Our Workshops and programs are on hold at this time due to the Covid-10 Pandemic.  Please check back later for current information.

Workshops 2020

Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center
2020 Programs and Events
 
Looking for a way to get out and explore the outdoors this year?  Join us for a workshop or outdoor program or come visit the Wildlife Education Center.  There is something for all ages and interests.  Visit our web site at www.beavercreekwildlife.org for more information or follow us on our Facebook page. 
 
Programs are offered free of charge.  Donations are always appreciated!!
** Registration Required                 (C) Child/Family-Friendly Activity

April
 
Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 – noon – 75 State Parks in 10 Days.  Did you know Ohio has 75 State Parks?  Join ODNR Naturalist Richelle Gatto in the classroom at the Wildlife Education Center as she describes her whirlwind trek to visit every State Park in 10 days.  Learn about and discover some hidden gems you might want to visit this year.
 
Saturday, April 18 from 12:30 – 2:30 – Spring Wildflower Hike.  Join BCWEC volunteers Cheryl Mattevi and Eileen Dray-Bardon as we welcome early spring wildflowers and wildlife.  There is always something new and exciting in bloom in the Beaver Creek forests and hills.  The trail ranges from gentle to moderately steep and may be muddy.  Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a walking stick if you like. The hike will be cancelled if there is a downpour.  Please meet under the Wildlife Education Center pavilion.
 
May
Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 – Wildlife Education Center Opening Weekend for public visitation.  The center is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 through October 4 with extended hours on certain dates.
 
(C)  Saturday, May 9 from 11:00 - Noon – Tracks, Scat, and Splat.  Join Naturalist Richelle Gatto in the classroom at the Wildlife Education Center for a fun family activity that allows you to become a Detective of Wildlife and identify the things wildlife “leave behind.”  This program will include a hands-on craft for kids of all ages! 
 
Saturday, May 9 from Noon – 1:30 – Lunch and Learn!!  Ask a Master Gardener.  Make Your Garden Wildlife Friendly!  Bring a lunch if you like and join Master Gardners Merabeth Steffen and Stephanie Barkay under the pavilion as they answer all your pesky gardening questions.  They will discuss invasive species, how to attract wildlife, and how to discourage some wild garden pests. 
 
(C)  Saturday, May 16 from 1:30 – 4:30 – What Characteristics Do Insects Have?  Children can join Carolyn and Mary Ann under the pavilion during the afternoon as they learn about insects and make an insect with potatoes and toothpicks.  Once completed, they will hide their creation and have family members try to find it.
 
**  Saturday, May 23 from 11:00 – 1:00 – Create a Butterfly Garden.  Registration is required.  Please send contact information to beavercreekw@aol.com.  The first 20 registrants/families will receive a Red Milkweed plant to plant in your garden.  These plants have been donated by Barb Kliner.
Join Wildlife Education Center volunteers Cheryl and Eileen in the classroom at the Wildlife Center and learn how to plant a garden that attracts butterflies and other pollinators.  They will also describe which plants host the different stages of these beneficial and beautiful insects and share where to purchase plants locally, how to collect seeds, and how to plant them. 
 
(C)  Saturday, May 23 from 1:00 – 4:00 - Milkweed Mud Pies.  Children of all ages will enjoy this crafty gardening activity.  Join Wildlife Center volunteer Cheryl under the pavilion as each participant will choose milkweed and other wildflower seeds and make a seed ball to take home to plant.  Participants can also help us enlarge the wildflower meadow at the Wildlife Center by pitching in a few seeds.  Be prepared to get muddy! 
 
June
 
**  (C) Saturday, June 6 from 1:00 – 2:30 – Build a Birdhouse   Registration is required.  Send contact information to beavercreekw@aol.com.  Kids age 6 and older and their adults can join Beaver Creek Wildlife Center volunteers under the pavilion and build their own bluebird house.  The wood has been donated by Home Depot.  Participants will also learn about what kind of homes birds build.

