Great Swamp Conservancy Inc.

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Upcoming Events for Februrary

February 20: Birds n Bagels 10:30-11:30

 

Fred Zufelt will winter ID birds at GSC feeders, answer bird questions, bird feeding tips, enjoy coffee, hot cocoa, bagels. Recieve a free GSC birding checklist, listen to the GSC songbirds of CNY/Birds in the Back-yard CD. Informal drop in, donations welcome.

 

February 27: Winter Hibernation Festival 3-7pm

 

The Great Swamp Conservancy, is hosting its "Winter Hibernation Festival" on Saturday, February 27th, from 3pm to 7pm. It's time for central New Yorkers to shake off the winter blahs, cool down their cabin fever and come out of hibernation to play in the snow before our winter wonderland gives way to spring. Outdoor activities include skating and sledding on the pond (if ice conditions permit, bring your own skates), X-country skiing or snow shoeing along the trails. Skis are available, snow shoes in limited sizes or bring your own. Ski by the full moon on the new trail across the road from the Nature Center led by GSC staff (2mile trip). We will try calling in some owls. Staff will also help beginners fit to skiis and give a quick lesson on the how to, X-country ski. Children must be accompanied by an adult. There will be special activities for kids of all ages: tug of war in the snow (red team verses blue team), building an ice/snow fort, construction of a quinzhee (powder snow cave), team sled races, and build a snowman contest (bring your own props-most creative snowman wins a prize). Try your luck in the Artic Glacier to find a prize. The snowman building contest starts at 3pm and snowman needs to be completed by 5pm (families, friends can make up a team to create snowman). No spray paints can be used, food coloring is acceptable. Kids also can slide down a 20 ft. snow tube. There will be a bonfire to warm the participants, toast marshmallows and hear some nature stories around the fire.

Inside the nature center, warmth is provided by a wood burning stove, not to mention the hot chocolate. Children can try their hand at making paper snowflakes and the hibernation game. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. A suggested donation for participating in the Winter Hibernation Festival is $2/adult and $1/child under 12. The Great Swamp Conservancy is a non-profit organization whose mission includes wetland conservation and environmental education. The GSC is located at the corner of North Main Street Road and Pine Ridge Road, three miles north if the village of Canastota. For more information call 697-2950.

 

2010 GSC Calendar of Events

 

January 9: “Swamp Snappers” Camera Club 1pm

workshops, speakers, field trips, everyone is welcome

 

January 10: Annual & general membership meeting 1pm

 

February 13: “Swamp Snappers” Camera Club 12:45

Field trip, meet at Rite Aid parking lot-Canastota

 

February 20: Birds n Bagels 10:30-11:30

Fred Zufelt will winter ID birds at GSC feeders,

answer bird questions, bird feeding tips, enjoy coffee,

hot cocoa, bagels. Receive a free GSC birding checklist,

listen to the GSC Songbirds of CNY/Birds in the Back-

yard CD. Informal drop in, donations welcome.

 

February 27: Winter Hibernation Festival 3-7pm

Bonfire (roast marshmallows), snowshoeing, X-country

ski lessons & rental, ski under the full moon! Suggested

donation $3/adult, $1/child

 

March 6: Explore Great Blue Heron Rookery 10am

Winter walk/close up of this majestic bird-nesting area.

¼ mile x-country ski, snowshoe or walk in.  Weather permitting

 

March 13: “Swamp Snappers” Camera Club 1pm

workshops, speakers, field trips, everyone is welcome.

 

March 27: All About Bluebirds and More!!! 1-2:30

Bluebird Specialist, John Rogers will give a power point

presentation on our state bird.  Afterward, you may build

your own bluebird box (optional). Open to all ages, pre

registration required by Thursday at noon same week.

Suggested donation to build box $10.

 

April 2: Easter Egg Adventure 11am Sharp!

Come early to enjoy games and bunny petting zoo.

Four age categories, 1 grand prize for each age group for

finding the Golden Egg. Suggested donation $1/child

 

April 5: Joint Board & general membership meeting 5pm

 

April 10: “Swamp Snappers” Camera Club 1pm

 

April 17: The Timberdoodle 10am

Program about the American Woodcock. Find out about its

habitat, migration, mating, and song.

 

April 22: Earth Day Tree Planting Celebration 1pm

Help GSC celebrate Earth Days 40th anniversary by

a special tree planting ceremony at our Nature Center.

