In the Great Hall

"Underwater Life" a Photographic Exhibition by Norm Vexler

July 1- July 31, 2011

Saturday, July 2, 2011 (1:00 - 3:00 pm): Artist Reception

Join us for a reception recognizing the current month's featured artist, Norm Vexler, in the Great Hall of the Discovery Center.

Norm Vexler, a resident of Amherst, Massachusetts has been involved with underwater photography for the past 20 years. His extensive travels around the world have taken him to some of the most remote and beautiful locations on the planet including Micronesia, Australia, Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands, Fiji, Indonesia and Thailand. His love for the ocean is reflected in his art as a photographer and his images capture the essence of the incredible natural beauty found in the underwater environment. Light refreshments will be served.


Friday, July 8, 2011 (7:00 - 9:00 pm): GFDC Friends present Coffeehouse 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.

Join the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center to enjoy the 20’s and 30’s acoustic blues sound of “Same Old Blues.”


Saturday, July 9, 2011 (10:30 am - 2:00 pm): Second Saturday Children's Series

The second Saturday Children’s Series is a great way to explore pieces of nature. This time, we’ll look at petals and thistles. Test your matching skills and learn something new about the wild plants we live with.



Sunday, July 10, 2011 (2:00 - 3:30 pm): Watershed Poets and Their Rivers

Join us at the Great Falls Discovery Center for a FREE program. Obsessing about rivers and water is elemental for many poets. Come learn about the Connecticut River Watershed, including its tributaries, from the perspective of the poets. Hear from poets Emily Dickinson, Wallace Stevens, Frederick Goddard Tuckerman, and more! Weather permitting we may stroll along the Canalside Bike Path to view the Connecticut River and write our own interpretations of water. We will consider ways to honor the largest river in New England through words and through conservation. For more information call (413) 863-3221.


Tuesday, July 5th, 12th, 26th, 2011 (10:30 - 11:30 am): Kidleidoscope

Kidleidoscope is a kid-friendly, hands-on environmental experience for very young children presented in a fun, age-appropriate manner. Each topic includes a story, interactive games and activities, and a craft to help you and your child understand the world around us. Programming recommended for ages 3-6 with a parent or guardian. Each session will have a theme. Call 413.863.3221 or visit: www.greatfallsma.org for more details.


Saturday, July 16, 2011 (10:00 am - 12:00 pm): Montague Sandplain Hike

Come learn about the story of fire on the Montague sand plain! Why is the landscape like Cape Cod, but the ocean miles away? Now’s your chance to explore a unique habitat designed by fire, ice, and sand. Find: Sand dunes! Scrub oak! Pitch pine! Blueberries! Join an interpreter for an introduction to the fauna, flora, and geology of this amazing and threatened habitat. Easy-to-intermediate difficulty hike. Bring water, bug repellant, and sun screen. Free. Registration required- call 413-863-3221 or visit www.greatfallsma.org. Meet at the Great Falls Discovery Center to carpool to the site.


Sunday, July 17, 2011 (8:00 - 9:30 am): Canalside Nature Walk

Start the day off right with an early morning nature walk! We will leisurely explore level paved bike trails and village sidewalks. Meet outside the main entrance to the Discovery Center at 8 a.m. Learn about plants, animals, and mill town history along the Canalside Bike Path of Turners Falls. Topics may include birds, fish, invasive species, wildflowers, cultural or industrial history, and more! Please wear appropriate footwear, bring water, bug repellant, and sun screen. For more information, call 413.863.3221 or visit: www.greatfallsma.org.


Monday-Thursday, July 18th-21st, 2011 (10:30 am - 12:00 pm): Junior Rangers

Starting July 18th and ending July 21st, the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls is offering a four-part science and nature education workshop for children as part of their 2011 Junior Ranger “Nature Kids” program. “Nature Kids,” for young naturalists ages 8-11, will meet July 18, 19, 20, and 21. Children and parents should meet at the Discovery Center lobby at 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls. All programs will start at 10:30 a.m. and will last about 90 minutes. Each day will have a theme. Junior Ranger “Nature Kids” programs are free and open to all. Space is limited- to register call (413) 863-3221 or visit www.greatfallsma.org.


