Program Schedule

‘Seeking Harmony with Nature’ is the theme for our 103nd year!

Principles for living in Harmony with Nature in the natural world include: interdependence, adaptation, diversity, oneness, cycles and circles, health, geometry, and beauty. This year, let’s follow these principles to guide us in the way we live, individually and collectively.

Every month, our members are treated to an expert-led educational program and luncheon. Topics include gardening, design, environment/conservation, and field trips.

PLEASE NOTE: Membership meetings are on the second Wednesday of the month at the Robin Hill Center main building. Program start time is 11am unless otherwise noted. Please be present and seated by 11am.

Guests are welcome at these meetings if they coordinate with a current member or Contact Us here. Follow our Blog or Facebook page to get updates and stay in touch!

NOTE: These are the programs planned for the year. Please be advised that the activities/times are subject to change. Members will be notified through the newsletter or email if and when changes occur.

Program	Date	Description

Robin Hill Center: Diversity Makes Us Strong	March 13 11am	TOPIC: Welcome Back and 2024 Preview The President and Officers provide a club overview for the year. Yearbooks and calendar will be distributed.
Robin Hill Center: Beauty in Many Forms	April 10, 11am	SPEAKER: Joanne Canan TOPIC: Your Garden Can Tell a Story Every garden shows each gardener’s love of nature, but, taken a step further, a plot of land can become a theme garden by exhibiting a gardener’s interests and passions. There are endless options for theme gardens; from literary ones reflecting the love of a certain author or time period, to fairy gardens that especially enchant children, to culinary gardens, that show a love of delicious cuisine – such as pizza! We will explore the pleasures and techniques of creating a garden that reflects you.
FIELD TRIP Allegheny Observatory & Riverview Park: Our Place in the Wider Universe	May 8	PROGRAM LEADER: Carol Howe Join us on a private tour of one of the oldest observatories in the U.S. We will learn about the rich history of this facility and have a chance to view sunspots and other astronomical features. For those interested we will also do a short walking tour of Riverview Park prior to visiting the Observatory.
Robin Hill Center: Savor Nature’s Flavor	June 12, 11am	SPEAKER: Waleed Naqi TOPIC: Cooking with Herbs Chef Waleed will highlight the best use of herbs in cooking, focusing on familiar and not so familiar herbs and demonstrating simple techniques for using them, as in when to add to your food for best flavor. The aroma of fresh bread with herbs will be wafting through Robin Hill as he bakes a fresh loaf in our kitchen oven.
Robin Hill Center: Adapting Our Urban Form	July 10, 11am	SPEAKER: Eric Fisher TOPIC: Where are the Stars? Light pollution is the key reason so many people do not get to enjoy the splendors of the night sky. This insidious pollution affects our ability to produce melatonin and consequently our sleep along with impacting our environment, from the lowly dung beetle to owls, foxes and other creatures. Learn about these effects and positive actions we might take to minimize light pollution, thus bringing the night sky back into view for all.
FIELD TRIP Coraopolis and Mooncrest Community Gardens Supporting Healthy Communities	August 14	SPEAKERS: Theresa Long, MNP & Randon Willard, CCDC TOPIC: Food Insecurity/Community Gardens Come learn about two local organizations whose activities are helping to address food insecurity in our area. We will begin at the Mooncrest Community Garden and Activity Center. Theresa Long will speak to us about the many weekly activities at the center and how the Community Garden benefits the residents of Mooncrest. Next we will visit the Coraopolis Community Development Corporation where Randon Williard, Executive Director, will inform us how the CCDC is making a big impact in supporting the community of Coraopolis.
FIELD TRIP Moon Park Connecting with Nature	September 11	TOPIC: Connecting with Nature The regular meeting will take place at Moon Park’s Clearview pavilion with our monthly luncheon (and some fun activities) to follow.
Robin Hill Center: Geometry Between Houses and Gardens	October 9 11am	SPEAKER: Ellen Levin TOPIC: Architecture and Gardens Over Time How did we get here? A historical look at how architecture, industrialized cities, and design attitudes towards nature impacted how gardens developed and conversely, how new attitudes on collecting, exploration and gentleman farming in America had an influence on architecture. How can these rules of design be applied today?
Robin Hill Center: Adapting to Our Landscape	November 13, 11am	SPEAKER: Doug Canan TOPIC: My Hillside is a Mess! What can I do with a hillside that is perpetually covered with weeds? Luckily, there are many options. Turn that hillside from an eyesore into a focal point that will allow you to take pride in your hillside (and impress your neighbors at the same time!)
Montour Heights Country Club: MTGC Members Holiday Luncheon	December 11	TOPIC: Celebrating the End of a Cycle Celebrate the season and a year of growth during this members only event. Luncheon followed by a short business meeting and installation of 2024 officers.