If you’re looking for new ways to share the wonders of nature, join us at Forest Church! The morning starts with pot-luck brunch and a short devotional by Rev. Amy Hall. Then we’ll be leading a short nature meditation in the forest that you can use anytime you need to center yourself or reconnect with a measure of Peace.

Location: Izaak Walton Park (allowing member as well as non-member participants)

More information: contact Rev. Amy Hall at forestchurchiwll@gmail.com

If you’re looking for new ways to share the wonders of nature, join us at Forest Church! The morning starts with pot-luck brunch and a short devotional by Rev. Amy Hall. Then we’ll be leading a short nature meditation in the forest that you can use anytime you need to center yourself or reconnect with a measure of Peace.

Location: Izaak Walton Park (allowing member as well as non-member participants)

More information: contact Rev. Amy Hall at forestchurchiwll@gmail.com

Colors of Fall

In this nature study series, we’ll be highlighting and showing you different ways to use the citizen science project Budburst, identifying and collecting acorns to contribute to the Virginia Department of Forestry, and doing experiments with leaves!

How we explore

Each series features observational activities, identification tools, and small experiments. Though short, these programs include science, math, reading, writing, and creative applications. We alternate content with activities in order to keep younger children engaged, as well as to help build stronger memories of the material for youth and adults. Throughout the series, we also introduce strategies and tools to enable parents and educators to continue with similar investigations outside of the programs.

Recommended ages

Content is written for ages 8 and older, but many aspects are accessible to younger ages. Activities are also adaptable to age and level of expertise. During each session, content delivery is interspersed with activity.

Series fee

• Adult only: $65, ICAN Adult discounts apply

• Parent + child: $78, ICAN Member Family discounts apply

• Additional children: $18.50/each, ICAN Member Family discounts apply

More information and registration

https://www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/citizen-science

Colors of Fall

In this nature study series, we’ll be highlighting and showing you different ways to use the citizen science project Budburst, identifying and collecting acorns to contribute to the Virginia Department of Forestry, and doing experiments with leaves!

How we explore

Each series features observational activities, identification tools, and small experiments. Though short, these programs include science, math, reading, writing, and creative applications. We alternate content with activities in order to keep younger children engaged, as well as to help build stronger memories of the material for youth and adults. Throughout the series, we also introduce strategies and tools to enable parents and educators to continue with similar investigations outside of the programs.

Recommended ages

Content is written for ages 8 and older, but many aspects are accessible to younger ages. Activities are also adaptable to age and level of expertise. During each session, content delivery is interspersed with activity.

Series fee

• Adult only: $65, ICAN Adult discounts apply

• Parent + child: $78, ICAN Member Family discounts apply

• Additional children: $18.50/each, ICAN Member Family discounts apply

More information and registration

https://www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/citizen-science

Session location: Independence Park, Bedford VA

First time participants come 10 minutes prior to start time to sign mandatory waivers.

You + Nature = Love

Join naturalist-educators on a quest to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region while developing your personal relationship with Nature.

These walks are flexible naturalist investigations that flow with seasonal cycles. We learn to use different types of tools as we explore the identities of the organisms around us, practice different kinds of observational skills, learn about how organisms interact with their environments, and think through the process of asking and answering questions in an entirely hands-on format.

All ages are welcome, and most tools/resources are accessible for ages 5+. Participants need to be comfortable walking on uneven ground. We stop frequently though occasionally walk at 1-2 mph walking pace, depending on topic and goal. Some sessions may include off-trail walking.

Inquire in advance if you have specific questions or concerns about a walk on a particular day.

Fees and registration

Non-members/Members: $8/$0 (members use walk code at checkout)

Space is limited and registration required. Visit our shop to find the walk you want to register for: www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/walks

Thanks to our hosts for supporting healthy relationships with Nature!

Bedford County Parks & Recreation and Bedford Outdoor Adventures

Session location: Coolwell Recreation Center

First time participants come 10 minutes prior to start time to sign mandatory waivers.

You + Nature = Love

Join naturalist-educators on a quest to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region while developing your personal relationship with Nature.

These walks are flexible naturalist investigations that flow with seasonal cycles. We learn to use different types of tools as we explore the identities of the organisms around us, practice different kinds of observational skills, learn about how organisms interact with their environments, and think through the process of asking and answering questions in an entirely hands-on format.

All ages are welcome, and most tools/resources are accessible for ages 5+. Participants need to be comfortable walking on uneven ground. We stop frequently though occasionally walk at 1-2 mph walking pace, depending on topic and goal. Some sessions may include off-trail walking.

