Tinker Nature Park

2012-01-24T13:00:00.001-05:00

Garden Seminars at Hansen Nature Center

The first of the garden seminars planned for 2012 got off to a good start as 44 interested gardeners showed up to learn about planning and maintaining a perennial flower bed.

The next seminar is a two-part series on Creating Garden Maps Using Microsoft WORD. This presentation will be given by Cornell Master Gardener and Henrietta Garden Club Member John Colagrosso.

Part One is scheduled for February 4th from 10am to noon. Part Two will be held at the same time on February 11th. For more information or to register please call 359-7044.

2012-01-13T08:54:00.000-05:00

Community Supports Tree Recycling

Thanks to everyone who supported the Tree Recycling and Food Drive at Tinker Nature Park. Over 500 trees were kept out of the landfill and became mulch for our nature trail. We also collected enough food for the Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal to fill a Jeep Cherokee! Also, thank you to B&T Tree Service for donating the chipper and helping with the recycling effort.

2012-01-03T14:22:00.000-05:00

Christmas Tree Recycling at Tinker Nature Park

January 7th and 8th

10am - 2pm

Chipper Service provided B&T Tree Service

Please Bring in a non-perishable food donation for the Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal when dropping off tree.

Drop -off location is Calkins Rd Parking lot behind Barns

2011-12-30T11:01:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year from Tinker Nature Park

Thank you to all the volunteers that have made 2011 a fun and successful year at the Tinker Nature Park. The programming at the park relies on many different types of volunteers with varied interests. This includes our long time Tinker Homestead volunteers who staff the museum during events and the Friends of Tinker Nature Park who support our programming at the nature center and whose efforts make events such as the harvest festival possible.

We appreciate the efforts of the boy scouts who have chosen Tinker to complete their Eagle Scout projects, which included a new brick sidewalk to the amphitheater and composting bins for the gardeners who maintain the Tinker Gardens. We also appreciate the help of the scouts who help with park clean up, staff the haunted barn and providing the manpower for concessions at our annual civil war reenactment. We would also like to thank the students from the Rush-Henrietta community who are often the staff behind our big events and volunteer laborers in our gardens.

Tinker Civil War Days could not be held without the support of the local reenacting community. The summer reenactment schedule is a busy one and I sincerely thank the reenactors that have chosen to support the event at Tinker. To those who have been with us from the beginning and to those units that have recently participated, thank you for your continued dedication to this event, it is this support that has allowed us to continue into our 9th year.

This year the park welcomed a new dedicated group of volunteers " The Garden Tinkerers" who have taken on the task of maintaining the herb garden and restoring the landscaping to the Tinker Homestead. They will also be holding free Saturday morning gardening seminars at the nature center throughout the year. Please check the Hansen Nature Center Website for upcoming seminars. Also, a thank you to all the beekeepers who help with the hives at Tinker and help with the honey harvest during the harvest festival.

Thanks to the Henrietta Parks Department for the hard work in maintaining the facilities, grounds and their help with set up for many of our events. Also, thank you to the Henrietta Recreation Department who also assist in many of our activities at the park. Thank you to my co-worker Lora Abbott and Town Historian Tina Thompson for helping to make 2011 an enjoyable year and I am looking forward to working with you in 2012. Finally, a big thank you to our friends and family who often participate in our events and we would like them to know that their support is truly appreciated.

2011-12-30T09:36:00.001-05:00

Santa Visits the Hansen Nature Center 2011

Santa and elf assist children in making their ornament

Musician Dean Santos with backup providing Christmas Music

Everyone gets involved in making ornaments

One happy artist!

Families kicking off the holiday season at Tinker

Even the volunteers enjoy making ornaments!

2011-12-30T09:20:00.000-05:00

Scenes from Christmas at Tinker Homestead 2011

Volunteer Martha interprets formal dining room for visitors


Long time volunteer Dorothy with new volunteer Joe in the best parlor with visitors

Musicians Dan Palmer and Warren Tole provided the Christmas Music in the Homestead

Mantle in the formal dining room

Victorian Era table top tree in the best parlor

2011-11-18T10:02:00.001-05:00

2012 Saturday Seminars at the Hansen Nature Center
All programs run from 10am until noon unless otherwise stated.
Programs are free and open to the public please call 359-7044 to reserve a seat.

January 21: Planning, Implementing and Maintaining a Perennial Flower Bed
Advantages and disadvantages of perennial vs. annual flower beds.
Presented by John Colagrosso - Cornell Master Gardener / Henrietta Garden Club
February 4 and 11: Creating Garden Maps using Microsoft WORD (2 part series)
Theory and demonstration - homework will be assigned.
Presented by John Colagrosso
February 18: All About Weeds
Presented by George Miller - Vice President of the Henrietta Garden Club
February 25: About Culinary Herbs
Will help you decide what herbs to start for growing in the garden or pots. We'll review the culinary uses of common herbs (and a few not so common), including herbs in ethnic cooking and pairing herbs to various dishes and main ingredients.
Presented by Rosita Caridi-Miller: Chef and Owner of Cebi Deliziosi
March 3: Wake up Your Garden
Winter is finally over and it's time to celebrate!Learn the basic tasks that will help prepare you and your garden for spring.
Presented by Beth Warren - Cornell Master Gardener / Henrietta Garden Club
March 10: Pesticides Man-made and Natural
Learn what defines a pesticide, and why and how they are used. Examples of both synthetic and natural pesticides available to the homeowner will be given.
Presented by Beth Warren
March 17: Soap Making with Herbs
Presented by Beth Byrne - Member of Board of Directors at Hand Crafted Soap Makers Guild, Past President of Henrietta Garden Club

2011-11-09T09:08:00.001-05:00

Halloween at Tinker

This event could not be possible without the volunteer efforts of many people. Thank you to the volunteers of the Tinker Homestead Museum, The Boy Scouts - Troop 481 for running the Haunted Barn, the Cub Scouts of Pack 332 for staffing the refreshment stand in the horse barn, The Friends of Tinker Nature Park for leading the woodland wander and providing treat bags for the children. Also, thank you to the students of R-H National Honor Society who wore the woodland costumes and entertained the children along the woodland wander.

Funeral display in East Parlor


Witch's Kitchen

Ghoulish Butcher

Welcoming zombie to the haunted barn


Vampire bat - new addition to the haunted barn.

