About the Martinsville-Henry County Community Nature Initiative

With the support of The Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont, Virginia Museum of Natural History and its partners, Dr. Denny Casey and Tamara Poles developed a new nature and outdoor initiative entitled the Martinsville Henry County Community Nature Initiative (MHC CNI). The CNI will serve as a clearinghouse for environmental information, use nature as a way to stimulate learning, develop opportunities for quality family time in the outdoors, and position VMNH as a leader in environmental education. CNI will serve as a means to provide hands-on, real-world opportunities for children, educators, and families to increase appreciation for nature and as an effective means to better understand and address community environmental issues.

Click the above CNI logo for official website and to access your Earth Week Passport!

Earth Week 2010 Highlights

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays from MHC CNI!!

Here are a few dates that you can put on your new calendar!

Kite Festival March 12 is our Piedmont Kite Festival and its Rain date is March 19

Earth Week begins April 15 and will end April 23 with the Earth Week Festival!

National Get Outdoors Day is June 11

Great American Campout June 25

Happy Holidays to Everyone and we hope to see you at the above events!!

Friday, November 19, 2010

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Mhc cni conducting tree inventory in frank wilson park! Beautiful fall colors!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Special Saturday Programs

VMNH is still conducting Special Saturday Programs be sure to sign up for the fast! The next two programs that are coming up are below

VMNH Special Saturday programs make learning fun. Each program explores a different natural history through games, crafts, and fun-filled activities. Programs are held from 10 a.m to noon, unless otherwise noted. Program fee is $5 per participant. Pre-registration is required by calling the museum at 276 634 4185 or emailing discover@vmnh.virginia.gov on week in advance.

December 4- A Night Under the Stars: 7-8 p.m. Ages 10 and above accompanied by an adult. Find out what's up tonight in the nighttime sky.

December 11: Scrumdidlyumptious Holiday Treats: Ages 5-8. Love food? Love art? Love the holidays? Combine the three by making artwork that is good enough to eat.

Tree Inventory

Frank Wilson Park tree inventories and trainings are still being conducted every Friday at 2:30pm. Meet at the log shelter!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Updates from SEMAA

The Robotics Regional Tournament is November 6th in Christiansburg. Anne will be taking 3 teams from Martinsville Middle School. They will keep us posted on their results! GOOD LUCK MMS!!!
There will be a math and science night at Albert Harris on November 9

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

MHCCNI Committee Member Updates

Today, the MHC CNI Steering Committee met together to discuss some up coming events and to see what their organizations have been up to. Below are their updates.

Friends of Fairystone: Will be conducting their Fall Frolic this Saturday, November 6 from 10:am until dark! Admission is Free!

US Army Corps of Engineers at Philpott: Would like to announce that they will be conducting programs every Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm at philpott throughout the winter to assure people that just because its cold does not mean that they can't go outside!
The Rangers at Philpott also conducted over 15 classes in 7 days for every third grade class in the Henry County Public School system. The presentation was about bears!

Henry County Public Schools
Received a grant which enables them to work with their current third grade students throughout the year in a special curriculum coordinated by UVA. During the month of November each class received a program from the US Army Corp of Engineers at Philpott Dam about bears.
Henry County is also conducting the first county wide Science Fair in April!
The trees from the Trees in the Classroom program are doing great. They are currently about 3 inches tall and will be planted in April.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

MHCCNI Partner gets Canoes!!!

Martinsville Parks and Recreation starts up Canoe Rental Program at Reservoir

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Martinsville Parks and Recreation will start renting Canoes at Beaver Creek Reservoir for $30 a day plus a $10 deposit, which is refundable after key, paddles, and life jackets are returned to Main Office at 746 B Indian Trail. The public must come to the Main Office to fill out a short waiver and be sized up for paddles and life jackets which will be at this particular location. (Participates are required to wear their life jackets at all times while paddling on the Lake). Then the person will receive a key specific to the canoe rented, e.g., numbers 1-8. Canoes are “only” allowed to be put in at the Reservoir Lake and returned back to the canoe rack which is stationary at Beaver Creek Reservoir and locked back into position. For more information on MPR’s new Canoe Rental Program, call our office at 276-403-5140.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

After School Playtime!