Inquire in advance if you have specific questions or concerns about a walk on a particular day.

Fees and registration

Non-members/Members: $8/$0 (members use walk code at checkout)

Space is limited and registration required. Visit our shop to find the walk you want to register for: www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/walks

Thanks to our hosts for supporting healthy relationships with Nature!

Amherst County Department of Recreation and Tourism

Colors of Fall

In this nature study series, we’ll be highlighting and showing you different ways to use the citizen science project Budburst, identifying and collecting acorns to contribute to the Virginia Department of Forestry, and doing experiments with leaves!

How we explore

Each series features observational activities, identification tools, and small experiments. Though short, these programs include science, math, reading, writing, and creative applications. We alternate content with activities in order to keep younger children engaged, as well as to help build stronger memories of the material for youth and adults. Throughout the series, we also introduce strategies and tools to enable parents and educators to continue with similar investigations outside of the programs.

Recommended ages

Content is written for ages 8 and older, but many aspects are accessible to younger ages. Activities are also adaptable to age and level of expertise. During each session, content delivery is interspersed with activity.

Series fee

• Adult only: $65, ICAN Adult discounts apply

• Parent + child: $78, ICAN Member Family discounts apply

• Additional children: $18.50/each, ICAN Member Family discounts apply

More information and registration

https://www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/citizen-science

Session location: Independence Park, Bedford VA

First time participants come 10 minutes prior to start time to sign mandatory waivers.

You + Nature = Love

Join naturalist-educators on a quest to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region while developing your personal relationship with Nature.

These walks are flexible naturalist investigations that flow with seasonal cycles. We learn to use different types of tools as we explore the identities of the organisms around us, practice different kinds of observational skills, learn about how organisms interact with their environments, and think through the process of asking and answering questions in an entirely hands-on format.

All ages are welcome, and most tools/resources are accessible for ages 5+. Participants need to be comfortable walking on uneven ground. We stop frequently though occasionally walk at 1-2 mph walking pace, depending on topic and goal. Some sessions may include off-trail walking.

Inquire in advance if you have specific questions or concerns about a walk on a particular day.

Fees and registration

Non-members/Members: $8/$0 (members use walk code at checkout)

Space is limited and registration required. Visit our shop to find the walk you want to register for: www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/walks

Thanks to our hosts for supporting healthy relationships with Nature!

Bedford County Parks & Recreation and Bedford Outdoor Adventures

Colors of Fall

In this nature study series, we’ll be highlighting and showing you different ways to use the citizen science project Budburst, identifying and collecting acorns to contribute to the Virginia Department of Forestry, and doing experiments with leaves!

How we explore

Each series features observational activities, identification tools, and small experiments. Though short, these programs include science, math, reading, writing, and creative applications. We alternate content with activities in order to keep younger children engaged, as well as to help build stronger memories of the material for youth and adults. Throughout the series, we also introduce strategies and tools to enable parents and educators to continue with similar investigations outside of the programs.

Recommended ages

Content is written for ages 8 and older, but many aspects are accessible to younger ages. Activities are also adaptable to age and level of expertise. During each session, content delivery is interspersed with activity.

Series fee

• Adult only: $65, ICAN Adult discounts apply

• Parent + child: $78, ICAN Member Family discounts apply

• Additional children: $18.50/each, ICAN Member Family discounts apply

More information and registration

https://www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/citizen-science

Session location: Coolwell Recreation Center

First time participants come 10 minutes prior to start time to sign mandatory waivers.

You + Nature = Love

Join naturalist-educators on a quest to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region while developing your personal relationship with Nature.

These walks are flexible naturalist investigations that flow with seasonal cycles. We learn to use different types of tools as we explore the identities of the organisms around us, practice different kinds of observational skills, learn about how organisms interact with their environments, and think through the process of asking and answering questions in an entirely hands-on format.

All ages are welcome, and most tools/resources are accessible for ages 5+. Participants need to be comfortable walking on uneven ground. We stop frequently though occasionally walk at 1-2 mph walking pace, depending on topic and goal. Some sessions may include off-trail walking.

Inquire in advance if you have specific questions or concerns about a walk on a particular day.

Fees and registration

Non-members/Members: $8/$0 (members use walk code at checkout)

Space is limited and registration required. Visit our shop to find the walk you want to register for: www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/walks

Thanks to our hosts for supporting healthy relationships with Nature!