**  Saturday, June 13 from 9:00 – 11:00 – Spotted Lanternfly Workshop.  Registration is required.  Send contact information to beavercreekw@aol.com by June 10th.   Join Bryan Weyant, Wildlife/Forestry Specialist with Columbiana Soil and Water Conservation District, in the classroom at the Wildlife Education Center for an informative program on this new invasive species that may be coming to Ohio soon. His presentation will cover several key elements, including:  identification of the Spotted Lanternfly and the host plant, the Tree of Heaven;  an overview of the reproduction, life stages, and feeding habits; the impact on our natural resources; tree and plant species that are most at risk; control efforts and management practices; monitoring techniques; and informational resources and contacts. 

 (C)  Saturday, June 13 from 1:00 – 5:00 – Pavilion Grand Opening Event!  Join Wildlife Education Center volunteers under and around the new pavilion and enjoy free snow cones, shaved ice, ice cream, and many fun activities.  Be sure to take a tour inside the Wildlife Education Center and see all the displays while you are visiting!!
 
Saturday, June 20 from 10:00 - Noon - Summer Bird ID Program.  Join Wildlife Center volunteers Bob and Denise Lane under the pavilion for a fun and informational program about identifying the birds of summer.  Part of the program will include a walk through the Ohio Room at the Wildlife Center to examine and identify the birds on display there. 
 
(C)  Saturday, June 20 from 1:30 – 4:30 – Butterflies.  Kids and their adults can join Wildlife Center volunteers Carolyn and Mary Ann under the pavilion during the afternoon and learn about butterflies.  Participants will make their own butterfly to take home.
 
Saturday, June 27 from 10:00 – 11:30 – Tai Chi.  Come and experience the ancient Chinese exercise called Tai Chi with Barb Kliner.  You will learn a little history of Tai Chi, the health benefits and some basic movements. Tai Chi is one of the best, yet underrated, exercises for stress relief, balance, and overall health. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  No special equipment is needed, and you can choose to stand or sit.  This class will be held outside under the pavilion so participants can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. 
 
Sunday, June 28 from 1:00 – 5:00 – Information on Honeybees.  Local beekeeper George Stacy will be at the Wildlife Education Center all afternoon in the live animal room to talk about honeybees and pollination.  He will answer questions from our visitors regarding the live honeybee display and about honeybees in general.  These amazing insects are vital to our food production!
 
July
Saturday, July 11 from 1:00 – 5:00 – Flint Knapping and Arrow Making.  Spend some time under the pavilion this afternoon and watch Lewis Hudson as he demonstrates how to make arrowheads from different materials and how to make arrows using the arrowheads.  You can examine samples of his work, including knives, bows, and arrows, and ask questions. 
 
**  Saturday, July 18 from Noon – 3:00 – Raising Butterflies.  Registration is required and limited to 30 people.  Please register and send contact information to beavercreekw@aol.com by July 15.
Join Dorothy Reynolds at 7650 Salem Unity Road, Salem, OH for a fun afternoon!  Participants should bring a bag lunch to eat under the pavilion at Dorothy’s home.  After lunch, participants will collect butterfly eggs and learn how to set up a growing container so they can watch the life cycle and later release the adult butterflies. This activity is suitable for kids age 10 and up with their adults. 
 
**  (C)   Saturday, July 18 from 1:30 – 4:30 – Making Memory Bricks.  Registration required.  Please register and send contact information to beavercreekw@aol.com by July 11.
Kids and their adults can join Carolyn and Mary Ann to make a memory brick using concrete.  Kids can put their own fingerprints or an animal track into the brick and add beads or buttons to decorate it. 
 
Saturday, July 25 from 10:00 – 11:30 – Tai chi.  Come and experience the ancient Chinese exercise called Tai Chi with Barb Kliner.  You will learn a little history of Tai Chi, the health benefits and some basic movements. Tai Chi is one of the best, yet underrated, exercises for stress relief, balance, and overall health. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  No special equipment is needed, and you can choose to stand or sit.  This class will be held outside under the pavilion so participants can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. 
 
