Knowing Native Plants
Knowing Native Plants: Spring Ephemerals
Spring wildflowers such as Dutchman’s breeches, bloodroot, bluebell, spring beauty, twinleaf and several species of trillium color the forest floor for a fleeting moment this time of year. Join Naturalist Mary Anne Borge to learn why these wildflowers are called spring ephemerals, how their life cycles work and how their seeds are dispersed.
Knowing Native Plants: Late Spring Lovelies
A lot happens at the Preserve between the burst of spring ephemerals and the peak of flowering shrubs. Join Naturalist Mary Anne Borge to learn about the wildlife and landscape value of the later blooming spring wildflowers, including woodland phlox, eastern columbine, Solomon’s seal, shooting star, wood geranium and the beautiful yellow lady’s-slipper orchid.
Knowing Native Plants: Focus on Ferns
There are some native plants, such as ferns, don’t flower at all. In this popular program, Ed Lignowski, PhD, will teach you to identify many native ferns. He will highlight their evolutionary history and unusual reproductive habits, as well as their natural habitats and usefulness in native plant gardens.
Knowing Native Plants: Flowering Shrubs
The Mid-Atlantic region has a stunning display of spring flowering native shrubs that fill the Preserve and surrounding natural areas with color and fragrance every spring. Join Naturalist Mary Anne Borge to learn about our native shrubs, their wildlife value and landscape beauty.
Exploring Nature
Spring Bird Walk
The Preserve’s plant and habitat diversity provide nesting sites and food sources for many species of birds, including: warblers, thrushes, chickadees, woodpeckers, towhees, nuthatches and goldfinches. Bird walks depart from the Visitor Center and are led by experienced local guides. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Be sure to bring your binoculars if you have them.
Animals from Eggs
Eggs are an interesting method of reproduction. Some are soft while some are hard. Some are clear and some are opaque. No matter what the egg looks like, its job is to bring new life into the world. Join us as we celebrate the creatures who come into this world in a little package.
Nature at Night: A Focus on Frogs
The setting sun and rising moon add magic to a stroll through the woods. Join us as we explore the natural world during the evening hours. We will listen to and look for spring peepers and wood frogs, and also see what other warm weather treasures await us. Please bring a small flashlight.
Medicinal Plants of the Northeast
Plants have historically played a critical role in our health and wellness. Join Naturalist Pat Coleman as we venture out to the Medicinal Trail—a very special woodland retreat tucked in a rather quiet corner of the Preserve. We will look for some of the most cherished medicinal herbs, talk about their history and their uses, and will likely encounter a few “uncherished” plants along the way that have impressive medicinal reputations.
Painting in the Light of Spring Series
In this class participants work in nature, in the medium of their choice, with the goal of achieving clear, legible paintings. When painting outdoors, en plein air, there is such a bewildering welter of “stuff” to paint that we often don’t know where to begin. Yet somehow, we have to start with a solid vision for our painting. The first day begins with a demonstration outlining the fundamental concepts all artists must use in order to achieve a successful landscape. Using oil paint, instructor Michael Gogal will display how to use value to generate luminosity, composition to achieve unity, and color and edges to create a sense of space. All levels are welcome, and students are encouraged to proceed at their own pace throughout this six-week course. Please bring pencils and paper (or your own paints) the first day, and be ready to paint or draw and ask questions. Since we anticipate students of different levels, the instructor will discuss materials on an individual basis. Please note this series must be purchased as a whole, in advance. Individual sessions are not available for purchase. This series takes place on six Sundays: May 17 - Jun. 21.
Painting in the Light of Spring Series
In this class participants work in nature, in the medium of their choice, with the goal of achieving clear, legible paintings. When painting outdoors, en plein air, there is such a bewildering welter of “stuff” to paint that we often don’t know where to begin. Yet somehow, we have to start with a solid vision for our painting. The first day begins with a demonstration outlining the fundamental concepts all artists must use in order to achieve a successful landscape. Using oil paint, instructor Michael Gogal will display how to use value to generate luminosity, composition to achieve unity, and color and edges to create a sense of space. All levels are welcome, and students are encouraged to proceed at their own pace throughout this six-week course. Please bring pencils and paper (or your own paints) the first day, and be ready to paint or draw and ask questions. Since we anticipate students of different levels, the instructor will discuss materials on an individual basis. Please note this series must be purchased as a whole, in advance. Individual sessions are not available for purchase. This series takes place on six Sundays: May 17 - Jun. 21.