Amherst County Department of Recreation and Tourism

Colors of Fall

In this nature study series, we’ll be highlighting and showing you different ways to use the citizen science project Budburst, identifying and collecting acorns to contribute to the Virginia Department of Forestry, and doing experiments with leaves!

How we explore

Each series features observational activities, identification tools, and small experiments. Though short, these programs include science, math, reading, writing, and creative applications. We alternate content with activities in order to keep younger children engaged, as well as to help build stronger memories of the material for youth and adults. Throughout the series, we also introduce strategies and tools to enable parents and educators to continue with similar investigations outside of the programs.

Recommended ages

Content is written for ages 8 and older, but many aspects are accessible to younger ages. Activities are also adaptable to age and level of expertise. During each session, content delivery is interspersed with activity.

Series fee

• Adult only: $65, ICAN Adult discounts apply

• Parent + child: $78, ICAN Member Family discounts apply

• Additional children: $18.50/each, ICAN Member Family discounts apply

More information and registration

https://www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/citizen-science

If you’re looking for new ways to share the wonders of nature, join us at Forest Church! The morning starts with pot-luck brunch and a short devotional by Rev. Amy Hall. Then we’ll be leading a short nature meditation in the forest that you can use anytime you need to center yourself or reconnect with a measure of Peace.

Location: Izaak Walton Park (allowing member as well as non-member participants)

More information: contact Rev. Amy Hall at forestchurchiwll@gmail.com

Lynchburg welcomes renowned scientist and New York Times Best-Selling Author, Doug Tallamy!

Swing by EC Glass auditorium in Lynchburg to learn about the importance of planting native plants, particularly in your own yards and gardens! Come early beginning at 6:00 to talk to local vendors (including us!) about initiatives to support environmental health and how you can get involved!

Free and Open to the Public!

Sponsors: Hillside Garden Club, Lynchburg Garden Club, Blue Ridge Conservation, Lynchburg Bee City USA, Randolph College Bee Campus USA, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation, Piedmont Community Health Plan

Session location: Independence Park, Bedford VA

First time participants come 10 minutes prior to start time to sign mandatory waivers.

You + Nature = Love

Join naturalist-educators on a quest to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region while developing your personal relationship with Nature.

These walks are flexible naturalist investigations that flow with seasonal cycles. We learn to use different types of tools as we explore the identities of the organisms around us, practice different kinds of observational skills, learn about how organisms interact with their environments, and think through the process of asking and answering questions in an entirely hands-on format.

All ages are welcome, and most tools/resources are accessible for ages 5+. Participants need to be comfortable walking on uneven ground. We stop frequently though occasionally walk at 1-2 mph walking pace, depending on topic and goal. Some sessions may include off-trail walking.

Inquire in advance if you have specific questions or concerns about a walk on a particular day.

Fees and registration

Non-members/Members: $8/$0 (members use walk code at checkout)

Space is limited and registration required. Visit our shop to find the walk you want to register for: www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/walks

Thanks to our hosts for supporting healthy relationships with Nature!

Bedford County Parks & Recreation and Bedford Outdoor Adventures

Colors of Fall

In this nature study series, we’ll be highlighting and showing you different ways to use the citizen science project Budburst, identifying and collecting acorns to contribute to the Virginia Department of Forestry, and doing experiments with leaves!

How we explore

Each series features observational activities, identification tools, and small experiments. Though short, these programs include science, math, reading, writing, and creative applications. We alternate content with activities in order to keep younger children engaged, as well as to help build stronger memories of the material for youth and adults. Throughout the series, we also introduce strategies and tools to enable parents and educators to continue with similar investigations outside of the programs.

Recommended ages

Content is written for ages 8 and older, but many aspects are accessible to younger ages. Activities are also adaptable to age and level of expertise. During each session, content delivery is interspersed with activity.

Series fee

• Adult only: $65, ICAN Adult discounts apply

• Parent + child: $78, ICAN Member Family discounts apply

• Additional children: $18.50/each, ICAN Member Family discounts apply

More information and registration

https://www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/citizen-science

Swing by our table to learn more of what we’re all about and initiatives on the horizon!

We’ll also have fun things for the kids to explore while we show you a few tools you can use for some cheap and easy DIY nature adventures!

For updates about the event, vist: https://www.facebook.com/bedfordcenterfest/

Session location: Coolwell Recreation Center

First time participants come 10 minutes prior to start time to sign mandatory waivers.

You + Nature = Love

Join naturalist-educators on a quest to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region while developing your personal relationship with Nature.

These walks are flexible naturalist investigations that flow with seasonal cycles. We learn to use different types of tools as we explore the identities of the organisms around us, practice different kinds of observational skills, learn about how organisms interact with their environments, and think through the process of asking and answering questions in an entirely hands-on format.

