Events Calendar

Buttonwood Nature Center is repeating its series of AT hikes on the last Sunday of the month from January through April, 2025. Hike with us along a portion of the legendary Appalachian Trail! Led by a Buttonwood naturalist, the hike will explore some of the wonders to be found in the woods and along the...

Learn how to use the C-PACE program to finance energy efficiency, water conservation or clean energy projects. Register HERE.

Maple sugaring is a time-honored tradition with roots that go beyond recorded history. At its heart, maple sugaring is community. It’s a celebration with friends and family, a festive farewell to long winter days and a look toward the coming spring. Join us as we take a walk back through time and honor the traditions...

In partnership with the Tri-State Astronomers Club, Buttonwood Nature Center is hosting a telescope clinic on Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the social room at the Church of the Apostles, 336 Barnett Avenue in Waynesboro, Pa. The clinic is designed to help sky watchers maximize their use of a telescope....

Live stakes are stem cuttings from trees and shrubs. When planted or "staked" into the ground, these cuttings are capable of growing into new plants. This form of propagation is an evolved trait for many woody plants in streamside and wetland areas, since unstable conditions are an ecological norm in these habitats. For folks who are...

Presented by Linette Mansberger, nature photographer and board member of South Mountain Audubon Society. With a photographic presentation, Mansberger will showcase birds that are found near various water habitats in south central Pennsylvania. She will teach about the families of birds that frequent wetlands, ponds, streams, etc, as well as some of the birds’ unique...

St Patrick's Celebration - 250th Anniversary of Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Speech All first Fridays are 21+, ID required. $10 admission for members, $15 for nonmembers, available at the door only. BYOB (legally precured in PA) is allowed. Light refreshments included. Special tastings freatred are an additional $10 and are limited availability....

Maple sugaring is an ancient practice in North America. But maple isn't the only tree that can be tapped to make syrup. Join us as we dive into the history, ecology, and practice of tapping trees other than maple - many of which are in our own backyards! Part of this program will be outdoors...

A meeting of the Cumberland County Preservation Roundtable will be held on March 12, 2025, at the Historical Society of East Pennsboro (HSEP) in Enola. The meeting will be held at 10am at the new HSEP headquarters at 50 Miller Street, Enola. Meeting at this location will give us an opportunity to see the new facility...

Presented by Chris Davis, park biologist at Gettysburg National Park. Visitors to Gettysburg National Military Park come to connect with the profound American history and cultural heritage of one of the most pivotal battlefields of the Civil War. Beyond its historical significance, the park also showcases a uniquely diverse landscape, blending natural ecosystems and agricultural...

Join us for a free nighttime nature hike under the Full Worm Moon! The forest lightly slumbers but she’s beginning to stir. The cold, strange days of late winter are fading into memory. Join us as we search for signs of spring hiding amongst the leaves and snow. Guided hike will start at 8pm and...

The AT Museum welcomes Kip Redick, author of American Camino: Walking as Spiritual Practice on the Appalachian Trail, on Sunday, March 16th at 1:30pm. Kip is professor of philosophy and religion at Christopher Newport University. Hikers have been walking the Appalachian Trail since 1948, when Earl Shaffer completed the first hike. Some hike just to...

Winter is the sweetest season. Join us as we learn the unique history of our region’s favorite treat - maple sugar! Programs & Schedule 9:45am – Doors open10-10:30am – The Ancient Art of Maple Sugaring10:30-11am - Maple Sugaring as a Backyard Hobby11-11:30am - The Right Kind of Maple11:30am-12pm - Tree Tapping Competition11:30am-12pm - Cooking with...

We are asking the community to share point and nonpoint source locations of known or potential hazardous chemicals are in the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed. If you have research data please share it with us. If you are aware of current or legacy landfills or manufacturing of paper, paint/dyes, plastics, electronics, or spills please contact Tamela...

Presented by Sarah Bartle, Waterways Conservation Officer, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Bartle grew up in Franklin County, Pa. She earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Earth and Biological Sciences from Shippensburg University, Pa. After working offshore as a biologist/researcher in Virginia, Bartle moved back to Pennsylvania to work as a biologist for a...

Learn about nighttime birds of prey during an evening hike in the woods at the nature center with a Buttonwood naturalist. The Owl Prowl is part of Buttonwood’s Naturalist Discovery Series of programs. The Prowl is led by naturalist Mary Claire King, Buttonwood’s watershed science coordinator. King will present a brief introduction to owls and lead...

The Midtown Scholar Bookstore is honored to welcome Shippensburg University professor Allen Dieterich-Ward for a conversation and signing on his new book, Cradle of Conservation: An Environmental History of Pennsylvania. Dieterich-Ward will be in conversation with Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. This event is free and open to the public....

Join Keystone Trails Association & Dauphin County Parks and Recreation with a one-day seminar on backpacking basics. This training is geared towards avid day hikers who are interested in learning about backpacking from a group of experienced backpackers. Topics will include differences between day hiking and backpacking, clothing, footwear, gear (packs, sleeping bags, stoves, lights,...

This special program features Strix, the Owl Ambassador from Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve, and his handler, Anne Gageby. The event is part of Buttonwood’s Naturalist Discovery Series of programs. Attendees will get to see Strix up close and learn all about the life of an owl. Kids will enjoy an owl craft to take home,...

Buttonwood Nature Center is repeating its series of AT hikes on the last Sunday of the month from January through April, 2025. Hike with us along a portion of the legendary Appalachian Trail! Led by a Buttonwood naturalist, the hike will explore some of the wonders to be found in the woods and along the...

Healthy Franklin County is hosting a free community screening of the documentary film Common Ground on Thursday, April 3 from 6pm to 8pm at the Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg, PA. The film discusses the importance of regenerative agriculture. A panel discussion with local experts will follow to share their perspectives and answer questions from the audience. Panel...

This is a joint program of Buttonwood Nature Center and the Antietam Watershed Association. This program is an opportunity to learn about Happel’s Meadow through the reminiscences and memories of nearby residents. Any current or former residents of the area around Happel’s Meadow-or anyone who has spent time there—are invited to attend and share their...

Theme: 250th Anniversary of Paul Revere's Ride & the Shot Heard Round the World All first Fridays are 21+, ID required. $10 admission for members, $15 for nonmembers, available at the door only. BYOB (legally precured in PA) is allowed. Light refreshments included. Special tastings featured are an additional $10 and are limited availability. Tickets can be...