Fall Program Guide In the Mail

If you're a member, your Fall Program Guide is in the mail and it includes some exciting new programs as well as time-tested favorites. Our early childhood programs will expand this fall as we launch "Little Buds," a nature-based, guided playgroup program for toddlers, ages 12 -2 4 months with one grown-up. You can read more about Little Buds on the Education pages of our website. (To view fall programs from any of our online Education pages, remember to click the orange "View Next Season's Programs" at the bottom of the list.)

Other highlights from the fall guide include a late summer Adopt-A-Beach activity for the whole family (ages 8 and up) as well as unBEARably fun and fascinating programs (in three age groups) to get the kids up and out on the NEOEA School Holiday in October. You'll also want to mark your calendars and register early for our always popular Fall Family Hayride Nights. You can download and print/view a pdf file of the entire 2008 Fall Program Guide at this link. A fall registration form is also available online so you can fill out the necessary forms ahead of registration.

Members taking advantage of 9-month registration discounts on select three-season classes can begin registering Saturday, July 12, with regular member registration the following Saturday, July 19. If you're not a member, you can begin signing up for our fall programs on Tuesday, July 29. Start times for all three registration periods are 10 a.m.

Space Camp A Blast

Our Space Camp was a rousing success last week as you can see from the smiling faces during water rocket launches and glider flying. Our ace Educaton Staff will welcome a gaggle of Girl Scouts for Back to Nature Camp this week. There's still time to get your kids in on all the fun. Space is available in our Amazing Animal Journeys and Aquatic Adventures Camps. Check the Education listings our website for more information.

Center Blooming Thanks To Heinen's

Color suddenly abounds all around Lake Erie Nature & Science Center thanks to a generous donation from Heinen's. Stores in Bay Village and Rocky River gave us flats, pots, planters and hanging baskets to brighten up the Center. We also plan to use some bright geraniums at our Girl Scout Back to Nature Camp and if your family enjoyed the flower pot project at Family Fun Fest, you can thank Heinen's for the beautiful blooms that went in your child's creation.
We are fortunate to have community partners who support our mission. Thanks Heinen's!

Volunteers Earn Kudos

We took time on Saturday to give a big thank-you to nearly 300 volunteers, who put in a whopping 7,000 hours last year! A number of volunteers were singled out for special honors at Saturday's recognition brunch, including 2006 Volunteer of the Year, Becca Huntington, who spent countless hours chairing the Center’s annual Family Fun Fest committee, and also played a lead role in the Silent Auction at the Center’s Annual September Benefit. Jenn Dyke was honored as the 2007 Volunteer of the Year for her tireless work as a Wildlife Presenter. in Typical fashion, Jenn had a wildlife program on Saturday and couldn't be there to accept her award!
A number of teenagers involved in the popular Naturalist Assistants Program were honored as well, with two NA's who are graduating High School Seniors, Ashley Stradtman and Derek Howell receiving scholarships from the Women’s Board. That's Volunteer Coordinator Julie Mistur offering congratulations to each. Recent Bay High School graduate, Courtney Ward, who volunteered more than 100 hours at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center through the High School's Elementary Aide program also recieved a $100 scholarship (that's her pictured with Education Program Specialist Bev Walborn.)
Although the the service of some was highlighted, we know that each one of our volunteers who gave us the gift of their time has made a tremendous contribution to Lake Erie Nature & Science Center's success. Thanks!!

Fun Fest Success!

Thanks to everyone who volunteered, donated, sponosored a duck and came to enjoy our 2008 Family Fun Fest. The pictures tell the story! See you the first Sunday in June, 2009!