Seasonal Celebrations Family Halloween Party & Pet Costume Parade Sunday, Oct 29 1 – 4 pm The children’s Halloween party features a new “I Spy” scene with woodland critters, an outdoor treasure hunt, a parade of pets in costume, and a multitude of crafts. Children can wear costumes or come as themselves! Holiday Tales at the Hearth Sunday, Dec 3 1 – 4 pm Join the holiday cheer at Hempstead House with a celebration of holiday traditions around the world, featuring a reading room, children’s crafts, live music, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Winterfest Saturday, Feb 3 1 – 4 pm A celebration of the coldest season is fun inside Hempstead House, where fireplaces roar and the mansion is filled with exciting family activities. Spring Celebration Sunday, May 6 1 – 4 pm Celebrate the Spring season with outdoor activities and a range of projects for children of all ages. Bring your spade to plant annuals and herbs in the Phil Dejana Outdoor Classroom. Summer Solstice Celebration Thursday, June 21 6:30 – 8:30 pm Spend the longest day of the year outdoors on the beautiful grounds of the preserve. “BYO” picnic dinner, paint the sunset and participate in a Family Yoga session. FAMILY NATURE PROGRAMS Dirt Detective Sunday, Nov 12 10 – 11 am Investigate the Preserve’s soil, rocks, and fossils to reveal many fascinating facts about our environment. Starlab Indoor Planetarium Friday, March 23 & Saturday, March 24 Take a celestial adventure in the night sky via the inflatable Starlab Planetarium inside Castle Gould’s Great Hall. Check website for session times. Freshwater Pond Exploration Sat, April 14 10 am & 12 pm We’ll get our hands dirty as we explore our freshwater pond with buckets, nets and magnifying lenses. Father’s Day Birdhouse Building Sun, June 17 10 am & 12 pm Create your own birdhouse with step-by-step instructions from biologist Eric Powers. Build a Boat! Sunday, July 22 10 – 11 am Learn the science of how boats stay afloat, then test your skills by building your own out of recycled materials. National Honeybee Day Sat, Aug 18 10 – 11 am Join us for the annual honey harvest at the apiary. ADULT NATURE PROGRAMS Ranger Eric Powers leads sea- sonal educational programs for life-long learners. Evening Owl Prowl Sunday, Oct 29 6:30 – 8:30 pm Hear the Preserve’s wild owls calling in the woods during this adults-only program. Science of Winter Wildlife Sunday, January 7 10 am – 12 pm Explore the winter habits of our local wildlife, and enjoy a guided walk in the woods. Bat Box Building Sunday, April 29 10 – 11 am Learn why bats are beneficial neighbors, then build a bat house to take home. Survival & Bowl Building Sunday, July 15 10 – 11 am Learn basic survival skills in the woods of the preserve and build a bowl from found materials. Sands Point Preserve 2017/2018 Family Programs & Adult Nature