Falling into October!

What’s happening this autumn at
Crabtree Nature Center?

As October begins, we eagerly await the autumn colored leaves. Soon the trees will wear golden yellows, vibrant reds, and rich browns before losing their leaves for the winter. A few brown oak leaves have already taken the plunge. Among them, we noticed a strange leaf fall to the ground. It was not a leaf at all! It was a wonderfully camouflaged Chinese mantis. This species of praying mantis is native to Asia but was accidentally introduced to the U.S. in 1896. This mantis is quite large, reaching nearly 5 inches in length. It primarily eats other insects but can catch small reptiles, amphibians, and even hummingbirds. This fierce predator was as interested in us as we were in observing it. Mantises, unlike other insects, have the ability to turn their heads as you can see demonstrated in the photo. Stop by today to explore what else fall has waiting for us at Crabtree Nature Center.

Enjoy an Evening Program –

Harvest Moon Hike

Hike the trails under the full harvest moon.
Registration required. Call today to save your spot! | Friday, October 6 · 7:00 pm

Somewhat Scary Stories

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Enjoy storytelling and treats around a campfire. Family-friendly program.$2/person, registration required, call to reserve your spot. | Friday,October 27 · 7 pm

Wee Wanderer Wednesdays

Join us for a special program for little naturalists, children ages 2-6 with caregiver. Experience nature through storytelling, music, play, and art! We’ll spend some time outdoors if weather permits, so dress accordingly.
Wednesdays, Oct 4 & 18 at 10:00 am
Please note that space is limited. Free tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis starting at 9:30 am for 16 children.

Get ready for Fall Migration with an Early Morning Bird Walk!

Join a naturalist to walk the grounds and spot resident and migrating birds. Meet in the parking lot.

Thursday, Oct 5 · 8:00 am

Enjoy one of our free weekend programs.

Knock, Knock! Who’s there?

The red-bellied woodpecker, that’s who! Learn about this bird’s adaptations, make your own feeder, and go on a binocular hunt. | Sunday, Oct 1 · 1 pm

Autumn Ramble

Enjoy the seasonal changes while learning some natural history on this 1.5 mile hike.
Sunday, Oct 8 · 1:00 pm

Prairie Pickin’

Help us collect seeds of native plants. Registration required, call to register.
Sunday, Oct 15 · 1:00 pm

Owls, Bats and Spiders

Whoo, whoo would be scared of an owl, bat or spider? Not you. Dissect an owl pellet, listen to bat calls and meet an owl up close. | Sunday, Oct 29 · 1:00 pm

Thank you to all of the artists, sponsors, volunteers, staff and visitors who helped to make our Art in Nature event a wonderful success! A big heartfelt thanks goes out to Carol Foster, artist, event chair and friend, who worked tirelessly to make this event happen!

Congratulations to our 2017 winners!

Steve Puttrich, Karen Sako, Tina Druce-Hoffman, Susan Flanagan, Karen Beauprie, Carol Foster