TML welcomes Jen Balsiger, founder of the Butler Birders Club to talk about who is a birder and why they do what they do. The township is filled with great experiences to observe and be a part of nature with birds being an incredible part of it. Peter lets us know just how far back birding goes in the township, and Patty keeps us informed of the fun things ahead on the calendar.

Podcast notes

Email us: TheMiddlesexLife@Gmail.com

Middlesex Community Action (website)

Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications here

Next Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, Jun 17 @ 6:30pm

Next Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, Jun 24 @ 6:30pm

Township Bldg — Browns Hill Road

Jen Balsiger Founder | Butler Birders Club

FB: Butler Birders Club

w: butlerbirders.club

e: Jen@butlerbirders.club

Inside the Episode

Jennings Environmental Center

Audubon Society Master Birder Program

Merlin Bird app by Cornell Lab for iOS

What’s On

June 11
Picnic & Music in the Park - Succup Nature Park - Airport Rd 6:30pm-8:30pm - Free

Tables and seating under the pavilion, or bring a blanket and spread out on the lawn as you enjoy the beauty of the grounds and some great local talent!

Jun 12-14

15th Annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival

Downtown Butler & Coopers Lake, Slippery Rock

Trails, obstacles, vendors, Jeep history, and more; Honor our shared American spirit and Bantam’s incredible legacy.

June 13
Our Frontier Landscapes on the Road to Revolution and Beyond
9am - Free - Adults + kids over 12
Jennings Environmental Education Center, Prospect Rd, Slippery Rock

2 hours, 3 miles, varied terrain
From our geology, flora, and fauna to the evidence of human use throughout that time, participants will discover ways of seeing the landscape that help to unravel some of the myths and mysteries in our revolutionary history.

Seasonal Farmers Markets

Harvest Valley Farm Market & Bakery, 5820 William Flynn Highway

Freedom Farms Farmers Market, 779 Pittsburgh Rd. Butler

Scott and Peter are given the opportunity to talk with Jim Brown, President of MTVFC, and Greg Vikanovak, Chief of MTVFC to discuss the role the fire company plays in the township and the ways people can get involved.

Email us: TheMiddlesexLife@Gmail.com

Middlesex Community Action (website)

Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications here

Next Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, Jun 17 @ 6:30pm

Next Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, Jun 24 @ 6:30pm

Township Bldg — Browns Hill Road

Jim Brown & Greg Vikanovak President & Chief | Middlesex Twp Volunteer Fire Department

w: middlesexvfc.com

p: (724) 898-1480

Emergency: 911

130 Browns Hill Road

Valencia, PA 16059

What’s On

May 31
Goat Yoga on the Farm 5:30-7:30 (Multiple dates all summer) $40

One hour of outdoor yoga with the goats, then one hour of goat cuddling and cider or beer, and cheese tasting afterwards. Please bring your own mat and water.

Jun 6-7

Mars New Year - Celebrating the New Year on the red planet.

5-10 Saturday; 2-10 Sunday

Fun, and immersive activities for all ages, with exhibits from organizations like NASA, Astrobotic; speakers including cosmonauts, NASA and planetary scientists; rocket launches; educational STEAM activities; maker space, costume contest, music, and night time drone show! Plus the 11th Annual Mars Brewfest

Every Saturday May-October
Mars Farm Market - Woodland Valley Church parking lot - 9-Noon

Details on their Facebook Page

Also visit

Harvest Valley Farm Market & Bakery, 5820 William Flynn Highway

Freedom Farms Farmers Market, 779 Pittsburgh Rd. Butler

Peter is joined by Susie Salter to go for a walk through her property examining some of the old oil wells still remaining, and we get to go along for the conversation! Jill Sweet then gives us all a picture of what it's like to own a dance studio and bring her passion for people and the performing arts to Middlesex Township.

Peter and Patty also give a review of the MCA's Woodland Workshop in case you missed it.

Email us: TheMiddlesexLife@Gmail.com

Middlesex Community Action (website)

Sign up for official Middlesex Twp notifications here

Next Board of Supervisors Township Meeting: Wed, May 20 @ 6:30pm

Next Planning Commission Meeting: Wed, May 27 @ 6:30pm

Susie Salter | A Walk Among Oil Wells

Jill Sweet Owner | Pine Center Performing Arts

FB: PineTreePerformingArts

Insta:

YouTube:

w: PineTreeCenter.com

e: jsweet@pinetreecenter.com

p: (724) 898-1122

What’s On

May 21
Saxonburg Mingle on Main

Main St. Saxonburg

5:30pm-8:30pm

Family friendly, all things local, food, drinks, vendors, car cruise, music, fun

May 23

Butler Birders Club’s Bird by Ear Workshop

Alameda Park Butler, meet at Jaycee Shelter

9am-10am

Learn tips and tricks to listen to birdsong and identify birds

Flat paved path

Free but register

Questions? jen@butlerbirders.club

Found an injured bird?
Contact Stormy Oaks Nature Conservancy by phone only - leave a message

(724) 898-1788

Birds only - Passerines (Songbirds, Swifts, Swallows) and Raptors (Birds of Prey)

Please do not take birds without talking to someone there first