Exploring Nature
Jul07
Moth Madness with Elena Tartaglia, Ph.D.
Join Elena Tartaglia, Ph.D., to explore nighttime nature! This program is a prelude to the citizen science project, National Moth Week, held July 21 - 29, 2018. We will start the program with a presentation about the important role of moths in the ecosystem and then house out for up-close observation of the fascinating insects, which will be attracted to a black light in our meadow. All ages and experience levels are welcome. »
Jul14
Creek Walk
A healthy riparian zone (a buffer of plants and trees that grows along streams) helps create a high-quality habitat for fish, other aquatic organisms, and wildlife. Explore Pidcock Creek and see first-hand the benefits our native plants have on aquatic creatures. Wear shoes and clothes that can get wet. Age 7 and up. This program will be canceled in the event of rain. »
Jul15
Summer and Fall Shorebirds: An ID Workshop
Thousands of shorebirds descend upon New Jersey every summer. Join naturalist Pete Bacinski to learn where to observe these avian gems, when they arrive, and how to distinguish them. This presentation will discuss the identification of adult and juvenile plumages for all our annually-appearing shorebirds, with particular attention given to the most difficult ID separations. Pete Bacinski is a naturalist, photographer, and field trip guide that has been a leader in the field of ornithology for many decades. He has written for numerous local, state, and national publications and has won the World Series of Birding Competition three times. »
Jul21
North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Butterfly Count
Come for an all-day event focusing on our fluttering friends. Why count butterflies? It helps scientists piece together the big picture of the distribution and population size of each species counted, including changes over time. And it's fun! You will learn to identify the different types of butterflies and the native plants that they utilize at the Preserve. Please bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens, and a field guide, if you have one. Make sure you have plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate sun protection. Join us for all or part of the day; all experience levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced butterfliers. Please meet the group at the Visitor Center. »
Jul24
Nature Adventure Summer Camp
We’re thrilled to partner with the fine folks at Delaware River Canal State Park to offer a summer experience full of adventures in nature. Budding young scientists will explore the marvels of nature as they learn and play amidst our 100-plus acres of ponds, meadow and forests. They will learn about birds, ecology and the natural and cultural history of our region. Campers will also learn to orienteer, geocache and kayak on the Delaware Canal. Summer Camp Registration Forms Download the Camp Registration Form Download the DCNR Program Waiver Form »
Jul25
Mornings in the Meadow
Amidst a sea of waving green grasses, native bees and butterflies gather nectar or pollen from milkweeds, mints, bonesets, and coneflowers. Before the day heats up, take a guided tour of our meadow to learn about native warm-season grasses, meadow ecology, and plant-pollinator interactions. This vigorous walk leaves from the Visitor Center. For ages 10 and up. »
Jul28
Knowing Native Plants: Meadow Magic with Mary Anne Borge
Discover the Preserve's meadow with Naturalist Mary Anne Borge. See native meadow plant species, including wildflowers and grasses, and some of the animals that depend on this habitat. Learn about successional stages and why it is important to plant native species. Presentation/discussion followed by an outdoor tour. Professional CEUs are available. »
Jul28
How to Really Save the Bees with Nancy Lawson
One in four bee species in North America is now at risk of extinction. Historically under-studied and under-appreciated, our nearly 4,000 native bee species live decidedly different lifestyles than that of the honeybee, a captive-bred animal originally introduced from Europe. Most native bees are solitary, nesting underground or in holes in wood and twigs. Some are specialists, gathering pollen only from certain native plants to provision their nests. Many are so small they're often mistaken for flies or gnats. All are worthy of our attention and concern. Learn how to create and nurture a habitat that provides food and shelter for bees throughout their lifecycles. Nancy Lawson is the author of The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife. A columnist for All Animals magazine, Lawson founded Humane Gardener, an outreach initiative dedicated to cultivating compassion for all creatures, great and small, through animal-friendly landscaping methods. After an early career in newspaper journalism, she led the creative teams behind the award-winning print and digital magazines of The Humane Society of the United States. »
Jul29
Family Bug Safari with Pam Newitt
Bring the whole family to look for bugs! Join naturalist Pam Newitt for a hands-on educational program all about insects. We will find out where insects live and what they eat. As part of your program fee, you will get a bug box in which to keep the bugs you find. We will build an insect zoo to get a close-up look at our arthropod friends, then release them all at the end of the program. Ages 5 and up. »