2011-11-09T08:36:00.000-05:00

Pack 332 Fall Clean-up at Tinker Nature Park

Thank you to the Scouts and Parents of Pack 332 who volunteered to do some fall clean up at the Hansen Nature Center. They weeded the garden beds and the amphitheater giving the grounds a needed sprucing up

2011-10-06T08:21:00.000-04:00

In Memory of John Fess

The Rush-Henrietta Community lost a valued friend and leader. John was a strong supporter of Tinker Nature Park. With his scouts, John would lead volunteer efforts from clean up days to assisting with major events like Civil War Days and Halloween. John was always eager to help and was a great role model for his troop. He will be missed by all at Tinker. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and scouts.

2011-09-28T08:09:00.005-04:00

Images from Harvest Festival September 17, 2011

Cider Press Originally from the Remelt Farm in Henrietta with 4 varieties of Apples from Sergent's Farm, Sodus, NY.

Press was restored by Bob Tobey, Henrietta. First time press was used in over 50 years. Hopper chops and grinds apples for pressing.

Turning the press to squeeze out the juice. Demonstrations of the process were given throughout the day. Six bushels of apples produced 18 gallons of cider.

Fresh Cider Flows from the press. Cider pressing was a common activity on farms since colonial times.

Apple cakes would then be fed to the chickens or hogs.

Horse team from Glad Acres Farms were busy throughout the day.

Musician Dean Santos entertained folks while they waited in line for a wagon ride.

Wagon ride and Dean Santos were provided by the Friends of Tinker Nature Park.

Golden Eagle String Band entertained visitors to the Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum.

Honey Harvesting

Volunteer Beekeeper Damon Lincourt harvesting honey from the hives at Tinker Park.

From comb to bucket.

Filtered and bottled for sale.

Photos taken by Tanis Edd.

2011-08-26T08:12:00.003-04:00

8th Annual Re-enactment photos submitted by Bob Walker

Rebels entrenched as they prepare for a union attack.

Civilians in camp.

Soldiers from the 34th NC Infantry Regiment preparing to take the field.

2011-08-20T12:02:00.008-04:00

8th Annual Civil War Days at the Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum

Friday Evening Summer Concert Series with the Excelsior Brigade Fife & Drum

Full House at the Amphitheater for the evenings concert

Pack 332 of Henrietta volunteered to man the ice cream concession stand throughout the event.

Camp life.

Uniform review program prior to Saturday's battle.

Ladies dress show and tea.

Public education - the reason reenactors volunteer their time.

34th NC Safety check before heading to the skirmish field.

2011-07-23T14:44:00.006-04:00

Ice Cream Social at the Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum

Families enjoying music in the Horse Barn with the Okey Dokies

Shady spot on a 90 degree day to enjoy some ice cream!

The line at the ice cream stand was steady all afternoon.

Thank you to the docents (Barb, Joan and Dorothy) at the Tinker Homestead for providing tours for the many guests to the homestead. If interested in volunteering please call 359-7044.

Promoting the upcoming 8th Annual "Civil War Days" - August 5th, 6th and 7th at the Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum.

Friday evening concert at 6:30pm - Excelsior Fife and Drum
Saturday and Sunday: Living History Camps open 10am - 4pm. Battle both days at 2pm. Period vendors, Union and Confederate Military and Civilian Re-enactors available throughout the day to answer questions about life during the civil war.

2011-06-30T11:00:00.003-04:00

Tinker Homestead Gardens

A sincere thank you to the volunteers from the Henrietta Garden Club and Cerebral Palsy Rochester have generously donated many hours of their time planting, mulching and maintaining the gardens at the Tinker Homestead. The results of their hard work speak are obvious to all who visit the gardens.

Herb Bed - Southwest corner

The rejuvenated aquatic garden

Ruth Van Earp Children's Alphabet Garden

Herb bed - southeast corner

Lavender bed

Anyone interested in volunteering with the gardens may contact the Hansen Nature Center at 585-359-7044 for more information.

2011-06-30T10:31:00.002-04:00

Rush-Henrietta Middle Schools Environmental Field Camp

R-H Senior High School AP Biology and Environmental Science students ran a week long field camp at Tinker Nature Park for Roth and Burger students the week of June 6th.

Topics of study included Population density, water quality analysis, Predator-Prey cycles,
Soil testing, Orienteering and Maps, Adaptations and Microscopic Aquatic Life.

Each station was designed and taught by students from the high school. Middle school students rotated from station to station throughout the day.

The R-H community should be proud of their students for conducting a program of this scope. The field camp provides a hands-on exploration of the environmental sciences and judging by the student interest and participation is a very popular and successful program. The respect the students showed the park and facilities deserves recognition as well. I look forward to working with the R-H staff and students next year.

2011-06-30T10:18:00.003-04:00

Spring is swarm season!

By splitting strong hives that successfully overwintered and capturing swarms, we have been able to overcome significant winter losses in 2010. The hives are doing well and we look forward to a successful harvest come September.

2011-06-30T09:58:00.004-04:00

Spring at Tinker Nature Park

At the marsh's edge.

Snapping turtle laying a clutch of eggs.

Mallard in the woodland swamp

Families of geese swimming the Tinker Pond.

One of the many fawns born in the park.

2011-05-11T08:06:00.004-04:00

Volunteering

John M. a Boy Scout from Troop 350 (Ely Fagan Post) volunteered to do spring clean -up around the Hansen Nature Center. He spent the day weeding the front of the building and the amphitheater. Thanks for the help, a job well done.

2011-05-06T09:14:00.007-04:00

Earth Day Celebrated at Tinker Nature Park

Sprucing up the flower bed in front of the Tinker Homestead. Great job girls!

RIT Environmental Studies Students Provided Hands On Wetlands Exploration.

Local Children's Author Jeanne Bowman Book Signing/Reading.

WOWEE Rain Forest Alive! Plays to a full house at the Hansen Nature Center. Wonderful variety of animals and an excellent presentation.

2011-04-29T09:07:00.003-04:00

Upcoming Events at Tinker Nature Park

Birds and Bagels:

Saturday, May 14, 2011, 07:00am - 09:00am

Spring migration bird hike with naturalist Liz Magnanti, followed by bagels and refreshments.
Meet at Hansen Nature Center -1525 Calkins Rd. Henrietta
Adults and children ages 12 and over with adult.
Registration Required: Space is limited.
Call 359-7044 to register by May 12th.

