2023 Rushton Nature Keepers Membership is full! Please check back in next year.
Rushton Nature Keepers Over the Years
RUSHTON NATURE KEEPERS RESOURCES
RNK 2023 EVENTS
- Tuesday, June 20 | 9:30 - 11:30 am
Discover Wild Rushton - Wednesday, June 21 | 9:30 - 11:30 am
Into the Forest - Thursday, June 22 (Rain date: Friday, June 23) | 9:30 - 11:30 am
Leaf Pack Exploration - BONUS: Monday June 26 | 5:30 pm
Streams Learning Evening - Tuesday, June 27 | 9:30 - 11: 30 am
Stream Walk - Wednesday, June 28 | 9:30 - 11:30 am
“The Secret Life of the Flying Squirrel” Book Signing and Art Workshop - Thursday, June 29 | 9:30 - 11:30 am
Farming with Nature and Honeybees - BONUS*: Thursday, July 6 | 7:30 - 9 pm
Fireflies, Moths, and Your Yard in the Dark - Thursday, July 27 | 4 - 6 pm
Wildflowers and Watercolor Workshop - Bonus*: Wednesday, August 16 (Rain Date: August 18) | 8 pm
Bug Night with Academy of Natural Sciences - Thursday, August 17 | 9:30 - 11:30 am
Summer Harvest - Saturday, September 16 | 8:30 - 10 am
Fall Songbird Banding - Thursday, October 19 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Monster Night and Autumn Hayrides - Friday, November 3 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Northern Saw-whet Owl Banding - Friday, November 17 | 4:30 - 6 pm
Rushton Junior Naturalist Celebration
RUSHTON NATURE KEEPERS
Inspiring tomorrow’s conservationists
Rushton Nature Keepers (RNK) provides youth (ages 8-11) with unique opportunities to develop a meaningful relationship with nature, which will fuel a lifelong desire to protect the environment. RNK is focused on shaping and empowering these future conservationists while nurturing a spirit of discovery and wonder. We offer regular programs covering four conservation themes including: birds and wildlife, regenerative farming, watersheds, and healthy habitat.
Our Objectives for Your Child:
- Create a conservation ethic by showing the importance of preserving open space.
- Connect personally to nature and foster lifelong respect for the natural world.
- Nurture a spirit of discovery and wonder.
- Develop observation skills and understanding of science beyond the classroom.
- Recognize the connection of wildlife, farming, and watersheds.
- Understand how people can help create and preserve healthy habitats.
- Appreciate the origins of the food we eat and how nature and agriculture can flourish together.
- Demonstrate the positive role humans can play in the natural world.
- Foster an awareness of how everyday personal choices can help the planet.
RNK Membership is $150 for the first child and $100 for each additional sibling. Membership includes a t-shirt, reusable water bottle, nature journal, mask, and tote per child. Programs are drop-off only unless otherwise noted. Waivers will be offered on a case-by-case basis (no questions asked), as we do not wish to exclude anyone based on financial need. Otherwise, membership is required to attend most events*.
A Rushton Junior Naturalist Certificate will be awarded to Rushton Nature Keepers who attended events within each of the four themes for a total of at least 8 by year-end. They will be invited to attend the Rushton Junior Naturalist Celebration in November during which prizes will be awarded. Each program will allow time for reflection in a nature journal in which children will receive attendance stamps to document their progress. Each event is designated with icons covering one or more of the four themes.
*Please note that other relevant WCT family programs or volunteer events may pop up during the year that can count towards the Rushton Junior Naturalist certificate. Members will be notified as opportunities arise.
For more information, please contact Blake Goll at 610-353-2562, ext. 109, or bhg@wctrust.org.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS
Looking to stay involved beyond RNK?
Opportunities exist on a case-by-case basis for children 12 and up to get involved. These include service at the farm, working at the bird banding station, helping with watershed study activities, participating in bird counts and stream cleanups, internships, or other projects agreed upon with Willistown Conservation Trust staff. To arrange, contact Blake Goll (bhg@wctrust.org).
Photo: Eva Dillon-Rutledge began as a Jr. Birding Club member years ago and then volunteered at the bird banding station. She has also volunteered for our Bird Box Program, participated in NJ Audubon’s World Series of Birding and recently attended PA’s Wildlife Leadership Academy.
Photography policy: Attendance at Willistown Conservation Trust programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and electronic media. Images will not be identified using full names without written approval from the individual. Please notify Trust staff if you would prefer that your or your child’s photo not be used.