Thursday, July 21, 2011 (7:00 - 8:30 pm): Third Thursday Evening Program

Join Refuge staff as we present a different program on the third Thursday of each month. Thursday night programs are free, unless otherwise noted, and are adult-oriented, but families are welcome to attend.

This week, let’s learn about those mysterious mushrooms that inhabit the oddest places! Roger Monthey, from U.S. Forest Service in New Hampshire will help to enlighten us about these fascinating fungi.


Friday, July 22, 2011 (10:30 - 11:30 am): Fourth Friday Young Children's Story Hour

Join us the fourth Friday of every month from 10:30 am to 11:30 am for a story hour especially for children ages 3-6. After the story, you can join us for an age appropriate activity.

This week, it’s Anasazi the Spider. Let’s kindle an interest in our eight-legged friends!


Friday, July 22, 2011 (1:00 - 2:00 pm): The Boston Science Museum Presents: Reptiles!

Are snakes actually slimy? Why do snapping turtles snap? And most importantly, what makes a reptile a reptile? The best way to become acquainted with reptiles is to meet animals from the Museum’s Live Animal Center. Together we will answer these questions and many more while we learn about these incredible animals.


Saturday, July 23, 2011 (10:00 am - 4:00 pm): Visit the Investigation Station at the Front Desk!

Every fourth Saturday, visit the investigation station set up at the front desk. Investigation stations will cover a variety of topics throughout the year, and will have something to offer for all ages.

This week, let’s examine the differences between reptiles, fish, and amphibians. Some have slimy skin, others have scales. Come teach our naturalist all you know about these creatures!


Sunday, July 24, 2011 (2:00 - 3:30 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 or visit www.greatfallsma.org.

Saturday, July 30, 2011 (9:30 am – 12:30 pm): Pesty-Plant-Pulling Day

Help save the Connecticut River from a plant invader. Water chestnut is a pretty, but serious plant pest that can take over shallow waterways, obstructing boating and other recreational activities and crowding out native plants and the wildlife that depend on them. Staff from the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, the Connecticut River Watershed Council and Northfield Mountain are organizing a "plant-pulling day" in and around Barton Cove in Gill, MA. Participants will canoe to a couple of locations where plants have been found in previous seasons and look for new infestation locations. The plants, which are easily recognizable from their floating leaves, will be carefully pulled and put in trash bags for removal by truck to a place where they cannot do any more damage. After pulling, there will be a gathering in the Great Hall of the Great Falls Discovery Center from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. where participants can enjoy air conditioning, relaxing, and desserts! A confirmation email with what to wear and bring will be shared with registered participants. Pre-register by calling 413-548-8002 ext. 115. For ages 12 and older.
 

In the Great Hall

Nature Photography by Patrick Zephyr

June 1 – June 30, 2011


Friday, June 10, 2011 (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm): Friends Coffeehouse Series Presents: Daniel hales, and the frost heaves

The Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center host local bands, singers, and musicians in the Great Hall on the second Friday of each month. 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.

Daniel hales, and the frost heaves blend indie rock and psychedelic folk—as well as other genres—to create their own eclectic hybrid. The core of the band is Daniel: guitar, sitar, harmonica, and lead vocals; James Lowe: bass, kazoo, and vocals; Charlie Conant: guitar, dobro, and vocals; Ivan Ussach: drums, percussion, and vocals; and Emily Breines: violin and vocals.


