Sterling Nature Center will bathe in the splendor of the universe this weekend when a meteor shower douses the skies over the center's pristine natural habitat.

The quiet, dark sky over the nature center provides prime viewing of the best meteor showers of the year. Join Bill Irwin and other members of Stars Over Sterling, (the center's amateur astronomy group), to witness the shower. The program will start at 6 p.m. and the shower watch comes at 9 p.m.

Participants are asked to bring lawn chairs or something to sit on. The program is free and open to the public. The interpretive building will also be open from 6 to 9 p.m.

Sterling Nature Center will also host the program Meet a Tree on Wednesday. Connie Cosmento will teach participants about the trees of the woodlands.

The program, designed like a workshop, will allow participants to measure the girth, height and crown of each chosen tree. It will then be classified, at which time participants will create a bark rubbing (rubbing pencil over bark), dry a leaf and take the entire tree story home to share. Naturalists will provide tips on how to care for trees and will provide all materials necessary for the workshop.

If you go

What: Nature Night and Perseids Meteor Shower

When: 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8

Where: Sterling Nature Center, 15730 Jensvold Road, Sterling

Cost: Free

Info: Call 947-6143

What: Meet a Tree

When: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13

Where: Sterling Nature Center

Cost: Free