The Margret and H.A. Rey Center in Waterville Valley, NH is offering something for everyone this upcoming Columbus Day weekend with a full slate of programs for all ages. Join the Rey Center to enjoy the beautiful fall season with a family friendly hike, an Autumn Adventure for kids, a fall mushroom Walk-Talk, an evening of star-gazing, and more.

The weekend's events begin Friday, October 10 at the Rey Center Brookside Room in Waterville Valley's Town Square with an opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for the "A Brush with Nature" art exhibit featuring the work of three local artists.  Following the reception at 7:30 p.m., the Rey Center is pleased to host naturalist David Govatski for a lecture titled  "Land Above the Trees: Alpine Zone of the White Mountains." In his lecture, Mr. Govatski will describe the glacial geology, plant and animal life that make the Alpine Zone of the White Mountains so interesting to hikers and nature enthusiasts He will share how plants and animals adapt to high winds, low temperatures and heavy snowfall, and show pictures of wingless grasshoppers and birds that normally nest in the Arctic. Don't miss this opportunity to learn why the White Mountains are considered islands in the sky.

Saturday, October 11 begins with a family-friendly hike to The Scaur in Waterville Valley from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Participants will be able to soak in the beautiful array of fall colors from the dramatic overlook provided at the rocky outcrop called The Scaur. Participants should bring lunch, plenty of water, and dress for the weather.

The younger crowd will enjoy a Saturday morning spent exploring the forests and meadows around the Curious George Cottage during the Curious Kids program titled "An Autumn Adventure" held from 10:00-11:30 a.m. During this program, families with children ages 3-6 will explore the seasonal changes taking place in the natural world through stories, outdoor activities and a craft. Children will also enjoy a visit to the Curious George Cottage Studio in Waterville Valley's Town Square where they can take home a poster size drawing done by Nat Scrimshaw in the style of H.A. Rey. The Curious George Cottage Studio is open on Saturday, October 11 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and visitors are welcome to drop in at any time during those hours.

The afternoon will feature a Walk-Talk titled "Finding Fall Mushrooms" led by author and mycologist Larry Millman from 1:00-4:00 p.m. The program will begin with an indoor introduction to the role of fungus in the ecosystem, followed by a walk to identify mushrooms growing in and around Waterville Valley. Fall is a wonderful time to explore forests, roadsides, gardens, and meadows to begin to learn to identify the variety of mushrooms that appear at this time of year.

  Saturday will conclude with a Family Astronomy Night from 7:00-9:00 p.m. This program is a fun night of hands-on astronomy activities that will help the whole family gain an understanding of our solar system and beyond. An outside viewing session to see stars, planets, galaxies and more will follow the program, weather permitting.

Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the Curious George children's book series and former summer residents of Waterville Valley, NH, were artists and adventurers, historians and naturalists, gardeners and stewards. Today their spirit lives on in the Margret and H.A. Rey Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the Reys' legacy through art, science, and adventure programs for all ages. Registration is requested for all programs. To register for programs or for more information, including program locations and fees, please contact the Margret and H.A. Rey Center at www.reycenter.org or 603-236-3308.


Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. Today in addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. Dining options include traditional favorites and elegant dining. For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com.