 

April 24: Wetland Plants with Don Leopold, Ph.D. 10am

Author, ESF Professor of Dendrology

Find out the importance, ID wetland plants

 

April 30: National Arbor Day 1-3pm

Tree planting program to celebrate Arbor Day at

Canastota Elementary Schools

 

May 1 & 2: Spring Migration Nature, Art, Craft & Children’s

Festival. 10-4  Our 12th annual Spring Migration Festival will

feature acclaimed wildlife artist, environmental displays, “Talons” Birds of Prey, music, children’s activities, crafts, food, and more!! Suggested donation: $3/adult, $1/child

 

May 8: Coyotes in Your Backyard 10am

DEC program-learn about this animal, its behavior, habitat and status in central NY.

 

June 7: Joint Board & general membership meeting 5pm

After meeting walk the new trails with GSC Board

 

June 12: “Swamp Snappers” Camera Club 1pm

 

July 9 & 10: GSC Community Garage Sale 9-4p

Families are invited to set up their own booth for a donation of

$5. Donated items needed, simply drop off clean, usable items at the barn between 9am-4pm.

 

July 10: “Swamp Snappers” Camera Club 1pm

 

July 17: Jean Well’s Day Celebration 11am

Wide brimmed hats & checkered tablecloths,

bring a dish to pass.

 

July 24: GSC at Canastota Bi-Centennial 10-6

Display and game booth

 

August 12: Astronomy - Dark to Midnight

Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower at the GSC

Weather permitting, free event!

 

August 14: “Swamp Snappers” Camera Club 1pm

Workshops, speakers, field trips, everyone is welcome

 

August 14: Seashells and Oceanography 10am by

Oceanographer Deb Louis. She will explain the wonders

of seashells. View shells thousands of years old found

here and from US beaches. Children will make an

“Ocean in a Bottle” following program.  Suggested

donation $3/child. Bring your own sea shells for show.

 

August 15: Chicken BBQ 11am until gone

Continue this annual tradition and bring the family to

the best chicken barbeque around. Picnic on the grounds

or take out. Suggested donation $8/dinner.

 

August 21: Swamp Creature Day 11-2pm

Guest speaker to be announced.

 

September 11: Madison Co. Bridges “Walk for Recovery”

Walk our trails for individuals and families to celebrate recovery from addiction. Enjoy the peacefulness of nature.

 

September 11: “Swamp Snappers” Camera Club 1pm

September 18 & 19: Fall Migration Antique Show &

Kids Konservation Days  10-4. Environmental displays,

animals, food, music, and outdoor fun. Suggested donation

$2/adult, $1/ child.

 

October 2: DEC “Project Wet” Certification 10am-2pm

Environmental education program for teachers by a DEC

Official. Call for reservation, class limited to 25.

 

October 9: “Swamp Snappers” Camera Club 1pm

 

October 10: Tour of the Swamps 6pm

Listen and observe as to what takes place in the GSC

wetlands.  Limit to 25, please call for reservations.

Weather permitting.

 

October 24: Great Halloween Fun Festival 11-4

A non-scary, fun filled day especially for children.

Includes Halloween displays, crafts, games, piñatas, story

telling, and food.  Costumes are encouraged for this great

day of kid’s events.  Suggested donation $3/children 12

and under, adults no fee.

 

November 13: “Swamp Snappers” Camera Club 1pm

Club displays photographs at Canastota Public Library

 

December 4: Natural Christmas Ornament Workshop

11-12:30 Children make 4 different unique ornaments with the help of Nature as gifts for the birds and family. Ages 5-13

Suggested donation $8/child. Call for reservations 1 week in

advance.

 

December 4 & 5: Christmas Tree Sale 10-4pm

Plan on getting your fresh cut Christmas tree at the GSC

this year. You may pre-order your tree to ensure supply.

Events are constantly being added, so continue to monitor our website and otherwise be sure to stay in touch!!                          

http://gscincny.org

 
Volunteers are always welcome!

 

  



 

The Great Swamp Conservancy is located on North Main Street, three miles north of the village of Canastota.

     Great Swamp Conservancy, Inc.

8375 North Main Street, Canastota, NY 13032  

                 315-697-2950 Web: http//gscincny.org  

          email: gscincny@centralny.twcbc.com



Want to Volunteer?
 
Call the GSC at (315) 697-2950, e-mail us at gscincny@centralny.twcbc.com , or send a letter to:
 
  Great Swamp Conservancy, Inc.
         8375 North Main St
       Canastota, NY 13032