September 2012
In the Great Hall: Photographs by Peter J. Crowley
September 1-30, 2012

Sundays, Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm) Refuge Rambles: Connecticut Watershed Habitat Discoveries

Stop by the Great Falls Discovery Center to view the Connecticut River watershed exhibits and talk with a park interpreter about the many special habitats along the river and its tributaries. Each Sunday afternoon in September we will focus on a different type of habitat in the watershed of the largest river in New England. We will have informal conversations with photos, field guides, anecdotes, and examinations of the different qualities of water’s homes – from bogs to estuaries to floodplains and more.

Tuesdays, Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2012 (10:30 am - 11:30 am) Kidleidoscope

Kidleidoscope is a kid friendly, environmental experience for very young children. Each topic includes a story, an interactive game, and craft activity to help you and your child understand the natural world around us. Recommended ages from 3-6 years and must be accompanied by an adult. Topics for this month include snakes, raptors, bats, and squirrels.

Friday, Sept. 7, 21, 28 2012, and Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, (6:30 pm – 9:00 pm) Turners Falls RiverCulture History Program

RiverCulture hosts a series of talks on four immigrant groups that settled in Turners Falls during industrialization (German, French Canadian, Irish, and Polish/other Eastern European). Includes panel discussions, music, exhibits with story boards and photos, and recordings of oral history. Check www.greatfallsma.org for more details.

Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012 (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm) Artist Reception: Peter J. Crowley

Join us in the Great hall in welcoming our new artist of the month. Peter J. Crowley, a photographer from Connecticut, will be displaying his photographs throughout the month of September. Join us on this Saturday for a reception with this fine art photographer! Refreshments will be served.

Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012 (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm) Watershed History: The Grand Trunk Hotel

What was so grand about the Grand Trunk Hotel in Turners Falls? Come to the Great Falls Discovery Center to find out! We’ll explore the site of the old hotel, right next to the Discovery Center, that was built in 1872 and taken down in the 1960s, and then we’ll use our imaginations, old photographs, and testimonials to piece together the story of grand old days in Turners Falls. For more information call (413) 863-3221 or visit www.greatfallsma.org.

Friday, Sept. 14, 2012 (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) Blame it On Tina preforms at the Great Falls Coffeehouse

Doors open at 6:30 pm, concert begins at 7:00. Refreshments will be available. Museum and Museum Store are open during intermission. Donations ($6-$12 suggested at the door) help the Friends support free nature programs at the Center. The Friends of Great Falls Discovery Center host local bands, singers, and individual musicians in the Great Hall on the second Friday of each month, except for December.

Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 (10:30 am - 11:30 pm) Watershed Investigators: Dinosaur Dig!

Become an archeologist for the day and help the staff at the Great Falls Discovery Center
unearth some dinosaur fossils! Orientated for ages 7-10 but all are welcome!

Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm) Watershed History: The Patch

A small patch of land sits in the middle of the Connecticut River at Turners Falls – sandwiched between the power canal on one side and the largest river in New England on the other. The history of “The Patch” is the story of industrialization, immigration, fish, birds, rocks, resilience, and more. We’ll explore some of these stories during a leisurely stroll through the little neighborhood with eight streets and paths through the woods and amazing views. We will meet at the corner of Avenue A and Eleventh Street in Turners Falls, near the canal side bike path to start our journey. For more information call (413) 863-3221.

Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm) Third Thursday Evening Program: Forest Management

Forest Management: An exploration of our culture's perceptions of the relationship of people to the rest of the natural world, and the impact of those perceptions on our approach to environmental issues. Join Helen Johnson, a service forester with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation as we dive into the subject of forest management.


Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012 (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm) Watershed History: Brick By Brick the Bickyards of Montague City

Come learn about brick manufacturing in Montague City and Turners Falls and the architectural styles and designs with brick in Turners Falls. Just how did they build a planned industrial community in Turners Falls so quickly in the 1870s? With a very local, fireproof, and cheap approach – bricks from the clay of the Connecticut River. For more information call (413) 863-3221.

Friday, Sept. 28, 2012 (10:30 am - 11:30 am) Discovery Hour: “In the Woods”

This months story “In the Woods” will help us learn about things that can be found in the woods. Touchable artifacts, stories, games, and art will help us explore!

Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 (8:00 am – 4:00 pm ) Source to Sea

The Source to Sea Cleanup is an annual one-day coordinated cleanup of the rivers, streams and banks that make up the vast Connecticut River system. On a fall Saturday, thousands of volunteers of all ages and abilities head out to places of their choice all along the four-state watershed to clean the Connecticut River and its tributaries on foot or by boat. They work hard. In 2011, about 1,500 volunteers pulled over 51 tons of trash from about 60 miles of river banks and waterways. Volunteers use human power and sometimes heavy equipment to pull out everything from recyclables, fishing equipment and food waste to tires, televisions and refrigerators. We will be meeting at the Great Falls Discovery Center on September 29th to do our part. Help spread the word and bring a friend. See http://ctriver.org/p...a_cleanup/index.html for more information about the cleanup initiative
 

February 2011

In the Great Hall
Fine Fishing Artwork by Jim Roszel
Now – February 28, 2011

Feb. 5, 2011 (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm): Artist reception for Jim Roszel

Come meet fish artist Jim Roszel. Explore his works of fine art with a fishing theme that include still life, oils, and watercolors. His portraits feature life-sized renditions that have brilliant colors and textures and are catch-and-release friendly.

Feb. 11, 2011 (7:00 – 9:00): Friends’ Coffee House Series presents Mando Paradiso, an 8 piece mandolin ensemble.

