The Nature of Things is a science-based program for adults who want to expand their knowledge of the natural world. Most programs in the series include both a seminar and a field study, allowing participants to gain relevant background information before applying their new knowledge or skills out in the field. Our guest presenters include naturalists, rangers, photographers, authors and educators. If you have an interest in science and want to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Sacramento region, its wildlife and history, join us for... The Nature of Things!
Ages 12 to adult
Program costs vary, depending on presenter, subject and number of seminar and field studies included.
Upcoming programs are listed below. To ensure you receive notification about future Nature of Things programs, sign up for our e-newsletter.
Intro to eBird
August 18, 2018
Seminar: Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 9:30am-12:30pm
Description: Citizen science has served ornithologists, birders, and conservationists since the first Christmas Count in 1900. Now in the 21st century we have eBird, a joint project of the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology that uses technology to harness the power of observations made by people like you. Available as both a website and a mobile application, eBird allows anyone to see bird distribution and abundance in exciting new ways. Whether building a long-term record of the birds seen in your yard, searching where to find a specific species, or looking for birding hotspots as you plan an international trip, eBird will enhance your experience of birds. And, you'll be contributing to the understanding and conservation of our feathered friends.
This is a hands on class that will have both a classroom demonstration and field experience. Bring your mobile devices! By the end of the class you can have your own account (if you want it) and know the many uses of eBird.
About the Speaker: Rich Howard is a native Californian with a lifelong interest in natural history. Since his first Audubon Christmas Bird Count in 1972, he has enjoyed seeing birds on all seven continents. Rich and his wife Mary, an Effie Yeaw Nature Center docent, have been residents of Carmichael since 1988. Rich retired from environmental consulting in 2013 and has been birding at Effie Yeaw Nature Center almost every week since then.
Cost:
General admission - $25
Nature Center Member - $20
To register, use PayPal menu below, or call (916) 489-4918.
| Note ARNHA Member Discount on Dropdown Menu |
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Golden State Snakes: An Introduction to Some of California's Most Spectacular Serpents
September 13, 2018
Seminar: Thursday, September 13, 2018 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Field Study: Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 10:00am - noon
Description: Join Save the Snakes co-founder Michael Starkey for a fun, interactive and family-friendly program that will help answer all your questions about snakes. Learn all about the ecological importance of snakes, identification of Californian venomous vs non-venomous snake species, and dispel myths about snake species in your backyard!
Continue the lesson as you venture out in the preserve with Michael for the field study portion. Discover how snakes use the environment, what to do if you see a snake (snake awareness), and immediate first aid and treatment in cases of a venomous snakebite.
About the Presenter: Michael Starkey is a biologist, ecological consultant and public speaker working to educate and involve the public in wildlife conservation issues. Michael has a diverse background in the field of wildlife conservation and he has worked as an ecological consultant for environmental consulting firms and government agencies such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. Michael has developed and implemented community-based conservation initiatives which focused on the protection of wildlife populations in Belize, Ghana and India. He uses his knowledge of snake ecology, positive attitude to inspire, and enthusiasm for snake conservation to engage the public with protecting these beautiful animals. Michael has given presentations around the world to inform the public about the threats facing wildlife and to help nurture a society that respects and appreciates nature and wildlife.
Cost:
| Both Programs- | General Admission: $25 |
| Nature Center Member: $20 | |
| Seminar Only- | General Admission: $15 |
| Nature Center Member: $10 |
To register, use PayPal menu below, or call (916) 489-4918.
| Note ARNHA Member Discount on Dropdown Menu |
Beginning Birding - Fall Session
September 17, 2018
Program Dates: See below
Fees:
| All Programs- | General Admission: $90, |
| Nature Center Member: $80 | |
| Seminars Only- | General Admission: $70 |
| Nature Center Member: $60 |
Speaker: Rich Howard
Interested in birds but don’t know where to start? This class will introduce the basics of birding, from binoculars to ethics. In four classroom sessions, we will learn the distinguishing marks of the 100 most common birds of Effie Yeaw Nature Center and the American River Parkway. Photos, many of them taken locally, will be supplemented by the sounds birds make, which are often the best way to find and identify birds. We will have two field trips, where we will see and hear birds in a variety of local habitats. Appropriate for ages 14 and up.
Seminars held on four Mondays from 1:30-3:00pm: Sept. 17 & 24 and Oct. 1 & 8. Seminars will be at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center.
Field Studies held on two Fridays from 8:00-11:00am: Oct. 5 & 12. Field studies will be in Effie Yeaw Nature Center preserve.
Speaker Bio: Rich Howard is a native Californian with a lifelong interest in natural history. Since his first Audubon Christmas Bird Count in 1972, he has enjoyed seeing birds on all seven continents. Rich and his wife Mary, an Effie Yeaw Nature Center docent, have been residents of Carmichael since 1988. Rich retired from environmental consulting in 2013 and has been birding at Effie Yeaw Nature Center almost every week since then.
To register online use the menu below, or call (916) 489-4918.
| Note ARNHA Member Discount on Dropdown Menu |
For questions about this or other programs - call (916) 489-4918 or Email Us
Fall Photography on the American River
November 08, 2018
Seminar: Thursday, November 8, 2018 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Field Study: Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 8:30am - noon
Presenter: Jamieson Scott
Description: Fall Photography on the American River- Come discover fall on the American River at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center with accomplished and local nature photographer, Jamieson Scott. The lecture will bring into focus how special the American River Parkway is and where to find seasonal nature photography opportunities. The group will also enjoy a guided field-study in the Nature Preserve.
For our lecture, please bring your notebooks, questions, and recommendations for local photography opportunities. For the field day, please bring your cameras, specific questions, and laptops to process.
About the Presenter: "If we hope to learn from our local natural communities and protect them as society rapidly develops, we must document and continually photograph them! I've cherished photographing the American River Parkway for the last decade and am excited to share that experience with you! I am published internationally and invite you view my latest work on Instagram at mosaicofplace or mosaicofplace.com" Jamieson Scott
Cost:
| Both Programs- | General Admission: $50 |
| Nature Center Member: $45 | |
| Seminar Only- | General Admission: $25 |
| Nature Center Member: $20 |
To register, use PayPal menu below, or call (916) 489-4918.
| Note ARNHA Member Discount on Dropdown Menu |
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