Upcoming Preserve Programs

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Friday, June 28 – 10-11:30am – FLOWER WALK
Meet at the historic Porter Schoolhouse (our Nature Center), 6937 State Route 22, Hebron. We’ll take a short walk discussing how to use a wildflower guide to identify wildflowers. Crafts will follow. There are paper flowers, flower bookmarks and clay flowers to make. The clay is air dry which will cure at your home. If you don’t have paint, you’re more than welcome to come back to the preserve when we are open to paint. Registration is not necessary. Be sure to dress accordingly and spray for ticks.

Friday, July 5 – 10:00-11:00am – 5th of FERNS
Meet at the South Grimes Hill Road entrance to the preserve for a fern identification walk down the Woodland Loop trail and North Marsh. If you would like, bring a folding stool. Registration is not necessary. Be sure to dress accordingly and spray for ticks.

More programs to come!

Support Your Library

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From: The Pember Board

Most of you have received the flyer from the school addressing the budget, elections and propositions that are coming before you. This year there is a new one. A process was created by the State to assist public libraries pursuant to Section 509 of New York State Education Law The Granville School District Board of Education has been authorized to place a proposition before the voters at the May 21, 2024 School District Election. We would like to share with you how this will work and how important it is to the library. Other libraries throughout the area that utilize this collection method are Greenwich, Salem and Argyle.
The Pember, like everyone, is having a hard time with sustainable funding. Attempting to run the library primarily on donations, especially in a time when people everywhere are experiencing difficulties, is not allowing us to provide quality, consistent programing or to hire people at a living wage to perform the programing and other tasks involved in running the library day to day. To be respectful of the current economic climate, we worked out a rate that would be approximately $30-40 dollars per household, less than the cost of two hard cover books, which will result in raising $100,000 annually, from the Granville School District households. These monies will appear on your school tax bill and the funds will be collected by the school. They will account for this levy separately from their own and it will be paid in full to the Pember. This is totally separate and apart from the annual school budget. If it is modified in the future, it will be done through another vote.

It is the goal of the Pember to continue to provide and perhaps enhance library service to all residents of our school district, which parallels our service area.

In addition to the basic library services, we have computers for use in the library or to borrow and take home with you. There are numerous reading-based programs for preschoolers through adults, movie nights, game nights, art shows, lectures, and music. We also participate in a program called “farm 2 library” that shares the excess produce of local growers with families for free at their local library. This consists of dairy products, fruits and vegetables along with pastas and beans provided through our “Friends of the Library” group. Internet access is always important and that is free to the public as well through the Pember’s system.

We hope this gives insight into how important this is to the Pember and to our surrounding communities. If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me an email at maryj.pember@gmail.com.

We thank you for your consideration of this important proposition and hope you will understand the importance of our request.

Libraries will get you through times of no money, better than money will get you through times of no libraries. (Anne Herbert)

Thank you in advance from the Pember Library and Museum Board of Directors.

March Basket

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The March Pember Basket celebrates the holidays of two cultures: St. Patrick’s Day for the Irish among us (and aren’t we all Irish on St. Paddy’s Day?), and also St. David’s Day for the substantial Welsh community in the Slate Valley! On the Irish side of the Basket we have a book, “Angela’s Ashes,” the highly acclaimed memoir by Frank McCourt, who also won the Pulitzer Prize for it in 1997; a wooden self-standing sign, “Let the Shenanigans Begin,” which features three leprechauns or elves on top; a green scarf with shamrocks for the woman who remembers to wear something green only as she’s going out the door! And on the Welsh side we have a red dragon (okay, he’s Chinese, but a dragon, and for a thousand years there wasn’t a defined image in Wales for their dragon — so he works!); the daffodil being the flower of Wales we have an engaging activity — Lego daffodils; and a handcrafted folklorically dressed lady doll sporting the traditional Welsh hat! The basket will also contain a printed explanation of many Welsh symbols, what is known about St. David, and a some things about Wales itself. We invite you to come look at the basket, and help the Pember by participating in the raffle. The drawing will be March 29, 2pm.

“PEMBER BASKET OF THE MONTH”

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The Pember Board is pleased to announce their “PEMBER BASKET OF THE MONTH”

It will be an ongoing fundraiser for the rest of this year, and perhaps beyond, if it proves to be popular.  The basket contents will be thematic, always contain at least one book, and we will endeavor to make them unusual, surprising, and compelling!

We may treat well-known themes in unique ways — the February Valentine Basket does not show the usual colors and motifs, however, we believe we hit another note with the use of silver!

The February Basket also contains a bottle of Spumante, which requires that an adult pick up the winning basket. The contents of the February Basket are:

– A bottle of Andre’ Spumante (the only sparkling wine that has a cork that will keep the contents from going flat, so you don’t have to drink it all at once!)
– A pair of cut glass or crystal champagne flutes
– The Book is by best-selling author Nicholas Sparks, “The Wedding”
– And elegant wooden standing plaque about “LOVE”
– A lovely 18″ silver-plated necklace with an abalone heart; sterling ear wires with sarmaticus shell hearts.
– Ghirardelli chocolates – 2 bags

– All tucked into a special white basket with sparkling silver burlap, and set off with silver ribbons.

