Dear CMNC Community,

As we enter February, I'm already feeling the prospects of spring! Perhaps because around the world, our ancestors celebrated a specific day at the beginning of February called “Quarter Day.” All Quarter Days fall between solstices and equinoxes. These ancient calendar markers recognize the change in seasons. February 2nd Quarter Day is when cold climate folks notice that daylight has significantly increased. It’s a time when certain wild plants are first emerging. It’s also when bears, badgers, and of course, groundhogs are stepping out of their winter sleep to check on the weather! Sheep and other 4-footed herbivores are birthing and farmers are estimating when to plant. It’s when we often start our seeds in pots so they will be ready for planting in our gardens. Honestly, it’s the first sign of spring! As the pandemic wanes again, there is also hope that we will see each other more and that efforts to create a more equitable world will continue to grow.

With a chilly nose but a warm heart,
Mary Hardcastle 
CMNC Director                                                                                                   

On our website, we use a traditional calendar view to display all of our upcoming events. Take a look at what we have planned in the coming weeks!
 

 

Our favorite nature-oriented drop-off program, now only on BCPS Early Dismissal or Professional Development days, is making a return for the month of February! Children will be guided to use their senses, hone motor skills, and practice the scientific method through arts and crafts, experiments, and games. Rain or shine, our explorers love making new friends and hiking through Gwynns Falls Leakin Park! 

Friday February 18th 9:00am-3:00pm ($40 per child, ages 6-12 years)

Register here

         

 

Feeding Time- From 10:30-11am, come watch our animal ambassadors gobble up their tasty meals!
Registration required here: 

Animal Bath Time- From 11:30am-12pm, watch some of our animal ambassadors enjoy their time in the water.
Registration required here: 

    

Agents of Discovery: A new app to use in the park!
 

For more details visit
https://www.carriemurraynaturecenter.org/copy-of-our-roots

Turkey Vultures Love to Play! 
Like all happy animals in human care, the turkey vulture requires regular mental stimulation. Our naturalist created papier-mâché vessels out of newspaper, flour, water, salt, and a little food coloring to make feeding enrichment toys. After breaking through the "skin" and finding their food and eating, they like to drag and tear apart the remains of the toy for days. We make sure to give them variety, so try to spot one of their remaining toys the next time you walk past the aviary!