Nature Classes & Public Programs

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Nature classes and programs at the Schrader Center provide opportunities to celebrate and study the natural world, with a commitment to inspire individuals to develop and maintain a sustainable relationship with the environment.

Youth programs like Roots ‘N Shoots and Nurturing Naturalists teach children to act in a caring and responsible way towards their environment, themselves and others through hands-on educational activities.

Our public programs foster an interest and knowledge of the regional environment while strengthening the relationships of family members to nature.

Nature Spring 2026 session begins March 21, 2026.

Spring 2026 Class Registration Opens 9am Thursday, February 19, 2026

Nature Programs for Adults

Nature Programs for Children

Roots ‘N Shoots

The Roots ‘N Shoots series provides adults and their children the opportunity to connect with nature in all seasons.  Create meaningful connections and memories through hands-on nature activities, crafts, stories, songs, and outside exploration.  Pre-registration encouraged – walk-ins are limited.

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Ages: Grades Pre-K and K (with an adult)
Meets: Saturday, March 21st and/or April 25th, 9am-10am
Begins: 9am, Sat., March 21st
Duration: 1 hour
Instructor(s): Schrader Center Naturalist

Admission (per class): $12/$10 OI members

Nurturing Naturalists

Designed for our youngest independent naturalists, who are ready to attend without an adult.  Create meaningful connections and memories through hands-on nature activities, crafts, stories, songs, and outside exploration!  Pre-registration encouraged – walk-ins are limited.

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Ages: Grades 1-3 (without an adult)
Meets: Saturday March 21st and/or April 25th; 11am-12:30pm
Begins: 11am Sat., March 21st
Duration: 90 minutes
Instructor(s): Schrader Center Naturalists

Admission (per class): $16/ $14 OI member

Adventure Club

This program is designed for the curious 4th-7th graders who aren’t afraid to get their boots muddy, love exploring, and enjoy learning. Each time we meet, we will tackle a new nature topic and put our skills to the test with hands-on activities.

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Ages: Grades 4-7 (without an adult)
Meets: Saturday March 21st and/or April 25th; 1:30pm-3:00pm
Begins: 1:30pm Sat., March 21st
Duration: 90 minutes
Instructor(s): Schrader Center Naturalists

Admission (per class): $16/ $14 OI member

Kid’s Science Spotlight

We’re celebrating all things science with this exciting hands-on science program for kids!  Each club session will include a snack and a spotlight on a scientist who made major contributions to the science field!

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Ages: Grades 2-5
Meets: Saturday, April 11th; 10:00am-12:00pm
Begins: 10:00am Sat., April 11th
Duration: 2 hours
Instructor(s): Schrader Center Naturalists

Admission: $14/$12 OI member

Nature Programs for Families

Nailers Night

Score a chance to meet some local hockey favorites and learn about the animals that call the Schrader Center home. There will be games and activities that the whole family will enjoy. Evening is free to everyone but please register online as space is limited.

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Ages: Families
Meets: Wednesday, February 25, 6:00-7:30pm
Begins: February 25, 6:00pm
Duration: 2 hours

Admission: Free

Mountain Moon Bluegrass: Cabin Fever String Band 40th Anniversary Celebration

Live bluegrass music at the Stifel Fine Arts Center! Doors open at 6:30pm, music begins at 7pm. Admission includes coffee, tea, and light snacks. Beer, wine, & soft drinks available for purchase. January 10: Randall Curry & Guests, February 7; Old Hometown, March 7; Cabin Fever String Band.

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Ages: All
Meets: 6:30-9pm, Saturday, March 7, 6:30-9pm
Begins: 6:30pm (music starts at 7pm)
Duration: 2 ½ hours

Admission: General Seating $20/OI Member $15, seats first come, first serve. No reservations

Maple Sugaring 2.0 – Tapping Traditions

Want to start making syrup at your own home? Join us in this new program to help you get started. Experience the history of maple syrup production at historical stations along the trails & around the Schrader Center. See a variety of sugaring techniques, from the old ways through modern methods. Learn all about tapping, boiling down the sap, and conclude with a taste test of the Schrader Center’s own sweet syrup. Visit our gift shop to take home your own tree tapping kit! (fees apply) Must pre-register (Limit 20 per tour). Please dress for the weather and the trails.

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Ages: All
Meets: Sat. March 14 & Sun. March 15
Begins: 9am, 10am, 11am, 1pm, & 2pm
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours per tour
Instructor(s): Naturalists

Admission: $10 per person

Easter Bunny Bash

Join us at the Schrader Center for an evening of Easter fun. You can experience Easter-themed crafts, activities, and even visit with the Easter Bunny! Take home your own treat bag and smiles to last the whole spring through!  Pre-registration required. Adults must accompany their children. 

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Ages: All (recommended ages 2-8)
Meets: Thursday April 2nd
; 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm & Friday, April 3rd; 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm
Begins: 4pm, Thursday April 2nd
Duration: On own, 1 hour
Instructor(s): Schrader Center Staff

Admission: $10/child; free/adult

Daylight & Nighttime Astronomy

It’s National Astronomy Day!  Explore the solar and lunar skies at a special astronomy event at Speidel Observatory in Oglebay Park.  Solar observing, space science activities, and observatory tours from 1-4pm.  Telescope observing, constellation talk, and observatory tours from 8-11pm. 

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Ages: All (recommended ages 2-8)
Meets: Saturday, April 25th
; 1pm-4pm & 8pm-11pm
Begins: 1pm, Saturday, April 25th
Duration: 2 sessions, 3 hours each
Instructor(s): Oglebay Astronomy Club

Admission: Free

Corporate & Group Programs

A.B. Brooks Nature Hike
Nature Hikes are part of a long tradition of nature study in Oglebay Park. The A.B. Brooks Nature Hike will focus on natural history and serves as a venue for socialization and the sharing of ideas.The Schrader Center staff will lead groups of up to 20 participants through 1 mile of trails around Oglebay. It is recommended to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing that is weather-appropriate. Sunglasses are a plus. Field guides and binoculars will be provided.

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Ages: Adults
Meets: by appointment
Begins: by appointment
Duration: 1 hour
Instructor(s): Schrader Center Staff

$25 per person ($125 minimum)