Scarsdale, NY - The Greenburgh Nature Center has announced its weekday and weekend programs and events for the month of February 2012.

FEBRUARY WEEKDAY CLASSES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Children and parents or caregivers come for an hour of nature fun.  Dress for outdoor activity.  Except in extreme weather conditions, a portion of each class is spent outdoors. Admittance closes 15 minutes after the start of the program.  NO PRE-REGISTRATION OR PRE-PAYMENT REQUIRED.

NATURE BUGS (2-5 years old)
Meet a museum animal, hear a story and do a craft or nature game.
MON: 1:30-2:30PM
FEBRUARY 6, 13, 20, 27
Members: $5 adult; $4 child
Non-members: $9 adult; $7 child

CRITTERS, CRAFTS AND KIDS (18 months-5 years old)
Enjoy wonderful winter days at the Nature Center with walks, live animals and stories.
WED: 10-11AM
FEBRUARY 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Members: $5 adult; $4 child
Non-members: $9 adult; $7 child

FEBRUARY EVENING PROGRAM FOR ADULTS:
The following program is hosted by the Greenburgh Nature Center in partnership with either The Sierra Club Lower Hudson Group or the Town of Greenburgh’s Conservation Advisory Council (CAC). The program is designed for adults and high school students.

WED, FEBRUARY 8, 2012 at 7PM REFRESHMENTS / 7:30PM PROGRAM —  CHICKEN FLICK – BACKYARD CHICKENS FOR ALL— Imagine your breakfast omelet made from your own fresh, organic, Omega-rich eggs! Come watch “Chicken Flick”, a short film made by local environmentalist filmmakers Nikki Coddington and Susan Rubin. You will meet four Westchester County families who are enjoying the fun and benefits of raising chickens in their own backyards. After the film, you can ask questions of the filmmakers and the panel of local chicken owners – You may even walk away ready to take up this easier-than-you-think, fun and profitable hobby yourself!

Chicken Flick was made by Coddington and Rubin at the Jacob Burns Film Center and Media Arts Lab on behalf of Transition Westchester, a grassroots initiative that seeks to build community resilience. This program will be held at the Nature Center in partnership with the Sierra Club Lower Hudson Group. FREE

FEBRUARY WEEKEND PROGRAMS
All programs are per person and include admission to indoor exhibits and Animal Museum. Space is limited; pre-payment required. Admittance closes 15 minutes after the start of the program.

SAT, FEBRUARY 4, 9AM – 4PM – HUDSON RIVER EAGLEFEST – GNC is partnering with Teatown Lake Reservation and other environmental organizations in a daylong program that celebrates the bald eagles’ return to the Hudson River and other waterways of the Hudson Valley. The day includes birds of prey shows, children’s activities, environmental exhibits and more. Activities take place at Croton Point Park, with a shuttle bus leaving from there and traveling to other eagle viewing sites along the river. For tickets and more information go to www.teatown.org, or call 914.762.2912, ext.110. Bring binoculars. Alternate date for severe weather is Sunday, February 5th.

SUN, FEBRUARY 5, 11AM – THE BARE BONES – Have you ever read a skull? Bones can reveal secrets about the animal to which they once belonged. Did that animal hunt for its food? Was it an omnivore, herbivore, or carnivore? On what sort of terrain did it live? How did it protect itself? The skeleton holds many of the clues. Join naturalist Greg Wechgelaer to discover how to read some “Boneafide” animal bones and then get an up-close visit with some of the Nature Center’s coolest predators and prey. Best for ages 5 and over. Members-$2, Non-members-$6

SUN, FEBRUARY 5, 2PM – NATURAL HISTORY EXHIBIT OPENING - BEAUTIFUL DIRT! A LOOK INTO THE AMAZING STORY UNDERFOOT – This exciting and interactive exhibit is an introduction to the astonishing world of dirt – a world that should not be feared or ignored, but rather explored, respected and nurtured. Come dig your hands in and discover the secret world that lies beneath us all. Sponsored in part by Houlihan Lawrence (Scarsdale), WFAS and Westchester County Parks. Included with Museum admission – FREE for Members!

SUN, FEBRUARY 19, 2PM – FINDING AND FEEDING WINTER BIRDS – Join naturalist Dean Fausel on a winter walk to learn what birds wintering in our area like to eat and where they find shelter. The walk will include a visit to the Center’s Birds of Prey exhibit and busy bird feeders, as well as a search for our more elusive feathered friends. Included with Museum admission – FREE for Members!

SAT, FEBRUARY 25, 2PM — WINTER WILDLIFE WONDERS — Join a naturalist in a hands-on approach in exploring how animals survive the winter’s harsh weather. Visit with live animals and discover the adaptations upon which the animals rely to survive and thrive! Members-$4, Non-members-$8

SPECIAL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

FEBRUARY VACATION NATURE CAMP -— For Grades K - 3 — Monday, February 20 through Thursday, February 23, 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Let us give your child an action-packed time during the February school vacation.  Our naturalists will involve, amuse, stimulate and inform your children with different activities each day, including animal study, nature crafts, nature exploration, and nature games.  Morning snack included.  Lunch should be sent with child each day.  The fee for four days:  Members-$160, Non-members-$210.  Enrollment is limited, and pre-registration and pre-payment are required online to hold a place. Visit our website to reserve your spot.

We will also be running camp programs during the April school vacation and in the summer. Check our website for details soon.

THU, FEBRUARY 23, 2PM — WINTER WILDLIFE WONDERS — Join a naturalist in a hands-on approach in exploring how animals survive the winter’s harsh weather. Visit with live animals and discover the adaptations upon which the animals rely to survive and thrive! Members-$4, Non-members-$8

ANNUAL NATURAL HISTORY EXHIBIT 2012
February 5 through September 30

BEAUTIFUL DIRT:
A Look Into The Amazing Story Underfoot

Dirt is everywhere - there is no getting away from it – nor should you want to! Mankind cannot survive without dirt. It literally supports us all. The dirt we are referring to is better known as soil. This soil is the foundation of life, a vital component of our natural environment. It is the starting (and ending) point for almost everything we find in our environment and use in our daily lives. This exciting and interactive exhibit is an introduction to the astonishing world of dirt – a world that should not be feared or ignored, but rather explored, respected and nurtured. Come dig your hands in and discover the secret world that lies beneath us all. Sponsored in part by Houlihan Lawrence (Scarsdale), WFAS and Westchester County Parks. Included with Museum admission – FREE for Members!

The Greenburgh Nature Center is located at 99 Dromore Road, off Central Park Avenue, in Scarsdale, NY. For further information, call (914) 723-3470 or go to: www.greenburghnaturecenter.org.