Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

Traditional Chinese Papercutting - Children ages 5-12 and Families
2023-11-04 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Winter is coming! Squirrels and chipmunks are busy collecting acorns and hiding them. What birds migrate or stay? How do fish survive the winter? The Montague Public Libraries invite you to try Chinese papercutting with Zhonghe (Elena) Li. Learn the history of the art and basic techniques. Choose your favorite template, from the many animals that live in and along the Connecticut River, to make your own artwork. Elena is a Cambridge multi-media artist who specializes in traditional Chinese papercutting art and watercolors. She uses art to speak for the beauty of biodiversity and honors living in harmony with nature as one. Meet in the Great Hall.
10:30—11:30 a.m. Children ages 5-12 & families;
1:00—2:30 p.m. Teens & adults

Great Hall Exhibit: Junior Duck Stamps
2023-12-06 - 2024-01-16 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
See the top Massachusetts youth entries for the 2023 Junior Duck Stamp competition! This state-wide art contest by students from Kindergarten to High School heightens awareness of the importance of preserving wetland habitats and the delights of wildlife. While you’re here, visit our duck investigation station in the Great Hall. Make your own duck stamp!

It’s A Wonderful Afternoon in Turners Falls … for the Birds!
2023-12-09 10:30 - 13:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Meet in the Great Hall. Craft bird feeders for our winter friends. Which birds show up at your feeder? What do they eat? For all ages. Free!

Orienteering with Zeke
2023-12-13 12:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join Zeke Jakub of Conservación Panamá to learn how to use a map and compass together to stay safe in the woods! Sponsored by Montague Public Libraries. Dress for the weather. Meet outside the main entrance. Rain date: 12/16. For ages 8 and up. Meet at the main entrance.

Who Do You Love? Valentines for Wildlife
2024-02-11 10:00 - 17:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For all ages. Make Valentines to give to the ones you love, keep for yourself, or give to your favorite wildlife biologist— all in honor of your favorite animal. Meet at the Welcome Desk.

Nice & Easy Walks
2024-03-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history highlights along the way. Dress for winter weather, sturdy footwear, and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

CISA’s Field Notes Returns
2024-03-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Academy of Music, 274 Main Street, Northampton, MA, 01060, United States
The Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center reminds you that CISA’s Field Notes Returns!
More info and tickets at tinyurl.com/CISAFN2024.
Back for a fifth year, this live storytelling event celebrates the diversity of perspectives and people working hard to build a local food system that works for everyone. Stories – told by your western Mass neighbors – will range from farm fields to the statehouse and be told in multiple languages (interpretation will be provided). Come laugh, think, and enjoy a cozy and affordable Sunday afternoon with your friends and family.

Earth Week Investigation Station and Indoor StoryWalk® - One Earth
2024-04-13 - 2024-04-21 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join us at the welcome desk during school vacation week for activities to inspire taking care of where we live. Enjoy indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts, crafts, and activities to honor the Earth, our shared home. Includes the indoor StoryWalk® — One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, which is an invitation to both celebrate our planet and honor it through stewardship. For all ages. Meet at the welcome desk.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Park Serve Day: Give a Day, Make a Difference
2024-04-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
The Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to the Great Falls Discovery Center to lend a hand during this day of volunteer service to our state parks. For any special accommodations or needs you may have for the day, please call (413) 863-3221. Bring your own water and snack. Registration: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dcr-park-serve-day. For ages 6 and up. Meet at the main entrance.

