Calendar & Program Catalog
Calendar developed and supported by Kieran O'Shea
2010 PROGRAMS AT PFEIFFER NATURE CENTER
FREE NATURE WALKS ~ LILLIBRIDGE PROPERTY
Jan. 2, Feb. 6, Mar. 6, Apr. 3 , May 1, Jul. 3, Aug. 7, Sep. 4, Oct. 2. Nov. 6, Dec. 4
Enjoy a leisurely walk through a rare old growth forest with large specimens of Eastern Hemlock, White Pine, American Beech, and Red Oak and observe the seasonal changes in this majestic forest. Suitable for all ages. 9-10 AM Free Lillibridge
FREE NATURE WALKS ~ ESHELMAN PROPERTY
Jan. 23, Feb. 27, Mar. 27, Apr. 24, May 22, Jun. 26, Jul. 24, Aug. 28, Sep. 25
Take in an easy walk through our retired farmlands observing the seasonal changes in out shrub wetland, mature meadow, creek and pond edges, and the mixed hardwood forest. Suitable for all ages. 9-10 AM Free Eshelman
FREE BIRD WALKS ~ ESHELMAN PROPERTY
May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22 ~ Cattaraugus County Bird Club Walk
Now that the migrant birds are back and breeding is getting underway, it’s a great time to explore bird watching. Come out and enjoy the sights and sounds discovered in this exciting sport! Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. 8-11 AM Public Welcome/Free Eshelman
INDOOR EXPLORE PROGRAM
Jan. 13 ~ Indoor Explore—Listening for Spring Peepers
What are those croaking, peeping, groaning, and snoring sounds outside? Frogs of course! Join us as we investigate the songs of our local amphibians and learn how we can help them through citizen science. Project FrogWatch connects you to the natural world taking your observations and connecting them to local research. 6-8 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 PNC Office
Feb. 17 ~ Indoor Explore—Fur, Skulls, Tracks & Scat!
We’ll learn about our native mammals by examining their features and the things they leave behind! Specimens will be available for an up-close look. 6-8 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 PNC Office
Mar. 10 ~ Indoor Explore—Looking for Spring Buds
Join thousands of others in gathering valuable environmental and climate change information from across the country. Project BudBurst engages the public in making careful observations of the phenophases such as first leafing, first flower, and first fruit ripening of a diversity of trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses in their local area. We’ll introduce you the local species of interest and how to observe and record your findings. 6-8 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 PNC Office
Apr. 21 ~ Indoor Explore—Insect-O-Rama
So you say Ugh! To Bugs? Not so here! Explore the wondrous insect life cycle. See where the bugs are while waiting for spring. Investigate live and preserved specimens. 6-8 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 PNC Office
May 5 ~ Indoor Explore—Spring Tree Identification
Before the lush unfurling of the greenery of spring, learn the basics of tree identification by looking at bark and twigs. Participants will be introduced to the trees of the northern hardwood forest and learn how to use dichotomous identification keys. 6-8 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 PNC Office
MAKE AND TAKE WORKSHOPS
May 26 ~ Let’s Make ~ A Wildflower Press
Learn about how to select, press, and use dried wildflowers in lovely craft projects and collection books. Make and take your own flower press. 6-8 PM $20 includes all materials PNC Office
Jun. 16 ~ Let’s Make ~ A Native Bee Pole
Learn how to make your own Native Bee Pole. This pole will attract solitary bees to help pollinate your gardens. There are 97 different species of native bees. Native bees are non aggressive, do not colonize, or make hives. Make and take your own bee pole. 6-8 PM $20 includes all materials PNC Office
Jul. 7 ~ Let’s Make ~ A Toad House
Treat the amphibians in your yard to classy housing! Create a toad house and enrich your yards environment by providing habitat for your amphibians. Make and take your own toad house. 6-8 PM $20 includes all materials PNC Office
Jul. 28 ~ Let’s Make ~ A Butterfly Net & Mounting Plate
Come see a demonstration on how to catch, preserve, and mount butterflies. Learn which butterflies can be selectively collected. Make and take your own net and mounting plate. 6-8 PM $20 includes all materials PNC Office
Aug. 18 ~ Let’s Make ~ A Bat House
It’s GOOD to attract bats to your yard. Learn about the native bats, where to place a bat house, and hear about the diseases affecting our local bat population. Make and take your own bat house using simple materials and tools. It’s fun for the entire family. Families may choose to construct one house together. Each additional family member participates for an additional $5. 6-8 PM $20 includes all materials PNC Office
