Atoms to artifacts, foxes to fossils, robins to rhododendrons, sculpture to storytellers - Ithaca's Discovery Trail has something for everyone!
From peaceful walks to famous talks, from hands-on fun to genealogical research, there's so much to see and do along the Discovery Trail. These eight fascinating sites are an easy drive from downtown Ithaca, Cornell University, Ithaca College, Cayuga Lake and other Finger Lakes attractions.
The Discovery Trail Partnership is a group of educational organizations based in Ithaca, NY. The only organization of its kind, the Discovery Trail promotes awareness and understanding of the connections among art, history, literature, science, and the natural world.
Date: Tuesday, January 19Ithaca area storytellers telling tales about the winter season. Families with elementary age children are welcome. More...
Date: Wednesday, January 20The TCPL will host Author and Social Worker Elizabeth E. Root for a discussion and signing of her new book, KIDS Caught in the Psychiatric Maelstrom: How Pathological Labels and "Therapeutic" Drugs Hurt Children and Families. Root will bring her therapy dog, Leo, a miniature poodle, to the presentation. Books will be available for sale, and Root will sign copies before and after the presentation. More...
Date: Thursday, January 21 & Friday, January 22Explore our special exhibitions and permanent collections on free guided tours of the Museum. More...
Date: Thursday, January 21We'll kick off our winter/spring serices on bird habitats with this exciting multimedia book by Miyoko Chu of the Cornell Lab with illustrations by Julia Hargreaves. Come explore seven North American bird habitats, with 3-dimensional pop-ups and a chorus of bird song for each. More...
Date: Thursday, January 21Please join us for light refreshments and a chance to meet the artists involved in our most recent art exhibition. More...
Date: Friday, January 22The Library holds an opening reception for two new art exhibits: Living Light: A Celebration of the Finger Lakes Flora, a juried exhibit organized by the Finger Lakes Native Plant Society, will be on display in the library through March 26, 2010 and The Art Behind the Scientist – Sculpture by Francis Charles Moon, Cornell University Joseph C. Ford Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in conjunction with Light in Winter Gallery Night. After 5:00 pm, please enter the library through the BorgWarner door, adjacent to the new Gimmee Coffee on Green Street. More...
Date: Friday, January 22 The History Center’s ‘Historic Paintings Unwrapped’ Month Three to display a new series of local historical artwork on view January 22 through March 2, 2010. Join us for Downtown Ithaca Gallery Night. Refreshments Served! More...
Date: Friday, January 22 Hike our wooded trails, under the big sky of our back fields or around our ponds. Explore who is awake and stirring under the moonlight. No need to bring a flashlight. Meet at the lower kiosk at CNC. More...
Date: Friday, January 22 Join us for a member preview of Sonic Sensation. Explore how humans hear, and discover how well you can listen. More...
Date: Saturday, January 23 & Sunday, January 24Come to Sapsucker Woods for a leisurely walk through the sanctuary. These walks are aimed at beginner bird watchers and last approximately 1-1.5 hours. Dress for the weather and bring a pair of binoculars and field guide (if you have them).Some binoculars may be available. Walks will be led by Cornell Lab of Ornithology volunteer docents. More...
Date: Saturday, January 23 Starting in January, you will have the opportunity to discover a special collection of "Made in Ithaca" exhibits. This show highlights exhibits from our newest traveling exhibition, "Sonic Sensation," and also brings back some Sciencenter favorites - signature hands-on exhibits that are sure to get you moving, building and exploring. Hands-On Activities from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm: Dangerous Decibels: Explore the science of sound through hands-on activities and experiments. Make a kazoo, see how sound vibrates different materials, and make (and break!) a model of your inner ear! More...
Date: Saturday, January 23With a backdrop of beautiful illustrations by the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Bird expert Steve Kress will give a talk outlining the issues that have led to the decline of 20 once-common North American bird species and what can be done to lessen the impact we have on these beloved creatures. The talk will be part of the Light in Winter Festival. Steve Kress is the National Audubon Society's vice president of Bird Conservation and director of Seabird Restoration Program. He has taught Spring Field Ornithology at the Lab since 1977. More...
Date: Saturday, January 23 Check out our many animals at Cayuga Nature Center. We will be feeding our snakes, turtles, birds, fish and our mammals. Our Director of Animals will be around to answer your questions. All ages are welcome! Reservations are not required, but large organized groups are asked to call ahead of time. Cost of program free with admission: Admission: $3 Adults, $2 Students and Seniors, $1 Children (2-11). CNC Members are free, MOTE Members receive a dollar off adult admission. More...
Date: Saturday, January 23 Join Museum of the Earth on a journey through space as Joe Burns from Cornell University shows visitors images of Saturn, its rings and satellites that have been obtained over the last five years of the Cassini mission. Two satellites, Titan and Enceladus, will be described in detail; the former has a dense methane and nitrogen atmosphere with methane rain and lakes; the latter, a tiny moon, spews geysers of water from its South pole. Saturn’s rings and their interaction with nearby moons will be emphasized. More...
Date: Saturday, January 23 Join the Sciencenter staff this January as they explore the following topics: Power the Future (January 9), Watching and Feeding Winter Birds (January 16), Sonic Seas (January 23) and Underwater Robots (January 30). More...
Cayuga Nature Center
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Cornell Plantations
The History Center
Johnson Museum of Art
Museum of the Earth
Sciencenter
Tompkins County Public Library