All ages are welcome, and most tools/resources are accessible for ages 5+. Participants need to be comfortable walking on uneven ground. We stop frequently though occasionally walk at 1-2 mph walking pace, depending on topic and goal. Some sessions may include off-trail walking.

Inquire in advance if you have specific questions or concerns about a walk on a particular day.

Fees and registration

Non-members/Members: $8/$0 (members use walk code at checkout)

Space is limited and registration required. Visit our shop to find the walk you want to register for: www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/walks

Thanks to our hosts for supporting healthy relationships with Nature!

Amherst County Department of Recreation and Tourism

Come by the Amherst County Wellness Fair in support of your health and well-being!

We’ll be there talking about how spending time in nature contributes to whole-body well-being. And of course, because we want you to go outside more often, we also want to make sure you stay safe! Tick-borne diseases are prevalent in the central Virginia area and are often misdiagnosed. We’ll be giving a short talk about which ticks are in our area, which diseases they carry, how to lessen your risk, and how to get help if bitten.

We hope you’ll peak your head in to the talk and then swing by our table!

Bonus features!

• FREE Lunch for the First 400 Visitors

• FREE Vision and Hearing Screening

• FREE Blood Glucose Screening

• FREE Adult COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

• FREE Performance by the Amherst Dance Academy

More information:

• www.facebook.com/AmherstCountyLions

• www.amherstcountylionsclub.com

• rldaviesphd@gmail.com

Sponsors: Amherst County Public Schools, Amherst County Lions Club, Amherst County Department of Recreation and Tourism

Session location: Independence Park, Bedford VA

First time participants come 10 minutes prior to start time to sign mandatory waivers.

You + Nature = Love

Join naturalist-educators on a quest to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region while developing your personal relationship with Nature.

These walks are flexible naturalist investigations that flow with seasonal cycles. We learn to use different types of tools as we explore the identities of the organisms around us, practice different kinds of observational skills, learn about how organisms interact with their environments, and think through the process of asking and answering questions in an entirely hands-on format.

All ages are welcome, and most tools/resources are accessible for ages 5+. Participants need to be comfortable walking on uneven ground. We stop frequently though occasionally walk at 1-2 mph walking pace, depending on topic and goal. Some sessions may include off-trail walking.

Inquire in advance if you have specific questions or concerns about a walk on a particular day.

Fees and registration

Non-members/Members: $8/$0 (members use walk code at checkout)

Space is limited and registration required. Visit our shop to find the walk you want to register for: www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/walks

Thanks to our hosts for supporting healthy relationships with Nature!

Bedford County Parks & Recreation and Bedford Outdoor Adventures

Session location: Coolwell Recreation Center

First time participants come 10 minutes prior to start time to sign mandatory waivers.

You + Nature = Love

Join naturalist-educators on a quest to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region while developing your personal relationship with Nature.

These walks are flexible naturalist investigations that flow with seasonal cycles. We learn to use different types of tools as we explore the identities of the organisms around us, practice different kinds of observational skills, learn about how organisms interact with their environments, and think through the process of asking and answering questions in an entirely hands-on format.

All ages are welcome, and most tools/resources are accessible for ages 5+. Participants need to be comfortable walking on uneven ground. We stop frequently though occasionally walk at 1-2 mph walking pace, depending on topic and goal. Some sessions may include off-trail walking.

Inquire in advance if you have specific questions or concerns about a walk on a particular day.

Fees and registration

Non-members/Members: $8/$0 (members use walk code at checkout)

Space is limited and registration required. Visit our shop to find the walk you want to register for: www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/walks

Thanks to our hosts for supporting healthy relationships with Nature!

Amherst County Department of Recreation and Tourism

We are celebrating the launch of Explore Nature By Nurture and our new membership program with a casual nature walk to explore new spaces.

This is an open invitation to come meet us and see what we’re all about while you get your weekly nature walk in. Come wander the trails with us!

Location: Falling Creek Park in Bedford, VA

Registration: No fee, but please register in the shop so we know to watch for you and can communicate about any changes.

If you’re looking for new ways to share the wonders of nature, join us at Forest Church! The morning starts with pot-luck brunch and a short devotional by Rev. Amy Hall. Then we’ll be leading a short nature meditation in the forest that you can use anytime you need to center yourself or reconnect with a measure of Peace.