Saturday, June 11, 2011 (9:30 am - 12:00 pm): GeoPlus River Walk

Ever want to go on one of those Turners Falls Geowalks but never got around to it? Here’s your chance! Steve Winters, now working as Holyoke Community College’s first full-time Earth Science instructor, will again make the geologic rounds in Turners Falls on Saturday, June 11, 2011. In addition to snooping under various shales and sandstones, Steve will also lead a group down to the river to look at rock worn flat by centuries, if not millennia, of water’s smoothing action. Most of Steve’s walk will be on pavement and sidewalks around Turners Falls (about 2 miles), and the short excursion to the river will involve some minor descent along the river bank (weather and water-levels permitting). Please wear appropriate footwear. “GeoPlus River Walk” starts at 9:30 am. Please meet in front of the Great Falls Discovery Center. We will return to Center grounds around 12 noon. (Rain date: June 18, 2011).

Sponsored by the Friends of Great Falls Discovery Center with funding provided by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration with the assistance of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.


Saturday, June 11, 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 anytime between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm for activities.

This month, discover crayfish and aquatic insects up close! Get your hands dirty looking through aquatic plants to discover what kinds of insects fish and other organisms eat. Additionally, look at crayfish up close to determine what features make them suited for the habitat that they live in.


Saturday, June 11, 2011 (1:30 pm - 3:30 pm): Water Under the Bridge Bike Tour

White bridge, red bridge, green bridge, one way, which way, fish way? Find out more! Join us for a leisurely two hour 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 these challenges compare with our current Gill-Montague bridge construction experiences? We will meet at the main entrance to the Great Falls Discovery Center at 1:30 pm on Saturday June 11th. Bring your bike, water, bug spray, helmet, and sun block. For more information: Call Janel at (413) 863-3221 or visit www.greatfallsma.org. Planned in partnership with Turners Falls RiverCulture for the Water Under the Bridge Music Festival.


Sunday, June 12, 2011 (2:00 - 3:30 pm): Watershed Poets and Watershed Wildflowers

Join us at the Great Falls Discovery Center for a free program. Obsessing about wildflowers is quite natural for poets. Come learn about the wildflowers of the Connecticut River watershed and the poets here who have loved them. Hear from poets Emily Dickinson, Wallace Stevens, Frederick Goddard Tuckerman, and more! Weather permitting we may stroll along the Canalside Bike Path to view wildflowers and write about them ourselves. We will consider ways to honor our own favorite wildflowers through words and through conservation. For more information call (413) 863-3221.




Thursday, June 16, 2011 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm): Gordon Morrison: How to be a Field Artist

Come join us to hear nature artist and illustrator Gordon Morrison talk about how he does his work as a field artist—either to pick up some tips for your own work or to discover how an artist’s choice of work led him to a deepening commitment to nature. Gordon will bring along samples of his sketches, finished works, and book illustrations and will show us the kit of materials he keeps in his car just in case he finds an urge to draw from nature, which happens pretty frequently. This is your chance to learn about how art illustration is done, from an artist’s point of view.


Saturday, June 18, 2011 (10:00 am - 2:00 pm): Family Fish Day, Including a Visit from the Watershed on Wheels Express

The Great Falls Discovery Center's Sixth Annual Family Fish Day event takes place today from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Registration is at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Free raffle for everything from fishing gear to fishing trips! No need to bring any equipment, we have it all. Learn how to tie flies, cast fly fishing rods, and go fishing in Barton Cove. There will also be face painting at the Discovery Center and fish printing hosted by the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center at the fish viewing station! Also new this year, tour the Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge's mobile visitor center the Watershed on Wheels Express. Investigate interactive kiosks about the Connecticut River watershed and explore the habitat immersion trailer. This event happens as a result of generous donations from local businesses with help from local volunteers as well as the State of MA, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, State of MA, Department of Conservation Recreation, and the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Come celebrate!


