Upcoming Events
Nature & Wellness Series: Introduction to Kayaking on Crooked Creek Lake
September 11, 2024
6pm
$20/person
Space will be Limited
Join Venture Outdoors and the Outdoor Discovery Center for an Introduction to Kayaking Program at Crooked Creek Lake. During this two-hour class, participants will be introduced to the basic equipment, learn paddling techniques and how to steer and board a kayak, and finally take the boats out onto Crooked Creek Lake for some practice. No experience required. Participants must be at least 13 years of age with a parent/guardian 18 or older as a participant on the water as well.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE INTRO TO KAYAKING CLASS ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2024.
Monthly Nature Lessons for Elementary Age Homeschool Students
Second* Tuesday of Every Month - September 2024 through May 2025
1:00pm to 3:00pm
The Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek will offer elementary age homeschool students a nature lesson each month. The two-hour program will run the second Tuesday of every month (with the exception of the September class), September 2024 – May 2025 from 1pm-3pm. Sessions will take place at the Outdoor Discovery Center, and include a fun and hands-on mix of nature lessons, crafts, games, hikes, experiments, and more.
Depending on the topic we will make use of our indoor and outdoor classrooms; our animal room which has an impressive display of mounted, taxidermized mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish; our lawn and trails.
Tentative Class Topics:
- September 12, 2024: Squirrels
SORRY, REGISTRATION FOR THE SEPTEMBER CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED.
- October 8, 2024: Pumpkin Science
- November 12, 2024: Black Bears
- December 10, 2024: Pines & Snow
- January 14, 2025: Cardinals
- February 11, 2025: Porcupines
- March 11, 2025: TBD
- April 8, 2025: TBD
- May 13, 2025: TBD
Each session is $10/child. Pay in advance for all nine classes at the discounted rate of $78 (save $12). Advanced registration is required so that we may plan accordingly. You may pay by cash or check (made payable to the Armstrong Center for Community Learning) the day of the class.
Class size is limited.
A special THANK YOU to the Grable Foundation for providing the funding to offer these homeschool nature lessons at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek!
If you have questions, please contact Rachel Filippini, ODC Program Coordinator at [email protected] or call 724-763-6316.
Creature Feature: A Six-Part Series
Part Five: September 17, 2024 - Pileated Woodpecker
6pm
FREE for Elementary Age Children & Families!
Join us at the upcoming Creature Feature program. This six-part series will explore creatures (animals) that call Pennsylvania home. Each program will include a fun and engaging hands-on nature lesson, activity, and craft. Elementary age children and their families will leave with a greater understanding of and appreciation for the featured creature. This program is made possible through a grant from the Richard G. and Barbara A. Snyder General Charitable Fund at the Armstrong County Community Foundation.
Next Creature Feature Program:
September 17, 2024 at 6pm – Pileated Woodpecker. Did you know muscles and a section of spongy bone pad the pileated woodpeckers thick skull to prevent injury to their brain, eyes, and ears from all the extreme pounding they do? Learn more about these interesting birds at the next program.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE PILEATED WOODPECKER PROGRAM ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2024.
Upcoming Creature Feature Programs - Save the date!
November 18, 2024 at 6pm – TBD
Cell Phone Photography Class
October 5, 2024
10am-12pm
$20/person
Join us this October at the Outdoor Discovery Center for a 2 hour hands-on Cell Phone Photography Class presented by Donna Weckerly Photography!
Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to sharpen your skills, this class will guide you through the basics of capturing stunning images right from your smartphone. We’ll explore essential camera settings and modes, giving you the tools to confidently adjust your phone for the best possible shot. Additionally, you’ll learn key composition techniques to elevate your photos, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
Bring your phone (fully charged) and your creativity—let’s discover the art of mobile photography together!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CELL PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS ON OCTOBER 5, 2024.
Magical Wand Workshop
October 5, 2024
2-4:30pm
Ages: 10+
$30/person
Join us for a magical wand workshop hosted by Convergence Studios. Embark on a journey of creativity and personalization as you select from a variety of unique and handmade crystal wands, each waiting to be painted, wire wrapped, and adorned with charms of your choosing.
