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I REMEMBER By your Founder, Carolyn Corey Jarin When asked to write this for the next three newsletters, I agreed, and then spoke my often-uttered cry of "help!" After spending a lot of time looking back, remembering and condensing ....here goes! I remember: In 1948 - When I came to live in Bucks County and walked down the nature path in Henry Chapman Mercer's woods in Doylestown where I saw his now well known "motto" on the gardener's cottage: "Who Learns will Love and Not Destroy, The Creature's Life, the Flower's Joy." In 1974 - Serving on the Bucks County Park Board in preparation for persuading the county to allow me to start a third nature center here in Central Bucks. In 1975 - Starting Peace Valley Nature Center at the northeast end of the newly dedicated Peace Valley Park, and using an old dog kennel as my office. 1975 - 1979 - Spending most of my time outside planning and laying out trails and figuring where to put ponds. Creating the first trail map for the area northeast of Chapman Road. - Taking first "Pooh" walk to teach young children about different habitats and homes in our "100 acre woods." - Carolyn Constable and Shelley Taylor helping as Teacher/naturalists for the very early programs. - Working with Don McClintock, then principal of Doyle Elementary School, on bringing his students here to our "outdoor classroom". Within the next three years all Central Bucks 4th graders were coming here. - Deciding to be called by my maiden name Corey since it was easier with similarly named Carolyn Constable, Carole Sgrillo both working here. - Fred Mears, a local resident, becoming one of our first volunteers, then a "CETA" paid employee, then a county employee. Fred ran our first Saturday Morning Bird walks and continued them for as long as he worked here. - Starting our bird seed barn store, developing the Bucks Co. Audubon seed mix to sell there. - Starting Sunday Nature Walks, Tuesday Adult Walks, Night Hikes, Teacher Naturalist Training, Maple Sugaring and Full Moon Walks, in addition to school programs. - Meeting at my rented house here with various local school and conservation oriented citizens around Central Bucks, to talk about starting an organization to support the nature center (The Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center). This was accomplished by fall of Ô77. Fred Mears served as the first president. - Helping the State Came Commission waterfowl biologist to catch and band waterfowl at this end of Lake Galena -to help with studies on goose populations (resident vs. migrating). In 1977 - 1979 - "Fighting" to keep the peace at this end of Lake Galena by not allowing fishermen in a 25 acre area around the Chapman Road bridge. Finally succeeded in setting aside this "Protected Wildlife Area." PVNC RECIEVES $25,000 STATE GRANT FOR SOLAR RENOVATION The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) of PA has extended its support to the dedicated people who make up the Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center. State Representative Kathy Watson assisted us in obtaining this $25,000 grant to be used towards our solar renovations. Notification of this DCED grant was great news because along with $54,000 in member and local business contributions and the Bucks /Montgomery Homebuilders Assoc. pledge of $20,000 and up to $80,000 in materials, it brings our fundraising closer to the level where we can cover our construction costs. As this newsletter went to print, we were waiting for the approval of an additional $20,000 grant from the DCED, through Senator Joe Conti's office. Also, the Bucks County Parks Department will be providing more support, both monetarily and by helping us to finalize plans and to obtain township permits. Although we have had to revert to a somewhat scaled down version of the plans we are looking forward to the start of construction of our "green" renovations. Contributions would still be appreciated. Further donations contributed to this fund drive will go towards much needed educational displays and the development of programs to enhance understanding of the latest construction conservation principles. It is because of the commitment from you, as our Friends, that we are able to pursue creating a truly eco-renovation. Thank you again for your continuing support of environmental education here at Peace Valley. Cindy Long, President, Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center THE NATURALIST'S CORNER RED TAILED HAWKES What's that up in the sky? Is it a plane? Is it a bird? It's a Red-tailed Hawk! These beautiful members of the buteos genus (large soaring hawks) are widespread throughout the United States, and are regularly seen here at Peace Valley Nature Center. The Red-tailed Hawk is the largest of the hawks and usually weighs between two and four pounds, with the female being nearly a third larger than the male. When they soar overhead, they often let out a distinct, raspy two to three second "kree-e-e-e-e" calls in flight. Like all hawks, Red-tailed Hawks are carnivores, and it is believed that eighty-five to ninety percent of their diet is composed of small rodents such as mice, rats, moles, rabbits and squirrels. They also eat snakes and lizards. These hawks hunt by soaring at a high altitude and use their keen eyesight (which is eight times as powerful as ours!) to see the smallest movement in the grass below. When one spots its prey, it dives rapidly and grabs its dinner in its strong talons, killing it and either swallowing it whole or tearing it to pieces with its sharp, curved raptor beak. Red-tailed Hawks build nests high in the forks of large trees. Their nests often reach colossal