Aug04
Passport to Nature
We are teaming up with our friends at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to offer a day of adventure in nature. Stop by the Preserve's Visitor Center to pick up your passport and map. On the trails, you will explore the Preserve in new and different ways, including creek exploration, birding, an insect hunt, geocaching, and viewing miniature wonders up close. This program is a drop-in event; registration is requested but not required. It will be canceled in the event of thunderstorms. Please check our website, BHWP.org, for cancellation information on the day of the event. Registration fee is "per family." »
Aug05
Butterfly Walk with Mary Anne Borge
August is a great time to look for butterflies. Join Naturalist Mary Anne Borge for a stroll through the Preserve and learn about their wonderful world. From Tiger Swallowtails to Monarchs, discover which winged wonders live here, who is just passing through, and the native plants that support them. Mary Anne Borge is a naturalist, photographer, writer, and educator. She is a certified Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, a contributor to Butterfly Gardener magazine, and a volunteer at the Preserve for more than 10 years. She shares her fascination with nature through her writing and photography on her blog, www.the-natural-web.org. »
Aug07
Night Sky Starwatch Party with BMA2
The night sky is filled with more than just stars to wish upon. There are planets, their moons, satellites, and distant galaxies to see, among other things. Join the members of the Bux-Mont Astronomical Association, who will be on-hand with telescopes and trained eyes to help you locate those mysterious, interstellar objects. This program takes place at the Moore Pavilion between 7:30 - 9:30 pm; drop in any time. Program date will change in case of clouds. Please check BHWP.org for program status. The Bux-Mont Astronomical Association is a group of amateur astronomers working together to improve astronomical knowledge and appreciation, as well as observational and astrophotography skills. BMAA members are a varied group of individuals who share a curiosity about the sky. They make themselves and their instruments available to promote public interest in astronomy. »
Aug11
Mornings in the Meadow
Amidst a sea of waving green grasses, native bees and butterflies gather nectar or pollen from milkweeds, mints, bonesets, and coneflowers. Before the day heats up, take a guided tour of our meadow to learn about native warm-season grasses, meadow ecology, and plant-pollinator interactions. This vigorous walk leaves from the Visitor Center. For ages 10 and up. »
Aug16
Bat Chat with Matthew Wund, Ph.D.
Bats are incredible creatures. They are excellent parents and insect-eating machines. They also play a valuable role in our ecosystem. Join Matthew Wund, Ph.D., and discover the species of bats that call Pennsylvania home, the challenges they face, and the important services they provide. Indoor presentation followed by an outdoor bat hike, where participants will use bat detectors to listen to echolocation calls. Matthew Wund is an Associate Professor of Biology at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, New Jersey. His expertise in bats stems from his graduate work at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he earned his Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Dr. Wund's dissertation focused on how bats modify their echolocation calls in different foraging situations, such as hunting within dense woods or in open spaces. He's excited to share his knowledge and passion during the bat chat. »
Aug17
Nature Play Day
Come for an afternoon of play in nature! Our Visitor Center will be filled with fun and thematic self-guided activities and art projects. Join us for a guided hike, too. This is a drop-in family program; no advance registration is required. »
Aug18
Signature Plants of the Preserve: Late Summer
The late summer landscape is a tapestry of colorful plants and the fauna they attract. Join Education Coordinator Kelly Joslin for an engaging walk to discover the wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that, because of their beauty, wildlife value, ecological role, and garden worthiness, we have dubbed our Signature Plants of Late Summer. Photo: Grass-leaved goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia) with Red-banded Hairstreak by Mary Anne Borge »
Aug19
Collections Walk: The Plants of the Meadow
The Preserve is home to more than 700 species of native plants. Join us for an informative walk as we take a look at rare, unusual, and/or unique favorites of our Curator, Collection Committee, and Naturalists. This walk will feature the collection found within our meadow and we will discuss plans for the Aquatong Meadow expansion project. Please dress for the weather. »
Aug19
The Invasive Spotted Lanternfly
The invasive insect, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014. This session will discuss what it is, how to identify it, why we are concerned about it, and what to do if you find it in your yard or neighborhood. »
Aug22
Mornings in the Meadow
