A Walking Preserve History Tour with Bill Gaboda and Mary Nogami (October 20, 2024)

The land that makes up Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve has seen dramatic changes through the years. Beginning with the unrelenting geologic and hydrologic events that carved the landscape into an ideal sanctuary for PA’s native plant species, the efforts of countless folks continued the transformation—those who planted and constructed some of the most iconic landmarks in Bucks County. Join interpretive naturalists Bill Gaboda and Mary Nogami as they take a walking trip through time in honor of our 90th anniversary! We will explore the Preserve’s historic landmarks like the Pidcock Creek, the American Chestnut Log Cabin, the Stone Arch Bridge and Penn’s Woods. Discover the cultural history they hold!

Mary Nogami discovered her love of native plants from listening to a Doug Tallemy podcast and finding Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in 2006. Both she and her husband Eric became interpretive naturalists in 2009, and they have loved introducing their four children to the Preserve over the years. In 2017, Nogami created a historical tour and has been sharing her love of the area’s history along with her favorite plants during guided walks. She is also part of the Preserve’s development committee.

Bill Gaboda grew up in Central NJ when it was still mostly fields, farms and forests. He recalls wandering freely for hours, wondering about all the life around him. When he joined the Boy Scouts, he was shown how deep and quiet the woods could be. A career as an analytical chemist showed Gaboda how fragile and easily damaged the environment could be, and after he retired, he was delighted to sign up for the Preserve’s naturalist training to deepen his knowledge and love for the natural world.

Fee: Members: $5; Non-members: $15 (includes Preserve admission)
Additional Information: Online registration for this program closes two days prior to the event. If you wish to register on or after online registration closes, space availability and reservations.