Sep. 8 ~ Let’s Make ~ A Bluebird House
Did you know the E. Bluebird, (Sialia sialis) is our state bird?! NOW is the time to prepare nesting sites for next springs ‘blue-tiful’ birds. Join us to learn about bluebirds, how to attract them, and make and take your own bluebird house. Families may choose to construct one house together. Each additional family member participates for an additional $5. 6-8 PM $20 includes all materials PNC Office
Sep. 25 ~ Beginners Basket Weaving
Explore the artistry of basket making. Learn to make a round basket. Learn how baskets of different shapes were specifically designed to hold different items. Discover the fun in creating your own piece that you will use for a long time. 10:30-2:30 PM $30 includes basket materials Lillibridge
Oct. 6 ~ Let’s Make ~ A Groovy Tie Dyed Shirt
Tie dye is IN! Learn the basics of tie dying using natural berry dyes. Make and take your own masterpiece on a provided 100% cotton t-shirt. You can also bring additional t-shirts (60% cotton or higher is best) to decorate too! 6-8 PM $20 includes all materials PNC Office
Oct. 23 ~ Introduction to Brewing w/ Society for Creative Anachronism
Back before there was Bud Light… there were brew masters who used simple techniques to harvest the liquid pleasures from native plants and berries. Enjoy an overview of the brewing process, sample some yummy mixes, and get your hands wet preparing your own custom brew to take home. Participants must be age 21 or old. 10:30-2:30 PM $30 includes all supplies Lillibridge
Oct. 27 ~ Let’s Make ~ Recycled Note Paper
Save a tree! Learn the basics of papermaking and create neat and interesting paper out of old recycled newspaper. Make and take your own recycled notecards. 6-8 PM $20 includes all materials PNC Office
Nov. 17 ~ Let’s Make ~ A Holiday Centerpiece
Learn how to fashion a stylish centerpiece to grace your holiday table or give as a hostess gift. You’ll leave this fun, hands-on workshop with one lovely centerpiece and the skills to make more for family & friends. The boxwood base is hardy and will last for months with minimal care. Simply change the candle and accents for every holiday from Thanksgiving through Valentine’s Day. 6-8 PM $20 includes all materials PNC Office
Dec. 8 ~ Let’s Make ~ Gifts for the Birds
Create special treats and ‘gifts’ to help our feathered friends survive the harsh WNY winter. Decorate your yard or evergreen trees with these nutritious & festive ‘Bird Cookies’, Pine Cone treats, and more! 6-8 PM $20 includes all materials PNC Office
NATURE PROGRAMS
Feb. 6 ~ Winter Wetlands Ecology Walk
Did you know that deep under the ice and snow, life in the wetland is still rolling along? Insects and fish stay active in the frigid water all winter long. Tucked away in the mud there are a lot more residents patiently awaiting spring. Above the snow, mammals and birds stay active, finding their own ways to deal with winter’s hardships. Some burrow, some run, some hide, and some huddle. We’ll learn about beavers, muskrats, fish, dragonflies, frogs, foxes, and more. 10:30-12:30 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Eshelman
Mar. 6 ~ Snowshoe Nature Walk
This is a small group experience using snowshoes to explore the trails of Lillibridge and enjoy the quiet and peace of the snow ladened forest. Snowshoes provided. Experience limited to 6 participants. 10:30-12:30 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge
Apr. 3 ~ Spring Buds Walk
Before June busts out all ‘over, the buds swell and begin to flourish in the springtime sun. Take a stroll and observe this amazing process on a variety of trees in our old growth forest. 10:30-12:30 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge
Apr. 21 ~ Our Wild Senses Walk
See, hear, taste, touch, and smell in nature. Immerse yourself in fun activities evoking the richness of the natural world though all five senses. Take a blindfolded hike through the woods, feeling the ground underfoot, warmed by the sun overhead, and hearing the breeze in the leaves. Take your sharpened senses on a night hike to learn how bats “see” and owls hear, and decode the messages that the fireflies send each other. 1-3 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge
Apr. 22 ~ Field Trip Zaepfel-Beaver Habitats
Join us for a spring break field trip to the Zaepfel Nature Center in Napoli NY. The site is a wonderful spot to explore beaver habitat. See dams, lodges, trails, and fresh spring evidence of beaver activity. Group carpools from Portville NY. Bring a bag lunch. 10-2 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Napoli NY
May 1 ~ Spring Edibles Walk
Spend a morning with our herbalist learning about the bounty of wild plants. Learn about safe foraging, sample edibles in the field, taste prepared products from the forest, concoct an infusion of fragrant leaves, see samples of natural dyes and herbal remedies. 10:30-12:30 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge
May 22 ~ Collecting & Pressing Wildflowers
You can capture the timeless beauty of wildflowers! Learn how to select and press flowers. Take home your own wildflower press and a beautiful craft project done with flower colors. 10:30-12:30 PM $20 includes flower press Lillibridge
Jun. 12 ~ Wondering About Wildflowers
Wonder no more! During May, many wildflowers spring back to life! The old-growth forest and meadow will serve as backdrops during this gentle walk to enjoy and learn about some of our native wildflowers with a wildflower expert. Learn to identify local wildflowers using a dichotomous flower key. 10:30-12:30 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge & Vicinity
Jun. 12 ~ Know the Night Walk
Unlike humans, night creatures are well adapted to the dark. Come learn and experience these differences in adaptation while you walk our trail in the dark of night. Smell like the coyote, see like the owl! Not appropriate for children under the age of 5. 8-10 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Eshelman
Jun. 26 ~ Critters of the Creek Walk
What’s in the water? Walk the creek and collect assorted critters (macro-invertebrates), enjoy games, and see who lives in the water! Be prepared, it’s hands on and feet wet fun! 10:30-12:30 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Eshelman
Jul. 3 ~ Fabulous Ferns Walk
Are you flabbergasted by ferns? Many ferns and fern allies grace the grounds of Lillibridge, from those tucked at the base of ancient oaks to delicate wisps in the verdant fields. These marvelous primordial spore bearing plants can be identified using a simple key introduced on this walk. 10:30-12:30 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge
Jul. 7 ~ Fantastic Forest Fun
A day in the woods for KIDS only! It’s a one day sampler of everything the woods has to offer… from moss to mammals, bugs to birds, salamanders to sow bugs… walk in the woods, romp in the meadow, do a few crafts, lounge through lunch at the pavilion. Have a great day exploring and take home your own tied dye t-shirt, and hand made nature prints. For ages 6 and up. Fee includes a white cotton t-shirt for each kid to tie dye. Bring a bag lunch and snack. Beverages are provided. 10-3 PM Gen Public $25/PNC Members $20 Lillibridge
Jul. 24 ~ Attracting Wildlife to Your Backyard
You can create a garden that attracts beautiful wildlife and provides a healthy space for your family to learn about and enjoy your wild neighbors. We’ll get you started by introducing the basics of creating habitat, use of local plants & trees, and show you how to build simple wildlife shelters. 10:30-12:30 PM $20 includes native plants Lillibridge
Jul. 24 ~ Owl Prowl & Night Walk
Join our wildlife rehabilitation specialist to learn about these elusive and beautiful creatures. It’s a fascinating up-close look at owls. There will be a live bird display and hands-on activities followed by a short hike into the dark night to call in native, wild owls. 7-9 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge
Aug. 7 ~ Magical Mushrooms, Mystical Molds Walk
Take a walk through the cool old growth forest hunting the numerous species of fungi that grow there while your guide recounts the ancient lore associated with them. Learn which are harmful and which are helpful to both plants and humans. 10:30-12:30 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge
Aug. 7 ~ Know the Night Walk
Unlike humans, night creatures are well adapted to the dark. Come learn and experience these differences in adaptation while you walk our trail in the dark of night. Smell like the coyote, see like the owl! Not appropriate for children under the age of 5. 8-10 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge
Aug. 28 ~ Sala’Meander
Fall is the best time for a salamander hunt. Join us as we search for these fascinating creatures. Lillibridge has fifteen species of amphibians and reptiles that call the habitat of the old growth forest home. Come prepared to roll some logs and turn over some leaves. 10:30-12:30 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge
Sep. 4 ~ The Seedy Truth About Nuts & Berries Walk
The autumn fields are abundant with nature’s harvest. Uncover the mysteries of how nature packages her seeds and the clever ways they are dispersed in fall on this walk through the fields of Lillibridge. 10:30-12:30 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge
Sep. 25 ~ Owl Prowl & Night Walk
