As spring blossoms around us, April offers the perfect opportunity to connect young readers with nature through books and hands-on exploration. This month’s Read and Explore series features stories that celebrate our planet, foster imagination, and encourage us to observe the world a little more closely.

This past Sunday in Lewisburg, the Vernal School's Women Reconnecting and Engaging with Nature (WREN) program spent the afternoon with Rose Anna Moore, a contestant from Season 8 of the History Channel’s Alone series. The informal get together brought together women from across the region for a powerful conversation about survival, resilience, and the profound relationship between humans and nature.

​Despite damp and dreary conditions, the weather was perfect for spring amphibians this previous Sunday, March 16th. The weather created an ideal opportunity for over 30 enthusiastic participants to explore Montour Preserve’s ponds. The Spring Amphibian Walk, hosted by The Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership and led by Dr. Mary Kate O’Donnell, a herpetologist from Lycoming College, offered attendees a firsthand look at the remarkable amphibians that emerge as winter gives way to spring.

The Vernal School's new Aquatic Explorers Club is an exciting program for youth ages 10-14, designed for those who love water, wildlife, and hands-on exploration! Meeting twice a month on Sunday evenings at 5:30 PM at Montour Preserve, this club offers young adventurers the opportunity to discover aquatic ecosystems, learn paddle sports, fish and take part in the conservation efforts in the region.  The first meeting for the club will be March 9th.

The Vernal School in collaboration with the Central PA Rock and Mineral Club is hosting an exciting Junior Fossil Hunt on Tuesday, May 20th, in the fossil pit of Montour Preserve.  This program is designed especially for early elementary-age students and preschoolers. This hands-on program offers young explorers the opportunity to dig into the past and uncover fascinating fossils while learning about the region’s prehistoric history in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

The Vernal School is excited to host "Into the Woods We Go" at 10 A.M. on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025. This program is designed to teach young elementary and preschool aged children (and their families) outdoor basics and hiking essentials.  Led by Vernal School Program Supervisor Marissa Crames, a certified Leave No Trace trainer, this program emphasizes fundamental hiking knowledge, safety precautions and environmental stewardship.

Susquehanna University’s Freshwater Research Institute is hosting an educational program designed to inform families about the vital role of beavers in the ecosystem at 7 P.M. on Monday, May 5, 2025.

This hands-on learning experience aims to deepen participants’ understanding of beaver ecology, their impact on freshwater habitats and their importance in maintaining biodiversity. Families will gain a newfound appreciation for these industrious creatures and their contributions to environmental sustainability.

POSTPONED - WAITING ON FLOWERS TO APPEAR
There’s no better way to celebrate the change in seasons than with a Spring Wildflower Walk at Montour Preserve! Join us on Saturday, April 12, at 10:00 AM as the Pennsylvania Master Naturalists lead a guided walk through the preserve’s trails, where we’ll explore the beauty and diversity of Pennsylvania’s native wildflowers.

Join Andrew Rockhound and the Central PA Rock and Mineral Club for an exciting Fossil Event and Dig at Montour Preserve on Sunday, April 13, at 1:00 PM. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just curious about what’s beneath your feet, this hands-on program is perfect for anyone who loves fossils, geology, and discovering the past.