StoryWalk® — Ruby’s Birds
2024-05-09 - 2024-06-25 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Ongoing, May 9—June 25
Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise! Join us on the Center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture book Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thompson, for readers ages 3-7 and everyone who celebrates birds. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Make Your own Meadow*
2024-05-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Learn how to create your own pollinator-friendly meadow with landscape designers Tom Sullivan and Peter Wackernagle, and then take a short walk to see pollinator gardens in downtown Turners Falls. In collaboration with Exploded View and our 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project. For ages 12 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.
* Food, Farms, & Factories –
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Wild and Cultivated Edible Plants: A Show ’n Tell *
2024-05-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Many invasive plants, like garlic mustard and goutweed, are tasty and nutritious additions to our diet. Author/illustrator Blanche Derby brings samples of her wild and cultivated plant friends for this indoor presentation in the Great Hall. In collaboration with Exploded View and our 2024Food, Farms, and Factories project. For ages 12 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.
Food, Farms, and Factories
*In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Art Naturally Series: Felted Fish*
2024-05-25 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover nature and culture through story, poetry, and art in our series of free Art Naturally programs. Using words and images, instruction and techniques you create an art piece inspired by the natural world to take home. Learn how the shad’s shape helps it swim upstream. Make a wet-felted underwater scene. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All art materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall.
* Food, Farms, & Factories –
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Find us at the Farmers Market: Soils and Soil pH Testing*
2024-06-01 10:30 - 13:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project, join DCR staff, the Friends of the Center, and Western MA Master Gardeners to learn about soils and soil testing, including family-friendly activities. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. Bring your soil to be tested for free by following these directions:
Testing Your Soil’s pH
What is pH?
• pH is a measure of the acidity of the soil.
• The pH scale runs from 1 to 14 where: pH< 7 is acidic, pH = 7 neutral, pH > 7 is basic
Why do I need to test my soil’s pH?
• Nutrients and acidity can change with time and use.
• Acidity controls the availability of nutrients and beneficial organisms.
• Plants have different pH requirements:
Blueberries and rhododendron need acidic soil, pH 4.5 to 5.5.
Vegetables grow best in pH 6.0 to 7.0.
• Lime or sulfur may be needed to correct pH imbalance.
Where can I have my soil tested?
• pH only: Master Gardener table at local farmers markets and fairs ($2.00/ donation).
See website for days and times: http://wmmga.org
• Full Soil Analysis: UMass Soil Testing Laboratory.
For details go to: http://soiltest.umass.edu
When is the best time to test?
• At least 6-8 weeks after a lime, sulfur, or fertilizer application.
• Best: Fall, Second best: Early Spring.
• Any time when starting new planting area.
What do I need to collect a soil sample?
• Trowel, shovel or sampling tube
• Bucket
• Coarse sieve or screen
• Drying tray or plate
• Zip-lock bag
How do I collect samples?
• Define your sample area. If sampling multiple areas, keep samples separated by area.
• Remove a thin slice or plug of soil from surface to proper depth.
Sample depths: 3”-4” Lawn, 6”-8” flower/vegetable garden, 10”-12” trees/shrubs
• Collect 4 -6 samples for small area, 8-12 for large.
• Mix single area’s samples together in bucket.
• Scoop 1 cup mixed soil and spread on a clean plate/tray to dry.
• Sift to remove debris and place in a labeled zip-lock bag.
• Note approximate size and type of area (vegetable, flower, lawn, shrub) on bag.
• Avoid sampling when very wet.

Fields & Forests – What do Bees Need? *
2024-06-16 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Help us kick-off Pollinator Week! Make your own native bee habitat by “painting” with yarn, fleece, pre-felt shapes, and soapy water. Will your bees live in a tree trunk or holes in the ground? Will they build their nests with mud or leaves? Learn how important our native bees are, especially for growing food, and what they need to thrive. For ages 4 and up, including teens and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Designed especially for families (including dads), but all are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.
Food, Farms, and Factories
*In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Rots to Riches *
2024-07-02 15:30 - 16:30 | Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376
Designed for children and teens. A hands-on interactive 50-minute session about the wonders of compost, and the creatures that help turn old scraps into new plants. Hosted at the Carnegie Library at 201 Avenue A, as part of our Food, Farms, and Factories series. Led by a Hitchcock Center educator, kids and their grown-ups read an empowering story, learn the basic science of decomposition, play a “what’s compostable?” game and meet live insects and annelids from their collection.
* Food, Farms, & Factories: In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Postponed to Sept. 7th due to Thunderstorms- Find Us at the Farmers Market: All About Pollinators *
2024-07-06 10:30 - 13:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
Postponed to Sept. 7th due to Thunderstorms-
As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project, join DCR staff, the Friends of the Center, and Western Massachusetts Master Gardeners for family activities and information with a special focus on pollinators. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park.
* Food, Farms, & Factories: In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday Party!
2024-07-11 15:30 - 17:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Free and for all ages. Join Wildland Firefighters from the DCR Bureau of Fire Control & Forestry. Hear a reading of the Smokey Bear Story at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. Learn about campfire safety. Tour a Wildland Fire Engine, try a scavenger hunt, and at 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. meet Smokey Bear himself! Take home a Smokey Story mini book and a party favor bag, including Smokey Bear materials. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by DCR and Montague Public Libraries. Rain or shine. Meet outside the Great Hall.

