NOMAC Astronomy Club Meeting: What Telescope Should I Buy & Sky Observing on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7:30 pm is the next scheduled meeting of NOMAC, the NOrthern Michigan Astronomy Club at Raven Hill Discovery Center.  The talk will be:  "Beginning Astronomy: What Telescope Should I Buy?" The club meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm. After the indoor program, the group will spend time at the Center’s Moon Base viewing the heavens through the Center’s 16-inch reflecting telescope, if the weather permits. Attendees are also invited to bring their own telescopes. Call 231.536.3369 or go to NOMAC's web site at www.nomac.net for more information. 

The Petoskey Regional Audubon Society at Raven Hill on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 9 am

Snowshoeing at Raven Hill Discovery Center with Evelyn and Jim Howell 

Join Evelyn and Jim Howell for a leisurely morning walk on snowshoes, exploring two trails at Raven Hill Discovery Center, near East Jordan. Both the Ancient World Trail and the Taxi (taxonomic) Trail are fairly level, with small hills, and both are about one-half mile in length. Birds and other animals (and their tracks) may be seen, and 26 tree families are represented. PRAS will be the guest of Cheri Leach, Raven Hill's co-founder and CEO, who will serve hot chocolate and coffee upon folks return to the nature center after the snowshoe. No fee will be charged for the outing. Call Evelyn at 582-7751 for more information, or to check on snow conditions for the outing. Check out the PRAS web site at www.petoskeyaudubon.org.  Optional brunch at a nearby eatery afterwards.

FREE (Families Reaching for Educational Excellence) 2nd Saturdays 

Saturday, February 11, 2012, FREE 2nd Saturday Program:  Marbled Paper Valentines

The popular FAMILY AFFAIR events continue at Raven Hill Discovery Center into 2012, starting FEBRUARY 11th.  Visitors can fashion a unique valentine by creating marbled paper while learning about the science of density.  Sponsored by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation from February through June, each month FREE 2nd Saturdays will highlight a different science, history or art activity (AND the connections between them!), as well as allow families to explore the hands-on museum and animals indoors and enjoy the Music Garden, Jurassic Park Walk, School House,Tree House and other outdoor exhibits.   FREE 2nd Saturday hours are from noon to 4 pm. Bring the whole family OR make it a special event for parent and child. There will be fun problem-solving demos & activities to fit various ages, abilities and interests every second Saturday at least from February to June of 2012.  Please no organizations or groups on 2nd Saturdays - remember, it's a family affair! 

In 2010, Second Saturday Science Days were sponsored by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and in 2011, Second Saturday Science Days were made possible by the Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation and other generous donors.  Because of these donations, family groups were able to strengthen creative & critical thinking skills by exploring a different science concept each month, plus enjoy the museum, animals and the outdoor exhibits.  In 2012, the name changes to FREE (Families Reaching for Educational Excellence) 2nd Saturdays and the special activities will expand to include history and art, as well as science.  The Center is actively seeking funding for the second half of 2012--July through December.

Download the 2012 FREE 2nd Saturday Flyer 

Summer Magic 2012:  Reaching for the Stars on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 7:00 pm

Save the date for Summer Magic 2012:  Reaching for the Stars on Saturday, July 21, 2012 for a special, adults only, night on the grounds of Raven Hill.  Local restaurants provide the finger foods and a silent auction offers a wonderful array of artistic creations.  The proceeds from Summer Magic support ongoing programs at Raven Hill, as well as required matching donations for grant awards.  If you would like more information or to be a sponsor, please contact Raven Hill at info@ravenhilldiscoverycenter.org or call 231.536.3369 or 877.833.4254.

2012 Raven Hill Discovery Center Calendar

Download the 2012 Raven Hill Discovery Center Calendar

Raven Hill Discovery Center Newsletter

Download the latest Raven Hill Discovery Center Newsletter

2012 PRESS RELEASES

NASA Jet Propulsion Lab names 2012 Solar System Ambassador

Raven Hill Discovery Center is proud to announce the appointment of Bryan Shumaker as a 2012 Solar System Ambassador.  Sponsored by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL), the Solar System Ambassador Program is a public outreach program designed to work with volunteers in communicating the excitement of JPL’s space exploration missions to people in local communities all over the United States.  As one of 500 Ambassadors from all 50 states, he will bring new and exciting opportunities to northern Michigan residents.

Bryan is founder of the new NOrthern Michigan Astronomy Club (NOMAC).  He will be working with Raven Hill staff on astronomy programs for all ages, in addition to nurturing NOMAC.

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Raven Hill Discovery Center Thanks Sponsors of Summer Magic 2011

Raven Hill Discovery Center wishes to thank all the Sponsors of Raven Hill Discovery Center Summer Magic 2011.  We couldn’t do it without you.  Businesses, restaurants, artists, individuals and many more provided among other things monetary donations, food, and silent auction items.  The proceeds from Summer Magic support ongoing programs at Raven Hill, as well as required matching donations for grant awards.  Thank you again!

 Click here to see the Summer Magic 2011 Sponsors

Save the date for Summer Magic 2012:  Reaching for the Stars on Saturday, July 21, 2012 on the grounds of Raven Hill.  If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact Raven Hill at info@ravenhilldiscoverycenter.org or call 231.536.3369 or 877.833.4254.

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Previous Events at Raven Hill Discovery Center

Raven Hill has offered a variety of services to the community for twenty years. We continue to expand and improve our programs with a wealth of community support.