Painting in the Light of Spring Series
In this class participants work in nature, in the medium of their choice, with the goal of achieving clear, legible paintings. When painting outdoors, en plein air, there is such a bewildering welter of “stuff” to paint that we often don’t know where to begin. Yet somehow, we have to start with a solid vision for our painting. The first day begins with a demonstration outlining the fundamental concepts all artists must use in order to achieve a successful landscape. Using oil paint, instructor Michael Gogal will display how to use value to generate luminosity, composition to achieve unity, and color and edges to create a sense of space. All levels are welcome, and students are encouraged to proceed at their own pace throughout this six-week course. Please bring pencils and paper (or your own paints) the first day, and be ready to paint or draw and ask questions. Since we anticipate students of different levels, the instructor will discuss materials on an individual basis. Please note this series must be purchased as a whole, in advance. Individual sessions are not available for purchase. This series takes place on six Sundays: May 17 - Jun. 21.
Painting in the Light of Spring Series
In this class participants work in nature, in the medium of their choice, with the goal of achieving clear, legible paintings. When painting outdoors, en plein air, there is such a bewildering welter of “stuff” to paint that we often don’t know where to begin. Yet somehow, we have to start with a solid vision for our painting. The first day begins with a demonstration outlining the fundamental concepts all artists must use in order to achieve a successful landscape. Using oil paint, instructor Michael Gogal will display how to use value to generate luminosity, composition to achieve unity, and color and edges to create a sense of space. All levels are welcome, and students are encouraged to proceed at their own pace throughout this six-week course. Please bring pencils and paper (or your own paints) the first day, and be ready to paint or draw and ask questions. Since we anticipate students of different levels, the instructor will discuss materials on an individual basis. Please note this series must be purchased as a whole, in advance. Individual sessions are not available for purchase. This series takes place on six Sundays: May 17 - Jun. 21.
Painting in the Light of Spring Series
In this class participants work in nature, in the medium of their choice, with the goal of achieving clear, legible paintings. When painting outdoors, en plein air, there is such a bewildering welter of “stuff” to paint that we often don’t know where to begin. Yet somehow, we have to start with a solid vision for our painting. The first day begins with a demonstration outlining the fundamental concepts all artists must use in order to achieve a successful landscape. Using oil paint, instructor Michael Gogal will display how to use value to generate luminosity, composition to achieve unity, and color and edges to create a sense of space. All levels are welcome, and students are encouraged to proceed at their own pace throughout this six-week course. Please bring pencils and paper (or your own paints) the first day, and be ready to paint or draw and ask questions. Since we anticipate students of different levels, the instructor will discuss materials on an individual basis. Please note this series must be purchased as a whole, in advance. Individual sessions are not available for purchase. This series takes place on six Sundays: May 17 - Jun. 21.
Children’s Summer Reading Program
Join us and explore the wonders of nature! We will read exciting books about the outdoors, take hikes through the Preserve in search of the plants and critters in our stories, and create an art project to bring home. This program is appropriate for ages 3 through 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each session is unique, so join us for as many as you like.
Painting in the Light of Spring Series
In this class participants work in nature, in the medium of their choice, with the goal of achieving clear, legible paintings. When painting outdoors, en plein air, there is such a bewildering welter of “stuff” to paint that we often don’t know where to begin. Yet somehow, we have to start with a solid vision for our painting. The first day begins with a demonstration outlining the fundamental concepts all artists must use in order to achieve a successful landscape. Using oil paint, instructor Michael Gogal will display how to use value to generate luminosity, composition to achieve unity, and color and edges to create a sense of space. All levels are welcome, and students are encouraged to proceed at their own pace throughout this six-week course. Please bring pencils and paper (or your own paints) the first day, and be ready to paint or draw and ask questions. Since we anticipate students of different levels, the instructor will discuss materials on an individual basis. Please note this series must be purchased as a whole, in advance. Individual sessions are not available for purchase. This series takes place on six Sundays: May 17 - Jun. 21.
Children’s Summer Reading Program
Join us and explore the wonders of nature! We will read exciting books about the outdoors, take hikes through the Preserve in search of the plants and critters in our stories, and create an art project to bring home. This program is appropriate for ages 3 through 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each session is unique, so join us for as many as you like.
Growing Native Plants
Behind-the-Scenes Nursery Tour
Join our Preserve nursery caretakers for a walk-through of the Preserve’s growing area. Normally closed off to all visitors, this is your chance to see how we grow our precious native plants. Learn how we propagate our seeds and care for our native perennials all year long. You will also pot a native perennial to take home!
Behind-the-Scenes Nursery Tour
Join our Preserve nursery caretakers for a walk-through of the Preserve’s growing area. Normally closed off to all visitors, this is your chance to see how we grow our precious native plants. Learn how we propagate our seeds and care for our native perennials all year long. You will also pot a native perennial to take home!