Science in the Stream Day

When: April 11, 2026, 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Where: Powdermill Nature Reserve Tickets: Free. Registration recommended. Register for Science in the Stream→ Why do scientists study streams? And what are they looking for? Learn the answers to these questions and try out some scientific techniques yourself with us on Science in the Stream Day! At this family-friendly event you’ll get to meet real scientists, try hands-on experiments, go on a quest around the Nature Center, and get your feet wet in Powdermill Run. Community partners Trout Unlimited Forbes Chapter and Mountain Watershed Association will be on-hand with stream-themed activities to enjoy. Be prepared to get wet, don’t forget your water shoes! Activity Schedule Ongoing throughout the Event: Salamander Survey Scavenger Hunt: Look for model salamanders and record them on your survey sheet. When you’re done, turn your results in for a prize! Natural Materials Boat Building (ends at ​3:15): Build your own small boat to race down the stream at 3:30 p.m. Clay Salamander Experiment: Build your own clay salamander and hide it in the forest! Clay salamanders in nice moist areas will stay soft, but clay salamanders in areas unsuitable for salamanders will dry out. Remember to mark your salamander location on the map, so that you can check on your salamander and others throughout the day. Collect Macroinvertebrates in the Stream: Get in the water and looks for critters with the expert guidance of a Powdermill educator. Identify Macroinvertebrates: Look at macroinvertebrate specimens through a microscope and learn to identify different species with experts from Powdermill and Mountain Watershed Association. Play in the Mud: Kids are encouraged to play in the mud! Let your little explorers get dirty and have fun. (We’ll have an area to rinse off. Dress accordingly and bring your own towel.) 12:30 p.m.: Watch the documentary RiverWebs in the Nature Center. 1:30 p.m.: Electro-fishing Demonstration with Dr. Mary Janecka,…