Sunday, June 19, 2011 (8:00 am - 9:30 am): Canalside Nature Walk

Start the day off right with an early morning nature walk! We will leisurely explore level paved bike trails and village sidewalks. Meet outside the main entrance to the Discovery Center at 8 am Learn about plants, animals, and mill town history along the Canalside Bike Path of Turners Falls. Topics may include birds, fish, invasive species, wildflowers, cultural or industrial history, and more! Please wear appropriate footwear, bring water, bug repellant, and sun screen. For more information, call 413.863.3221 or visit: www.greatfallsma.org.


Sunday, June 19, 2011 (1:00 pm – 2:30 pm or 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm): Barton Cove by Canoe

Join Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center’s Dwight Harrison and Kim Noyes for an introduction to canoe safety, paddling on the Connecticut River and the magic of Barton Cove. Blooming mountain laurel, nesting bald eagles and ancient waterfalls are all part of this June paddling program at Barton Cove. The program is free and sponsored by the Friends of Great Falls Discovery Center with funding provided by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration with the assistance of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. Space is limited so early registration is encouraged by calling 413-863-3221.


Friday, June 24, 2011 (10:30 am - 11:30 am): Fourth Friday Young Children's Story Hour Explores Fireflies!

Join us the fourth Friday of every month from 10:30 am to 11:30 am for a story hour especially for children ages 3-6. After the story, you can join us for an age appropriate activity.

We will be reading Fireflies! by Julie Binckloe, and then exploring the fascinating world of fireflies through an interactive activity. After the activity, we will have a craft available to help spur your child's interest in investigating fireflies further.


Saturday, June 25, 2011 (10:00 am - 4:00 pm): Visit the Investigation Station at the Front Desk!

Every fourth Saturday, visit the investigation station set up at the front desk. Investigation stations will cover a variety of topics throughout the year, and will have something to offer for all ages.

This month investigate what fish eat! Look at what aquatic insects eat up close!


Saturday, June 25, 2011 (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm): New England Wildlife: Live Animal Program with Southern Vermont Natural History Museum and Friends Annual Meeting

Join Michael Clough of the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum to look at examples of New England’s wildlife. Live birds, mammals, and reptiles, along with New England wildlife artifacts will help the audience to learn about the many wildlife species that live in our forests. This program is appropriate for all ages. Call (413) 863-3221 for more details. The Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center will meet briefly prior to the program.


Sunday, June 26, 2011 (2:00 pm - 3:30 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 build 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 the grand old days in Turners Falls. For more information call (413) 863-3221 or visit www.greatfallsma.org.


Tuesday, June 28, 2011 (10:30 - 11:30 am): Kidleidoscope

Kidleidoscope is a kid-friendly, hands-on environmental experience for very young children presented in a fun, age-appropriate manner. Each topic includes a story, interactive games and activities, and a craft to help you and your child understand the world around us. Programming recommended for ages 3-6 with a parent or guardian. Each session will have a theme. Call 413.863.3221 or visit: www.greatfallsma.org for more details.


Wednesday, June 29, 2011 (10:30 am - 12:00 pm): River Mammals with Naturalist Dawn Marvin Ward

Beavers, muskrats and river otters are all native to our wetlands and waterways. However; these fascinating creatures have lots of differences in their behaviors and lifestyles. Join along in this hands-on educational nature program that begins inside then venture outside to explore the banks of the Connecticut River for a close up look at the habitat of these curious creatures. Dress appropriately for weather conditions and footwear suitable for a rocky shoreline. For more info call the Discovery Center 863-3221 or Dawn 367-9562. This program is made possible with a grant from NOAA.

Note: In case of really inclement weather, activities will be set up for exploration and creativity indoors.



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
 

Great Falls Discovery Center is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm until May 14, 2011.
Starting May 15, 2011, Great Falls Discovery Center will be open 7 days a week from 10 am to 4 pm. All programs are free to the public unless otherwise noted.


