VAN CORTLANDT Park will host the following outdoor programs during the upcoming weekend:

• The Van Cortlandt Bird Club will continue its new weekly birding program with “Food Preferences,” on Saturday, July 24, at 9 a.m. During this week’s meeting, visitors will discover that a particular bird’s choice of food largely depends on the available serving utensil — its beak. Participants should wear comfortable shoes as well as bring lunch, water and binoculars. Participants should meet at the Van Cortlandt Nature Center, which is located in the park, at West 246th Street and Broadway.
• “Basic Canoeing,” a special hands-on introduction to the basics of paddling a canoe, will also be held on Saturday, July 24, at 11 a.m. Participants should bring water, sunblock and a snack, but all other necessary equipment will be provided. The event will be held on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be at least 8-years-old and accompanied by an adult. This event will take place on the lake near the park’s Golf House, located off Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Avenue.
• On Sunday, July 25, at 11 a.m., the park will host “Life in Lake,” a special nature program for all ages. Dragonflies scour the surface in search of food, while fish patrol the underwater world. Insects, turtles, frogs and ducks are just some of the animals that visitors will get to see during this event,. Participants should meet at the Van Cortlandt Lake.

All activities are free and open to the public. For more information, call 718-548-0912.

THE GREENBURGH Nature Center presents the special family program “Scientist at Work,” on Saturday, July 24, at 2 p.m. Participants will get to discover some of the weirder wonders of science while assisting a “Mad Scientist,” played by museum curator Travis Brady, in performing several wacky experiments. This program is recommended for ages 6 and older. Admission costs $8 per person. The nature center is located at 99 Dromore Road, just off Central Park Avenue, in Scarsdale, N.Y. For more information, call 914-723-3470.

PELHAM BAY Park will hold the following special outdoor events during the upcoming week: