Write a commentThe Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center would like to announce two new programs happening in January.
The first is Superpowers of Lichens, happening Saturday afternoon, January 24th, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Not classified as a plant, lichens are a combination of a fungi and an algae living so interdependently that they form a single being.
Participants will begin indoors, transitioning to a guided exploration in the woods. They will learn different facts about lichens, including how they survive our harsh winters. There will also be tools on hand to take a magnified look at the intricate details of these symbiotic organisms. Afterwards, attendees will gear up and head outside to discover lichens in their natural habitat, searching to discover how many different kinds can be found along the trails.
The second program is an owl prowl, happening Thursday evening, January 29th, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. During the middle to later months of winter, various species of owls are beginning their courtship. On nights with bright moonlight, the chances of hearing one of these owls calling is increased. Species heard locally can include great horned owls, barred owls, and eastern screech owls.
Participants will begin inside and then venture outside for a guided expedition in the hope of hearing an owl. Participants can test their owl knowledge, learn new facts about owl body features, and learn some of the unique characteristics of several owl species found within the state. The prowl through the woods and wetlands will be illuminated by the light of a waxing gibbous moon, being full the following night. While there is no guarantee an owl will be heard, there is a history of them at this site. Both a barred owl and great horned owl have been heard vocalizing at the Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center very recently.
Both programs are open to people of all ages. Each has a program fee is $4 per person and up to $12 per family. Advanced registration is encouraged, as space is limited.
Visit https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/SuperpowersofLichens_235 or https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/OwlProwl_235 to register for that respective program. For questions or more information, contact Katrina Relyea, 4-H Natural Resources Educator with the Oswego County 4-H Office, at (315)963-7286 ext. 401 or kmr276@cornell.edu.