Join our wildlife rehabilitation specialist to learn about these elusive and beautiful creatures. It’s a fascinating up-close look at owls. There will be a live bird display and hands-on activities followed by a short hike into the dark night to call in native, wild owls. 7-9 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge
Oct. 2 ~ Wonders of Fall Walk
What makes the leaves turn color? This and other fall wonders will be explored on a leisurely walk through the ever changing old growth forest. 10:30-12:30 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Lillibridge
Oct. 2 ~ Know the Night Walk
Unlike humans, night creatures are well adapted to the dark. Come learn and experience these differences in adaptation while you walk our trail in the dark of night. Smell like the coyote, see like the owl! Not appropriate for children under the age of 5. 7-9 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5 Eshelman
SKILL TRAINING
Jan. 30 ~ Volunteer Naturalist Training
The nature center is always in need of folks who have an interest in sharing their love of nature. This introductory workshop will cover the basics of nature interpretation from basic learning theory to understanding the outdoors experience. Additional field sessions will be offered to build skills in plant and animal identification and general ecology. 9 AM – 3 PM Gen Public $10/PNC Members Free PNC Office
Mar. 9 ~ Project WILD Naturalist & Teacher Training
Project WILD is an international award-winning conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. The program introduces teachers and other nature leaders to the program and provides a curriculum guide containing 124 lesson plans for grades K-12. 12-3:30 PM Teachers Free/Gen Public $5 Portville Presbyterian Church
Mar. 31 ~ Speakers Bureau Volunteer Training
Volunteers are our favorite advocates! Join us for an orientation to our speakers program. Learn the history of our magnificent properties and our mission to preserve them. 1-4 PM Free PNC Office
Mar. 31 ~ Speakers Bureau Volunteer Training
Volunteers are our favorite advocates! Join us for an orientation to our speakers program. Learn the history of our magnificent properties and our mission to preserve them. 6-9 PM Free PNC Office
Apr. 6 ~ Project WET Naturalist & Teacher Training
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is an interdisciplinary program that helps students understand water resource management, water quality, and quantity issues, and the properties of water. The program introduces teachers and other nature leaders to the program and provides a curriculum guide containing 90 lesson plans for grades K-12. 12-3:30 PM Teachers Free/Gen Public $5 Portville Presbyterian Church
SPECIAL EVENTS
Feb. 20 ~ Snowshoe Blitz
You’ve always wanted to try it… and we couldn’t make it easier! The snow loving folks at Paths, Peaks,, and Paddles will be on hand to fit you for snowshoes, give a little lesson on how to mosey around, then head off to the woods for a guided tour of the winter wonderland. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Lessons start every 30 minutes. Bring your family and friends for this winter adventure. 9-1 PM Adults $5/Children under age 10 $3 includes snowshoes & cocoa Lillibridge
Apr. 25 ~ Earth Day Celebration
Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day at our beautiful Lillibridge site. Enjoy nature displays and several hands on “green” workshops to help you create a better place for you and your family. 1-4 PM Free Lillibridge
Jun. 5 ~ Woods Walk & Trail Run
Get Out & Celebrate National Trails Day. Follow rolling hills, woodlands, meandering streams near meadows and grasslands, and wonderful vistas on trail selections which range from easy to more difficult. TBA Eshelman
Jun. 12 ~ Historic Cabin Tour
Our cabin, listed on the National Historic Registry, is a great place to step back in time and learn about the American Chestnut tree, the Pfeiffer/Wheeler/Dusenbury families, and the ties between the Nature Center and another great forest, Hearts Content in western Pennsylvania. 9-10 AM Free Lillibridge
Sep. 22 ~ Annual Friend-Raiser Picnic
If you’ve enjoyed Pfeiffer Nature Center, we invite you to bring along a friend and a picnic basket and take in a wonderful sunset at Lillibridge. The leaves will be tipped with color, the air crisp, and woods full of life preparing for the upcoming winter. BYOB & Picnic. Ice cold cider and a bonfire provided. 6-8 PM Free Lillibridge
Oct. 30 ~ Pumpkin Carving Festival & Forest Luminary Walk
Come celebrate fall with a traditional harvest celebration! Enjoy pumpkin carving, cider tasting, and festive games. The nature center trails will glow with autumn ambience, adding a festive touch as visitors hike in the old-growth forest, enjoying the light show and voting for their favorite pumpkins. 5-8 PM Free & Fee Lillibridge
