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Programs
The changing seasons are magical times in the wilds of Pennsylvania. The natural world provides personal and professional opportunities for learning, reflection and inspiration. The Institute believes that anytime is a good time to be in the out of doors and connect with our place. Our adult
field seminars take advantage of the beauty of each season and a few of the state’s extraordinary ecoregions. Journey to the northeastern region of the Commonwealth where you’ll
discover exquisite scenery to be preserved on paper using the latest digital technology; create your own artisitic impression as you explore forest and streamside settings of the Appalachian landscape; cultivate your senses while developing your birding skills; study plant life in remote wet and wild places amongst some of the state’s most scenic waterfalls; and explore the ways to create a sense of place on paper. Spend anywhere from a day to several days with the Institute exploring such topics as natural history, geology, wildlife and plants, nature and the arts, and more. Please join us in 2009 to deepen your connections with the land, people and communities of this amazing place we call home.
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Birding Basics
JUNE 29-30, 2009 (MON - TUE)
Raystown Field Station, Huntingdon County
Dan Ardia
Birding is a wonderful way to enjoy nature, be outside, and learn about animals and their habitats. Join Dan Ardia, who has spent his life observing and studying birds across the Americas and beyond, as he leads beginning birders in becoming familiar with behavior, flight patterns, feeding habits and plumages of Pennsylvania birds. After an informative classroom session on the basics of birding and natural history
of Pennsylvania birds, you’ll spend time afi eld identifying birds by field marks, behaviors and habitats. Cultivate sharp eyes, perceptive ears and necessary patience for this popular outdoor activity. The Institute will provide binoculars, scope and natural history interpretation as well as field guides and other materials you can take home.
Tuition: $250; includes lunches on both days, shared overnight accommodations and instruction. Academic credit is available. An additional one credit fee will apply. |
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Grasses, Sedges and Rushes
AUGUST 12, 13 and 14, 2009 (WED – FRI)
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Huntingdon County
Sarah Miller
Designed with consultants, natural resource professionals and college students in mind, join an experienced botanist to learn skills necessary to identify these challenging plant species using diagnostic characters and botanical keys. Classroom activities will highlight basic morphology, the characteristics of common genera and identification of plant specimens using both simple and complex keys. Slides, overheads, handouts,
herbarium and freshly collected field specimens will be used to illustrate plant characters, especially those that may prove an obstacle to keying. In the field, participants will have the opportunity to visit different wetland types in the area to practice their plant identification skills.
Tuition: $275; includes lunch on Wed and Thu, instruction and 12 ACT 48 credit hours. Participants must arrange for their own lodging and evening meals. |
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Ferns and Mosses
SEPTEMBER 12, 2009 (SAT)
Ricketts Glen State Park, Luzerne County
Susan Munch, Ph.D.
The forests of Pennsylvania provide ideal habitat for luxuriant
growth of ferns and mosses as well as other nonflowering plants. Investigate the habitats and uniqueness of these fascinating plants as we explore old forests, wetlands and Appalachian landscapes. Learn to identify major common genera and species from an experienced botanist. For our field studies, we will explore the most beautiful and alluring Pennsylvania natural area where non flowering plants thrive. Ricketts Glen is known for its abundance of scenic waterfalls.
Tuition: $80; includes instruction and 6 ACT 48 credit hours. Bring your own lunch. |
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Creating a Sense of Place Through Journaling
AUGUST 7, 2009 (FRI )
Canoe Creek State Park, Blair County
Heidi Mullendore
This one-day class invites you into the field to uncover
relationships across time and culture in order to create a
sense of place. Participants will use journaling as a basis for
creating a more-in-depth look at their environment. Explore
a wild neighborhood and learn how to make place come alive
through the use of imagery, language and arts. Participants
should be prepared to spend the day outdoors. Pre-workshop
materials will be provided to give participants a head start on
journaling skills.
Tuition: $60; includes journal supplies, instruction and 6 ACT 48 credit hours. Bring your own lunch. |
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Exploring Landscape through Photography
MAY 16-17, 2009 (SAT – SUN)
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Pike County
Scott Brown
The landscape of the Eastern Ridge and Valley of Pennsylvania showcases the splendor of the Appalachians and Delaware Water Gap. Scenic vistas, waterfalls, wildflowers and woodland scenes grace much of Pike County with pastoral beauty. Scott Brown will guide all levels of photographic experience towards an end product of extraordinary visual satisfaction. Imagine returning home with a collection of stunning landscape photographs which can be shown as hanging portraits, shared internet images and greeting cards. All camera formats are acceptable, but 35mm and digital formats are encouraged.
Tuition: $325; includes Saturday lunch and Sunday breakfast, shared overnight accommodations, instruction and 14 ACT48 credit hours.
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©Scott Brown
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