Pictured is Tom Lenwever, an exhibiting artist and vice president of the Board of Directors at the Great Swamp Conservancy with Susan Graff, museum curator and a visitor.
(Canastota, NY – April 2015) Witness the wonders of nature at the Great Swamp Conservancy’s 14th Annual Spring Migration Nature Art and Craft Festival May 2 and 3.This major fundraiser starts early Saturday at 8 a.m. with a guided bird walk led by expert birder, Anne Mayville.
The festival grounds are open to all 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. More than 25 fine artists and crafters will display items to purchase.
Meet the featured artist, Christian, from Liverpool. His paintings are examples of the natural beauty of Central New York.
Visit live animal displays, the Children’s Nature Nut area of games and crafts; visit nature and environmental exhibits including Trout Unlimited and the Atlantic Salmon Club. Ride the wagon to the Overlook to view the great blue herons and their nesting young, (weather permitting). Check out the “Year of the Duck” and buy your yellow duck for the “race” this summer on July 25, money prizes for the winners.
Meet with the area’s Trees Dairy Goats and see their products and goats. Talon’s “Birds of Prey” shows will be presented plus a meet and greet with the hawks and falcons up close each day. Visit the butterfly house and learn the dangers Monarch butterflies are facing. Visit the CNY Antique Tractor Club display; stop by the Composting with Worms table and pick up your composting kit, free until all are gone. Check out the raffle table, and food is available at the Ladybug Café.
Saturday only: The famous Chicken BBQ dinners, 11 a.m. until sold out. Call the office at 697-2950 to place an early order.
Music will be provided by Anne Weider from 10 a.m. until noon and by Dove Creek from noon to 3 p.m.
Sunday only events include Out of the Cage exotic and wild animals, music by Pigeon Post Band from noon to 3 p.m.; the big raffle drawing to follow.
The new GSC Gift Shop will open on Sunday in the house (office building). Check out the new clothing, hats and children’s books plus nature items.
Donations: $3 adults and $1 children 12 and under.
The Great Swamp Conservancy is located at 8375 N. Main St. in Canastota.
For more information call 315-697-2950, email greatswampconservancy@gmail.com or visit website www.greatswampconservancy.org.
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