August
 
Saturday, August 8 from 1:00 – 2:00 – Birds in Flight Sanctuary Program.  Join Heather Merritt under the pavilion for an interesting program about her animal rehabilitation service.  She will discuss her license requirements and environmental issues affecting our birds of prey.  She will have some of her educational birds of prey with her and will discuss information about their life history and how they came to the sanctuary.  She will also answer questions.
 
(C)  Saturday, August 15 from 1:30 – 4:30 – Owls.  Kids and their adults can join Carolyn and Mary Ann under the pavilion during the afternoon as they learn about owls.  Participants will make an owl from a paper plate to take home.
 
Saturday, August 22 from 10:00 – 5:00 – Wildlife and Nature Photography Art Show.  The area under the pavilion will become an art exhibit for the weekend.  Come and enjoy the beautiful pictures and cast your vote for the top 10 People’s Choice Award.  You can also enjoy snacks and drinks as you walk through the exhibit.
 
Sunday, August 23 from 10:00 – 3:00 - Wildlife and Nature Photography Art Show.  The area under the pavilion will become an art exhibit for the weekend.  Come and enjoy the beautiful pictures and see who won the top 10 People’s Choice Awards and ribbons.  You can also enjoy snacks and drinks as you walk through the exhibit.
 
Saturday, August 29 from 10:00 – 11:30 – Tai Chi.  Come and experience the ancient Chinese exercise called Tai Chi with Barb Kliner.  You will learn a little history of Tai Chi, the health benefits and some basic movements. Tai Chi is one of the best, yet underrated, exercises for stress relief, balance, and overall health. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.  No special equipment is needed, and you can choose to stand or sit.  This class will be held outside under the pavilion so participants can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. 

September
 
Saturday, September 12 from 10:30 – Noon - Ice Age In Ohio.  Take a cool trip back to the time when northern Ohio was a giant mass of ice.  Explore how the glacier created our landforms and streams and influenced where plants and animals live today.  Geologist Cheryl Mattevi will introduce you to some ice age critters from Columbiana County and see how they were excavated.  You may spot a mastodon from your own backyard!  Suitable for older children and adults.
 
Saturday, September 12 from Noon – 1:30 – Lunch and Learn - Geology Road Show.  Bring a bag lunch if you like and join Wildlife Center volunteer and geologist Cheryl Mattevi and learn about rocks and minerals.  Meet in the pavilion for a quick, family friendly introduction to finding and identifying rocks, minerals, and fossils.  Learn where to find them and how to manage a collection.  Participants are welcome to bring their own specimens for identification and some extras if you would like to swap for something new!
 
(C)  Saturday, September 19 from 1:30 – 4:30 – Christmas Tree Ornament.  Kids and their adults can join Carolyn and Mary Ann as they make their own Christmas tree ornament from a milk weed pod.
 
**  Saturday, September 19 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM – Paint and Sip.  Celebrate the end of the season with us as you create a reversible stacked pumpkin/snowman door hanger.  Wildlife Education Center Volunteer Tracy Mesler will walk you through painting this craft made of 3/8in plywood primed and ready to paint.  The door hanger is approximately 10” by 20”.  Add your personal touch to create a door hanger that is truly unique.  All paint and supplies will be provided. You may bring your own snacks and beverages, or enjoy the ones provided.  Space is limited to 14, so register by September 20 at beavercreekw@aol.com.  The cost is a donation of $35 per person and is due upon registration.  Proceeds benefit the Wildlife Education Center.
 
October
 
Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 from 10:00 – 5:00 – Final weekend.  This is the final weekend for the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center to be open to the public for 2020.  Please note the extended hours.  The winners for the Raffle items will be drawn at 4:00 on Sunday, October 4.