RayCEP 2017 Program Descriptions

Deer in a Bucket:
           For this program the RayCEP interns will bring deer hide, an antler, a deer skull, and part of a leg in their red wagon. They will discuss overpopulation of deer and the dangers of Chronic Wasting Disease. Everyone is encouraged to interact with the props and ask questions.

Paw Print of PA:
           For this program the RayCEP interns will bring different paw print castings of animals from Pennsylvania. Children will be able to interact with the paw prints by putting the casting into sand to see what a specific animal's tracks look like. RayCEP will share fun fact about each animal, and talk about their roles in our ecosystem at Raystown.

Bees, Butterflies, and BEEyond:
           The RayCEP interns will bring nets and bug cages for kids to catch and observe different pollinators. We will be catching mostly bees and butterflies. The RayCEP interns will also be talking about the importance of pollinators and how to promote pollinators at home.

Beaver Tales:
        The RayCEP interns will be bring a taxidermy beaver named Byron along with a beaver hide and casting of a beaver print. RayCEP will be talking about beaver’s habitat, eating habits, role in the Raystown ecosystem, and some fun facts.

Plants of PA: Friend or Foe
           Join RayCEP for some plant identification! We will have different samples of helpful and harmful plants that can be found all around PA, and everyone is encouraged to test their knowledge, and learn a little something too!

Know Your Nature Scavenger Hunt
        Send the kiddos to hunt for all sorts of natural wonders! We will have a list of common plants and insects etc for the kids to find and prizes to award based on success!

Fireflies and Shooting Stars
        Join RayCEP for a talk focusing on the recent decline in firefly populations across America and what we can do to help! Afterwards we will spend some time catching the lightning bugs and identifying constellations.

Storytime and Craft: The Lorax
The RayCEP interns will read Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and talk about it’s not so hidden environmental message. After the story, we will make “seed bombs” full of wildflower seeds that can be used to attract pollinators of all sorts to wherever you plant them!

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2016 RayCEP Program Descriptions

Bugs & Butterflies
Learn about insects and their role as pollinators in the environment!

Bees, Butterflies, & Beyond
Catch and identify insects with RayCEP at their Pollinator Week program! 

All About Bats at the Amphitheatre
Have any mosquito bites?  Learn about Pennsylvania bat species ecology, their environmental challenges, and how bats benefit people by eating pest insects and much, much more! 

Pond Critters
Join RayCEP to catch, identify, and observe pond animals like frogs, salamanders, and insects and learn about pond ecology!

Owls
"Whooooo's that?"  Learn about Pennsylvania's owls and adaptations that make them excellent predators.  If people are interested there will be a night walk to listen for owls!

Bees
Do you like honey, use wax chap-sticks, or grow food in your garden?  Join RayCEP to learn about the importance of bees as pollinators and things that are threatening their survival.

Songbirds:
Do you know which birds are at feeders this time of year?  Do you know what type of seeds will attract specific birds?  RayCEP will highlight common local species and how their bodies are adapted for different types of food.

All About Owls at the Amphitheatre:
Join RayCEP to learn all about Pennsylvania owl species, owl ecology, and specific predatory adaptations.

Beavers:
Did you know there are beavers in the Raystown area?  RayCEP will discuss the history of beavers and beaver adaptations.

Turtles:
Have you seen any turtles at Raystown?  Join RayCEP to learn all about the lives of different Pennsylvania turtle species and ways to help turtles stay safe!

Bald Eagles:
Join RayCEP on July 4th to learn about our national symbol the Bald Eagle.  We will discuss the lives and history of these animals and observation equipment will be available.

Water Creatures:
Join RayCEP to catch and observe water creatures and learn about their importance!  Nets, containers, and identification materials will be available.

Nature ID Walk
Join RayCEP on a nature walk to identify local trees, birds, animal tracks, and anything else we encounter along the way!

Exotic Invaders:
Have you noticed Ash trees dying or Japanese beetles eating your roses?  Join RayCEP to learn about these and other invasive species in Pennsylvania. 

Reptiles
Find RayCEP as they travel with their red wagon of animal props to learn about types of reptiles found around Raystown Lake.  We will talk about unique reptiles adaptations and things that are threatening reptile species.

The Food Chain: Foxes and Rabbits
Watch for RayCEP's red wagon with a taxidermy fox and rabbit to learn about the food chain and how these two animals are vital in the ecosystem.

Return of the Reptiles
Join RayCEP to see a new set of reptile props and learn even more about reptiles!