Bring binoculars if you have them. Limited number to borrow, based on first come, first served.

Planning, Implementing and Maintaining a Perennial Flower Bed

Saturday, May 21, 2011, 10:00am - 11:00am

Join Master Gardener John Cologrosso, Henrietta Garden Club, to learn how to plan and care for your perennial garden. Program begins at 10am at the Hansen Nature Center and will last approximately one hour with a question and answer period to follow.

Program is free and open to the public.

2011-04-29T08:45:00.003-04:00

Egg Hunt at Tinker Nature Park

Easter Bunny visits Tinker Nature Park

Break in the weather for egg hunters

Searching the Herb Garden for Eggs

The rain did not keep families away, children's crafts kept kids occupied as they waited their turn to search for eggs.

Thanks to Lora Abbott, Tim Ochs and the staff from the Henrietta Recreation Department for putting on an excellent program under adverse weather conditions. Also, thanks to those who volunteered and help make this event possible.

2011-03-17T10:17:00.015-04:00

An immature Rough-legged Hawk visits Tinker this winter.

Looking for prey.

.....and finds it!

Who's next?

2011-03-17T09:59:00.010-04:00

Ron Walker presents his OWL program at Tinker Nature Park

The Saw-Whet Owl is the smallest in NY, only 8" tall.

Ron shows us the Barn Owl and owl pellet.

The Snowy Owl is a rarely seen winter visitor to Western N.Y.

2011-03-17T09:45:00.003-04:00

Lunar Ski and Snowshoe 2011

Volunteer Bob Hodge leading a snowshoe hike looking for owls.

Bob trying to call an owl.

Warming up with hot chili provided by The Friends of Tinker Nature Park

Snowshoe and Skiing at Tinker Nature Park
Rental season comes to a close. See you next year!

2011-01-20T10:00:00.006-05:00

Christmas Tree Recycling and Food Drive

Trees hauled to the Chipper by Friends of Tinker Park Volunteers

Chipper and operator donated by Baker Tree and Landscape

Food collected was sent to the Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal

Mulch will be used on the nature trail

2010-12-22T10:40:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas from Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum

Hand made front door swag

West Parlor

East Parlor/Dining Room

Remember to recycle your Christmas Tree.
Tinker Nature Park will be collecting trees January 8th and 9th 2011 from 10am to 2pm.
Please donate a non-perishable food item to the Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal when dropping off your tree. Drop off location is the Calkins Rd. Parking Lot near the barns. Please remove plastic bags and no wire wreathes. Mulch from trees to be used on our nature trail. Chipper Service donated by Baker tree and Landscape.

2010-10-30T09:34:00.002-04:00

Henrietta Cub Scout Pack 332

Thanks to the scouts and their families who cleaned up and mulched the ampitheater.

Thanks also to the R-H Rotary Club who volunteered their time staining the fitness trail. Also, thanks to all the R-H students who came out to volunteer on make a difference day.

2010-10-30T09:17:00.002-04:00

R-H Life Skills Program

Students volunteered throughout the summer and fall maintaining the herb garden. Without their help this garden would not look as good as it does.

2010-10-30T08:19:00.006-04:00

Halloween at Tinker Park

Our annual Halloween Celebration was held October 16, 2010. A big THANK YOU to all the volunteers that make this event possible. This includes The Friends of Tinker Nature Park (woodland guides and treat bags), Tinker Homestead Volunteers (museum staffing), Henrietta Cub and Boy Scouts (refreshments and haunted barn), Youth Asset Team (woodland animals), and Family who helped out wherever needed. Also a thank you to the Henrietta DPW workers who helped with set-up and parking.

Final stop on the woodland walk.

Who is real?

Families enjoying refreshments and live music in the horse barn.

Scouts made the haunted barn possible.

Tinker volunteer Barb discussing Victorian Era Funeral Customs.

2010-09-22T09:20:00.014-04:00

Harvest Festival 2010

Tinker Park had a beautiful day for its annual Harvest Festival. This year's attendance was by far the largest we have had for this event. Families enjoyed music, hayrides and learning about how honey is made and processed. We harvested over 300lbs of honey from our hives and we still have more to go! Thanks to all the volunteers who make this event possible and The Friends of Tinker Nature Park who help the Town of Henrietta sponsor this event.

Volunteer Beekeeper Damon describes the harvesting process while he extracts honey.

Volunteer Beekeeper Amy bottles the twice filtered honey.

Musician Dean Santos and surprise guest entertain the families waiting for the hayride.

Heidi and Teddy lead the way!

The Golden Eagle String Band entertain visitors throughout the day in the Tinker Horse Barn where cider and donuts were also served.

Tinker Homestead Volunteers Barb, Joan and Dorothy (not shown) answered questions for visitors to the Tinker Homestead.

2010-08-26T09:24:00.001-04:00

Honey Harvest Festival

Saturday, September 18, 2010 12-3 pm

COME ENJOY
Honey Harvesting
Food Tastings made with Honey
Music
Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
Tours of the Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum
Visit the new Henrietta Museum

TINKER NATURE PARK
1525 Calkins Road, Henrietta, NY
585-359-7044

2010-08-26T08:33:00.007-04:00

7th Annual Civil War Days at the Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum

Scenes from this year's reenactment

Union artillery moves into position.

Sutlers selling their wares

Confederate battle line.

Confederate artillery prepares to fire.

Medical scenario took place in the horse barn following Saturday's battle.

Thanks to all of this year's participants who helped to make this event a success.

2010-07-23T11:37:00.004-04:00

Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum added to Great Lakes Seaway Geo-Cache Trail

Geo-caching, is the high-tech treasure hunting travel sport that uses a hand held Global Positioning System (GPS) unit to locate hidden boxes. The new 75-cache Great Lakes Seaway Trail GeoTrail adventure that takes GPS-guided explorers along the 518-mile route that parallels the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes shoreline of New York and Pennsylvania. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is federally-designated as one of America’s Byways. Destination points, and possible geocache sites, on the byway include Niagara Falls, the 1000 Islands, 29 historic lighthouses, 18th and 19th century forts, the “film and flower city” of Rochester, Buffalo, the National Toy Hall of Fame, parks, the Eastern Lake Ontario dunes, Lucille Ball’s Playhouse and much more. The 2010 Great Lakes Seaway Trail Travel Guide includes GPS coordinates for 100 of its Great Lakes Seaway Trail “outdoor storyteller” signage units that share fascinating facts, legends, lore and illustrations at lighthouses and significant points of historic, natural/birdwatching, cultural, maritime, agricultural and architectural note along the byway.
For more information, call 315-646-1000 or check the website at http://www.seawaytrail.com/.

