Posted by clegg - Fri, Feb 4, 2011, 4:44 P

February Events at GFDC

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.