STEM Ed Announcement: Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary 2010 Winter Lecture Series

[Morton Sternheim <mort@k12s.phast.umass.edu>]

Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary

2010 Winter Lecture Series

Winter lectures at the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary are given each Saturday
at 1:30pm.  These one-hour talks are designed to capture your attention and
pique your interest in the natural world.  Class size is limited to 50.
Reservations are required so we can provide printed materials to each
person.  Please call 413-267-9654 for reservations and information.


January 23rd  Garden Challenges

Growing plants under maple trees, in sandy soils, seasonal wet spots or
rocky outcrops can be a challenge.  Learn techniques to deal with these
difficult situations and see plant selections that will grow well in each
location.


January 30th  Moonlight Snowshoe Hike at Lunden Miller Pond.     7 PM at
Peaked Mountain

>From Rt. 32:  Take Bliss St. to Lower Hampden Road and turn left onto Butler
Road.  This is a joint program with the Peaked Mountain Property Committee.
Join us on the Wolf Moon at the Lunden-Miller Forest Tract at 7pm in the
evening - this is great opportunity to listen for owls.  It will be a walk
if there is not enough snow.  To rent snowshoes, call 413 -532 -1660 or try
your local EMS.



February 6th   Green Communities Act

In July of 2008, Governor Patrick signed into law landmark legislation that
will transform Massachusetts into the greenest state in the country.  Part
of that law created the Green Communities Division whose main function is to
help all municipalities become an "official" Green Community. Jim Barry is
the Western Mass Regional Coordinator and will speak on what towns can do to
become green and therefore have access to grant money for energy efficiency
projects and/or alternative energy projects on municipal buildings.



February 13th  President's Day Weekend, No Lecture



February 20th   Beetles and Flowering Plants

There are over 30,000 species of beetles in the U.S. and Canada and almost
300,000 world-wide!  There are also over 250,000 species of flowering plants
world-wide.  It is no surprise that beetles are important pollinators of our
plants.  Come learn more about this unique relationship and fun facts about
the Era of Beetles and Flowering Plants.


February 27th  Backyard Birding and Beyond

Today's lecture will focus on birds that can be observed in your own
backyard and beyond.  We will discuss feeding, housing, identification,
songs & calls and ways to make your habitat more bird-friendly.



March 6th   Shrubs for the Home Landscape

Spring is right around the corner!  Today's talk will focus on a variety of
native shrubs for use in the home landscape that are both aesthetically
pleasing and excellent for wildlife.



March 13th   How Green is Your Forest?

One thing that grows quite well in New England is trees.  Massachusetts is
pursuing the most rigorous standards set forth by the Forest Stewardship
Council to promote ecologically beneficial, socially responsible,
economically viable forest management practices.  Doug Hutcheson, Green
Certification Private Lands Service Forester, will explain what green
certification is and how you, as a consumer, can purchase green wood
products.



March 20th    Flynt Quarry Lands

Take a virtual walk around the Flynt Quarry Lands and discover the history
of this property and Flynt Quarry.  Learn about the quarrying, where Monson
Granite went, and what the land looks like today almost 100 years after
operations ceased.  Numerous trails are found on this 165 acre property
nestled in the heart of Monson.

http://www.norcrossws.org