2009 Calendar of Events
Cayuga Naturally 2009 Photo Contest
We are holding this contest again this year since Cayuga County is a diverse and wonderful place filled with nature's best from the
shore of Lake Ontario to the heart of the Finger Lakes. Capture your favorite place for hiking, canoeing, fishing, hunting or
other outdoor activity as well as the beauty of the streams, lakes, trees, wildflowers, birds, animals and other aspects of nature.
All photos must be taken within Cayuga County and be of nature related subjects.
For the official 2009 entry form click on the link below or send a stamped self-addressed envelope to: SNC Photo, PO Box 216 Sterling NY, 13156.
Entries due by October 7, 2009.
2008 Cayuga Naturally Photo Contest Winners
View Photos
Life on the Edge
Wednesday July 8, 1pm
The first of our summer Wednesday Wildlife programs. We will explore the edge of Dragonfly Pond to see what life can be found. Dragonfly nymphs, raccoon tracks, leopard frogs and red-winged blackbird nest might be a few of the critters living on the edge.
Butterflies
Saturday, July 11 at 1pm.
Join Naturalist Jim D'Angelo on a search for butterflies and their larva. We will explore the fields, flowers and gardens of the nature center for these beautiful creatures. Identification tips and a discussion of their interesting behavior will take place along the walk. We'll also discuss how you can attract butterflies to your yard. An indoor slide show and discussion will take place if conditions are not right for outdoor butterfly observation.
Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
Wednesday July 15, 1pm
When is a bug not a bug and are all insects bugs or all bugs insects??? Join Naturalist Jim D'Angelo for an exploration of insect life at the Sterling Nature Center. Widow skimmers, monarchs and tiger beetles may be a few of the insects that we find and observe. We will also use sweep nets and other methods to collect, observe, identify and then set free insects of field and forest. The program is ideal for kids with a parent as well as anyone with an interest in insects.
Tree Identification w/ Don Cox
Saturday July 18, 1pm
In a brief indoor meeting learn the basic leaf characteristics and how these are used in the construction of leaf keys for tree identification. Then, join Don Cox in exploring Sterling Nature Center's trails and learn to identify native trees of Central New York.
Dragonflies - Master's of the Sky
Wednesday July 22, 1pm
Join Naturalist Jim D'Angelo for an indoor presentation and discussion on dragonflies followed by a hunt for these insect master's of the sky. We will take a hike to wetlands and meadow to observe and identify these amazing creatures.
Photographing Natural Landscapes w/ Joe Lefevre
Saturday July 25, 1pm
Joe Lefevre has been photographing natural landscapes for over 25 years. His photographs have been published in; Outdoor Photographer, Adirondack Life and the New York State Conservationist magazines. He is a self-taught photographer who will share some tips and techniques to help you capture landscapes in the right light. Visit Joe's website (http://www.joelefevrephoto.com) to learn more about him and view some of his wonderful photographs.
Bats!!!
Wednesday July 29, 8pm
Bats do many incredible tasks in their ecosystems from eating thousands of insects to pollinating flowers and dispersing seed. Join Naturalist Jim D'Angelo for a fascinating look into the lives of bats. We will discover the truths surrounding many common myths, discuss their conservation needs and take a short walk to watch bats feeding on insects over the fields. A special bat detector tool will allow us to hear their echolocation calls as well.
Herpetology
Wednesday August 5, 1pm
Snakes, turtles, frogs and salamanders of the area will be the topic for exploration. Join Naturalist Jim D'Angelo to discover and learn the truth about their beneficial behavior in their landscape. We will also discuss how you can make your landscape friendly for these unique creatures. The program is ideal for kids with a parent as well as anyone with an interest in herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians.
Come Fly a Kite
Wednesday August 12, 1pm
Kite flying is an enjoyable activity for all ages and was even used by Benjamin Franklin as part of a science experiment. So come and test the breeze off Lake Ontario as well as your skill at kite flying. Bring your own, use one of ours or make a simple and easy to fly kite to take home with you
Perseids Meteor Shower w/ Bill Irwin
Friday August 14, 9pm
Come out away from the lights and enjoy nature's fireworks with Bill Irwin and members of Stars Over Sterling, (our amateur astronomy group), to watch and enjoy one of the best meteor showers of the year. Keep in mind that clouds or other conditions may obstruct viewing of the night sky. Please bring a lawn chair or something else to sit on.
Geocaching for beginners 10am
Meet & Greet Noon
Saturday August 15
Would you like to get involved in the worldwide phenomenon of Geocaching? The program will introduce you to geocaching as well as: what is a cache, proper caching etiquette, a warning about muggles and other geocaching terminology will be covered. Please bring your GPS unit with you if you have one. We will have a very limited number of GPS units to share if you do not have one but would like to see what all the geoching excitement is about. We will hunt for a few sample caches set up for the program. After the Beginners program there will be a geocaching meet and greet with a special cache to find, maybe a Micro-challenge or a wetland puzzle.
