Explore and discover the beauty and intrigue of the natural world by participating in the Summer of Wonder Nature Programs at Oglebay Institute’s Schrader Environmental Education Center, located in Oglebay Park.
Nature walks, stargazing, butterfly hunts and evening campfires are just a few of the interactive, family nature programs taking place now through August 17 at the Center.
Schrader summer programs promote outdoor discovery by getting people outside to have fun and learn something about nature.
Replace Your Screen Time with Green Time
The Schrader Center is a valuable resource for families. Parents, who want to explore the outdoors with their children but need to brush up their skills, can get ideas on how to engage their children in outdoor play.
Parents, like children, often spend many hours a day indoors in front of some type of screen. In today’s busy world it is easy to become disconnected to nature. Naturalists at the Schrader Center strive to help families reconnect to the outdoors, learn together and increase their ‘green’ time. They are eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors.
The Summer of Wonder lineup includes a variety of family nature programs led by nature educators. For most programs there is a nominal fee of $5 to participate, and programs are free to Oglebay Institute members and those who purchase Oglebay Park activity wristbands.
The Summer of Wonder programs continue through August 17. Call the Schrader Center staff at 304-242-6855 or visit www.oionline.com for more information.
2019 Summer of Wonder Family Nature Programs
Mondays
8-9am: Morning Bird Walk
Enjoy an early morning walk as we learn to identify local birds by song and sight. Binoculars and field guides provided.
1-2pm: Butterfly Hunt
Head out to the Corson Wildflower and Butterfly Garden to gently catch, study and release butterflies and other pollinating insects.
Tuesdays
10-11am: Guided Nature Walk
Learn to identify animal tracks, flowers, birds, edible plants and more on a guided walk along the trails.
2-3pm: Wonders of Wildlife
Take an in-depth look at the natural history of our animal ambassadors with a live animal presentation and a short walk outdoors.
Wednesdays
8-9am: Morning Bird Walk
Enjoy an early morning walk as we learn to identify local birds by song and sight. Binoculars and field guides provided.
12-1pm: Nature Story Time
Head outside with a book from our Children’s Library as a naturalist connects stories to the natural world around you. Blankets provided.
1:30-2:30pm: Frog Frolic
Gently catch, study and release tadpoles and frogs at Schenk Lake. Nets and collection buckets provided. Meets at parking lot by lower Schenk Lake, near the paddleboats.
Thursdays
9-10am: Guided Nature Walk
Learn to identify animal tracks, flowers, birds and more on a guided walk along the trails.
10-11am: Feeding Frenzy
Lend a hand as we feed our scaled, feathered and furry friends at the Schrader Center.
8-9pm: Campfire
Roast marshmallows and enjoy s’mores around a crackling campfire. Meets June 6, June 20, July 18, August 1 and August 15.
9-10pm: Astronomy in the Park
Observe the night sky with local astronomers.
Fridays
8-9am: Morning Bird Walk
Enjoy an early morning walk as we learn to identify local birds by song and sight. Binoculars and field guides provided.
10-11am: Salamander Search
Gently catch, study, and release salamanders, crayfish, aquatic insects and fish. Nets and collection buckets provided. Meets at the pull-off by intersection of Warden Run Road and Falls Drive.
Saturdays
7-8am: Morning Bird Walk
Learn to identify local birds by song and sight. Binoculars and field guides provided. Program offered on select Saturdays: June 8, 15 & 29, July 13, 20 & 27 and August 3 & 10.
Self-guided Programs
Self-guided Scavenger Hunt
Pick-up your scavenger hunt list at the Schrader Center and return it completed for a prize! (Free)
Tree Cookies
Carry on the timeless nature center tradition of painting a tree “cookie” necklace to take home as a souvenir.
Seed Cups
Support our pollinators by planting native wildflower seeds in a recycled container that you can take home. Includes a care sheet and transplanting directions.
Nature Exploration Backpacks
Check-out a themed nature backpack with everything you need to explore the pond, butterfly garden and trails, including a journal for observations.
About the Schrader Center
Oglebay Institute’s Schrader Environmental Education Center celebrates nature every day and offers hands-on nature fun for the whole family. Facilities include the A.B. Brooks Discovery Trail System, the Corson Wildflower and Butterfly Garden and the Nutting Bird Café. The Center offers year-round classes, workshops, school programs, public events and day and residential camping experiences for all ages.
The Samara Shop
The Samara Shop, located inside the Schrader Center, offers a wonderful selection of products for nature-enthusiasts of all ages. Field guides, children’s books, hand-crafted walking sticks, eco-friendly jewelry and notecards, locally made edibles like honey and maple syrup, organic soaps and lotions, nature-inspired art and sustainably-made items for the home. Samara’s charming merchandise displays have been crafted from found items and repurposed furniture from some of Wheeling’s historic buildings. Samara is a one-stop shop for everything green-related and all proceeds support the Center’s educational mission.
