This is a fun and educational “photo safari” geared toward beginner to intermediate photographers.
Led by Institute faculty member and accomplished nature photographer, Dave Graff, the excursion will visit a local area likely to provide many opportunities to practice nature photography skills.
The proposed location is Antietam Meadow Park near Waynesboro, but that could change, depending on the status of wildflower blooms and other available subjects.
“We will be doing nature photography, concentrating on scenic, macro-photography (close-ups of plants, insects, etc.), and even some telephoto photography of birds if the opportunity presents itself,” Dave said.
SLR or mirrorless cameras are ideal. “This isn’t really a trip for ‘point and shoot’ cameras,” Dave said, “although some ‘phone-based’ photography can be practiced.
The concentration is really on cameras with interchangeable lenses.”
Dave will have a couple of cameras and multiple lenses that participants can use and compare to their own equipment if they are considering purchasing new gear.
“This offers an invaluable experience that you can’t get shopping online or even in a photography store,” he said.
Time: 7 to 10:30 a.m. Timing may vary…might end a little earlier or it may run a little longer—depending on the quality of light and energy level of participants.
Cost: $15 for Institute members; $20 for general public.
SOAR (“Studying Ornithology Around the Region”) bird walks
IMPORTANT: Locations rotate year-round among several parks in the region, with Waynesboro’s Antietam Meadow Park as “home base.” See monthly schedule for 2022, below.
First and third Saturdays ONLY – Start time: 8:00 a.m.
January: Antietam Meadow Park (meet in parking lot)
February: Carroll Valley Community Park – 5685 Fairfield Rd, Carroll Valley—across Fairfield Rd (PA 116) from Liberty Mountain Ski Resort. Meet in front of Borough Bldg/Library
March: Caledonia State Park (meet at park office)
April: Pine Hill Recreation Area (meet in parking lot)
May: Conococheague Institute (meet at visitor center)
June: Gettysburg National Battlefield (meet at Virginia monument) [To be confirmed]
July: Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve (meet in parking lot)
August: Antietam Meadow Park (meet in parking lot)
September: Caledonia State Park (meet at park office)
October: Renfrew Park (meet in lower parking lot off Welty Rd.)
November: Conococheague Institute (meet at visitor center)
December: Antietam Meadow Park (meet in parking lot)
First and third Saturday spring, summer, fall and winter bird walks find birding enthusiasts Sharon and Larry Williams of Waynesboro leading the walks along the hiking trails at varying locations throughout the area.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and may bring identification books and binoculars. Free and open to the public. Just show up—no reservations required!
Join Institute staff member and biologist, Dr. Doris Goldman on a tour and introduction of Antietam Meadow Park, a 25-acre park located west of North Welty Road along the East Branch of Antietam Creek in Washington Township.
Dr. Doris will guide participants around the area and talk about the meadow, its native plants and animals, and the Antietam Creek that runs through the park.
“During the program, we will try skipping stones in the creek, scatter milkweed seeds, look for flower stalks taller than we are, as well as looking at the flora and fauna of the area,” said Goldman.
Goldman is a plant ecologist with a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Illinois.
This event is free (donations accepted).
Enrollment is limited to 25 and pre-registration is required; register via email atinfo@instituteatrenfrew.org.
