BERNE — Did you know that the wonders of the natural world are right at your doorstep? This autumn, Switzkill Farm (formerly known as Game Farm) in Berne is offering three programs to better acquaint you with some activities that you may not have yet tried.

In September, if you are willing to get up early, there is a birdwatching program led by local, veteran birdwatchers Jan and Ralph Miller. In October, for those of you who like puzzling things out, come to a presentation of the sport of orienteering and put your skills to the test on a short course. And in November, local beekeeper Rich Ronconi will explain the ins and outs of beekeeping.

All programs will be held on-site at Switzkill Farm, which is located on Game Farm Road off of Route 1 in Berne. The programs are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided following the programs. The schedule is as follows:

— Saturday, Sept. 17, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.: Jan and Ralph Miller will meet you at the lodge at Switzkill Farm at 7:30 a.m. where they will discuss the basics of birdwatching, including how to attract, how to identify, and how to recognize the calls of the birds in this region.

Following the presentation, they will lead a birding walk to see what birds can be found. The Millers have been birdwatchers for many years and enjoy sharing their expertise with others.

— Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon: From 10 to 10:30 a.m., I will offer instruction on the basics of orienteering, a sport using a map and compass to find locations in the woods. Following the presentation, you are welcome to try a beginner course offered by the Empire Orienteering Club, for free.

I have been orienteering for 25 years. While teaching at Berne-Knox-Westerlo, I organized an Orienteering Club that brought teams to interscholastic competitions across the United States;

— Saturday, Nov. 5, from 10:30 a.m. to noon: “The Honeybee and Me” program will be presented by Richard Ronconi. The European honeybee (Apis mellifera), although not native to the Americas, is essential to our food supply. Up to 60 percent of our food depends on the honeybee for pollination. The honeybee is the only insect that produces food for humans.

Come and learn about how honeybee society operates to guarantee its survival. See the equipment that the beekeeper uses to cultivate the honeybee and learn about the challenges the honeybee faces with modern agricultural practices.

Honey is a healthy sweetener; it can be one of the purest products available at the market. You will be able to taste different varietals of honey and compare the differences in taste and color in honeys produced in our local area.

Ronconi is co-president of the Catskill Mountain Beekeepers Club and has been keeping bees for almost 50 years. He is owner of Partridge Run Farm and Apiary on West Mountain in Berne.

Editor’s note: Susan Hawkes-Teeter, who lives in Berne, is a long-time orienteer.