us. Programs are for children 3-5 years old. Registration is required. Cost per explorer: $8 members; $12 nonmembers.
May 16: 1-2pm
Home School Expeditions: Photosynthesis Phun (grades 1-3)
Learn about adaptations plants have that allow them to survive and thrive in Central New York. Using visual presentations and hands-on games and activities, students will learn how plants make energy to live and reproduce.
Join Baltimore Woods as we learn about science and the natural world right here in Central New York in this hour-long program for our home school audience. Students discover the wonder and excitement of science in the great outdoors.
Registration is required. Cost per student: $8 for members; $12 for non-members
May 21: 2-3:30pm
Habitat Gardening Series with Janet Allen: Creating a Bird Friendly Yard
Do you enjoy watching birds in your yard? Learn some interesting facts about some of CNY’s favorite backyard birds, such as the hummingbird, chickadee, and others. Learn how to enhance your yard so it appeals to even more birds, and how you can help conserve birds beyond your own yard. $5 for members; $8 for nonmembers.
May 28: 2-3:30pm
Habitat Gardening Series with Janet Allen: “Green” Your Yard
You can help create a healthy planet by using earth-friendly landscaping and gardening practices right in your own yard. Find out how to reduce the size of your lawn and care for the remaining lawn in an earth-friendly way. Learn about composting – both indoors and outside, about water conservation, and about many other ways you can truly green-up your yard and the planet.