FOSNC 10th Annual Pig Roast
Noon to 4pm Sunday August 16
Join the Friends of the Sterling Nature Center for their 10th annual Pig Roast at the Sterling Nature Center for good food, good music, a good time and of course good Friends.
Meet a Tree w/ Connie Cosmento
Wednesday Aug 19, 1pm
Join Connie Cosmento to learn more about the trees of the woodlands around you. Choose a tree at the Sterling Nature Center then get close and personal. Measure the girth, the height and the crown. Classify your tree, make a bark rubbing, dry a leaf and take your entire tree story home with you. Tips on how to care for trees will also be discussed. Materials provided.
Owls: Rulers of the Night
Wednesday August 26, 8pm
We end our summer Wednesday Wildlife series with the popular and fascinating summer owl prowl. Discover how owls rule the night by exploring their adaptations, hunting skills, where they roost and how to find them. We will then take a stroll through the night in search of the interesting and elusive predators.
23rd Annual International Coastal Cleanup
Saturday September 12, 11am-1pm
Think globally and act locally in support of our environment!!! Join the Sterling Nature Center in cleaning up the lakeshore, streams and wetlands along Lake Ontario. If you can not make it to the Sterling Nature Center then visit the American Littoral Society's website, www.alsnyc.org, or call 1-800-449-0790 to find other beach cleanups throughout the state. Annually, over 7,000 volunteers clean and documented about a quarter million pounds of debris across NYS. At SNC we collect over 200 pounds of litter along our 2 miles of shoreline with the help of volunteers like you. Refreshments will be provided after the work is done. Rain Date Sunday Sept 13.
Fall Flowers w/ Don Cox
Saturday September 26, 1pm
After a brief indoor slide presentation, join Don Cox to explore the fields and woods at Sterling Nature Center in a guided trail walk to identify wildflowers. Learn to identify poisonous, edible, and mood altering plants common in Central New York.
Household Hazardous Waste Event
October 3, 2009
Go to cayuganet.org/hazwaste or call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County at (315) 255-1183 for more information. You must have an appointment for this event.
Cayuga Naturally 2009 Photo Contest
Entries due by October 7, 2009.
All photos must be taken within Cayuga County and be of a nature related subjects. For official entry form send a stamped self-addressed envelope to: SNC Photo, PO Box 216 Sterling NY, 13156 or download one at http://cayuganet.org/sterlingpark/center/photocontestentry2009.pdf. All entries are due at the nature center or must be postmarked by October 7, 2009.
Apple Pressing
Saturday October 17, 10am - 1pm
Join us in creating apple cider the old fashion way with a people powered fruit press. Help, wash, grind, press, pasteurize and best of all taste fresh apple cider. While going through the process we will discuss the history of apples, apple product, the apple growing industry and the many different varieties of apples. Back by popular demand - take a taste test of over a dozen different varieties of apples grown by local orchards and place your vote for your favorite. A special THANK YOU to Ontario Orchards for supplying the apples for pressing and tasting.
Cayuga Naturally Photo Contest Winners Unveiled
Saturday October 17, 1pm
The winning entries of the Cayuga Naturally Photograph contest will be unveiled today with a presentation of awards and prizes taking place at 1pm.
Wetland Wildlife
Saturday November 7, 1pm
How many heron nests are in the rookery? What is using the wetland now that most of the herons have left? Join Naturalist Jim D'Angelo for a nice fall hike out to the rookery and a look at the autumn wetland with the leaves off the trees we can get a better look at the entire wetland. Who is using it now that the herons have headed south, are the osprey and eagles of summer still there or the migrating wood ducks and other waterfowl? Come out and discover what fascinating things are taking place at the rookery wetland this autumn.
Winter Weeds w/ Shirley Peron
Saturday November 14, 1pm
Join Botanist Shirley Peron for a fascinating look at the winter weeds of field and forest. An outdoor hike to look for the different weeds of winter will follow an indoor presentation.
Natural Holiday Ornaments
Saturday December 5, 1pm
Join Connie Cosmento and create natural holiday ornaments from pinecones and other natural items. Use pods, cones and weeds to bring a natural beauty to your holiday decor. All ages are welcome to create their own natural treasures for the holiday season. Please pre-register by December 1 to ensure we have enough materials for all.
December 30
Winter Birds and Bird Feeders, 1pm
School Break Program
One of the most popular winter wildlife activities in the US is watching and feeding birds at a feeding station. This program will help you identify the birds at your feeder and show you ways to create simple feeders. Participants will create a peanut butter and seed feeder to take home with them
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The 1400-acre Sterling Nature Center is located in northern Cayuga County on Jensvold road, just past the Renaissance Festival grounds. For more information and directions call the center at 315-947-6143.
For further information, questions, or reservations please call the Nature Center at 315-947-6143 or email snc@co.cayuga.ny.us
The Friends of The Sterling Nature Center
PO Box 216
Sterling, New York 13156
(315) 947-6143
