Tracking Animals in Winter   
Friday, February 21, 2025
4:00-6:00PM
$10 per person
Come join Pickering staff for a winter evening of animal tracking. We think of winter as cold and sleepy, a time of dormancy. The plants are shades of brown where they haven’t disappeared altogether. Some animals stir very little in the deep winter, but most are as active as ever! Learn about the signs that animals leave behind as they travel the landscape in search of resources, for exploration and for play. We will discover ways to use our senses to explore our surroundings and find signs of wildlife in the bare landscape. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. REGISTER

Flight of the Timberdoodle
TWO DATES!   Sunday, February 23, 2025 (spaces still available) or Thursday, March 6, 2025 (SOLD OUT)
5:15-6:30 pm
$7 per person
As winter breaks and spring begins to emerge the timberdoodle awakens. At dusk the male woodcock spirals into the sky, creating a trilling sound with its wings. Then he descends, fluttering, warbling and zigzagging back to the spot he began. This unusual mating ritual will take place in Pickering Creeks’ warm season grass meadows which provide ideal habitat for this annual late winter event. We’ll spend a short portion of our time in our rustic classroom learning the basics about this unique upland shorebird before going out at dusk to listen to the sounds of the evening, including owls, frogs and ducks overhead before focusing in on hearing and seeing the woodcocks display. Click on desired date to register.

Outdoor Play Day – Winter Animals
Friday, February 28, 2025
2:00-3:30PM
$7 per child
What do animals do in the winter? We will begin with a story to help us explore different ways the animals prepare for the chill.  Then we will go into the forest and learn to make our very own squirrel nest.  The science word for these nests is a “drey”, and they are very good at keeping squirrels warm in the winter!  One thing we can do to help wildlife in the winter is to feed the birds that live around our homes, so after we are done building our ‘dreys’ we will head to the garden classroom, where we will each make a pinecone bird feeder. All ages are welcome although this program is most appropriate for children in pre-K through 3rd grade. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. REGISTER

Bluebird and Wood Duck Nestbox Monitoring Information Session
Monday, March 3, 2025
1:00-2:00pm
Free
You might have noticed the small and large bird nestboxes boxes just off-trails at Pickering Creek. During these cold days of winter most are empty aside from the occasional slumbering screech owl. But the nesting season is just around the corner. Soon bluebirds and wood ducks will be checking out the local nesting options available to these birds during the breeding season.  From about April through July, volunteer monitors check the boxes once per week, record their findings, and trim back briars and grasses encroaching on their boxes.  Join us to learn more about this exciting and educational opportunity. REGISTER

Garden and Grounds Day
Monday, March 3, 2025
2:00-3:30PM
Come on the first Monday of each month for our Gardens and Grounds days, group volunteer days where we take care of a variety of needs at the Center. This season’s projects includes trail work, gardening, invasive plant management, and preparing our nestbox trails for spring nesting of bluebirds and Wood Ducks. REGISTER 
Next Dates: April 7,  May 5 and June 2 

Birdwalking with Purpose
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
8:00-10:00AM
Have fun bird watching for science at Pickering Creek. Bird watchers of all skills levels are encouraged to assist volunteer leaders with bird monitoring along the Center’s trails during this monthly bird survey. Help us collect data that allow us to track long-term trends on how birds use the Center. We have spotted and identified over 230 species at Pickering Creek! REGISTER 
Next Dates: April 8, May 6 and June 3. 

Spring Amphibian Hike
Friday, March 14, 2025
7:30–9:30PM
$10 per person
Join us for a nocturnal exploration of the center’s freshwater wetlands in search of amphibians, reptiles, and other nocturnal wildlife. Possible highlights include spring peepers, wood frogs, chorus frogs, and salamanders. Habitats to be explored include freshwater marshes and a woodland vernal pool. Please come prepared with a headlamp and waders. Pickering Creek waders in adult sizes are also available for use. REGISTER

Spring Trail Day
Saturday, March 22, 2025
9:30-11:30AM
Pickering Creek has over four miles of trail miles of trails. Help us prepare our woodland trails for visitors and upcoming spring school field trips. This will include “mulching” the Farm to Bay Trail with wood chips and lining it with branches as well as clipping back briars as needed. If you’ve enjoyed the Center’s trails this is a great way to help make sure others can enjoy them as well! REGISTER

Yoga at the Meadow Viewing Platform
Saturday, April 5, 2025
8:45-10:15AM
$15 per person
Step onto your mat and into nature with Anastasiia du Hoffmann, a passionate local yoga teacher with years of love and experience in the practice. Set against the tranquil backdrop of woods and meadow at Pickering Creek, this Mellow Vinyasa Flow invites you to move, breathe, and reconnect with yourself in the heart of nature.  

Designed for both beginners and intermediate yogis, this class offers a gentle yet fluid sequence that encourages mindfulness, balance, and deep relaxation. As you flow through intentional movements, you’ll be guided by the rhythm of your breath and the soothing sounds of the natural world around you.  Bring your own mat. Rain date April 26. REGISTER

Pickering Pollinator Garden Day
Saturday, April 5, 2025
9:30-11:30AM
Help us prepare our Pollinator Garden established last year for its spring debut! We’ll clean out the garden beds, pruning and weeding as needed. We’ll add plant labels so visitors can identify native plants they enjoy. It’s a fun chance to learn about native plants you might want to try out in your yard and practice your gardening skills with both experienced and novice gardeners! REGISTER

Garden and Grounds Day
Monday, April 7, 2025         
2:00-3:30PM
Come on the first Monday of each month for our Gardens and Grounds days, group volunteer days where we take care of a variety of needs at the Center. This season’s projects includes trail work, gardening, invasive plant management, and preparing our nestbox trails for spring nesting of bluebirds and Wood Ducks. REGISTER

Spring School’s Out Camp Day 
Thursday, April 17, 2025
9:00AM-4:00PM  
$60 per child
Spring break is here! Join Pickering staff for a day of summer like fun in March!  Students in grades K-7 are welcome to spend the day exploring Pickering’s ponds, woods, and marshes with camp leaders Otter, Wolf, and Scoter.   We’ll enjoy some classic camp favorite activities and explore some new adventures as well.  A great day for kids who have come to EcoCamp before or are just interested in trying it out for a day! Bring your own lunch.   REGISTER

Yoga at the Meadow Viewing Platform
Saturday, May 3, 2025
8:45-10:15AM
$15 per person
Step onto your mat and into nature with Anastasiia du Hoffmann, a passionate local yoga teacher with years of love and experience in the practice. Set against the tranquil backdrop of woods and meadow at Pickering Creek, this Mellow Vinyasa Flow invites you to move, breathe, and reconnect with yourself in the heart of nature.  

Designed for both beginners and intermediate yogis, this class offers a gentle yet fluid sequence that encourages mindfulness, balance, and deep relaxation. As you flow through intentional movements, you’ll be guided by the rhythm of your breath and the soothing sounds of the natural world around you.  Bring your own mat. Rain date May 10. REGISTERSOLD