Posted by clegg - Sun, Mar 27, 2011, 4:48 P

April schedule of events

All programs are free to the public unless otherwise noted.

April 2011
In the Great Hall April 1 – April 30, 2011
Spineless Splendor Insect Sign Photography Exhibit by Northern Naturalists


Saturday, April 2, 2011 (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm): Artist reception for Turners Falls High School Students’ Fish Artwork
Come meet some of the young artists of a temporary fish-themed art exhibit in the live exhibit room. The exhibit will be on display until mid-May.

Friday, April 8, 2011 (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm): Friends’ Coffee House Series

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.

Where the buffalo roam ain’t always where the cowfolks roam! Corralled from across New England, Ramblin’ Red and the Blackstone River Riders were born from a love of the singin' cowboy. Lisa “Red” Abbatomarco lassooed this posse to roam the musical range. “Prairie Phil” Abbatomarco is the grandpappy of the pedal steel with over 60 years under his beltbuckle. And strummin their strings like lickin butter off a knife are 3 corn crackin buckaroos, Charlie “Chuck wagon” Moser, Michael “T.R. Wilburn” Nix and Bob “by jiminy” Asprinio. With a special appearance by Miss Patricia aka “the Schoolmarm”.

Saturday, April 9, 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, get your hands dirty in celebration of Spring by making seed bombs and learning about native flower species. Take these peaceful bombs to a place near the Center to deploy a small army of flowers. When left outside, seeds will release during rain showers and begin to grow into flowers. Come back in Spring to see what grew! All ages are welcome.

Thursday, April 14, 2011 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm): Third Thursday Speaker’s Series presents Spineless Splendor Invertebrate Slide Show and Artist Reception with the Northern Naturalists

Meet Charley Eiseman and Noah Charney, this month’s featured artist in the Great Hall, as they present their field work for their award winning book, Tracks and Sign of Insects and Other Invertebrates. The authors will show images of exquisite invertebrate-created objects, teach mind-boggling natural history, and tell amusing anecdotes from their eccentric journey. Professional entomologists and bug-haters alike have found themselves rolling with laughter and staring in horrified fascination during this entertaining presentation. All ages are invited.

April 15 - May 15: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Exhibit: A Sense of the Refuge

A Sense of the Refuge is an exhibit in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The exhibit will be hosted in the Great Hall.

Saturday, April 16, 2011 (10:00 am – 1:00 pm): Park Serve Day

Get outside to enjoy the weather! Park Serve Day is a statewide day of volunteer service, so wear your working clothes to help get the Center ready for summer. We will be working together on the grounds and in the flower beds, so bring sunscreen and gloves if you have them. This event is for all ages.

Tuesday – Saturday, April 19 – 23, 2011: Open for Spring Break Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Please see our website www.greatfallsma.org for special Spring Break events or go to the Facebook page of " Friends of the Great falls Discovery Center'

Friday, April 22, 2011 (10:30 am – 11:30 am): Young Children’s Story Hour

First, we will go on a rock hunt outside (please dress appropriately for the weather.) Then, we will read If You Find a Rock by Peggy Christian, which explores different whimsical categories of rocks. Finally, each child will decorate their rock to take home. Snacks are allowed and energy is appreciated. Appropriate for ages 3-6, but all are welcome.

Saturday, April 23, 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 see. In April, we will investigate bears, which are coming out of hibernation. Appropriate for all ages.

Saturday, April 30, 2011 (10:30 am – 12:30 pm): Field Walk and Invertebrate Tracking with the Northern Naturalists

Have you ever noticed that someone's been etching delicate feathery patterns into the algae on your picnic table? Have you ever flipped over a rock and found neat shiny red discs? How about perfect circles cut out of the leaves of your rose bush? If you've never seen these things, perhaps it's time you slow down and take a walk with Charley Eiseman and Noah Charney, who will point out all sorts of curious objects that will expand your sense of the fullness of our world. These are the signs of invertebrates. Each object tells a story of bizarre lives playing out all around us all the time. Come spend some time with the authors of the 2010 winner of the National Outdoor Book Award, Tracks and Sign of Insects and Other Invertebrates, and see the world as they see it. Space is limited- call us to reserve a spot. 413-863-3221

Laurel Carpenter
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge
Great Falls Discovery Center
2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376
(413) 863-3221