The information in the above text is from: http://thebeat.iloveny.com/geotrail-developer-presents-high-tech-ny-byway-travel-adventure-may-14-2526.html

The following agencies are all supporting this venture and will be giving out passports that get stamped at each Geo-cache:

VisitErie: www.VisitErie.com
Niagara USA/Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation: www.Niagara-USA.com
VisitRochester: www.visitrochester.com
Wayne County Tourism: www.WayneCountyTourism.com
Cayuga County Office of Tourism: www.tourcayuga.com
Oswego County Tourism: www.visitoswegocounty.com
1000 Islands International Tourism Council: www.visit1000islands.com
St. Lawrence County Chamber: www.northcountryguide.com
Fair Haven Area Chamber of Commerce: www.fairhavenny.com
Great Lakes Seaway Trail: www.SeawayTrail.com

2010-07-22T15:02:00.004-04:00

Annual Ice Cream Social

Hosted by the Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum

A fine day for ice cream (Abbott's)

Music in the Horse barn by The Okey Dokeys

Homestead Volunteers Dorothy, Joan and Barb
gave Tours of the Museum throughout the day.

Former Homestead Owners John and Carol stopped by to visit.

2010-07-22T14:08:00.003-04:00

Pack 332 Tree Dedication

Tree planted in honor of long time Scout leader Dana Cline by members of Troop 332 (Winslow Elementary School). Judging by the turnout it is evident that he will be missed as his work has taken him to a new state.

Dana Cline and Family and with his Scouting Family

2010-06-03T11:07:00.003-04:00

Bucks in Velvet

2010-06-03T10:54:00.002-04:00

Swarm Season

First swarm of the season at the apiary in Tinker Park. A swarm usually lands close to the parent hive and regroups before searching for a new home.

Fortunately we were present when they swarmed and able to provide that home.

Worker bees fanning and distributes pheromones telling members of the swarm that they have found their new homes and that the queen is safely in the hive.

2010-06-03T10:34:00.002-04:00

Fishing at Tinker Pond with Avon Anglers

Tinker Park hosted its 5th Annual Kids Fishing Derby. Over 100 kids and parents showed up for a morning of fishing followed by hot dogs and prizes for all. Fish caught included perch, bullhead and bluegill. Thank you Ken and Dennis McGee and to all the members of Avon Anglers who helped to run this event. They provided poles, bait, instruction, prizes and food. Thank you also to Friends of Tinker who donated prizes for the kids.

2010-05-04T12:57:00.002-04:00

More Photos from Earth Day at Tinker Nature Park

RIT Environmental Science Students assist with wetland exploration.

Beginner Bird ID Walk sponsored by The Bird House Store.

More Photos of the W.O.W.E.E. Program. We look forward to having you back next year.

2010-05-04T12:45:00.002-04:00

Wilderness Camping Primer at Hansen Nature Center
Presented by The Adirondack Mountain Club

ADK member Gary DeWitt discussing equipment.

Water Based Wilderness Camping was a popular topic.

Attendees learning the basics of wilderness camping.

2010-05-04T12:22:00.002-04:00

Arbor Day Tree DedicationJohn and Carol Aldridge help to plant a White Oak Tree dedicated to John.

The tree was planted on the east side of the Homestead to overlook the farm
that John once worked.

John and Carol next to the dedicated tree with the Tinker Homestead in the background

2010-05-04T12:06:00.002-04:00

Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration at Tinker Nature Park

World of Wildlife Education Encounters presented Animal Ambassadors for Planet Earth.

The Program was enjoyed by families and visitors of all ages.

Sally Reeves from W.O.W.E.E.

Girl Scout Bronze Award Project

2010-05-04T11:50:00.002-04:00

Hansen Nature Center Hosts New York State Bluebird Society Spring Conference

Conference was well attended by bluebird enthusiasts from across Western New York.
The day included speakers, slide presentations and information on attracting bluebirds to one's property.

2010-04-09T09:50:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Katie from Girl Scouts Troop 955 on earning he Silver Award by Building 4 Owl Boxes for the Park and creating a display for the Hansen Nature Center. Great Job!

2010-04-09T09:35:00.005-04:00

This past March the Hansen Nature Center Hosted "The Reptile Guys" from Captive Life Forms. The standing room only crowd enjoyed the wide variety of reptiles presented, and we look forward to having them back again next year.

2010-02-16T13:57:00.002-05:00

Winter Photography with Bob Hodge

Photographer Bob Hodge teaching the basics of winter photography skills.

2010-02-16T13:16:00.004-05:00

Evening Ski at Tinker

This year's Evening Ski and Snowshoe was once again well attended with 68 people spending a winter's night at Tinker Nature Park. The event could not be held or be as successful without the help of the Friends of Tinker Nature Park volunteers. Thanks to Bob (who led the walks), Martha, Ron, Trish, Beverley, Amy (chili, set up, serving and clean up), John (dessert) and Dave(skis). Good food, friends and a pleasant winter's evening made for an enjoyable night out.

2010-01-15T10:47:00.002-05:00

Christmas Tree Recycling

Thank you to the volunteers who helped with this years tree recycling effort. A large amount of food was collected for the R-H Food Terminal - Thanks to all who donated.

Also, Thank you to Baker's Tree Service for donating the manpower and equipment for the tree recycling. Mulch from the trees will be used on our nature trail.

2009-12-22T14:19:00.021-05:00

Merry Christmas from Tinker Homestead

Victorian Parlor Tree

Musicians Dan and Warren (aka The Okie Dokies) entertain visitors to the Homestead

Traditional Victorian Dining Room Setting

Happy Holidays From Hansen Nature Center

Santa making ornaments with the children, assisted by FLCC Intern Jenny

Musician Dean Santos with help singing carols.

Crafting at Hansen Nature Center

Thank you to all who volunteered in 2009.
Best Wishes for 2010!

2009-11-07T13:58:00.003-05:00

Halloween at Tinker Nature Park

Thanks to the volunteers from R-H High School!

