The following programs will be held at Pickering Creek and are free of charge to Pickering Creek and Chesapeake Audubon members unless otherwise noted.  To register call (410) 822-4903 or REGISTER ONLINE.

EcoCamp    Family Programs     Library Programs    Farm Forays    Volunteer Opportunities     Educator Workshops

Family Programs

Family Canoeing Basics
Saturday, July 11, 2009  2 PM-4 PM
Learn how to canoe!  We’ll cover everything you need to know to safely go canoeing with your family.  The parts of the paddle and canoe, PFD fitting, safety, paddle strokes and technique, entering and exiting your canoe, what to do if you’re canoe capsizes, and how to switch positions while you’re canoeing.  After we cover all the basics, we’ll test your new skills on the water and go for a short paddle.  We provide canoes and PFDs, but you may also bring your own.  After this program you should feel confident taking your family canoeing at Pickering Creek without a staff member present.  Our canoes are free for members to use during our operating hours.  Please call in advance to register for this program- 410-822-4903.  Cost: $10.00

Annual Gilbert Byron Day
Saturday July 11, 2009 7PM
This year's observation and celebration of Gilbert Byron's Birthday will take place adjacent to the late Eastern Shore author's self-built home which is currently undergoing restoration. Because Byron shares his July 12 birth date with Henry David Thoreau and, because of the focus of his subject matter, Byron has become known both as"³The Chesapeake Thoreau" and "The Voice of the Chesapeake."

All friends and readers of Gilbert Byron will be offered the opportunity to share their memories and impressions of his work and to note the progress on the renovation of the writer's self-built home ­ progress resulting largely from the efforts of the Willow Construction and Lane Engineering Companies, Easton Rotary Club members, and the staunch support the Pickering Creek staff.

Following partaking of the birthday refreshments, all in attendance will receive a small 'remembrance' box containing Gilbert Byron information and memorabilia, including copies of the first four of his "One Man¹s Meat" columns which appeared in the early 1970¹s in the Talbot County Edition of the Daily Banner.

Guided Children’s Trail Walk For Families
Saturday, July 25, 2009 2 PM-3 PM
We’ll take our bug boxes and binoculars ona short, easy walk down our children’s nature trail. We’ll look for insects, mammals, and birds, identify some common trees by their leaves and seeds, learn about some wildflowers and how animals use them, and look for tracks and signs of animals. This trail is through the woods, so insect repellant is necessary. Please call in advance to register for this program- 410-822-4903. Cost: $5.00

Seining and Wading for Families
Saturday, Aug 8, 2009 2 PM
Adults and young adults will get to wear chest waders into Pickering Creek and use our seine nets to catch small fish, jellies, and crustaceans to show our young audience up close.  Children are invited to wear water shoes and get their feet wet exploring the edge of the sandy creek.  We’ll get to meet some oysters, Atlantic Silversides, Mummichogs, and Grass Shrimp. Please call in advance to register for this program- 410-822-4903. Cost: $5.00

Bird Watching Basics For Families
Saturday, Aug 22, 2009 10 AM
This program will take place on the Pickering Creek Dock.  Families will learn how to use binoculars, look for birds in the skies and shores of Pickering Creek, look through our viewing scope to get an even better view, and explore some other creatures living around the dock.  We hope to see herons, egrets, ospreys, eagles, barn swallows, oysters, crabs, and more!  Binoculars will be provided.  Please call in advance to register for this program- 410-822-4903. Cost: $5.00


Library Programs
Location: Talbot County Free Library, Easton
Experience nature through hands-on activities, stories, crafts, and much more!  Tiny Tot programs are for children ages 4 and up with accompanying adult.  There is no fee, but donations to Pickering Creek Audubon Center are encouraged.

Fabulous Flowers
Wednesday, July 29, 3-4 PM
Purples, pinks, yellows and whites flowers are blooming all over. Discover the beauty and importance of flowers to the world around us.

Happy Hummingbirds
Wednesday, August 5, 3-4 PM
Flit, fly, sip nectar and learn about one of the smallest and fastest birds around.

Scale Tales, All Ages, 4-4:45 PM
Location: Talbot County Free Library, Easton
Shiny, not slimy. Rough, not soft. Learn about our scaly-skinned friends – turtles, lizards and snakes and how they walk, run and slither around. There is no fee for this program, but donations are encouraged.
Thursday, July 23
Thursday, August 27


Local Farm Forays
Jjoin us as we learn about the growing number of local farm operations that are producing delicious, healthy locally grown food.  Van transportation is provided for each excursions, with pick ups for program participants at the Easton Acme parking lot.  

None are scheduled at this time, but please check back soon for upcoming trips!
Past forays include:

SB Farms: Where the Buffalo Roam
We will visit SB Farms Bison Ranch in Hurlock. The ranch is locally owned and operated by the Edwards family. Learn about farm raised bison, grown without the use of antibiotics, growth stimulants or hormones. Find out how the Edwards provide a safe and healthy environment for the Bison, but to also control nutrient and soil runoff into the Choptank River and the Chesapeake Bay. The ranch uses rotational grazing and established pastures including native warm-season grasses.

Davon Crest II: High End Vegetables
Davon Crest is a family operation specializing in high end vegetables and fruits for local restaurants.  They offer shares in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) year round. The operation endorses high technology. Currently there are over 20 sensors reporting critical data via the internet to allow us to use resources in the most efficient manner.  Many water saving plans are in effect allowing us to use only a 10 gallon a minute well for the entire operation. Join Audubon as we learn more about this local vegetable operation.
 
Chapel’s Country Creamery
Chapel’s Country Creamery farm is nestled away in the countryside of Talbot County on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Chapel's Country Creamery farm is home to Eric and Holly Foster, four kids and 110 head of Jersey and Holstein dairy cows. Our dairy cows graze on clover and rye grass on our sprawling 112 acres of fertile pasture. Chapel’s Country Creamery Cheese was launched in the fall of 2005 during annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland to a very receptive cheese loving crowd. This is a great chance to learn about dairy cows and cheese making.

Volunteer Events
More information to come. If you are interested in joining our strong corps of volunteers please call 410-822-4903.

Educator Workshops
None are scheduled at this time. Please check back Fall 2009.