Location: Izaak Walton Park (allowing member as well as non-member participants)

More information: contact Rev. Amy Hall at forestchurchiwll@gmail.com

Inspire excitement about your curriculum by using citizen science as inspiration or a framework for regular and intentional outdoor education!

Scientist and educator, Danielle Racke, discusses the field of citizen science, introduces free learning tools generated by and for citizen scientists and casual users, and takes participants through a short protocol for an accessible project that can be adapted to engage students ranging from Kindergarten to High School.

Attending school teachers can receive 1.5 hours of CEC.

Location: Forest Library Playground, 15583 Forest Rd, Forest, VA 24551

I-CAN Members: 15% discount with member code

Register: https://www.explorenaturebynurture.com/grow/p/teach-outside-citizen-science

We’ll be at Izaak Walton League of Lynchburg’s annual open house and working alongside Amy Hall’s Forest Church to support our communities in finding health, peace, awareness, and community through nature.

Come enjoy a free community day at Walton Park, and swing by our table for some nature crafts and to share what a community built in and around nature looks like to you!

Note: If you’re considering joining the IWLL membership, bring cash and get a discount on registration and first year membership fees. Check out their Facebook page or website for more info.

Open House Admission: complementary

“All creatures of our God and King / lift up your voice and with us sing!”

We’re back out at IWLL on Sunday to celebrate the natural wonders of the world. This Sunday’s theme is a nature scavenger hunt, and we’ll be out to help look for animals great and small! To coincide with the “Odolympics,” we’ll also share our findings of damselflies and dragonflies with Odonata Central, to help scientists learn more about the phenology and ecology of odonates, affectionately known as “odes.” (We think that pairs well with our song!)

Open to IWLL Park Members

Nature journaling can be a great way to release tension, relax your mind, bolster your immune system, and build awareness of the world around you.

Through fun exercises, a relaxed nature hike and new perspectives, we practice opening our senses to the natural world in an easy-going and encouraging atmosphere. After the session, participants are connected to additional resources to continue to develop and expand their journaling practice.

Registration: $25/person

Advanced registration and payment are required and close Wednesday, July 19 at 11:59pm. Register and pay at Intro to Nature Journaling

Explore nature with your infant or child up to age 6 through an interactive program with an experienced naturalist and educator.  Through activities like nature art, story-telling, songs, walks, and seek-and-find challenges; you and your child will learn to love and appreciate the outdoors. Through hands-on, interactive activities, you will both learn new nature knowledge and gain important skills like safe exploration and communication. This program takes place rain or shine and offers a variety of nature topics of interest. Thrasher’s Lake in Amherst, VA is the intended location, but the pavilion at nearby Stonehouse Lake will be used in case of rain.

Today’s topic: Snakes in Virginia

Registration: $22/parent-toddler pair, +$4 for additional children (additional children added separately)

Advanced registration and payment are required and close Sunday, July 16 at 11:59pm. Register and pay at Early Childhood Nature Program

Help us spread the word!

Refer a friend who attends and enjoy a $2 credit towards your next program. Offer is valid for up to three referrals each session.

Hosted by Sigma Xi and in association with Virginia Tech, Explore Nature By Nurture is teaming up with Dr. Meg Steinweg of Roanoke College for a fun evening of sharing ticks and beer!

Join us at this family-friendly brewery to show off your tick knowledge (or build it)! We’ll have tick trivia, tick races, some creative art, and even a special kind of tick challenge (aren’t you curious?). And what event with a pair of scientists would be complete without some microscopes? Ever seen tick toes? Now’s your chance!

We’ll be swinging by briefly to introduce ourselves, but local teachers can get 4 hours of continuing education credits through this grant-funded professional development opportunity from the Future Focus Foundation!

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Future Focus Foundation board invites Central Virginia educators to our end-of-the-year free STEM celebration. Join us at Camp Kum Bah Yah Nature Center. Date: June 9th Time: 9:30 -1: 30 p.m. Box lunch provided. Enjoy networking and earn PD certificate (4 hours). Registration is required using the link by June 5th. Come dressed to be outside! STEM door prizes will be given away.

Bring your educator friends and let's explore nature, share STEM best practices, and learn about new STEM competitions we can offer in our region, such as KIDWIND. Learn more about Virginia's Environmental Literacy initiatives for K-12 learning and prepare for the 2023-2024 school year.

Mini-grant opportunities are available for those attending. We have five grants ($150) each for your future STEM activities!

Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdA5_UGdlL7eB8ZwmAhct2z2L5fclBuW92NJf1FKM1B97kk2w/viewform
Questions? email futurefocusfoundation@gmail.com