The Great Falls Coffeehouse presents Mando Paradiso. Mando Paradiso is an 8 piece ensemble of 4 mandolins, a mandola, 2 guitars and a bass. This group plays music from the early 20th century including traditional Italian waltzes, marches, polkas and mazurkas, as well as other ethnic music, some light classical selections, and some popular tunes from the time before TV when people got together in their parlors for entertainment.
Doors open at 6:30 pm, concert begins at 7 pm. Refreshments available. Museum and museum store open at intermission. Donations ($6–$12 suggested) help the Friends support free programming at the Great Falls Discovery Center.

Feb. 12, 2011 (10:30 am - 2:00 pm): Second Saturday Children’s Series
Join us the second Saturday of every month for a day of children’s activities. Daily activities may include crafts, games, investigations, or outdoor adventures. Drop in at your convenience any time between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm. Call ahead for more details at (413) 863-3221.
This month, learn about birds that stick around in the winter. Make a bird feeder using recycled goods and investigate how the shape of birds’ beaks affects their choice of food. This program is appropriate for all ages.

Feb. 17, 2011 (7:00 - 8:30 pm): Climate change and water resources: expectations and uncertainties in natural systems.
Join Associate Professor of Watershed Management and Water Quality with the University of Massachusetts to learn how climate change and the hydrologic cycle are coupled. This program will also discuss how conservation done at the watershed level increases the ability of an ecosystem to withstand a changing environment.


Feb. 23 – 26, 2011(10:30 am - 4:00 pm): Center open for school vacation week Wednesday through Saturday.

Feb. 25, 2011(10:30 – 11:30): Young Children’s Story Hour
Join Refuge staff as we read the children’s story Stellaluna, a story about a baby bat that is raised by a family of birds. The story explores the life history of bats and examines the similarities and differences between bats and birds. This story is appropriate for ages 3-6. Immediately following the story, an age appropriate activity will be offered.

Feb. 25, 2011 (10:00 am – 4:00 pm): What Do Animals Eat?
Stop by the Discovery Center at your convenience between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to partake in this mystery hunt activity. Look though the exhibits to find animals that are hungry, and help them decide what type of food to eat! This activity is appropriate for ages 4 – 10.

Feb. 26, 2011 (10:00 am – 4:00 pm): Come see this month’s investigation station at the front desk!
The fourth Saturday of every month, come into the Discovery Center to learn something new about the environment! An investigation station will be set up at the front desk with interesting items for you to touch and see.
Ever wonder why rivers flood in the spring? This month’s investigation station will answer this question! Our interactive watershed model will help us to examine snow melt and to demonstrate where all of that melting snow goes in the watershed.
 

In the Great Hall
Wildlife Photography Exhibit by Glenn Cobiere
August 1 – 31, 2010


August 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29 (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. Please wear appropriate footwear, bring water, bug repellant, and sun screen.

August 5, 12, 19, 26, 2010 (10:30 am – 11:30 am) Kidleidoscope
A kid-friendly, hands-on environmental experience for very young children presented in a fun, age-appropriate manner. Each topic includes a story and interactive games and activities to help you and
your child understand the world around us. Thursday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Programming
recommended for ages 3-6 with a parent or guardian. Call ahead for the ‘Topic of the Week’ or stop in
the Great Falls Discovery Center to pick up a seasonal Kidleidoscope schedule.

August 6, 2010 (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm) Aquatic Invasive Species Information Session
Interested in learning about aquatic invasive species? Come learn about water chestnuts and their infestation in the CT River Watershed! Ages 12 + welcome!

August 13, 2010 (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm) Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center Coffeehouse
Kevin Smith and Hilary Graves offer an evening of Americana and family music featuring tuba, guitar and vocals. Doors open at 6:30, concert begins at 7pm. Refreshments available. The museum and Museum Store are open at intermission. Donations accepted to benefit the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center.

August 14, 2010 (2:00 pm – 8:00 pm) Turners Falls Block Party
Join the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s roving van of interpreters at the Turners Falls Block Party from 2 – 8 pm as well as the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center with their dinosaur fossil display. Learn about the Connecticut River watershed, pick up a Great Falls Discovery Center calendar of summer events, a Turners Falls bike path map, and a state parks camping guide, and get wild with hands-on nature exhibits!

August 18, 2010 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm) Trash to Treasures
Come join us make fun newspaper necklaces and bracelets while learning about the importance of recycling and conservation! Children ages 4-9 welcome!

August 19, 2010 (7:00 pm – 9:30 pm) Come learn about something spooky!
Marie Ferre of the Gravestone Studies Association and gravestone geologist Bob Drinkwater will talk about iconography and gravestone types in local cemeteries.

August 21, 2010 (11:00 am – 1:00pm) Canoe Trip at Barton Cove
Explore Barton Cove and the Connecticut River by canoe! Look for bald eagles soaring overhead and dragonflies skimming the water. Meander and relax while observing the diverse plant and animal species present on the river. There is limited space so registration is required. Call 413-863-3221 for information on where to meet and to register.

August 22, 2010 (2:00 pm – 3:30 pm) Watershed Trees & Poets
Find out about birches from Robert Frost and apple trees from Emily Dickinson and how Wallace Stevens knows “a tree that bears / A semblance to the thing I have in mind.” Come learn about the trees of the Connecticut River Watershed and the poets here who have loved them. Consider ways to honor your own favorite tree friends through words and through conservation.

August 28, 2010 (11:00 am – 1:00 pm) Nature Journaling
Explore the natural world through careful observation and language play to wake up all of your senses! Through writing and drawing prompts and short walks along the Turners Falls bike path and Discovery Center grounds, you will experiment, see the world in new ways, and have fun! No prior writing or drawing experience necessary.

August 28, 2010 (11:00 am – 3:00 pm) Fossil Fuel for the Valley’s Fossil Roadshow
Join the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center as they help identify your mysterious rocks or fossils.

 

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.