Ecology

Looking ahead

Anne Gageby
Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve

(9/2024) Fall feels so far away. This is especially true during these vacillating end-of-season days in which temperatures can be quite chilly but are regularly in the 80s. But the slide into fall is happening here in southern Pennsylvania. The tiniest blush of yellows and pinks on leaves can be seen popping up at random along roadsides. They’re a tantalizing hint of the spectacular colors to come.

A quiet stillness has settled around the Strawberry Hill campus. The Wild Strawberries kids have all gone back to school. The last summer camp field trip waved goodbye as they boarded their bus. We shared hours of laughter, fun, and learning as we built memories of another summer on the mountain. It was an incredible summer, for sure. Just outside my office window, the mountain seems to have morphed into a gentle still-life. And yet behind the scenes is as busy as ever. The lull in activity this time of year allows us to prep and plan for the whirlwind that is late September through October. We have several big events coming up this fall at Strawberry Hill and I can’t wait for the fun to start.

Sunday, September 8th we’re hosting a free Grandparents’ Day Hike from 10-11am. Spend the day exploring our beautiful campus as we search for signs of wildlife along the trails. Bring a packed lunch and spend the afternoon on the Nature Playground. This hike will stick to flatter areas of Strawberry Hill’s campus.

Our Homeschool Days are back this fall and they’re bigger than ever. Doors open at 9:45am and programs run from 10:00am until 1:00 or 1:30pm. The Nature Classroom will be open as part of the days’ festivities. Each Homeschool Day features a different theme with activities designed with Pennsylvania Department of Education standards in mind.

On Tuesday, September 24th we’re celebrating all things colorful with our Homeschool Days - Art in Autumn event. Celebrate the start of fall and all the beauty it brings to our forest. Join us for an art-tastic day of learning, creativity, and fun as we explore natural hair dyes and ink, nature journaling, patterns in nature, and even participate in an afternoon color run - with prizes, of course.

October 8th is Homeschool Days - The Sweet Side of Skunks. Ollie, Strawberry Hill’s resident skunk and animal ambassador, is so excited for you to join us as we learn about and celebrate one of nature’s most marvelous and misunderstood creatures - the striped skunk. Programs and activities include a habitat hike, skunk trivia, skunk tails and sweet treats, and learning about the science behind the stink including what to do if you or your pet are sprayed by a skunk.

And on Tuesday, October 29th we’re exploring the mysteries of our beloved woods at Homeschool Days – In the Deep, Dark Woods. Discover why so many spooky folktales are rooted in the science of the forest as we venture out for a fall hike, explore natural "terrors" of the world, hear folktales from the forest, and have a meet and greet with our favorite owl, Strix.

To learn more about our upcoming Homeschool Days, visit our website strawberryhill.org and click on "Homeschool" under the Programs tab. Each day’s link includes information on how our Homeschool Days help boost portfolios by connecting to specific curricular topics and ages. These events are a great opportunity for homeschool families to get out and have fun while adding to a homeschool portfolio. The Homeschool Days are primarily designed for kids from Kindergarten through 10th grade, but all ages are welcome. Cost is $7 per person (child and adult) or $25 for a family of four or more.

Have a Girl Scout who’s looking to earn badges? Strawberry Hill is a program partner with Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, and we have three upcoming programs designed to meet specific badge requirements. Scouts will receive a certificate of completion after the programs. These are programs you and your Scout don’t want to miss!

Strawberry Hill Adventure Day will be on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, from 1-2:30pm. Join us as we go on a nature hike with a Naturalist, learn how to prepare for an outdoor adventure, and discover how to stay safe while out hiking. This program is designed to meet all Trail Adventure badge requirements. Scouts will be divided up by levels and will hike different trails appropriate for their ages and badge requirements.

Saturday, October 19th, 2024, from 8-9:30pm is our Strawberry Hill Night Science event. Explore the brilliance of the night as we learn how to use telescopes, discuss myths & legends about the moon, and explore nature with a night hike. This program is designed to meet the Cadette Night Owl and Senior Space Science Expert badge requirements.

And finally, Strawberry Hill STEM Day is on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, from 1-2:30pm. Spend the day with us as we dive into creative fun exploring animal habitats, math in nature, and all things bugs! Tinker with some STEM-inspired crafts that you can take home. This program is designed to meet the Daisy math in Nature 1, Brownie Bugs, Junior Animal Habitats badge requirements. We will also have a tinker station that meets the requirements for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Craft & Tinker badges. $10 per Scout and parent chaperones are free.

Fall is spectacular on the mountain. There’s something about the cooler temperatures and stunning colors that make outdoor adventures more fun. So, stop by Strawberry Hill and make the most of your time on the mountain. We can’t wait to see you!

Anne Gageby is the Environmental Education Manager of the Strawberry Hill Foundation. Strawberry Hill inspires stewardship of our natural world by
connecting the community with educational opportunities.
 Learn more by visiting StrawberryHill.org.