EAST LIVERPOOL – The Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center will host several events in May. For information about events email questions to beavercreekw@aol.com.

Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 3 – Beaver Creek Birding Bonanza Weekend. The competition will run from Friday at 5 p.m. through Saturday at 5 p.m. For a full agenda, rules, and information about registering and events, visit www.beavercreekwildlife.org.

Friday, May 1 from 8 to 9 p.m. – Owl Walk #2. Join Jason Short, Audubon Society of Mahoning Valley president, for an owl walk on Logan’s Loop at the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center. Limited to 25 participants. Register at bcbirdingbonanza@gmail.com and note the walk and how many in the party. Meeting place information will be emailed after acceptance of registration. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate shoes, and bring a flashlight and insect repellent.

Saturday, May 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. – Opening Day for the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center. The center will be open for visitors each weekend through the first weekend of October. For information, visit www.beavercreekwildlife.org. Lunch will be available for visitors while supplies last.

Saturday, May 2 from 2 to 3 p.m. – Raptor Hallow. Volunteers from Raptor Hallow will be in the yard at the wildlife center with some live birds of prey. They will talk about the birds and visitors can take pictures and watch them fly.

Saturday, May 2 from 8 to 9 p.m. – Owl Walk #3. Join Richelle Gatto at the group campground in Beaver Creek State Park for an owl walk. Limited to 25 participants. Register at bcbirdingbonanza@gmail.com and note the walk and how many in the party. Meeting place information will be emailed after acceptance of registration. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate shoes, and bring a flashlight and insect repellent.

Saturday, May 2 from 8 to 9 p.m. – Owl Walk #4. Join Jennifer Balsinger, President of Butler Bird Club, at the Beaver Creek State Park Campground for an owl walk. Limited to 25 participants. Register at bcbirdingbonanza@gmail.com and note the walk and how many in the party. Meeting place information will be emailed after acceptance of registration. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate shoes, and bring a flashlight and insect repellent.

Sunday, May 3 from 9 to 11 a.m. – Migration Bird walk. Join Matthew Smith and Ryan Moss from Division of Natural Areas & Preserves of Ohio, and Audubon Society of Mahoning Valley President Jason Short at Sheepskin Hollow State Nature Preserve along North Fork Little Beaver Creek State Wild & National Scenic River. Parking is limited so carpool if possible. Park in the small parking areas by bridge and underpass until filled up. Then start parking along Jackman Road, the lane west of the iron bridge. Do not block any roads or lanes. Meet by the iron bridge around 8:45 a.m.

Sunday, May 3 from 2 to 3 p.m. – 250 Years of Birds in America. Join Wildlife Center volunteer Jason Short, president of the Audubon Society of Mahoning Valley, under the pavilion as he talks about birding in America over the past 250 years. He will discuss their history, uses, extinction, conservation, symbolism, and how American culture has made the hobby of birdwatching into a billion dollar industry.

Saturday, May 9 from 10:30 a.m. to noon – Wildlife Watchers 101. Bird Watching Basics: Habitats, Counts, Feeder Watches, and Tally Sheets. Join BCWEC volunteers Cheryl and Eileen in the classroom at the wildlife center to learn the ins and outs of birding and making bird-friendly habitats. This is the first of four workshops, partially funded by a grant from ODNR, which will focus on wildlife habits and observations. Participants will use the center’s bird feeders to learn how to use binoculars and to identify common Ohio feeder birds by sight and by ear. They will also plant some native shrubs and trees to attract birds and other wildlife. Registration required by sending contact information to edraybardon@yahoo.com. Class size limited to 25. Suitable for age 10 and older.

Sunday, May 10 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. – Observing Nature Up Close. Join BCWEC volunteers as they share some spring-time images under their dissection microscopes. Learn how microscopes work and examine spring plant parts, including pollen, petals, and maybe an insect that lives on the plant.

Saturday, May 16 from 10:30 a.m. to noon – Wildlife Watchers 102. Phenology (Say What??) and the Power of Effective Observation. Join BCWEC volunteers Cheryl and Eileen in the classroom at the wildlife center. Participants will learn the basics of phenology (as in phenomenon) – which is the method by which many events in nature can be predicted – like when will the hummingbirds arrive? When will the cherry blossoms bloom in D.C.? Tips on improving our observation skills and the basics of nature journaling will be shared. Participants will be provided with an opportunity to practice these skills on the grounds of the center. Registration required by sending contact information to edraybardon@yahoo.com. Class size limited to 25. Suitable for age 10 and older.

Sunday May 17 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. – Carolyn’s Nature Craft – Pinecone Bird Feeders. Join wildlife center volunteers under the pavilion to create a pinecone bird feeder. Supplies provided for the first 25 participants. Meet under the pavilion.

Sunday, May 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. – SCAVENGER HUNT on Logan’s Loop Trail. Children and their adults can take a short hike on Logan’s Loop trail, located behind the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center, and try to find all the animals on the scavenger hunt list. When the hunt is completed, families will receive a booklet about the animals they found on the trail. Adults can pick up the scavenger hunt paper, a pencil, and a clip board at the desk. The hike is .6 miles long and has a couple steeper areas. Participants should wear sturdy shoes. Event will be canceled if bad weather.