May 2011


In the Great Hall
May 1-May 30

A Sense of the Refuge: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge 50th Anniversary Exhibit

Program Schedule

May 1, 2011 (10:00 am – 12:00 pm): Downtown Turners Falls Spring Clean-Up

Pitch in to clean-up Turners Falls. Meet in front of the Great Falls Discovery Center at 10:00 am. This clean-up is being put on by the Streetscape Committee. For more details, call the Discovery Center at (413) 863-3221.

May 13, 2011 (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm): Friends’ Coffee House Series Presents Kathy Chapman and Blue Moon

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.

Kathy sings songs about family, love and life’s challenges in a smooth, folk/rock, Nanci Griffith style. She has opened for artists like Bill Staines, and Garnet Rogers, and plays widely in the Pioneer Valley and beyond. Her band, Blue Moon, widens the repertoire to include classic rock and blues tunes from Patsy Cline to Jimmy Hendrix along with some original pop tunes written by guitarist and music composer Joe Pod. Joe, perhaps best known in the Valley as a member of the 70’s band, Spirit in Flesh, is also the owner of Avocet Recording Studios where Kathy’s first and second CD were recorded. On keyboard is Dick Amberman, her partner in Limited Edition and also a member of The King Bees, a long running blues band in the Pioneer Valley. Other musicians in the group include John Sorrentino holds down the bottom end of the rhythm section on bass and Daniel Scott keeps the groove going on drums.

May 14, 2011 (10:30 am - 11:45 am and 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm): Eyes on Owls- Live Owl Presentation

Program is free but space is limited- please call 413-863-3221 to reserve a spot.

Everyone loves owls! Yet, how often do you get to see an owl up close? Perhaps you've glimpsed the shadowy form of a Great-horned Owl in the beam of your headlights as you traveled a back road at night. Have you ever scanned a frozen saltmarsh or hayfield in winter, hoping to find that arctic hunter, the Snowy Owl? How about that mob of noisy crows circling a white pine tree? Have they found an owl? Join teacher/naturalist Marcia Wilson and author/photographer/naturalist Mark Wilson in sharing their passion for owls!

Owls of the World - Who's Watching You? introduces you to the owls of New England and beyond. Mark and Marcia share the field marks, signs and naturalist's skills that you can use to find wild owls without disturbing them. Next, you meet six live owls (from small to huge) up close. Everyone participates in a hooting lesson and learns tips on how to attract and protect owls near you. While the selection of live owls varies from group to group, chances are you'll meet New England's tiniest owl, the Northern Saw-Whet Owl (weighing in at 4 ounces) along with the world's largest owl, the Eurasian Eagle Owl (check out that five foot wingspan!). Other species that figure prominently in our program can include Eastern Screech Owl, Barred Owl, Barn Owl, Great-horned Owl, Snowy Owl and Spectacled Owl. Owl pellets and white wash are topics of great interest at our programs and we spend time dissecting these fascinating aspects of owl biology.

The 10:30 am program will be held in the Great Hall. If weather allows, the 1:30 pm program will be held outside.

May 15, 2011 (1:00 – 3:00 pm): Edible Plants of Spring Field Walk

Take a walk along the Canal-side bike path with Blanche Derby to locate and learn about edible plants that emerge in Spring. The walk will depart from the bike path entrance in Unity Park at 1 pm. In the event of rain, the program will be held in the Great Hall of the Great Falls Discovery Center.

May 19, 2011 (7:00 - 8:30 pm): Third Thursday Adult Speaker’s Series presents Lamar Gore on Birding

Join biologist Lamar Gore to learn some beginning birding skills. Lamar has been bird watching for well over a decade while working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Vermont, Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Massachusetts. During the program, you will learn how to identify birds by look, behavior, and sound.

May 21, 2011 (1:00 – 4:00 pm): “Picture Your World” Photography Workshop for Teens

“Picture Your World” is a free photography workshop by two professional photographers and a naturalist especially for teens. The afternoon workshop will explore the basics of photography and build appreciation for the natural world surrounding the Connecticut River landscape. Discover the art of nature and landscape photography. Point and shoot cameras provided or you may bring your own. Workshop is for ages 13-18, and space is limited so please give us a call at 413-863-3221 to reserve you spot. Participants’ photos will be published in the The Montague Reporter. This workshop was funded by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center.


