Elk Ridge NatureWorks, LLC

"Sharing unique nature experiences in every season"

These programs are geared for large groups and are perfect for either an indoor setting or outdoor amphitheater (the only requirement is electricity for a slide projector).  If you’d like to schedule a program for your school, a family reunion, or social organization, contact us for information on pricing and availability at (301) 895-3686.

It was just a trickle at first, so no one noticed. Now it’s a raging torrent that seems impossible to stop. Aliens have invaded our forests, parks, backyards, and even our homes. Where did they come from? When did they arrive? How will they change our world? These and other questions will be answered when we use slides to show you the aliens in our midst. Then you’ll move outside to search for alien invaders.

Meet the most misunderstood mammals. We'll use slides to explain the biology & ecology of bats with an emphasis on the species of the mid-Atlantic region. Then the "young-at-heart" will play Bats & Bugs to demonstrate the incredible sonar system that bats use. And last but not least, you’ll listen for bats flying overhead using an echolocation detector. By evening’s end you’ll know why so many species of bats are endangered and what you can do to improve bat habitat in your neighborhood.

There are many native alternatives to the exotic invasive plants commonly used to landscape our homes, school and businesses. Take a closer look at the native plants of the mid-Atlantic and discover their value for both wildlife and people. Guidelines on obtaining and growing native plants in your own garden will be presented, along with questions you should ask when buying native plants from commercial nurseries and greenhouses. Discover how you can enhance and preserve regional biodiversity by "going native".

Habitat is being lost at an alarming rate, even in our most wild and rural areas.  Surrounded by a “shrinking forest” on the Allegheny Plateau in Maryland, we've drawn on our years of experience in education and the environment to mold our love of nature into a unique family business.  Discover our efforts to restore an abused site into a  “wildlife magnet”.  Explore our attempts toward preserving and enhancing regional biodiversity by propagating native plants from local seed, improving wildlife habitat, practicing conservation landscaping techniques, controlling exotic invasive species, volunteering as “citizen scientists”, and providing environmental education.      

Plant it and they will come! During this slide program you’ll discover how to enhance biodiversity by creating your own rain garden, butterfly garden or backyard habitat using native plants. We’ll cover habitat basics, explain the importance of preserving regional biodiversity, and demonstrate low cost methods for attracting wildlife to your backyard or schoolyard. You’ll leave with a personal action plan for turning your property into a “wildlife magnet”.

Have you seen the real gems of forest and field? Take a closer look as we use slides to show you the native wildflowers of the Allegheny Plateau. You’ll discover how people have used native plants for food, medicine & clothing over the ages. Find out why so many plants are endangered or threatened, and learn what you can do to help preserve them. Guidelines on obtaining and growing native wildflowers in your own garden will be presented, along with questions you should ask when buying native plants from commercial nurseries and greenhouses.

Afraid of what goes bump in the night? Face your fears by finding out what really lurks in the shadows. We'll use slides to introduce you to the various insects, amphibians, birds and mammals that "punch-in" at sunset. You’ll hear their calls and songs on tape, then move outside to listen carefully for who’s on duty. If no nocturnal animals speak up, volunteers will try calling them. You’ll also discover how you can become a "citizen scientist" and assist with biodiversity monitoring efforts.

2007 Nature Programs that are free and open to the public (schedule updated throughout year)

Alien Invasion

February 3 - MD Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education at 4 pm (Ocean City, MD)

May 17 - Savage River Watershed Association bimonthly meeting at 7 pm (Frostburg, MD)

May 20 - Penn State May Fair at 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm (State College, PA)

June 2 - Campfire Program at Rocky Gap State Park at 7:30 pm (Flintstone, MD)

July 7 - Campfire Program at Deep Creek Lake State Park (McHenry, MD)

 

Battling Botanical Bullies with Native Plants

June 16 - ACES Forest Herb Workshop at New Germany State Park (Grantsville, MD)

 

Bats, Bugs and Boxes

June 30 - Campfire Program at Swallow Falls State Park at 8:30 pm (Oakland, MD)

 

Creating a Wildlife Garden in a Shrinking Forest

January 7 -  Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve at 2 pm (New Hope, PA)

 

Native Plants: A Welcome Sign for Wildlife

March 2 - Green Gardeners of Uniontown monthly meeting (Uniontown, PA)

July 25 - Campfire Program at New Germany State Park at 8:30 pm (Grantsville, MD)

 

Native Wildflowers, Naturally

March 12 - Bedford Garden Club monthly meeting (Bedford, PA)
 

 

Contact Ron or Liz at info@elkridgenatureworks.com if you have questions or comments about this web site.  Please ask us for permission if you'd like to use our photos.
Copyright ©2002 through ©2008 Elk Ridge NatureWorks, LLC
Last modified: 02/05/2008