Raffle tickets are $1 each or $5 for 6 tickets and are available in the library. The drawing will be on February 14th. Please place your phone number or email address on each ticket that you place in the jar.

The Board of the Pember hopes you will always be able to find something of interest that will spark your imagination. Why not come down and take a look at the Basket of the Month?  And if you have any ideas for other ones, we encourage you to share them with us!

Nature Programs!

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Don’t forget that we offer nature programs at the Pember Nature Preserve – 6937 State Route 22 in Hebron at the historic Porter Schoolhouse. There are hands-on studies, readings, crafts and nature walks. See page – Nature Programs 2023.

New Exhibit!

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Forgotten Relics is our newest exhibit which will run until mid-May of next year. It’s a must see, BUT if you can’t make it here in person, here are some photos and information on the items. See page – Forgotten Relics.

Our Exhibit Sign

Nature Preserve West Trail

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We are experiencing destruction on the West Trail. People are entering the trail from Clark Way on four-wheelers which is strictly forbidden and have also noticed the cutting and removal of trees. If you hear of anyone doing this, please report them. We are contemplating setting up cameras and a barrier as posted signs are being ignored. We are asking that our hikers go only to the Observation Deck and not into the old forest part of the West Trail (see marked map) until we are able to clean it up. Thank you.

 

Volunteers Needed

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The museum is need of a few Saturday volunteers to work one Saturday a month from 10am to 1pm. This is an easy but important position. If you want to make a difference, please stop by to fill out a form. Our hours are Tues-Fri 1-5 and Sat 10-1. Thank you.

Foxes Program Cancelled

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We apologize but the Red & Gray Foxes program at the Pember Nature Preserve today has been cancelled.  Our naturalist, Katie is feeling under the weather. Let’s send her some healing thoughts!

Weather Forecast

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It’s becoming a weekly event here in the northeast! They are predicting another snow storm beginning tonight and running into Wednesday (3/15) with heavy snow tomorrow. So, we’ve made the decision not to open the Museum tomorrow (3/14). Stay home and safe. See you on the other side.

Hibernation vs Torpor

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Who’s really sleeping and who’s not? Think you know? Come find out the difference between hibernation and torpor. Test your knowledge of our resident mammals and reptiles.

Share an afternoon program on November 29 from 3:30-4:30pm at the Pember Museum with Conservation Biologist and Naturalist Cyd Groff.  Cyd has been coming to Granville since 2006 and moved here full time in 2012 from Connecticut. She has a Bachelors of Science Degree from Central Connecticut State University in Biology and a Master of Arts Degree from CCSU in Environmental Biology and Conservation. She has done field research for the Connecticut Audubon Society and was the Environmental Planner for the Town of Windsor for ten years that included mapping wildlife corridors, stormwater planning, inland wetland agent and enforcement, and educational programs. She and her husband have a farm and participate in the Granville seasonal farmer’s market.

Registration not required. All ages.

Young Zombie Walk

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To culminate a month of open house activities at its nature preserve, The Pember Museum of Natural History in Granville, NY will host a Halloween “Young Zombie Nature Walk” for children at it’s 125 acre Nature Preserve in Hebron, NY on Saturday, October 29 at 1pm.

There will be all day activities, refreshments, treats and zombie make-up starting at 10 am, with giveaways and prizes for best costume, with a Halloween Zombie Nature Walk on the trail at 1 pm.

The Pember Preserve is located at 6937 Route 22, Hebron, NY.

Due to limited parking at the site, registration is required. Call 518-642-1515. Please consider carpooling. See thepember.org

This is a free event.

October Open House

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There will be October Open House at the Pember Nature Preserve (6937 State Route 22, Hebron) with our new part-time Naturalist, Katie. Come meet her and explore the preserve. There will be activities, games, refreshments and prizes. Dates and times are as follows:  10/8, 10/16, 10/22, and 10/29 from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

On Saturday, October 29 there will be a Halloween Special Event – Young Zombie Nature Walk at 1:00pm. The walk is open to children 12 and under. Due to the limited parking at the nature center (Porter School), reservations are required. Call 518-642-1515. Please consider carpooling with friends for this event.

Volunteers needed!

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By definition, volunteering means “to freely offer to do something.” The Pember could really use your help!

Volunteering can take many forms. We have opportunities for you to volunteer in many ways. We are hoping one of these opportunities will be something you’d love to do and it would be so helpful to us. We have possibilities at three locations. The library, the museum and the nature preserve located in Hebron.

The day to day operations sometimes are all the employees can handle so other things that we would like to have happen, get postponed. If you are looking for something to occupy your spare time, if you want to make a difference in the world and you aren’t sure how, if you want to expand your horizons or take a leap out of your comfort zone, now is the time!!

