The Outdoor Classroom: 2012 Summer Nature Series
Join us in a marvelous natural setting at twilight for these
“family-friendly” multi-media presentations by local naturalists and photographers.
WHERE: Outdoor Classroom, Wildwood Park, Radford WHEN: 7:30 PM
on the map at http://www.radfordpl.org/wildwood/today/map.html
Park at the Main Entrance to Wildwood Park at Main/Grove or the Sundell/Park Rd. lot. It is a 5 minute walk to the classroom in the center of the park. In case of rain: The lecture will move to Radford Recreation Center, an announcement will be posted on https://sites.google.com/a/rcps.org/summer-lecture-series/ by 6 pm.
SPONSORS: Pathways for Radford, Radford City Schools, Radford Recreation Department
June 7 Falcons: Sport of Kings!
Shane Brandes: Falconer
· Falconry has long been touted as the sport of kings -- and rightly so! For thousands of years hunters have worked in tandem with falcons and hawks to capture prey. Even avid bird lovers will learn some of the fascinating differences between hawks and falcons in this hands-on opportunity from a devoted falconer.
June 21 Animal Tracking
Rob Speiden: Natural Awareness Tracking School
· Discover many mysteries of the creatures that inhabit nature. This presentation will introduce you to finding and interpreting tracks, scats and disturbances left behind by animals. Visual aids will include powerpoint presentation, casts of animal tracks and hopefully some actual tracks and sign on location!
July 5 Snakes Alive! Copperheads, Rattlesnakes and More: Facts and Misconceptions!
Jason Reger: Staff Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist/Blue Ridge Wildlife Management
· Would you recognize one of Virginia’s poisonous snakes if you encountered one on a trail? Learn how to identify our local snake species and separate snake myths and misunderstandings from biological facts. Come see the real thing!
July 19 Butterflies of Wildwood and Beyond
Clyde Kessler: Naturalist
· rw to capture Wildwood scenery and sights of your summer travels. Unlock the mysteries of digiWitWkdfjWildwood Park is a wonderful place to enjoy and observe butterflies. Learn to appreciate, recognize and identify unique butterflies and their behaviors as Clyde shares his enthusiasm, expertise and years of field observations and research.
August 2 Slimy Salamanders
Jeff Brown: Biology Teacher/Radford High School
· Striking photography, an energetic life history presentation, and hands-on with live wriggling salamanders – will lead you and your family to appreciate, find and identify these mysterious creatures on your own salamander hunts.
August 16 Mice and voles and shrews, oh my! Native small mammals of Radford.
Karen Francl: Radford University Department of Biology
· Come and take a closer look at some of Radford's common small mammal inhabitants, with live animals on-hand! We'll talk about their important role in the ecosystem, and ways that biologists catch them. Bring your cameras for close-ups of our native mice and voles. (Hands-on participation is allowed but not required!)
