Environmental Educator Sarah Freedman points out unique features to visitors as she leads a hike on a trail at Rogers Center. (Photo courtesy Friends of Rogers).
Environmental Educator Sarah Freedman points out unique features to visitors as she leads a hike on a trail at Rogers Center. (Photo courtesy Friends of Rogers).
Environmental Educator Sarah Freedman points out unique features to visitors as she leads a hike on a trail at Rogers Center. (Photo courtesy Friends of Rogers).

(Sherburne, NY – Nov. 2015) As autumn draws to a close, Friends of Rogers of Sherburne is hosting several free Family Fun programs to help families welcome winter in interesting new ways.

For those wondering about the hibernation habits of forest creatures, join Friends of Rogers at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 21 for “Hibernation Preparation.” Participants will learn all about why some animals hibernate and others do not, the various stages of hibernation, and what hibernating animals do in preparation for their long winter slumber.

“During hibernation, an animal’s body temperature drops. To conserve energy, its heartbeat and its breathing slow down,” explained Sarah Freedman, Friends of Rogers environmental educator. “Some hibernators sleep so deeply it’s almost impossible to wake them up!”

As winter approaches and people prepare for the coming season, so does the natural environment.

“Ever notice how nature around you looks different in winter compared to other seasons?” Freedman asked. “There are hidden animals, fallen leaves, and burrowed insects.”

Join Friends of Rogers at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 5 for a scavenger hunt to learn more about the changes taking place outdoors. Visitors will observe and take note of these dramatic seasonal changes during a leisurely walk on the trails. Expect to find squirrels, pine cones, and other forest treasures along the way.

Family Fun programs are held at 10:30 a.m. on the first and third Saturday of every month and last approximately one hour. Programs will be held in the Visitor Center on State Route 80 in Sherburne; those needing to may use the adjacent parking lot, and the center is accessible.

While there is no charge, Friends of Rogers encourages contributions to support future operations. Recent events have included Recycled Treasures, Canoe and Kayak, and Pond Ecology. Family Fun programs are an opportunity for visitors of all ages to experience hands-on learning and exploration of the natural environment.

Rogers Center is operated by Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers educational programs for people of all ages. Seasonal hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

 

By martha

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