Art Naturally Series: Painting with Inks from the Garden *
2024-07-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover nature through story, poetry, and art in our series of free Art Naturally programs. Using words and images, instruction and techniques you create an art piece inspired by the natural world to take home. Learn how to make ink from cabbage and more! For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). Art materials provided.
* Food, Farms, & Factories: In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Coyotes
2024-07-26 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Find Us at the Farmers Market! *
2024-07-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
Montague Public Libraries is joining in our Food, Farms, and Factories fun with summer visits to the Farmers Market, with books and activities about growing food. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park.
* Food, Farms, & Factories: In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Great Hall Exhibit: Local Birds in Colored Pencil
2024-08-01 - 2024-09-02 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Artist Mark Majeski takes photographs of birds and plants and arranges them into collages as a guide for his drawings. Using this process, he emphasizes the coloration and behavior of commonly seen Massachusetts birds.

Pocumtuck Homelands Festival: Fish Printing at Unity Park *
2024-08-03 10:00 - 17:00 | Unity Park, 56 First Street, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
A free two-day celebration at Unity Park in Turners Falls, sponsored by the Nolumbeka Project and RiverCulture. This festival is the perfect combination of live music, drumming, dancing, storytelling, native crafts and food. On Saturday August 3, 10 a.m.— 5 p.m., families may visit the Northfield Mountain and Great Falls Discovery Center tent to make your own vibrantly colored fish print to take home. All materials provided. For more information on the entire event visit nolumbekaproject.org/events. Unity Park is located at 56 First Street.
* Food, Farms, & Factories: In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Bees & Flowers
2024-08-23 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Turtles to Toads: Herps of the North
2024-08-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
The reptiles and amphibians of Massachusetts are some of our least understood and most fascinating animals. Staff from the Vermont Natural History Museum present an interactive slideshow, introducing us to live animals and touchable artifacts. Afraid of snakes? Don’t worry, we can help. Meet in the Great Hall.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Butterflies
2024-08-30 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Nice & Easy Walks: Industrialization *
2024-09-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Our September walks focus on community and industrialization in Turners Falls. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.
*Food, Farms, and Factories
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Find us at the Farmers Market: Soils, Soil pH testing, and pollinators
2024-09-07 10:30 - 13:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project, join DCR staff, the Friends of the Center, and Western MA Master Gardeners to learn about soils, soil testing, and pollinators. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. Includes family-friendly activities – make your own pollinator! Bring your soil to be tested for free by following these directions:
Testing Your Soil’s pH
What is pH?
• pH is a measure of the acidity of the soil.
• The pH scale runs from 1 to 14 where: pH< 7 is acidic, pH = 7 neutral, pH > 7 is basic
Why do I need to test my soil’s pH?
• Nutrients and acidity can change with time and use.
• Acidity controls the availability of nutrients and beneficial organisms.
• Plants have different pH requirements:
Blueberries and rhododendron need acidic soil, pH 4.5 to 5.5.
Vegetables grow best in pH 6.0 to 7.0.
• Lime or sulfur may be needed to correct pH imbalance.
Where can I have my soil tested?
• pH only: Master Gardener table at local farmers markets and fairs ($2.00/ donation).
See website for days and times: http://wmmga.org
• Full Soil Analysis: UMass Soil Testing Laboratory.
For details go to: http://soiltest.umass.edu
When is the best time to test?
• At least 6-8 weeks after a lime, sulfur, or fertilizer application.
• Best: Fall, Second best: Early Spring.
• Any time when starting new planting area.
What do I need to collect a soil sample?
• Trowel, shovel or sampling tube
• Bucket
• Coarse sieve or screen
• Drying tray or plate
• Zip-lock bag
How do I collect samples?
• Define your sample area. If sampling multiple areas, keep samples separated by area.
• Remove a thin slice or plug of soil from surface to proper depth.
Sample depths: 3”-4” Lawn, 6”-8” flower/vegetable garden, 10”-12” trees/shrubs
• Collect 4 -6 samples for small area, 8-12 for large.
• Mix single area’s samples together in bucket.
• Scoop 1 cup mixed soil and spread on a clean plate/tray to dry.
• Sift to remove debris and place in a labeled zip-lock bag.
• Note approximate size and type of area (vegetable, flower, lawn, shrub) on bag.
• Avoid sampling when very wet.
* Food, Farms, & Factories: In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.
