Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

PORTVILLE, N.Y. - A program sponsored by the Pfeiffer Nature Center will bring everything into focus - camera wise that is. Professional photographer Tom Martin will facilitate "Picture This" from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, at the Portville Free Library. "Picture This" will take participants on a fascinating journey into nature photography. "Tom believes there are two sides to good photography, the technical side and the seeing side, said Chris Walden, executive director of the Nature Center. "Using diagrams and lots of images, Tom will address knowing your camera, exposing properly, finding the right light, composing for impact, using depth of field, equipment and filters." Participants will learn by doing and will leave with tips and suggestions to take home and try on their own to bring their pictures to life. "The Pfeiffer Nature center is truly where science, art and nature come together," Walden said. "And this ...

PORTVILLE, N.Y. – What is not to love about a Valentine’s Day Hike with a loved one at the Pfeiffer Nature Center? A Valentine’s Day Hike or Snowshoe event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 14. Enjoy a guided outdoor adventure trail hike to the NYS Champion Tupelo Tree in the Outdoor Living Museum. The hike will depart from Lillibridge Preserve, 1974 Lillibridge Road in Portville. The event will take place snow or no snow so come prepared. This hike is designed for all age levels and is free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the PNC property. The Center’s officials are committed to building a foundation of knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the intrinsic values and aesthetic qualities of the natural world while instilling a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the natural world within the global community. Feel free to bring your own snowshoes. A limited number will be ava...

PORTVILLE, N.Y. - Have you been pining for something to do to get in the holiday spirit? Well, look no further than the Pfeiffer Nature Center. The Pfeiffer Nature Center is asking all decorators to hit the great outdoors and collect items from nature for its annual holiday wreath sale. These all-natural wreaths are now on sale until Nov. 21 and can be ordered online at www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org. The Center will also have a booth at Portville’s Art & Antique Show where you can see a sample of these beautifully finished works of art. This two-day indoor show is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Portville Central School. If interested in getting into the action of actually helping to make the wreaths, mark Nov. 20-22 on your calendar and go to the Pleasant Valley Greenhouse. Volunteers can help for the entire day or a few hours. Come anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. And that is not all. Call the office if you ca...

Pfeiffer Nature Center to host music workshop PORTVILLE, N.Y. - The next workshop at the Pfeiffer Nature Center is music to our ears - and yours. Muses of the Forest: Music will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the American Chestnut cabin on the Lillibridge Road property, 1974 Lillibridge Road. Aron Cole will be the facilitator and will show participants how to play a dulcimer, a fretted string instrument with origins in the Appalachian region of the U.S. The cost to attend is $5 per person thanks to a New York State Arts Grant. A box lunch will be provided. Registrations must be made by 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, by logging onto www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org. The event will take place rain or shine. The Nature Center offers interpretative opportunities in science, nature, and art through programs and events throughout the year. Get to know Pfeiffer Nature Center – find a spot in our woods to enjoy peace and quiet, come to our programs, become a member, volu...

PORTVILLE, N.Y. – Fall in love with the outdoors this Saturday with a Family Autumn Walk sponsored by the Pfeiffer Nature Center. This family-oriented event will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1974 Lillibridge Road. The walk will include snacks and games. “Explore the forest, learn about the vernal pool and what creatures live in our fields,” said executive director Chris Walden. There is no cost for members of the Pfeiffer Nature Center and is just $8 per family for non-members. Reserve your spot online at pfeiffernaturecenter.org. Registrations must be received by 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. Pictured, Children enjoy the outdoors during a workshop at the Pfeiffer Nature Center in Portville, N.Y. A Family Autumn Walk is set for this Saturday. Photo courtesy of Pfeiffer Nature Center The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

PORTVILLE, N.Y. – Participants of this workshop will leave no stone unturned at the Pfeiffer Nature Center. From noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, the Eshelman Property at 1420 Yubadam Road in Portville will be the site of Nature 101 – Aquatic Life headed by Christopher Anderson, a former Sea World aqua handler. Participants will go to a nearby creek in search of various aquatic life, such as minnows, crayfish and frogs. Please wear old sneakers since this will be a hands on, feet wet afternoon. The cost is $8 per person. Reservations must be made by Thursday by calling the PNC at 716.933.0187. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

PORTVILLE, N.Y. – If you are looking for a breather from hectic summer activities, the Pfeiffer Nature Center has just what you need. The 2014 Exhale Series starts Sunday, July 20. The theme for this season is “Acts of a Meaning Life” which celebrates experiences, creations, and communications of individuals and groups of individuals. The Sunday evening typically begins around 5:30 p.m. with live music. A speaker from the community follows at 6 p.m. The evening concludes with more music. The format and style is designed to create an atmosphere of sharing and reflection in a place where people can come to understand and appreciate the diversity which is a part of every community. Visitors are welcome to join or depart the program at their leisure. From the mountaintop location of the Lillibridge Pavilion, the Exhale Series brings together music, inspiration, community members in a natural, outdoor setting. The Sunday evening program runs through Sunday, Aug. 25. Mary Schloss...