Those participating in Audubon Community Nature Center’s Natural Investigators on Saturday, July 20, can learn to build a shelter to protect from unexpected rain or wind on outdoor adventures.

Spending time in nature is great unless there is an unexpected storm.

But the weather doesn’t have to put a stop to outdoor adventures.

Adults and their 8 to 12-year-old(s) can be Audubon Community Nature Center Natural Investigators Saturday, July 22, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and learn “Knot Tying and Shelter Building.”

When people leave behind the sturdy structures of civilization and venture into the forest, it can be hard to find shelter from rain or wind. Knowing some useful knots and ways to tie a simple tarp into a shelter can keep people protected and dry in the woods.

Natural Investigators includes an indoor portion to learn basic knots. The group will then head outside to create tarp shelters that can be used in a variety of weather conditions.

The program happens rain or shine, so dress for the weather. The fee is $12 for adults, $9 for Nature Center members and children ages 8 to 12. Enrollment is limited to 12 children, 24 participants total. Make paid reservations – required by Thursday, July 20, – by calling 716-569-2345 during business hours or by going to AudubonCNC.org and clicking through “Programs and Events.”

Natural Investigators is presented on the fourth Saturday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and Warren, Pa. Visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, view the native tree arboretum, gardens, picnic area, and natural play space, and hike over five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free.

The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Nature Center members and SNAP/EBT cardholders have free building admission daily. Building admission is also free every Sunday for non-Nature Center members.