Amherst NY 4-H

Amherst 4-H Families!

The sap is flowing! Don't miss this opportunity to collect and boil, please let me know if you plan to participate. I'll be removing the taps on Monday, March 9th.

🌳🍁 Maple Sugaring Time! 🍁🌳

Since many families are busy this week and this is the best weather window for tapping, I’ll be tapping the trees at Bassett Park (359 Klein Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221) today! They’ll be in the same area as last year!

Interested in boiling sap this year? 🥣🔥 Let me know! We can schedule a day/time for you to collect sap from the buckets at the park. I’ll provide detailed instructions on how to boil it down into delicious maple syrup!

Don’t forget, maple syrup can be entered as a 4-H exhibit at the Erie County Fair! 🎡🏅

While we won’t have a group outing to a maple farm this year due to scheduling conflicts, I encourage you to visit a local farm during NY Maple Weekend (March 21–22 & March 28–29). It’s a great family activity and learning experience! 🍁🚜

www.mapleweekend.com

🍁🌳 Amherst Mighty Oak Explorers – Maple Tapping 🌳🍁

Hi everyone!

The weather is looking good for maple tapping next week, and I’d love to make it happen again! We will plan to tap ONE day only between:

📅 Thursday, March 5th – Sunday, March 8th

Please comment with the day(s) and time(s) you’re available so we can pick the option that works best for the most families.

I also want to gently share that thr the last two events didn’t end up having any attendance. I completely understand how busy everyone is, and there’s absolutely no pressure. Planning does take some time and coordination, though, so moving forward, I’ll just need a clearer idea of who plans to attend before organizing. If you commit and something comes up later, that’s totally okay, life happens! I just appreciate knowing there’s interest ahead of time.

A couple quick questions:

🍯 Would you prefer a public boil day at the park like last year, or would you rather take sap home to boil with your family?

🚜 Would anyone be interested in touring Sweet Dreams Maple Farm on Saturday, March 14 or Sunday, March 15? If so, please share which day and general time might work.

Thank you all — I truly appreciate this group and look forward to hearing from you! 🍁💛

Thank you so much to everyone who came out today to make beautiful Valentine’s cards for our Veterans at the Audubon Library!

Your creativity, kindness, and time truly mean so much. These heartfelt cards will bring smiles and remind our Veterans just how appreciated they are 💌.

Making Valentines for Veterans ✂️💌

Join us for a heart-felt crafting session as we create handmade Valentines to thank and honor our veterans ❤️🇺🇸

🗓 Date: February 1, 2026
🕒 Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
📍 Audubon Branch Library
🛠 Location inside: Maker Room

We’ll use simple craft supplies to make thoughtful, creative Valentine cards that will be shared with local veterans.

Come make something special and help spread a little love and gratitude this season 💖

Hi Amherst Families! Please join us for our February outing

🦉❄️ Finding Love in the Dead of Winter (Owl Edition) ❄️🦉

💘 Saturday, February 14, 2026
🕖 7:00 – 9:00 PM
📍 Ellicott Creek Park – Casino

Who says Valentine’s Day can’t be a little wild? Join Ranger Nikki for a cozy (and quiet!) nighttime adventure as we search for one of our most mysterious nocturnal neighbors—the owl 🖤

We’ll start indoors with a short, fascinating seminar on local owl species and why owls are the very first birds to fall in love and mate each season. Then we’ll head outside under the winter night sky, listening closely and hoping to hear owls calling out… looking for love. 🌙✨

Program Details:
🦉 Duration: 1–2 hours
🦉 Terrain: Varied elevation
🦉 Surface: Mostly paved walkways, with possible grass trails
🦉 What to Bring: Flashlight + warm winter clothing (it will be cold!)
🦉 Important: This is a very quiet program — no dogs, please

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a partner, friends, or just your love of nature, this peaceful winter walk is something special 💕

🔗 Register now for Finding Love in the Dead of Winter (Owl Edition)
Spots are limited — don’t miss your chance to hear love in the night 🦉💫

https://www3.erie.gov/parks/form/02-14-2026-finding-love-in-the-d

Our donation drive for Harvest House has been extended until 12/22. Please contact me if you plan on donating. Thank you

Our January Outing: Fossil Exploration at Akron Falls 🌿

📅 When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | ⏰ 10:00 – 11:30 AM
📍 Where: Akron Falls Park – Falls Parking Lot

Start the year with adventure! Join Ranger Nikki to explore the rocks and fossils of Akron Falls Park. Learn how these fossils formed and hunt for your own discoveries along the way. Bring curiosity, warm clothes, and proper footwear—winter fossil hunting awaits!

Event Details:

Trail: Hilly walk from the falls to the reservoir and back

Surface: Cement and stone; may be snowy, muddy, or icy

Gear: Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, walking sticks recommended

Extras: Dogs welcome | Not wheelchair or stroller accessible

🔗 Register here to secure your spot: https://www3.erie.gov/parks/form/01-17-2026-fossil-exploration

⭐️December Giving Event – Now Underway! ⭐️

Wow, how time flies! I hope everyone is doing well as we head into the holiday season. 💕

This December, we are collecting donations for Harvest House and I would love your support!

🗓 Donation Dates: December 13–19
📍 Drop-Off Location: My house
👉 Please PM me for the address if you don’t already have it.

Thank you in advance for supporting this beautiful mission. Your generosity truly makes makes a difference for local families. 💛

❤️ About Harvest House (Buffalo, NY)

Harvest House supports families in need by providing each child with clothing, along with baby gear, diapers, toys, hygiene products, and more.

Over 200 community service agencies refer families to Harvest House each year. Most items are donated by individuals, schools, workplaces, and community projects. I am so happy that we have the opportunity to donate and support this amazing cause!

♻️ Reuse With a Purpose – Please Donate Thoughtfully

✔️ Items must be clean, organized, and in good condition
✔️ Secure any loose parts (screws, bolts, instructions) in a labeled bag
✔️ Ask yourself: “Would I give this to my child or grandchild?”

🎁 Items Most Needed

☀️ NEW ITEMS:

Children’s underwear

Diapers (cloth & disposable)

Unexpired formula & baby food

Mothers’ personal care items

Breast pumps

🌞New or Gently Used (All Seasons)

Clothing & pajamas (preemie–14/16)

Bibs, socks, tights

Children’s shoes & boots

Coats, hats & gloves

Backpacks & lunch bags

Baby Gear
(Safety items must be within 5 years of manufacture)

Car seats & boosters

Bassinets, pack ’n plays, toddler beds & mattresses

Strollers, baby carriers, walkers, exersaucers

Highchairs & booster seats

Bottles, cups, dishes & utensils

Toys & Learning Items

Coloring books, crayons, arts & crafts

Infant & educational toys

Puzzles (≤100 pieces), stacking toys, shape sorters

Ride-ons, balls, sports toys

Musical toys & pretend play sets

Children’s games & puzzles

New or like-new stuffed animals

Thank you for helping make our December event meaningful for families who need it most. 💕
Please reach out with any questions or to get my address!

Good morning, the trip to Springville is postponed due to today's heavy rain/snow mix. Sorry for the inconvenience and hope you have a fantastic day♥️