May 27, 2011(10:30 – 11:30 am): Young Children’s Story Hour

Join us the fourth Friday of every month from 10:30 am to 11:30 am for a story hour especially for children ages 3-6. After the story, you can join us for an age appropriate activity.

We will be reading Rainbow Fish Finds His Way by Marcus Pfister, and then making our own rainbow fish. This program is a great way to get your family interested in migrating fish, which you can view for free across the street at the Turners Falls Fishway, a fish ladder, after the program.


May 28, 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 May, we will investigate birds’ nests. Appropriate for all ages.



Ashley Dussold
Park Ranger, Visitor Services
Great Falls Discovery Center
2 Avenue A
Turners Falls, MA 01376

 

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
 

March Schedule of Events

March 1 – 31, 2011

In the Great Hall
Told and Retold: Art Exhibit by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association/Memorial Hall Museum

Saturday, Mar. 5, 2011 (1:00 pm- 3:00 pm): Artist Reception

Come meet the many young artists and collaborators of this month’s artist exhibit! Light refreshments will be served.


Friday, Mar. 11, 2011 (7:00 pm- 9:00 pm): GFDC Friends present Coffeehouse Series

The Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center host local bands, singers, and musicians in the Great Hall on the second Friday of each month. 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.

March's performance will be by veteran musician Ronald Meck, who sings traditional Celtic and folk ballads in a soulful baritone while playing guitar, bouzouki, tenor banjo, and percussion. His son Adrian, an accomplished fiddler and symphonic violinist, joins him for toe-tapping jigs and reels.


Saturday, Mar. 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.

Join Refuge staff as we investigate some of the vernal pool creatures that you will be able to find migrating during the first warm rainy nights of March or April. Explore with us, up close, red efts, spotted salamanders, wood frogs, and other vernal pool creatures. Partake in related activities and a craft.


Thursday, Mar. 17, 2011 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm): Marine Conservation Biology: Keeping the Oceans Shipshape

Oceans dominate our planet, influence our climate, and sustain us in innumerable ways. Although much of humanity lives near a coastline, too often we forget the importance of the oceans to our lives and livelihoods and the impact our activities are having on this irreplaceable life support system. The goals of marine conservation biology are to preserve the ocean’s living resources and simultaneously provide for human needs over the near- and long-term. his talk will examine ways we connect with the oceans; touch on unique aspects of its life forms; discuss current threats to marine ecosystems; and highlight positive actions citizens and policy makers are taking to preserve life in the sea.

Saturday, Mar. 25, 2011(10:30 am – 11:30 am): Young Children’s Story Hour: Dreamweaver

Join us the fourth Friday of every month from 10:30 am to 11:30 am for a story hour especially for children ages 3-6. After the story, you can join us for an age appropriate activity.

In March, we will focus on spiders. First, we will read Dream Weaver, a story about a spider's world written by Jonathan London and illustrated by Rocco Baviera. Then, children can explore different kinds of spider webs through a shape-matching game and a spider web painting activity.


Saturday, Mar. 25, 2011 (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm): Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program and Fish Population Status Update

Ken Sprankle, USFWS Connecticut River Coordinator, will review the history of the modern Atlantic salmon restoration program in the Connecticut River basin. He will also talk about the status and trends for this species, as well as other migratory fishes (e.g., American shad, river herring) of management interest. The development and role of the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission in these efforts will be discussed. A review of evolving fishery management and restoration strategies, new assessment and research findings, recent restoration nitiatives, and related issues will be presented and discussed.


Saturday, Mar. 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.

This month, we will have beaver artifacts displayed at the front desk for you to see. People of all ages can investigate beavers with Refuge staff, and learn about adaptations that they have that make them fascinating animals.



 

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.