proportions; when a pair returns to the same nesting site (it is believed they mate for life), they work together to add to and repair the nest. Sometime between March and May, after reaching the age of three, the female will lay two white or bluish-white eggs marked with reddish spots and splotches. The female incubates and the incubation period lasts twenty-eight days; during this time, the male hunts for her and brings her food. Once the young hatch, they grow slowly, and remain in the nest for as long as forty-eight days. An interesting side note to nesting is that Great Horned owls will frequently use the previous years' nest of a Red-tailed Hawk. The next year the Red-tailed will remodel it and use it while the owl finds a new Red-tailed nest and uses that! The young soon learn to fly and hunt for themselves, but due to their inexperience, young Red-tailed Hawks may be seen eating road-kill until they gain the hunting skills necessary to survive. On very, very rare occasions, young Red-tails have been known to kill chickens, earning them the rather inaccurate nickname of Chicken Hawk. Unfortunately, due to this nickname, some farmers indiscriminately shoot and kill this beautiful bird in a misguided attempt to protect their flocks. The fields here at Peace Valley Nature Center are perfect hunting grounds for these amazing raptors, and if you keep your eyes and ears open you may even be lucky enough to see one dive for its dinner! Spring Intern Christy Articola is a graduate of Fordham University (BA Communications '98) and the College of Saint Rose (MS Education, Elementary Ed. '02). She likes music, camping, and boating, sleeping and long walks on the beach. She is from Albany, N.Y. and hopes to pursue a career in environmental education. NATURALIST WALKS MOONLIGHT WALKS Wednesday, August 17, 8 pm Tuesday, September 20, 8 pm Those warm summer nights are on their way out, so join us for the last moonlight walks of the year. Your nose will smell the last flowers of summer and the first spice of fall! Your fingers will feel the textures and contrasts of natural objects. Listen to insects and birds singing with a variety of chirps, whistles and trills. A screech owl may respond to the naturalist's call. Walk cancelled if it rains. SINGLES WALKS Saturdays, 10 am - 12 noon August 20, September 3, October 15, 29 Tired of walking alone? Then join singles of all ages for these fascinating walks. Fall colors will brighten the trails. The air feels cool and smells spicy. Late blooming flowers and birds are abundant. No children please. Bring lunch for after the walk. BIRD WALKS Saturdays, 7 - 9 am The southward migration of birds starts with the wading birds in late summer. Warblers wing their way through in September and are challenging to identify in their fall plumage. October brings Raptors overhead at the peak of their migration. A $1 donation suggested. SUNDAY FAMILY WALKS 2pm FALL FLOWERS September 18 & 25 Flowers like Goldenrods and Asters are still in bloom in Peace Valley's fields. Join a naturalist to view them before they turn to seed. SENSORY EXPERIENCES October 9 Have you ever had a tea party for your nose? Taken a picture with an imagimatic camera? Caught the shadow of a flower? Heard the trill of a cricket? You will on this fun filled sensory walk! CATCH THE COLOR October 16 & 23 Fall color is here! The green leaves have changed into a host of gorgeous colors. Vivid reds, subtle browns, florescent oranges and bright gold's are everywhere! A PVNC naturalist will let you in on the secrets of this yearly display. HOMES & HIDEAWAYS October 30 & November 6 The nature center has many places for animal homes or hideouts. Trees are perfect for winter dens. Animals like groundhogs can burrow through the soil and make a chamber below the frost line. Some insects make galls in preparation for the cold. Help the naturalist find them! ACTIVITIES Advanced registration and payment is required except where noted. To pre-register for an activity, send your name, phone number, and the fee to Peace Valley Nature Center, 170 Chapman Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901. The fee is not refundable one week before the program. Make checks payable to Friends of PVNC. Your money will reserve your place. Class sizes are limited, so register early! DRAWING AND PAINTING FROM NATURE Wednesday, September 21, 28, October 5, 12, 9 am -12 noon Joan Bitzer returns with her popular nature art lessons. The nature center grounds have a diversity of scenic beauty that make ideal subjects to paint. Beginners are encouraged to come. Please bring your own pencils, paint and paper. Fee $55 (Members $50). GAGGLES OF GHOULS AND GOBLINS! Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, 7 - 9 pm Come to Peace Valley Nature Center where a ghostly guide will lead you on a spooky walk through our Haunted Trails!! You will encounter hairy spiders, slimy snakes, rabid bats, black cats and moaning ghosts. Our spooky characters will expose the myths people have about these animals and natural occurrences, then teach you the real facts!! Enjoy cider and roasted marshmallows after your chilly walk!! Not recommended for children under 7 years old. Advanced registration not necessary! Fee $6 per person (members $4). REPTILRAMA Saturday, October 22, 1 - 2 pm Leonard Knapp returns to Peace Valley Nature Center with his Reptilrama program. You will be amazed by Leonard's impressive collection of live reptiles and amphibians, and his wealth of knowledge! Reptilrama has always been a popular program, so arrive early to find a good seat. Advanced registration is not necessary. Fee $3 per person ($2 members). SLIDE SHOW THE CHALLENGES OF BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY