Lehigh Gap Nature Center opened its doors to environmental enthusiasts for a holiday-themed open house this weekend.

Visitors got a chance to partake in numerous craft workshops, where they could make wreaths, natural ornaments, bird cookies and more.

Kids lined up to join in the fun, pressing seeds, nuts and fruit into small molds decorated with a little bow. While the birds may not understand the Christmas season, they’ll surely appreciate the gift.

Parents and other visitors got in on the fun as well, putting together natural wreaths outside and mouse ornaments made from pine cones inside the center.

The nature center also held several auctions to raise funding, with members contributing a variety of special pieces. On top of that, the open house helps to expose visitors to the wonders of nature, and everything that the center has to offer.

“It helps to introduce people to this place, and brings them in,” volunteer Donna Gasser said.

And while the crafts increase the foot traffic, the impressive display of arts and crafts for raffle and auction brings in the bucks for the center.

Kedar Narayan donated several artistic displays featuring leaves and other plants fashioned into beautiful butterflies and other environmental wonders. Proceeds from the sale of these pieces will be used for the nature center’s gardens.

The highlight of the raffle scene was the handcrafted 65-by-85-inch quilt, made by members Gasser and Kathy Romano.

“It’s going to raise money for a natural play area, or it will go to our endowment fund,” Gasser said.

Gasser was optimistic about the fundraising effort, predicting plenty of contributions. And if the packed parking lot was any indication, she is sure to be proven right. “We haven’t counted the proceeds yet, but we anticipate a couple thousand dollars,” she said.