2009-11-07T13:31:00.007-05:00

Fall Harvest Festival At Tinker Park

Always a favorite

Harvesting the Honey

Tastings of Honey Treats

2009-07-09T12:36:00.004-04:00

BEES!

This year has been a banner year in bee swarms. As of today we have recovered 5 swarms, which brings the park up to 10 hives. Not to bad since we came out of the winter with 4 hives.

We travelled to Liberty Hill on Lehigh Station Road to grab this swarm.

Just as we were getting into position to recover the Liberty Hill swarm, it broke.

We followed the swarm about 1/3 of a mile before it occupied a low lying bush. Here is Tim maneuvering the girls into a hive box.

This swarm and the one below originated from two of our very own established hives.

2009-07-09T11:52:00.003-04:00

DiPrimo Eagle Scout Project

Joey DiPrimo from Boy Scout Troop 171 completed his Eagle Scout Project on 23 May 2009. He was boarded on 25 June and awarded his Eagle Scout. Congrats!

Joey and crew fixing up the flower beds around the gazebo.

Joey relaxing on one of the four benches he built for the gazebo.

The finished project

2009-06-27T11:16:00.003-04:00

Children's Fishing with the Avon Anglers

On 23 May, the Avon Anglers volunteered their love of fishing to the park. They also donated and cooked lunch for the 100 folks who attended.

Tim handling a true monster of a frog. This year we saw a lot of bullhead and some bluegill.

Ken from Avon Anglers calling out door prize winners.

One of the Avon Anglers cooking hot dogs.

No event is official with out "Ranger Bob".

Fighting the Tinker Pond fish

Winners of the biggest and most fish caught.

2009-06-27T10:51:00.003-04:00

New Flag for the Park

Our local Cub Scout Pack purchased a new flag for the park.

The pack with the new flag.

Taking down the old flag.

Raising the new flag.

Our new "ole glory."

2009-06-27T10:32:00.002-04:00

BABIES, BABIES, BABIES

Spring is the time for new life, and the park hosts quite the diverse population of wildlife.

A Downy Chested Woodpecker feeds her young just off the boardwalk on the inner trail.

A doe gives an impromptu bath while her fawn nurses.

This fawn was left on a dry spot off the outer trail. The doe was out feeding. This is a very secure spot surrounded by water which makes it tough for predators to track the doe and her fawn.

Mallard ducklings scrounging for food.

Goslings and parents off the boardwalk near the pond.

A vixen had her four kits under the Nature Center shed. Of course we are still finding animals parts all over the park.

2009-06-27T09:54:00.002-04:00

THEY'RE BACK!

Spring opens the school tour season. So if you were looking for the park staff, more than likely you did not find us. On any given day we will host over 200 kids at the park. Many are school tours guided by the park staff. Others are self guide like the huge Pinnacle Lutheran crew that came by with parents below.

2009-05-08T12:49:00.002-04:00

Our Fowl Friends

A lucky shot of a pair of Wood Ducks on the outer trail, female on the left and male on the right. Did not even know I had the female in the picture until we brought it up on the computer. Of course these crafty and very private critters have alluded all attempts to photograph them again.

This Turkey wandered out on the fitness trail one dreary afternoon and walked down the trail like he owned the place.

Turkey walking over to the pull up station.

Another lucky shot, this time of a Pileated Woodpecker in the open. Usually these guys flitter around in the woods making a good clear shot impossible. We were working in the Apple Orchard when I noticed a pair of Pileated working over a dead stump. One flew off and this one stuck around.

2009-05-08T12:11:00.003-04:00

Critters of the Spring

With the impending change of the weather, more and more critters are coming out of their winter homes.

Pair of Green Frogs enjoying an uncommon warm spring day.

Painted turtles sunning themselves in the cattails.

The turtle log is the social heartbeat of the marsh for the Painted Turtles.

Nesting Canadian Goose. This nest fell victim to predation.

First Goslings of the season. This particular family is down to two Goslings.

Bluebird in early spring.

The kings of the marsh have returned, Red Wing Blackbird claiming his territory.

A clutch of snakes sunning themselves off the outer trail.

2009-05-08T11:34:00.004-04:00

EARTH DAY/ARBOR DAY

The Tinker Nature Park celebrated both Earth Day and Arbor Day on the 25th of April. There were plenty of activities to keep anyone busy.

The Environmental Science Department from Rochester Institute of Technology donated their time to conduct pond studies with any who were interested.

Girl Scout Troop 142 earned their Bronze Award by volunteering their time. The troop handed out instructions, advise and seeds for vegetables and flowers.

In honor of Arbor Day we planted an Oak tree to replace a tree that fell down near the museum.

Carol Tinker Aldridge dedicates our newest addition with the assistance of Troop 142.

The World of Wildlife Educational Encounters (W.O.W.E.E.) conducted two shows and brought many critters to visit the park.

Music by Dean Santos

2009-05-08T11:14:00.003-04:00

EASTER AT TINKER NATURE PARK

We conducted our annual Easter celebration this year on Saturday, April 4th. Even though the weather did not necessarily cooperate, the turn out was good. The kids cleared the fields around the park of all Easter eggs in roughly 3 1/2 minutes.

Scouring the field for eggs.

Crafts in the Nature Center

One tired Easter Bunny with helpers.

As always, this event would never have been successful without the Henrietta Recreation Department and the efforts of a strong cadre of volunteers. Helping out this year was the volunteers from the Hansen Nature center, Tinker Homestead Museum, Rush-Henrietta Asset Team, Rush-Henrietta Rotary Club Interact and interns from Finger Lakes Community college.

2009-03-17T10:57:00.005-04:00

Hansen Nature Center is pleased to host the US Fish and Wildlife Service's traveling exhibit:

The American Bald Eagle: Road to Recovery.

The exhibit will be on display for 3 months and documents the Eagle's reclassification from Endangered to Threatened Species as defined by the Federal Government. Included in the display is a replica eagle nest, a life size model of an eagle in flight and information of the eagle in N.Y.

The Annual Lunar Ski Event at Tinker Nature Park was once again a big hit.
Over 100 outdoor enthusiasts enjoyed a warm evening of skiing and snowshoeing. Friends of Tinker Volunteers made and served 6 crocks of chili to our guests as well as provided guided snowshoe walks.

