“Explore MorE Outside Your Back Door” July 19th | 6:00-9:00 PMNatural Observation & Exploration and an Introduction to Citizen Science

• What can I learn about nature, ecosystems & my community by exploring my local park?• What are lightening bugs and how can I help them?

“I Like the Night Life” July 26th | 6:00-9:00 PM Nocturnal Park Visitors

• What types of creatures wander our parks after the sun goes down? How can we learn about them if we can’t see them?

“Our Neighbors, the Pollinators” August 2nd | 6:00-9:00 PMBirds, Bees and Everything Inbetween

• Who/what are the pollinators of our community and how can we help protect them?

“Splish/Splash” August 9th | 6:00-9:00 PMAquatic Life at the Park

• What types of aquatic life do we have at Center Springs Pond? • What does the presence of these creatures tell us about the health of this body of water?• What types of plant life do we have here at Center Springs park? How can I grow my own plants at home?

“Grow Where You Are Planted” August 16th | 6:00-9:00 PMUrban and Container Gardening

• What types of plant life do we have here at Center Springs park? How can I grow my own plants at home?

Recreation Division39 Lodge Drive • 647-3084 • reconline.townofmanchester.org

“Walk on the Wild Side” August 23rd | 6:00-9:00 PMWildlife in Connecticut

• What types of wildlife do we have here in Connecticut? How can we modify our behavior so that we can co-exist with them without conflict?

“Nature’s Paintbrush” September 13th | 6:00-9:00 PMNature Color Week

• "How many different colors can you find in our parks? • How do people use natural pigments in nature to make our worlds more colorful?"

“Talking Trash” September 20th | 6:00-9:00 PMRecycled Materials Night

• "How do our discarded items impact our natural environment and wildlife? • What can we as humans do to re-purpose our "trash" in fun and innovative ways?"

“Of a Feather” September 27th | 6:00-9:00 PMThe Birds of OurParks

• "What types of feathered friends co-exist with us in our green spaces? • How are they beneficial to our food chain and how can we help protect them?"

“Deeply Rooted” October 4th | 6:00-9:00 PMTrees and Plants

• "What types of trees and plants do we have in the park? • “How are plants & tree beneficial to our ecosystem and how can we help preserve them?"

Learn More! Explore More!The fun at our parks doesn’t have to end just because the sun goes down! Join us each Friday as we explore Manchester’s green spaces through a wide variety of engaging, dynamic and fun nature-based activities for explorers of all ages. Whether you are interesting in catching frogs or learning more about the birds in your backyard, we’ll offer formal and informal learning activities on large variety plant and wildlife topics. We hope to get everyone more connected to our green spaces, wild neighbors, community and each other!

A typical Friday evening may include: an informal “Explore More” nature walk through the park, nature themed and recycled art activities and participation in a nation-wide citizen science project counting fireflies! Transform your Friday nights from mild to wild with this very special series!