Thursday, October 20, 7:30 pm Join Dr. Howard B. Eskin as he presents a slide show of local bird photographs taken this year. Howard will address the challenges and technical difficulties of photographing birds with both the handheld camera and digiscope. August Mirabella and Ron French will add to the "birding" commentary. It should be a delightful presentation and a chance to see beautiful photos of many of our very own migrant and resident species. FIELD TRIPS Advanced registration and payment is required. Fee not refundable after one week prior to trip. Make checks payable to Friends of PVNC, send to 170 Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA 18901. All field trips leave from the nature center at the specified time. Travel is by carpool; all riders pay five cents per mile into the "kitty" which is divided among the drivers. FORSYTHE NWR (Brigantine) Sunday, August 14, 6:30 am - 5 pm Mid August at Forsythe is an excellent time and place to look for late arriving shorebirds. Often seen are Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Ruff and Gull-billed Tern. Bring insect repellant and lunch. Fee $10 (members $8). SANDY HOOK Sunday, September 11, 6am - 5pm We journeyed to Sandy Hook (New Jersey) in the spring, now we will visit in late summer. Participants will look for ducks, shorebirds and other fall migrants. Bring Lunch. Fee $10 (members $8). BAKE OVEN KNOB Sunday, October 16, 8 am - 4 pm Bake Oven Knob is one the best places in our region to look for migrating raptors. October is the middle of migration for the majority of hawks. We may get lucky and spot a bald or golden eagle. Bring lunch. Please note that there are no bathroom facilities available on site. Fee $10 (members $8). DUCKS of FORSYTHE NWR Sunday, November 6, 7 am - 5 pm We will travel again to Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (formerly known as Brigantine) to search for a variety of ducks. We will then go to Great Bay Blvd. a few miles north to look for sparrows and to view ocean migration of waterfowl. Bring lunch. Fee $10 ($8 members). CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS Advanced registration and payment is required. To pre-register, send your name, phone number, and the fee to Peace Valley Nature Center, 170 Chapman Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901. The fee is not refundable one week before the program. Make checks payable to Friends of PVNC. Your money will reserve your place. Class sizes are limited, so register early! MISS SPIDER'S TEA PARTY Sunday, October 30 1:30 - 2 pm Bring your favorite stuffed critter friend to sip tea (juice) munch crumpets (snack food), enjoy a story and the company of Miss Spider, as she extends her hospitality to you. This program is free! Advanced registration is not required! KIT CREW Age 2 & 3 with caregiver Fee: $50 (Member $40) Accompanying siblings: Under 2, no charge, age 4-K - $10 Class size 5 children Search for insects, trees, worms, mice, and rabbits to name a few! Learn about these fascinating creatures, look for tracks, get up close with a worm, listen for the sounds of nature, and more! Listen to a story, have a snack, set off down the trails for the day's adventure and return to the building to create your craft of the day. Tuesdays 10 - 11:30 am October 11, 18, 25 & November 1 Rain date: November 8 Wednesdays 10 - 11:30 am October 12, 19, 26 & November 2 Rain date: November 9 Winter Sessions: Tuesdays 10 - 11:30 am Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 Rain Date Jan. 31 Thursdays 10 - 11:30 am Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26 Rain Date Feb. 2 PARENT & PRESCHOOLERS Ages 4 - 6 with caregiver Fee: $50 ($40 members) includes one adult and one child, $10 additional child. Accompanying siblings 2-3 $5.00, under 2 no charge. Outdoor learning experiences for 4 & 5 year old children and their caregiver. Autumn color will greet you as you walk from the fields to the woods discovering animal homes, the wonders of seeds, and much more! Includes a story, snack and craft to take home. Tuesdays, 10 - 11:30 am October 11, 18, 25 & November 1 Rain date: November 8 Wednesdays 10 - 11:30 am October 12, 19, 26 & November 2 Rain date: November 9 Winter Sessions: Tuesdays, 10 - 11:30 am Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 Rain Date Jan. 31 Thursdays, 10 - 11:30 am Jan. 5,12,19, 26 Rain Date Feb. 2 TEACHER NATURALIST TRAINING September 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 Afternoons 1:00-3:00 pm WORKING OUTDOORS AND TEACHING GROUPS OF CHILDREN! If these two things are important to you, then join us! These training courses present the programs and techniques we use to bring environmental education to life for children of all ages. At no cost to you! NEWTOWN CAMERA CLUB PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW October 8 2005 through February 26 2006 Opening reception: Saturday, October 8, 3 to 5 p.m. Join us for the opening reception of Nature Photography, a show presented by the Newtown Camera Club. This reception is open to the public and is free of charge. Come and meet the photographers, and see their unique vision of beautiful Bucks County and other locations. The show will also include photographer Edie Wright who displayed her photos in our previous shows. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the framed photos, small matted prints and note cards hand crafted by the photographers will go to the Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center. For further information contact exhibit chair Mort Metersky at 215-672-4598. Click [HERE] to view back issues of our newsletter. |
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