2009-02-04T10:08:00.003-05:00

Winter 2009 Continued...

10 point buck that visited the Park during mating season. He actually had competition this year, we also observed an 8 pointer and two 6 pointers.
(Photo by "Ranger Bob")

Henrietta Senior Center visited for snow shoeing.

Local Girl Scout troop out shoeing as well.

Another Park intern from Finger Lakes Community College conducting a program with the Girl Scouts.

Cub Scouts enjoying some crafts.

Boy Scout Troop 171 having a winter activity day at the Park.

2009-01-29T12:06:00.008-05:00

FALL/WINTER 2008-2009

Despite the cold wet weather, the Park remains active with maintenance and visitors.

This tree was slowly falling down over the boardwalk on the inner trail so we had it cut down.

One of the guys from Smith Tree Service hooking up a pulley to the offending tree.

Cutting up the tree.

During the late fall, our local Cub Scout Den came in and cleaned up the auditorium.

First snow shoe of the season.

On January 10 & 11 the Park hosted our annual Christmas Tree Recycling. The chipper and a worker was donated by Baker Tree Service. The x-mas tree mulch will be used for trail maintenance. Food was also collected for the Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal.

Volunteer "Ranger Bob" helps load up the chipper with another victim.

Group shot of a local Brownie Troop that visited the Park.

The Brownies learn about nature from one of the Park's interns from Finger Lakes Community College.

2008-12-12T11:13:00.011-05:00

Tinker Nature Park held its annual Victorian Christmas open house on December 6 & 7. Visitors toured the pleasantly decorated Tinker Homestead while enjoying traditional holiday music. Santa paid a visit to the Hansen Nature Center and helped the children craft holiday ornaments.
The museum will remain decorated through the New Year.

The front dining room in Victorian Elegance

Musicians Dan Palmer and Warren Tole

Children gather around Santa.

Santa's personal touch!

Musician Dean Santos entertains in the Hansen Nature Center.

Christmas Tree Recycling January 10th & 11th from 10am to 2pm at Tinker Nature Park.
Please remember to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Rush-Henrietta Area Food terminal. Please remove all garland, string, ornaments and plastic bags from trees. No wreaths.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Tinker Nature Park!

2008-10-28T12:43:00.002-04:00

WANTED

Cross country skiing season is upon us, and we are looking for donations of three pin cross country ski boots. All sizes, new or used. Call 359-7044 or e-mail naturecenter@townofhenrietta.org for more information.

2008-10-24T11:26:00.005-04:00

Halloween 2008

Last Saturday the annual Halloween celebration at Tinker Nature Park was a huge success! We would like to thank all the volunteers from Burger Middle School, Roth Middle School, Sperry High School, Bishop Kearney, the R-H Interact Club, Youth Asset Team, Tinker Homestead Docents, Friends of Hansen Nature Center, and Boy Scout Group 332 and their parents.

Barb Hasbrouck tells guests about the way funerals used to be in Victorian times

The undead provide entertainment in the homestead

Volunteers provide frights in the haunted barn

The woodland wander gave visitors a chance to meet nocturnal animals on the trails

2008-10-17T10:55:00.000-04:00

Bat boxes and Display

A huge thank you to Eagle Scout Chris Nelson of Troop 750 for picking Tinker Nature Park as the site for his Eagle project. Chris made 5 bat boxes and a bat display board for the park! Three of the boxes can be found in the marsh, one by the pond, and the other is on display inside the Hansen Nature Center.

Chris, with the help of the Henrietta Parks Department, installing the boxes

In this climate, bat boxes should be stained black to capture the most heat

Come to the Hansen Nature Center to learn all about bats!

2008-10-07T10:07:00.003-04:00

Natural Dyeing with Mushrooms

The Rochester Area Mycological Association held mushroom walks and dyeing demonstrations on October 4th at the Tinker Nature Park and Hansen Nature Center. We would like to thank them for coming out to share their skills!

Paper made from mushrooms!

Mushroom dyed yarns

Cricket Fegan shows off her dyed silk

'Dead Man's Fingers' were one of the many mushrooms found on the walk

A collection of mushrooms found on the trails

2008-09-23T14:10:00.008-04:00

2008 Harvest Festival

The weather was beautiful for Tinker Nature Park's annual Fall Harvest Festival. We'd like to thank the Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum's Docents, the Friends of Tinker Nature Park, and the dozens of other volunteers for all of their help!

Beekeepers Ed Schmitt and Damon Lincourt harvest honey from the park's beehives

Honey being bottled

Roth Middle School volunteer Victoria Moore selling fresh honey

Volunteers hand out samples of food made with honey

Friends of Tinker Nature Park (Martha Jodoin, Bob Hodge, and John Giancursio) help with wagon ride admissions

The local Dundee brewery donates a percentage of all sales to honey bee research

Children enjoy wagon rides and close encounters with horses

An antique farm tool display in the barn included this corn sheller, used to remove kernels of corn from the cob

Golden Eagle String Band entertain guests as they enjoy cider and donuts in the barn

2008-08-19T11:41:00.003-04:00

Environmental Awareness and Action Day

The Hansen Nature Center was pleased to host the first Environmental Awareness and Action Day organized by Henrietta's Youth Asset Team. The goal of the event was to highlight local, national, and global environmental issues with a focus on what each of us can do in our day to day lives to promote a healthy, sustainable environment for generations to come.

The Sierra Club was one of the many organizations who came to show their support

A close-up view of a green roof from Broccolo Tree and Lawn Care

Living in Harmony showed the difference in energy consumption between incandescent light bulbs and compact florescent light bulbs. The incandescent bulb took 51 watts while the CFL took only 18!
Guests enjoy refreshments in between presentations

The recycled arts and crafts table was fun for the whole family

A shoe recycling display shows that a shoe's life isn't over once they're worn out. They can be used to make flooring and other products! To recycle your shoes, drop them off in the shoe recycling bin located outside the Henrietta Town Hall.

For more information on the Henrietta Youth Asset Team, visit http://www.henriettayouthassetteam.com/

2008-08-15T11:30:00.007-04:00

Herb Gardening

We would like to thank the Rush-Henrietta Life Skills program for all of their hard work this summer. They have spent hours working in the herb garden and it looks great!