After School Playtime has been rescheulded for Thursday October 7 at Frank Wilson Park!! I hope to see everyone out at the playground at 3:00pm :)

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Updates on TACO Week

Due to the current weather conditions, the following programs have been canceled or postponed

Step it up with Art- CANCELED

After School Playtime-POSTPONED to next Thursday October 7.

Creepy Crawlies Special Saturday Program- CANCELED do to lack of pre registered participants

Gravely Graves- CANCELED do to the lack of pre registered participants

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

TACO Week Activities

Friday September 24: Screen on the Green at Hooker Field


Saturday, September 25: Community Events

Oktoberfest, Arts and Crafts show, and a Car Show taking place throughout the day in Uptown Martinsville.


Monday, September 27: Step it up with Art

Get Artsy with Activate at 6 p.m. Jack Dalton Park! This activity is for all ages.


Wednesday, September 29: Doodle Bugs!

"Jungle to Jungle"

10 a.m and 3 p.m. Join us on a jungle safari. Investigate the latest exhibit featuring a lion, zebras, and antelopes with a binocular craft. Pre-registration is required by calling 276 634 4185, $5 per child.



Thursday, September 30: After School Playtime

3 to 5 p.m at J. Frank Wilson Park for all ages. A light snack will be provided.

Saturday, October 2: Community Open Park Day!
Participants can enjoy a fun day at the park with organizations who contribute to the beautification and education in our community parks.

10 a.m.-Noon: Creepy Crawlies Special Saturday Program
Ages 8-11. Learn which insects make slime and make your own! Pre-registration is required no later than Wednesday September 29, at 276 634 4185, $5 per child. Located at J. Frank Wilson Park. Meet at the stone shelter.

Noon-2p.m: Park Green Up
Join the Friends of Wilson Park and the Southwestern Piedmont Master Naturalists in the park. Help take care of this community gem by gardening, removing invasive species, and other projects.

3-4:30 p.m: Gravely Graves
Kids and adults join a VMNH educator at the Gravely Nature Preserve for a cemetery "scavenger hunt" using the information on the headstones! Pre-registration is required no later than Wednesday September 29, at 276 634 4185, $5 per child.

Screen on the Green at Hooker Field Results

A special thank you to all of you who came out to Hooker Field Friday night! We had 197 people participate in this event! We raced Marty the Mustang around the bases at Hooker field! I can't believe Marty LOST! Those kids were so fast! Participants also were able to get their faces painted by our great artists, make a snow measuring sticks that could have either looked like a penguin or a snowman. Participants tested their accuracy in the throwing contest, and they tested their balance in a penguin relay race! After the fun activities, the participants enjoyed the movie Happy Feet under the stars on this beautiful Friday night at Hooker Field.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Screen on the Green at Hooker Field!

September's Screen on the Green is going to be a big one! This one will take place at Hooker Field and we will be showing a hit animated film starring Robin Williams and Nicole Kidman!!

Activities start at 8:00pm and include face painting, relay races with Marty the Mustang, and Throwing accuracy contests! Movie starts at 8:30pm!

$2 admission and food will be available for purchase!

TACO Week!

Take A Child Outside (TACO) Week is back!! This year is the third annual celebration to help break down obstacles that keep children from exploring the outdoors. Normally this week is from September 24 to September 30, however due to the excitment of our partners wanting to participate we have extended our TACO week to Ocotber 2, 2010. Our kickoff event is our Screen on the Green that will be taking place September 24, 2010 at Hooker Stadium!! :) Fun activities such as relay races with Marty the Mustang, face painting, crafts, and accuracy contests will begin at 8:00pm and the movie will begin at 8:30pm! We will be showing a hit animated film starring Robin Williams and Nicole Kidman!

We are currently coordinating a variety programs addressing various audiences that will take place throughout the week. Keep checking this page for updates!!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Screen on the Green

Our next Screen on the Green will be August 27 we will be showing Animal Planet's The Predators' Prey!!