During this enchanting event, participants will not only have the opportunity to customize their own wand but also learn the secrets to giving it a truly magical appearance. Designed for children ages 10 and up as well as adults, this workshop promises an afternoon of whimsical fun and artistic exploration.
As you craft your wand, indulge in delightful refreshments served midway through the workshop. Then, prepare to be captivated by a nature talk led by Outdoor Discovery Center staff. To capture the magic of the event, participants will have the opportunity to use multiple wizard selfie stations. So go ahead and dress up, bring a hat, cape or book of spells-- Costumes are encouraged but not required! Join us for an unforgettable experience blending creativity, nature, and enchantment.
Space is limited.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE MAGICAL WAND WORKSHOP ON OCTOBER 5, 2024.
Armstrong Nature Book Club - Deeply Rooted
October 8, 2024
7pm
FREE!
Open to all, this monthly book club focuses on nature-themed books and is particularly suited for those with an avid interest and curiosity in nature-related topics, human interactions with nature, and how these concepts can personally relate to each individual reader. The book club will be facilitated by a member of the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program.
The book being discussed at the October meeting is Fox and I: An Uncommon Friendship by Catherine Raven.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE OCTOBER MEETING.
All meetings will be at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, 142 Kerr Rd., Ford City, PA 16226.
Upcoming Armstrong Nature Book Club meetings:
November 12, 2024 - Ten Birds that Changed the World by Stephen Moss
December 10, 2024 - TBD
Herbal Remedies Workshop
October 12, 2024
10am
$25/person
Herbalism was an essential component of life on the 18th century frontier of Pennsylvania. The forest was abundant with beneficial plants and fungi, and these staples proved to have strong medicinal properties. These herbal remedies have been used for centuries, and most of their components are available in our own backyards. Join local author and historian Brady Crytzer for a course on 18th century frontier herbalism. Topics covered include common recipes, remedies, and tips for starting your own home medicinal herb garden. Take home bundles of common – and not-so-common – herbs.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE HERBAL REMEDIES WORKSHOP ON OCTOBER 12, 2024.
Nocturnal Nibbles Children's Program
October 15, 2024
6pm
FREE
Come learn about various animals that are active at night, also known as nocturnal, and then create and eat a fun, accompanying treat. It'll be a HOOT! Each participating child will receive a copy of the children’s magazine “Spider” featuring Nocturnal Nibbles recipes by local children’s author Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan.
Space is limited.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE NOCTURNAL NIBBLES CHILDREN'S PROGRAM ON OCTOBER 15, 2024.
Youth Water Quality Education & Engagement Projects for High School Students
Kick-Off Event on Saturday, November 2, 2024
10am
FREE
Learn more about the Youth Water Quality Education and Engagement projects for high school and middle school students by visiting https://www.armstrongcenter.org/odc-events/youth-water-quality-education/. Here, you will learn about our water quality education and engagement projects, such as building and installing catfish spawning boxes, designing water quality games and activities for elementary students, tree planting for stream bank stabilization, touring an environmental laboratory, etc.
PA Master Naturalist Certification Training
Registrat
ion is closed for the Fall 2024 PA Master Naturalist training cohort. A cohort is held in each Fall at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek.
Do you enjoy learning about the natural world? Are you interested in sharing that knowledge with others? Would you like to know more about supporting natural resource conservation? Pennsylvania Master Naturalists are a dedicated group of people who share a passion for nature, getting outdoors and giving back. If you enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, being outdoors, and volunteering, you’ll love being a Master Naturalist.
Become a Master Naturalist by attending our 50-hour training course at the Outdoor Discovery Center. Classes will be held weekly on Thursday evenings from August 8 – October 24 with four field sessions on Saturdays (August 17, September 7 and 21, and October 5)
Click here to access the Fall 2024 schedule.
Visit the PA Master Naturalist Facebook page by clicking here.
You can also visit https://pamasternaturalist.org/become_a_master_naturalist/ for additional information about becoming a Master Naturalist.
Learn more about PA Master Naturalist training course application at https://bit.ly/PMNtraining.
For more information and registration details, contact Rachel Filippini, ODC program coordinator at [email protected].
