Children and adults alike have the opportunity to explore nature, celebrate the heritage of food and craft as well as participate in a variety of inspiring guided hikes at the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) Cumming Nature Center (CNC) this fall.
“During our programs, guests have fun exploring the complex relationship between humans and the natural world,” said Nathan Hayes, director, Cumming Nature Center. “We’re working to create intriguing opportunities for our visitors to connect with natural landscapes, regional history and heritage artisanship, with the goal of building a platform to inform and engage communities.”
Details are included below:
Morning Birdsong Hike
Saturdays, October 15 and 29: 8-10am
From beginners to advanced birders, anyone who is charmed by the sounds of birds should join these volunteer-led walks through the hemlock forests and around the ponds of the CNC 900-acre classroom. Discover the magical sounds that the early morning has to offer.
Falling Leaves Hike
Saturday, October 15: 10am-12pm
Guests discover how nature prepares for winter and explore fall foliage on this guided exploration of the autumnal forest.
Heritage Maker Fall Fair
Saturday, October 22: 10am-4pm
A family-friendly event previewing the nature center’s educational series on traditional food and craft. Attendees can carve a spoon, spin wool, prepare kombucha, stain glass, work iron, ferment cabbage and more. The event features regularly scheduled mini workshops, informal demonstrations as well as samples. Explore a variety of artisan demonstrations from beer brewing and bread baking to blacksmithing and basket weaving.
Artisan craft is generally rooted in a pre-renaissance process of observation, repetition and trial and error. Thousands of years of cultural heritage, regional tradition and oral history provide valuable knowledge.
The Heritage Maker Workshop series will take place in January 2017. Visit www.rmsc.org for details coming soon.
The Missing Rainbow
Saturday, October 22: 10am-12pm
Outdoor adventurers become investigative reporters as they search for colorful pieces of the missing rainbow. Attendees travel through various habitats and are invited to bring a small bag to collect mementos of the experience.
CNC is a dynamic, 900-acre environmental education facility that celebrates the unique landscape and culture of the Finger Lakes region through experiential learning opportunities and thoughtful exhibits. Educational programming at the CNC explores the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. These programs are designed to inspire innovative thinking among participants and provide them with the tools, knowledge and confidence to take action in the face of local, regional and global challenges. The preserve includes six miles of trails and countless opportunities to connect with the outdoors.
Admission: RMSC members free; General public donation requested-$3 per person; $10 per family. All hikes/programs are free with admission.
Trails are open five days a week: Wednesday through Friday, 9am-3:30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am-4:30pm (closed Monday and Tuesday). The CNC will be CLOSED Monday, Nov. 14-Tuesday, Dec. 27.
CNC is located at 6472 Gulick Road, Naples, NY 14512.
