Saturday Adventure Series

 

January 9, 2010 10:30 – 11:30am: Make An Impact!
Every choice we make has an impact on our environment, for better or worse. We all know that it’s important to reduce our pressure on the world and make good “green” choices, but sometimes, it’s hard to know which “green” products and services are actually beneficial. This Saturday, we’ll look at some ways to make a more positive impact on our world by being more earth-friendly. This program is intended for adults. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

This program will discuss the history of the Appalachian of coal mining and the impacts it has had on the culture and environment. There will also be a discussion of the oil industry and the impact of the oil reserves on the history of southeast Texas. It will combine culture, history, and the environment as two unique cultures are compared. This program is intended for adults. This program will be held in Discovery Theater. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

Wildlife rehabilitation starts with you, the concerned animal lover. On this adventure, we’ll talk about the community of caregivers responsible for keeping injured wildlife safe and able to rejoin their habitats after an injury. Becky Webb, a local wildlife rehabilitator, will talk about her unusual job. Live animals may be present. This program is intended for all ages. This program will be held at 11:30. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

In this program, Howard Bailey, a teacher at Vidor High School, will talk in detail about the movement of continents on a geological scale. He will explain the production of earthquakes, volcanoes, as well as the rock cycle. This program is intended for all ages. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

 

Throughout the world, wetlands are in danger of disappearing. They are drained for agricultural use and real estate development, or they are flooded for recreation. As of 1993, half of the world’s wetlands have been destroyed. This Saturday, we will look at different types of wetlands, and discuss why they are so important for the planet. This program is intended for all ages. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab.  All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

Have you ever heard the sharp cry of the red-shouldered hawk as it flies through the trees? Or perhaps you have heard the familiar “who-cooks-for-you” call of the barred owl just before dusk. This week, we’ll look at the birds of prey typically found at Shangri La, including red-tailed hawks, ospreys, and owls. Discover how these incredible birds soar through the trees, dive for prey, and see distances many times greater than a person. Our rehabilitated barred owl, Maxine, will also join us for this program. This program is intended for all ages. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

It’s about time for those pesky pests to come out into your gardens.  In this SAS, those pests will be explored up-close and personal under the microscope. Participants will also learn about predatory insects while letting them loose in the children’s garden! This program is intended for all ages. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

This is a photography class! Participants will take photographs around Shangri La and will learn in detail about the camera itself. Different well-known photographers and their nature photography will be reviewed. This program is intended for adults. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

March 13, 2010 9:30 – 10:30am: Wildflowers on Your Windowsill
Have you ever wanted to plant a garden, but you just don’t have the space? This week, we’ll get a crash course in setting up thriving, beautiful gardens in small spaces. Whether you’re an apartment tenant with a small balcony, or a dormitory dweller with nothing but an empty window, you’ll be gearing up your green thumb for this fun and innovative class. Program is intended for adults. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

Cody Conway, our local reptile expert, will present information on venomous reptiles. He will discuss the dangers to humans as well as how species have evolved different adaptations for their survival. Cody will also discuss physiological reactions to the most common venoms, and how they should be treated. This class is intended for all ages. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

According to Iroquois legend, corn, beans, and squash are three inseparable sisters that should always grow together. Traditionally, these three plants are planted on the same mound in order to create a sustainable garden. This week, we’ll look at why the Three Sisters method of gardening works so well, and learn how to create our own Three Sisters gardens. Seeds will be provided. Master Gardener President, Joyce Kennedy, will assist with this event. This program is intended for adults. This program will be held in the Children’s Garden. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

Participants will search for monarch eggs and caterpillars, and examine some of them under a microscope. A visit to the Children’s Garden to investigate the habitat of the monarch caterpillars, and discuss what they need to survive will be part of the program. The program is intended for all ages. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

Solar energy is found everywhere the sun shines, but the amount of energy it can provide is dependent on a number of different factors, including time of day, season, and location. This week, we’ll look at the ins and outs of solar energy, make our own solar ovens, and talk about how we can support solar power in southeast Texas. This program is intended for all ages. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799. Please bring a pizza box.

 

This SAS will examine some common medicines and discuss their natural ingredients. Participants will also collect and talk about medicinal plants growing in Shangri La. This program is intended for adults. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

Last year, our Tea Party was such a big hit that we’ve decided to do it again! Grab your floral hats and dainty gloves for another tasty tea class. This time, we’ll examine herbal teas that grow here at Shangri La or are available in your home gardens. We’ll also prepare a few varieties of herbal teas and taste-test them. In addition to our tea tasting, we’ll munch on a few summery snacks. This program is intended for adults and tea lovers! This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

During this program, there will be a discussion of what mold is and where it can be found. Participants will also learn about the life cycle of mold and the different types of mold that can be found in Southeast Texas. This program is for adults. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

How can you find an animal that you can’t see? Try to find something that it left behind, be it a track in the dirt, bones, a pile of leftover food, or some scat. In this class, we’ll look at all the ways to track animals when we can’t see them. We’ll make our own tracking stick, go on a hike to look for animal prints, and examine some other interesting animal remains. This program is intended for children (8+). This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.

 

This program will investigate the components of makeup! There will be a discussion of bacteria that may be hidden within that lip gloss as well as the guano that holds your mascara together. This program is intended for adults. This program will be held in the Nature Discovery Center Lab. All seats reserved, seating is limited RSVP: (409) 670-9799.