July 1 -31, 2010: In the Great Hall
Wildlife Photography Exhibit by Don Cooper & Linda Henderson
July 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 2010 (8:00 am - 9:30 am) Early Morning Nature Walk
Start your day off right, observing nature in Turners Falls! Early Morning Nature Walks will leisurely explore leveled paved bike trails and village sidewalks. Participants will meet outside the main entrance to the Discovery Center at 8 am. Learn about plants, animals, and mill town history along the Bike Path of Turners Falls. Led by a DCR Interpreter. Please wear appropriate footwear, bring water, bug repellant, and sun screen.
July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2010 (10:30 am - 12:00 pm) Junior Refuge Manager Program
Calling all kids ages 8-11! Come learn about the Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge! Earn your very own U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Junior Refuge Manager badge by completing our Junior Refuge Manager academy! This program will run each Tuesday in July (6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th) from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Activities will include: make your own fossils, fossil hunt, tree tag, aquatic insect investigation, animal track scavenger hunt and identification. All activities will be held rain or shine. Bring appropriate clothing, water, sun screen, and bug spray. There is a maximum of 12 children so pre-register early at (413) 863-3221. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
July 8, 15, 22, 29, 2010 (10:30am - noon) Junior Ranger Program
Starting July 8st and ending July 29nd, the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls is offering a four-part science and nature education workshop for children as part of their 2010 Junior Ranger “Nature Kids” program. “Nature Kids,” is for young naturalists ages five through seven, will meet July 8, 15, 22, and 29. Children and parents should meet at the Discovery Center lobby at 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls. All programs will start at 10:30 am and will last about 90 minutes. Junior Ranger “Nature Kids” programs are free and open to all. Space is limited
July 9, 2010 (7:00 - 8:30 pm) Friends of the GFDC Coffeehouse: Open Mic with Charlie Moser
Musician Charlie Moser will perform solo mandolin and host an annual Open Mic for the Great Falls Coffeehouse. Everyone welcome, performers and listeners alike! Doors open at 6:30 pm, concert begins at 7 pm. Refreshments available. The museum and Museum Store are open at intermission. Donations accepted to benefit the Great Falls Discovery Center.
July 10, 2010 (11:00 am - 1:00 pm) Explore the Montague Sand Plains Hike
Explore the unique Montague sand plains habitat. Learn the story of plants and animals living in a land of fire and sand – an amazing and threatened habitat. Easy-to-intermediate difficulty. Led by a DCR Interpreter. Please wear appropriate footwear, and bring water, bug repellant, and sun screen. Registration required. Call 413-863-3221.
July 11, 2010 (1:00 - 3:00 pm) Artists' Reception
Come meet two excellent wildlife photographers, Don Cooper and Linda Henderson. Light refreshments will be served.
July 15, 2010 (7:00 - 8:30 pm) A Taste of Industrial Archeology: Exploring the sites of the John Russell Cutlery Company and the Montague paper company
Go to the riverbank across the bridge to talk about industrial archaeology of the John Russell Cutlery Company and the Montague paper company foundations. Explore two sites with Albert Shane, curator of the Museum of our Industrial Heritage in Greenfield, who will explain what is seen. Please wear appropriate footwear.
July 24, 2010 (11:00 am – 1:00 pm) Water Under the Bridge Historical Bike Tour
White bridge, red bridge, green bridge, one way, which way, fish way? Find out more! Join us for a leisurely bike tour along the Turners Falls Bike Path that highlights the history of the bridges in Turners Falls and Montague City. Come learn about the many challenges associated with getting over the Connecticut River historically in our villages. How do they compare with our current Gill-Montague Bridge construction? Participants will meet outside the main entrance to the Discovery Center at 11 am on Saturday July 24th. Bring your bike, water, bug repellent, helmet, and sun block.
July 25, 2010 (2:00 pm - 3:30 pm) Watershed Birds and Poets
How many ways can you look at a blackbird? Wallace Stevens found thirteen. Emily Dickinson knew that the oriole was “a Pleader – a Dissembler – / an Epicure – a Thief.” Obsessing about birds is quite natural for poets. Come learn about the birds of the Connecticut River Watershed and the poets here who have loved them. Consider ways to honor your own favorite avian friends through words and through conservation.
July 28, 2010 (11:00 am – 1:00 pm) Wildlife Watch Workshop
Calling all children ages 4-7! Come learn about wildlife habitats and conservation by building your senses through a fun workshop!
* Holidays
July 4, 2010: Independence Day. The center is open.