Before: The gardens were very overgrown

After: Beautifully mulched , weeded, labeled, and arranged

Thank you to volunteers David Beherns, Paul Centola, Christian Ecchevarria, John Webster, Matthew Lane, Precious Payne, Steve Gipprich, Karen Arthman, Elizabeth Wagner, Heather Parmeter, and Janice Jones!

2008-08-15T11:14:00.004-04:00

Upcoming Events

Environmental Awareness Day
Saturday, August 16, 2008
10am-4pm
Information and demonstrations by local experts
Free eco-friendly products
Family entertainment
Free refreshments
Park cleanup activity (3-4pm)

Fall Harvest Festival

Saturday, September 20, 2008
11am-3 pm

Celebrate the Fall Harvest with the
Tinker Homestead and Farm Museum
Hansen Nature Center

COME ENJOY
Cobblestone Museum Tours
Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
Honey Harvesting
Children’s Activities

2008-08-14T15:38:00.003-04:00

Tinker Field Days

This year's Field Day brought in hundreds of excited children. Kids took turns exploring the marsh and field for creatures, watched puppet shows, and received temporary tattoos and face painting.Thank you to Broccolo Tree and Lawncare, Cornell Cooperative and the 4-H club for helping with this awesome event!

2008-08-14T13:26:00.005-04:00

Red Bat Discovered at Tinker Nature Park

Before last week, the Little Brown Bat and Big Brown Bat were the only bat species known to inhabit the park. That all changed this week when two hikers found a bat tangled in some burdock along the perimeter trail. They brought the tangled bat into the nature center. There it was freed from the prickers and released. The bat flew to some tall plants to rest, where I was able to snap its picture.

Red bat

Red bats are a type of tree bat. They do not roost in groups, but instead singly on trees. During the day they curl their wings and tail membrane around their body and hang from trees, closely resembling dead leaves or pine cones. These solitary bats will form groups to mate and migrate. Red bats often give birth to twins, but may have up to five young per litter. They are one of the first bats to come out in the evening, and can be seen around forest edges and clearings where they consume a large quantity of moths.

Little brown bats are abundant throughout forests in the United States with a range that reaches up to Alaska. The little brown bat roosts in colonies in dead trees, crevices, attics, and buildings. These bats hunt over water, where they consume aquatic insects, mosquitoes, midges, mayflies and caddisflies. You can also find them hunting in forests, over cliffs, meadows, and farmlands where they feed on a wide range of insects.

'Little brown bat' photo from Pennsylvania Fish and Game

The big brown bat is found in a wide range of habitats including desert, meadows, forest, and suburban areas from Canada to Mexico, East to West coast. Big brown bats are generalists and will eat a wide variety of insects including agricultural pests. They roost in colonies in trees, under bark, bat houses, bridges, and buildings.

'Big brown bat' photo from wikipedia

2008-08-07T12:56:00.001-04:00

Tinker Homestead Helps 'Escaped Slaves'

Each year the Tinker Homestead welcomes students portraying slaves going North via the underground railroad. These students learn about the struggles that came with being an escaped slave and the rocky road to freedom.

2008-08-04T15:53:00.002-04:00

5th Annual Tinker Civil War Days

Civil War days was a hit again this year as reenactors gathered to the encampments and battle field.

Excelsior Brigade Fife and Drum kicked off the event Friday evening with a concert on the lawn sponsored by the Don W. Cook Senior Center in Henrietta

On Saturday morning civilian and military camps opened to the public

Cub Scout pack 332 sold refreshments to visitors.

Gordon Skinner, author of "Wounded at Gettysburg" set up a table to sell his book. The book documents the story of his Great Uncle, William H. Skinner Jr., through 44 letters written during his time in the war. The book can be purchased here.

Madison Light Artillery

Rebel soldiers show their pride

Bill Huther of the 14th Brooklyn

The Union soldiers line up for battle...

...as do the Confederates.

Off to battle

Berdan's Sharpshooters take aim

The wounded were taken into the barn where they met with a Civil War era surgeon.

Dr. Spencer Annabel of the 86th New York tells the crowd about common surgical practices and medicines used during the Civil War

Not all soldiers survived the battle

Saturday night's Blue and Gray ball featured music by City Fiddle. The crowd couldn't resist dancing along to the music.

The dancing went late into the night

Sunday morning in the camps

Thank you to all the soldiers, civilians, and sutlers who made this event possible. Thank you to Bob Hodge and John Dudley for their pictures.

2008-08-01T12:27:00.003-04:00

Slithering Surprise

On July 31st, one of the garter snakes in the nature center gave birth to 41 young! As few as 3 or as many as 50 may be born in a single litter. Garter snakes, unlike most snakes, give birth to live young. As soon as they are born, they are on their own with no parental care. Most of the snakes were released, but a few are still on display at the Hansen Nature Center.

A newborn snake

A group of excited kids witness the snakes being born!

Mother and father with their litter

2008-07-26T13:19:00.004-04:00

Kid's Photography with Ranger Bob

Aspiring young photographers came to the nature center to participate in the Kid's Photography workshop with Tinker Nature Park volunteer Bob Hodge. The fun-filled workshop gave the students an introduction to the basics of photography, and some time outdoors to practice their skills.

2008-07-25T14:37:00.011-04:00

Ice Cream Social

On Saturday, July 19th, the Tinker Nature Park had its annual Ice Cream Social. Abbotts Ice Cream was served to all. Visitors enjoyed the sounds of the Okie Dokies as they relaxed on the warm summery day.

Dan Palmer and Warren Tole of the Okie Dokies

Long time Tinker Homestead volunteers Dorothy, Barb and Sandy gave tours of the cobblestone house along with Tinker family descendant Carol Aldridge.

A collection of Tinker Family cameras was on display.

Bob Erskine's vintage camera display.

John Aldridge gave visitors tours of the historic Tinker barns.

2008-06-24T14:40:00.003-04:00

Bird Conservation Day

This Saturday Tinker Nature Park held its first "Bird Conservation Day" at the park. Highlights included a presentation by Ron Walker's 'Friends with Feathers', pinecone bird feeder making with 'The Bird House', and Owl Pellet dissections.

The Friends with Feathers presentation this year featured an Eastern Screech Owl, Barn Owl, American Kestrel, and Turkey Vulture. People of all ages gathered to hear all about these amazing birds.

Ron Walker holds up a gray morph of the Eastern Screech Owl

Turkey Vultures can be seen soaring high in the air, rarely flapping their wings

Owl pellet dissections were popular- many rodent skulls were found!

