Paddle Leader: Mike Bottini, Naturalist and Autho
June is nesting time for our native turtles, including the saltwater turtle that has adapted to living in the lower salinity waters of the estuary: the Diamondback Terrapin. We will paddle the shoreline of Northwest Creek in search of these handsome turtles, look for evidence of their nests on shore, and discuss current conservation efforts to protect this species. We will also look for signs of the River Otters that moved into the creek in 2015. Kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals available: $40 single kayak; $60 tandem kayaks and canoes; $50 paddleboard (SUP). Lifejackets are included.
Call SoFo for reservations. To rent boats or paddleboards, contact Mike Bottini at (631) 267-5228 or mike@mikebottini.com
Advance reservations are required for all events. For more information, reservations, and directions to meeting places, please call: (631) 537-9735.
Workshop Leader: Muriel Appelbaum. Muriel is a working artist with an MFA in Studio Art from Pratt Institute in NYC. She mostly draws from nature—landscapes, people, and live animals. See her artwork at www.murielappelbaum.com
Do you think you’d enjoy drawing, but can’t seem to find the perfect time to do it? Come draw with us. If you’ve drawn before, come hone your skills in a comfortable and relaxed place and, if drawing is new for you, this is an enjoyable way to get started in an encouraging setting. Bring a 9”x12”drawing pad with a hard back for support and two drawing implements—for example, a very soft (dark) pencil (4B is good), conté crayon, or ballpoint pen.
Advance reservations are required for all events. For more information, reservations, and directions to meeting places, please call: (631) 537-9735.
Workshop Leader: Tara Smith, Artist and Educator
This is the third of three consecutive Saturdays this June when children ages 6 to 12 will learn more about nature through the special way of looking and seeing we use when we draw. Using a variety of drawing media in color and black-and-white, we will explore how to draw what we observe, focusing each week on a different theme. This week, using charcoal and pastels, we will create portraits and action drawings of our favorite woodland creatures that make a home in our local ecosystem.
Advance reservations are required for all events. For more information, reservations, and directions to meeting places, please call: (631) 537-9735.
Photo Credit: Judy Gallagher
Program Leader: Crystal Oakes, South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo) Environmental Educator
An amazing world is hiding right under our noses—or maybe right in front of our eyes—that most people don’t notice. Not the super exclusive restaurants, bars, clubs, or fundraisers, but one that we can find right in our backyards. Moths, beetles, wasps, flies, and many other insects are more active at night, searching for food and mates, since there are fewer predators active after the sun sets. Some of these insects are covered in amazing patterns, some are tiny, and some leave you wondering what trick nature was up to. Learn how they fly, find food, and attract mates as Crystal sorts through the incredible insects that were attracted to a safe, light trap the previous night. If we are lucky, we will find scarab beetles, tiger moths, sphinx moths, ichneumon wasps, and leaf hoppers. You will also learn how to make your own safe, light trap to set up in your backyard to discover your hidden neighbors! With over 1,000 species of moths and beetles found on Long Island through the seasons, you won’t be disappointed!
Advance reservations are required for all events. For more information, reservations, and directions to meeting places, please call: (631) 537-9735.
Photo Credit: Frerk Meyer
Workshop Leader: Taylor Ruhle, South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo) Environmental Educator
Art can be created using a variety of objects. SoFo’s favorite objects to use for art come from nature—leaves, flowers, grass, sticks, and even rocks. Join us for a quick walk around Vineyard Field to collect some material that will be used to create your very own artwork. Will you create a portrait, an outdoor scene, a wild animal, or maybe even your name? The possibilities are endless—join us and show off your artistic skills! Material fee: $3
Advance reservations are required for all events. For more information, reservations, and directions to meeting places, please call: (631) 537-9735.
Photo Credit: Xylia Serafy
Hike Leader: Jean Dodds, Secretary, Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt
Cosponsored by Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt (FLPG) and South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo)
This moon, valued by every Algonquin tribe, was named for the strawberry because this time in June marks the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries. Join us on this one-hour, leisurely paced hike through open-field trails, with convivial conversation and refreshments afterward.
Advance reservations are required for all events. For more information, reservations, and directions to meeting places, please call: (631) 537-9735.
A Brief Introduction to Aviation Followed by Up-close Visits to an Agusta Koala Helicopter, a Beechcraft Bonanza, a Piper Navajo, a Dassault Falcon Trijet & More
Program Leaders: Joe Labrozzi, Pilot, Jon Dollard, Pilot, Cheryl McMahon, East Hampton Airport Office Manager
This is a rare opportunity for children (and adults) to visit to the East Hampton Airport and meet pilots and airport personnel. Made possible by the efforts of Jonathan Sabin, Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the South Fork Natural History Museum, and facilitated by pilot Joe Labrozzi, visitors will have the opportunity to see the interiors and cockpits of a variety of aircraft, and, in some instances sit in some of the aircraft. Be sure to bring your camera and sign up for this special program as soon as possible.
Advance reservations are required for all events. For more information, reservations, and directions to meeting places, please call: (631) 537-9735.