SPRING PROGRAM GUIDE 2012 - Madison, Connecticut

2012 SPRING PROGRAMSAT BAUER PARKGENERAL PROGRAMSGET READY FOR BLUEBIRDS!Sunday, 4/29 1:00-3:00 p.m.Bluebirds start nesting in Madison in March and April.Indoors we will learn about what these lovely songbirdsneed to raise a family. See a video of babies hatchingand growing in the nest box. Nest box plans areavailable. Then tour the Bauer Bluebird Trail to see thebirds in action. Learn how to become a bluebird nestbox monitor as part of the Cornell Lab of Ornithologycitizen science program. All ages. Children must beaccompanied by an adult.Instructor: Susannah GraedelFee: $5 per personASTRONOMY NIGHTSaturday, 5/12 8:00 p.m.Learn about the night sky with members of theAstronomical Society of New Haven. Telescopes will beset up on the Bauer Park Astronomy Platform near thecommunity gardens. Enjoy clear views of the stars, andVenus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. For all ages. FREEand open to the public, however please call to register:(203) 245-5623 before 3:30 pm on Friday, June 11 th .After 4:00 pm you can register online if you have apassword at madisonct.org. Go to Beach andRecreation.Dissect and Draw FlowersFebruary 28, 2012Experience the blooms of summer in February! Learnwhy a daisy is not a flower. Dissect several species offlowers and examine them under the microscope toreveal their intricate beauty. Capture the flowers'secrets by making a scientific botanical drawing. Nodrawing experience necessary. Instructor holds acertificate in botanical illustration from the New YorkBotanical Garden. For Adults. Instructor: SusannahGraedel.Time: 10:00 to 12:00 noonFee: $5 per personTHE 10th GREAT SNAKE AND FROG HUNTSunday, 6/2 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Join a herpetologist on a hunt for turtles, frogs andsnakes. Learn about reptiles and amphibians thendiscover where and how to search for these elusivecreatures. All ages. Children must be accompanied byan adult.Instructor: Chuck AnnicelliFee: $5 per person.CHILDREN’S PROGRAMSMINI-EXPLORERSCome join in the fun of exploring! We will learn aboutnature and science through activities such as hiking,singing, games, reading and making crafts.Indoor/outdoor programs – dress for the weather. ForPreschoolers ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult.Instructor: Donna DioneFee: $8/classMammals on the MoveFriday, 3/23Whether it’s to graze in a field, swim in the ocean, chasedown some prey or traverse a continent, mammals havemany unique body parts and behaviors to help themmove. Learn about adaptations that help mammalstravel and why some of these animals must migrate longdistances. Join in the fun as we practice hopping,swimming, crawling and stalking like some of our favoritecreatures.Choose 10:00 to 11:00 am or 1:00 to 2:00 pmEGGSTRAVAGANZAFriday, 4/6Join us as we learn about what kinds of animals layeggs, how they take care of their eggs, and how longsome babies stay in their eggs. Are you as good at eggcare as a penguin parent? Come find out along withdoing an “eggs”ellent craft!Choose at 10:00 to 11:00 am or 1:00 to 2:00 pmDig Those DecomposersFriday, 4/20If you like exploring and playing in the dirt, then you willlove decomposers! Insects, fungi and all sorts of coolcritters help turn leaves and logs into soil. We’ll visit theBauer forest for an up-close investigation of who is livingunder our feet and helping to keep the woods alive.Choose 10:00 to 11:00 am or 1:00 to 2:00 pmMagnificent Moths & Beautiful ButterfliesFriday, 5/18Moths and butterflies are some of the prettiest creatureson earth. Learn how to tell the difference betweenmoths and butterflies and explore why these flyingbeauties are important members of the insect world.The class will include a “butterfly hunt” and an insectcraft.Choose 10:00 to 11:00 am or 1:00 to 2:00 pm20