Next month be prepared to sit underneath the stars at Hooker Field and watch a Box Office Hit!!!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Screen on the Green



The last Friday of the month from April to September M-HC CNI partners with Martinsville Parks and Recreation to show an outdoor movie. This month we showed an IMAX movie called "T-Rex Back to the Cretaceous." We had over a dozen people participate in our crafts and our exciting movie. More pictures to come soon!

Outdoor Fun Festival 2010



On June 12, 2010 in Frank Wilson Park was our Second Annual Outdoor Fun Festival. This festival had over 369 people attend. I first would like to extend a huge thanks to all of the organizations and volunteers that helped in making the Outdoor Fun Festival of 2010 a success! ! We had a lot for our participants to take part in such as a disc golf tournament, basketball tournament (Around the World, and Horse), horseshoe tournament, moon bounce, an inflatable rock wall, guided trail hikes, a sidewalk chalk competition, carnival games, live animals, and live music!

The organizations that were present during this event were; YMCA, Martinsville Fire & Rescue, Civil Air Patrol, Tactfully Teamed, Starting Place,VMNH, Southwestern Piedmont Master Naturalists, Trout Unlimited, Friends of Frank Wilson Park, Martinsville Parks and Recreation, Martinsville Mustangs, Friends of Philpott, National College, Smith River Sports Complex, Bath Fitters, Friends of Fairystone, Smokey Pig, and Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

Due to inclement weather the Outdoor Fun Festival had to end early however everyone enjoyed the festival.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Sharing Nature Workshop


On Thursday, June 10, 2010 we hosted a Sharing Nature Workshop presented by Greg Traymar. The Sharing Nature book series was developed by Joseph Cornell consists of techniques and activities that encourage getting children involved in the outdoors and with nature. The workshop demonstrated to participants the effectiveness of flow learning and teh Sharing Nature activities. Greg Traymar was an enthusiastic instructor who kept the participants engaged and energized.

For more information about Sharing Nature go to http://www.sharingnature.com/






Friday, May 7, 2010

Earth Day Festival




This year’s Earth Day Festival yield over 795 participants!! With activities such as a live interactive band, a craft station, facepainting, a moon bounce, an inflatable slide, live animals, a bubble station, and other activities hosted by almost a dozen exhibitors!

Earth Day at VMNH

Above picture is of Astronaut Patrick G. Forrester who was our Keynote speaker of the day.

Earth Day at VMNH was an amazing event! We had presenters from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Master Gardeners, Dan River Basin Association, and a Master Naturalist. This event was a conference style event for classes that registered.

We also had a very special guest speaker Astronaut Patrick G. Forrester who gave a presentation that was OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Earth Week 2010 Highlights

No Light Night Hike
This event had over a dozen people exploring the Gravely Nature Preserve at night without ANY flashlights!! Everyone had a wonderful time and their guide said they were an excellent group!

Friends of Philpott Environmental Expo
This event had exhibitors from all around Martinsville, Henry County, and neighboring counties. There were over 400 participants at this very fun event!! Wonderful job Friends of Philpott!!

Black Bears of Virginia
This was a great presentation given by Danny Martin USACE. This outdoor educational presentation was a hit with the families that attended to see in real time bears jumping from tree to tree. An amazing presentation followed by a great outdoor movie about bears in nature. This event kept our audience of over 20 people on the edge of their seats.

Earth Day Earth Craft
This crafty event had over a dozen kids making beautiful deer deterrent wind chimes! They came in all colors and designs. The kids had more paint on them than their crafts, this is how we know they had a great time :)





Hike and Craft April 21 (Philpott Dam) and the Natural Art April 22 (Frank Wilson Park)
Over a dozen people gathered for these events to develop creative crafts out of the natural objects that they found on a hike. Perfect days for both activities! Great job!

Screen on the Green
This event went very well. We had over 80 people in attendance! From 7:00 to 8:00 the participants went on a nature hike, identified and made animal tracks, created nature crafts, got their faces painted, and played with bubbles. Then as soon as 8:00 hit we watched the Lorax!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Earth Week Celebration Conclusion

I would like to thank everyone who helped make the second annual Earth Week a Success! Each program was well attended and well planned. I have heard nothing but good things about the programs and I am so proud of everyone who helped. Below are some highlights from the week

THANK YOU!!!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Earth Week Celebration

The Earth Week Celebration has arrived!! This year’s celebration will start April 16 and end with the Earth Day Festival April 24, 2010 at Jack Dalton Park! Be sure to print off your passports and bring them to the listed events to be eligible for prizes the day of the Earth Day Festival! Download your passport here!