Between the three entities there are many opportunities. The library needs help with shelving books, perhaps some cleaning that might now happen on nearly an often enough basis, assistance with programs and gatherings, decorating for holidays, working in the flower bed out front…all worthwhile jobs. We range from mindless opportunities to mind blowing ones.

The museum needs volunteers to man the exhibit on weekends or other times we are open and need extra people. The animals don’t need to be fed or cleaned up after but you can learn a lot about them and appreciate Franklin Pember’s passion for them. You will receive basic training to be knowledgeable about the museum and you automatically get a title!! You will be a “docent”. (a person who acts as a guide, typically on a voluntary basis, in a museum, art gallery, or a zoo.

The Pember preserve is located on Route 22 in Hebron NY. The schoolhouse needs to be manned on occasion, there is miles of trail work that can be done, a garden of native flowers that can be maintained and weeded, programs that are put on could always use more hands. And you are enjoying nature at the same time.

If have been inspired by this story, please contact the Pember Library at 518-642-2525 or the Museum at 518-642-1515. You can email maryj.pember@gmail.com. We will be happy to further enlighten you on these opportunities.

A volunteer meeting will be held in the near future for those who have committed to this or are still on the fence.

Saturday Museum Volunteers

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We are looking for a volunteer (16 & older) to cover the museum on Saturday, August 27 from 10am to 1pm. Duties include answering the phone, greeting visitors, and managing the gift shop. Stop in Tues-Fri 1-5 or Sat 10-1 to pick up a volunteer registration form. We’ll also need Saturday volunteers for September and every month thereafter. If you are willing to donate your time one Saturday a month, that would be great! THANKS!

Naturalist position open

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The Pember Museum of Natural History is seeking a part-time NATURALIST

to create and run educational programs at the Pember Nature Preserve in Hebron, for children and adults. Programs will consist of classes, presentations, seminars, demonstrations, workshops, nature walks or “safaris”, focused on a particular theme – plant, animal or insect species, ecosystem dynamics or ecology.

The ideal candidate will have educational or employment experience in some capacity involving the natural world, preferably including both plants and animals, and have enthusiasm for this field of discovery. Being fluent in concerns of the natural world, species of plants and animals that are native to our area, work independently with good organizational skills, an ability to research, write, and create compelling nature programs, being able to speak to small groups of people and interact with them, are necessary for the job and will be a big plus for any applicant. The office work portion of this job will take place at the Pember Museum in Granville, and the programs will be delivered at the Pember Nature Preserve in Hebron.

The job is 20 hours per week; schedule to be determined. Salary $13.20/hr.

Please mail or drop off a cover letter indicating your interest in this position, together with your resume/CV to the Pember Museum – Attention: Bernadette Hoffman. Email: Pember_edu@roadrunner.com

See What’s Happening in August

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Events at the Pember Library: Check out the Pember Library’s website and Facebook page for more information

Friends of the Pember Meeting, Next meeting August 4 @5pm

Children’s Summer Reading Program on Water Testing Ages 6-11 August 3 at 3pm

Children’s Summer Reading Program on Octopus Ages 6-11 August 10 at 3pm

Children’s Summer Reading Program on Ocean Floor Ages 6-11 August 17 at 3pm.

Pember Board of Trustees, August 18, 6PM

Popup Luncheon ~Thursday August 25th at 12pm – Washington County Office for the Aging Lunch and Presentation Suggested price for over 60 is $3.00 and under is $5.00. Lunch is Roast Pork Loin with potatoes, Collard greens, and Chocolate Oatmeal cookies.  Reserve your meal at least 24 hours in advance.

Weekly Events   

Book Sale ~ Saturday 10 AM- Noon

Sudoku ~ With Barb Wednesday 2pm

Lego Club – Fridays 3-4:30pm

Pember’s Afternoon Game Time – Tuesdays 3-4:30pm come down have a snack and play a board game.

Preview for Events in September        

  Read it and Eat Book Club, September 8 @ 5PM Book- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Potluck style dinner. To join email Pember.library@gmail.com.

Popup Luncheon ~Wednesday, September 28th at 12pm – Washington County Office for the Aging Lunch and Presentation Suggested price for over 60 is $3.00 and under is $5.00. Lunch is Asian style sweet & sour pork over brown rice with veggie blend.  Reserve your meal at least 24 hours in advance.

Pember Peapod’s preschool crafts & story -time – to return for an eight week session in September. Tuesdays new time @ 10:30

Museum Events: Check out the Museums Website and Facebook page for more information

Pember’s Nature Preserve Programs –

Registration required for all programs call Museum 518-642-1515

 Insects~ August 7, 1pm- 2pm

Skulls Investigation~ August 14, 1pm-2pm

 Ferns of NY~ August 21, 1pm-2pm

Reptiles of NY~ August 28, 1pm-2pm