Giant pine cones, crisco, and bird seed were donated by the Bird House on Monroe Avenue for a pine cone bird feeder activity. Pine cones were smothered with crisco...

and rolled in seed.

Thank you to the Friends of Tinker, Friends with Feathers, the Bird House, and all the volunteers who made this event possible!

2008-06-24T13:09:00.006-04:00

Catching a Swarm

Last week bee activity in the park was extremely high. Two separate swarms of honey bees were captured right outside the nature center.

Swarming is a means of reproduction for honey bee colonies. Swarming happens when a hive gets too crowded. A swarm consists of a queen bee and many workers. The swarm will leave their old hive and collect in a location close by. From this location the workers will ball up around the queen while scout bees look for a new hive.

In our case the swarm came from one of the hives in our apiary. The swarm flew from its hive box towards the trees outside the Hansen Nature Center. Soon bees filled the air. It only took a few minutes for the bees to ball up on a tree branch.

A tree outside the nature center containing the swarm

From there the bees were shook from the branch into a new hive box. Once the workers had checked the place out and the queen was inside, the box was moved over to the apiary. The workers could then be seen fanning the scent of the queen into the air to attract any stragglers from the swarm. Bees cover their new hive box

The new hive is moved to the apiary

Worker bees fanning the scent of their queen into the air

Thank you to volunteer bee keeper Damon Lincourt for his help in catching the swarms.

2008-06-13T15:23:00.005-04:00

Oyster Mushroom Gardening and Walk with the Rochester Area Mycological Association

On Saturday, June 7th the Rochester Area Mycological Association came to the nature center to teach an "Oyster Mushroom Gardening" class and also to do a mushroom identification walk. You may be asking yourself, "what is mycology?"

Mycology is the study of fungi. More closely related to animals than plants, fungi are found in every environment on earth from deserts to underwater habitats. There are over 70,000 species known so far, but the actual number of species may be much greater. Fungi are major decomposers and play a huge role in ecosystems.

Some of the species that were found on the walk were:
False Turkey tail
Violet Toothed Polypore
Japanese Umbrella Inky
Jelly Crep
Autumn Skullcap
Fawn Mushroom
Gem-studded Puffball

The Autumn Skullcap mushroom found on the walk is deadly poisonous

While many species of fungi are harmless, some can be deadly and should not be handled. As a reminder, Tinker Nature Park does not allow collecting, so all fungi and other organisms found inside it are not allowed to be picked or taken.

Thank you to the Rochester Area Mycological Association for hosting their event at the Tinker Nature Park. If you are interested in Mushrooms and Fungi, come out to the park on October 4th for the Natural Dyeing with Mushrooms class, and Mushroom identification walk.

2008-06-13T14:46:00.004-04:00

Orienteering Course at Tinker!

Here at Tinker Nature Park we have been wanting an orienteering course for a long time. Now, thanks to Eagle Scout Pat Staub we have one! Patrick spent hours upon hours looking for places to set up markers, map checking, and making an orienteering map. His Eagle Scout project resulted in a beautiful course, an orienteering map, and a brochure about orienteering for beginners. The map can be downloaded here and also on the Hansen Nature Center website. Maps and brochures are also available in the Hansen Nature Center.

Here is some more information about Orienteering taken from the US Orienteering Federation's website:

Orienteering is the sport of navigation with map and compass. It's easy to learn, but always challenging. The object is to run, walk, ski, or mountain bike to a series of points shown on the map, choosing routes—both on and off trail—that will help you find all the points and get back to the finish in the shortest amount of time. The points on the course are marked with orange and white flags and punches, so you can prove you've been there. Each “control” marker is located on a distinct feature, such as a stream junction or the top of a knoll.

Orienteering is often called the “thinking sport” because it involves map reading and decision-making in addition to a great workout. Any kind of map may be used for orienteering (even a street map), but the best ones are detailed five-color topographic maps developed especially for the sport. O'maps show boulders, cliffs, ditches, and fences, in addition to elevation, vegetation, and trails.

Orienteering is a sport for everyone, regardless of age or experience. The competitive athlete can experience the exhilaration of moving through the woods at top speed, while the non-competitive orienteer can enjoy the forest at a more leisurely pace. Most events provide courses for all levels—from beginner to advanced—and the sport has been adapted for small children and people in wheelchairs.

For more information about orienteering visit the US Orienteering Federation website and the Rochester Orienteering Club website.

One of the course markers- can you find it in the park?

2008-06-13T14:26:00.007-04:00

Rush-Henrietta's Life Skills Volunteer Program visits the Nature Park

We were pleased to have Rush Henrietta Senior High School's Life Skills Volunteer Program come to the nature center to help out with miscellaneous gardening projects around the park. They helped weed the pond and gardens around the nature center, and also planted flowers around the Tinker Homestead sign on Calkins Road. Overall they volunteered more than 30 hours! Thank you to teacher Laura Robinson, Teacher's Aide Janice Jones and students Chutney Gibson-Foster, Matthew Lane, Precious Payne and Katie Sorber for all of their help! The gardens and pond look beautiful.

The homestead sign before it was weeded and planted

The volunteers planting flowers around the sign

The completed project

2008-06-03T13:31:00.003-04:00

Upcoming Events at Tinker Nature Park

Oyster Mushroom Gardening and Guided Mushroom Identification Walk

Saturday, June 7th
12:30-3:30pm
$5 Supply fee and registration required to make mushroom garden
Walk is free
Call 359-7044 to register
Space is limited

Bird Conservation DaySaturday, June 21st
10am-3pm
Live bird presentations with Ron Walker's 'Friends with Feathers' at 10 am and 1 pm
Owl Pellet Dissections
Make a bird feeder with 'The Bird House'

2008-06-03T09:33:00.005-04:00

Digital Photography Workshop with Bob Hodge

This year our photo class focused on digital photography. Wildlife photographer and Friend of Tinker Nature Park member Bob Hodge showed participants how to get the most out of their digital cameras. This class was in two parts with the first class focusing on instruction, and the second class a photo critique of pictures taken by participants. A large collection of Mr. Hodge's wildlife photography can be found in the Hansen Nature Center.

Bob is at home behind and in front of the camera

Bob shows participants how to use their settings correctly

A small collection of Bob's nature photos