Get your passport stamped at the Earth Week activities you attend and turn in your passport at the Earth Day Festival to enter to win in the prizes! You have to attend at least 3 activities!

For additional activities and details please go to www.mhccni.org

Here is a list of activities

April 16:
No Light Night Hike at 8:00 pm at Gravely Nature Preserve. Pre-registration is required at 276 634 4185

April 17
Friends of Philpott Environmental Expo at Philpott Lake Park Overlook from 1 to 4pm Free for all ages!

April 18
Black Bears of Virginia, a hands-on experience in learning about bears! J. Frank Wilson Park, Stone Shelter, 7:30 to 8:30 (rain location Philpott Visitor Center) Free! Pre-registration is required at 276 634 4185 by April 16

April 19
Earth Day Earth Craft
located at Studio 107, 5:30 to 6:30 for Pre-K to K. Free!

April 20
Tuesday Morning Strolls
, meet at the Martinsville Parks and Recreation Office, 9:00am to 10:00am Free for all ages!

Earth Day Presentation
, (Learn about composting!) at Henry County Administration Building,! Main boardroom. 1:00 to 3:00pm. Free for all Ages

Hike and Craft, collect materials for a craft while you take a beautiful hike at Philpott Lake. Philpott Dam Overlook, 5:00 to 6:00pm Free for all ages!

April 21
VMNH Earth Day Event
, Morning and afternoon education sessions are available for school groups. All grades. A special presentation will be given that day by Astronaut Patrick G. Forrester!!! Pre-registration is required at 276 634 4185 or email at discover@vmnh.virginia.gov

Natural Art, natural crafts at Frank Wilson Park ages 4 and up. Program starts at 5:30. Pre-registration is required at 276 634 4185

April 23
Screen on the Green! Games start at 7:00pm and the movie start 8:00pm! Located at Frank Wilson Park this event is FREE and for all ages!

April 24
Earth Day 5K
, Registration is at 9:00am and the race starts at 10:00am. Location, Martinsville Parks and Recreation Facility 746 Indian Trail Road. Early registration through April 15: $15. After April 15 : $20

Earth Day Festival!! Jack Dalton Park 1:00- 4:00pm FREE, all ages are welcome!

Starry Night, Jack Dalton Park 7:30pm Free Ages 10 and up. Pre- registration is required for this event. To register call 276 634 4185 or email at discover@vmnh.gov

Kite Festival 2010!


March 20, 2010 we conducted the first annual Kite Festival! This festival was located at Jack Dalton Park. Thanks to the Piedmont Arts Association and Martinsville Parks and Recreation we had over 500 make your own kite kits that were donated to us for this event! Children were able to come in and make their own personal kites, paint them with the guidance of college students and real artists from Studio 107. Participants also took part in watching the Henry County Patriot acrobatics. The Henry County Patriots brought their model aircraft and held demonstrations along with giving people a chance to practice flight using their flight simulator! Also at the event, we had a make your own bubble wand bubble station, paper helicopter station, parachute games, disc golf competitions with prizes, and SEMAA had a station where participants were able to build kites and noise makers! It was a busy and fun day! Participants did not run out of activities to take part in.

We had over 500 participants, a beautiful day, games, crafts, and prizes, it was an amazing event!

Special thanks goes out to all the volunteers for this event, it would not have been as successful without you guys!


Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Attention Educators!!

Teachers, educators, and community leaders clear your calendars the first week of June and the first week of August! We are currently organizing two one-day workshops taking place during these weeks! More information to come later this week!!! Contact me if you would like to know more information!

Friday, January 8, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year from MHCCNI!
We hope your new year is off to a wonderful start! We have been coordinating some exciting programs and festivals for the M-HC area for this year. You can find out more specific information about these programs, events, and festivals at www.mhccni.org . We have some fun Saturday programs underway along with a festival which will take place in March!