Amidst a sea of waving green grasses, native bees and butterflies gather nectar or pollen from milkweeds, mints, bonesets, and coneflowers. Before the day heats up, take a guided tour of our meadow to learn about native warm-season grasses, meadow ecology, and plant-pollinator interactions. This vigorous walk leaves from the Visitor Center. For ages 10 and up. »
Sep01
Mornings in the Meadow
Amidst a sea of waving green grasses, native bees and butterflies gather nectar or pollen from milkweeds, mints, bonesets, and coneflowers. Before the day heats up, take a guided tour of our meadow to learn about native warm-season grasses, meadow ecology, and plant-pollinator interactions. This vigorous walk leaves from the Visitor Center. For ages 10 and up. »
Sep08
Fall Morning Bird Walk
The Preserve's diverse variety of native plants offers migrating birds a smorgasbord of fruits and the insects they attract. Join us as we search the woods for warblers, thrushes, and other species and learn about the plants that help fuel their flight. »
Sep08
Milkweeds & Monarchs
Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on leaves of milkweed, the only host plant for this iconic butterfly species. Without it, they cannot complete their life cycle. The good news is that planting milkweed is one of the easiest ways that each of us can make a difference for monarchs. Join Education Coordinator Kelly Joslin and learn about the monarch life cycle and their migration. You will also learn which plants to add to your yard to provide nectar for adults and serve as hosts for caterpillars. »
Sep15
Fall Morning Bird Walk
The Preserve's diverse variety of native plants offers migrating birds a smorgasbord of fruits and the insects they attract. Join us as we search the woods for warblers, thrushes, and other species and learn about the plants that help fuel their flight. »
Sep15
Knowing Native Plants: Amazing Asters with Mary Anne Borge
Fall is peak bloom time for the Aster family. Explore our woods and meadows with Naturalist Mary Anne Borge to discover asters, goldenrods, bonesets, coneflowers, tickseeds, and other yellow composites. We'll look for signs of the relationships these plants have with the insects, birds, and other animals that depend on them. »
Sep15
The Hidden Lives of Trees with Monica Flint
Do trees really talk with each other? Or is this a romantic fantasy straight out of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings? Peter Wohlleben is a forester who has long studied the life of trees in the forest in Germany. In his book, The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate, he describes the trees' interactions and methods of communication. The latest scientific studies conducted by respected institutions of higher learning confirm Wohlleben's observations. But while some scientists, like Wohlleben, may seem to see intention or purpose behind trees' interactions, others see genetic programming without consciousness at work. Read Wohlleben's book, available in the Twinleaf Book & Gift Shop; then join Monica Flint for a discussion and a walk to visit some of the trees in Penn's Woods. »
Sep16
Confusing Fall Warblers ID Workshop with Pete Bacinski
This is a comprehensive workshop on the identification of our warblers in their basic (fall) plumage, with a discussion of arrival dates and natural history. This presentation will illustrate all of the Keystone and Garden States' annual fall warbler visitors, emphasizing the most difficult ID challenges with many of these very similar-looking birds. The warbler images in this program are spectacular. Photo: Blackpoll warbler by Gerry Dewaghe »
Sep21
Nature at Night
Nocturnal nature is full of beauty and mystery. September is a great time to explore the Preserve and discover the fascinating life history of creatures big and small. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and we will search the meadow for signs of nocturnal nature, including the most industrious creatures of them all: spiders! »
Sep22
Fall Morning Bird Walk
The Preserve's diverse variety of native plants offers migrating birds a smorgasbord of fruits and the insects they attract. Join us as we search the woods for warblers, thrushes, and other species and learn about the plants that help fuel their flight. »
Sep22
Nature Play Day
Come for an afternoon of play in nature! Our Visitor Center will be filled with fun and thematic self-guided activities and art projects. Join us for a guided hike, too. This is a drop-in family program; no advance registration is required. »
Sep23
Aster Walk with Mary Anne Borge
When it comes to fall flowers, those in the Aster family are the "stars" of the season. Join Naturalist Mary Anne Borge for a walk that is all about these gorgeous blooms - and the important roles they play in supporting wildlife throughout the fall and even into winter. Photo: Aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) with common buckeye by Mary Anne Borge »
Sep29
Fall Morning Bird Walk
The Preserve's diverse variety of native plants offers migrating birds a smorgasbord of fruits and the insects they attract. Join us as we search the woods for warblers, thrushes, and other species and learn about the plants that help fuel their flight. »
Sep30
Penn’s Woods Tree Trail Walk with Jeffrey Buckwalter and Jim Bray
Started in 1944, Penn's Woods in a nine-acre arboretum within the Preserve that showcases our collection of trees native to Pennsylvania. Join Preserve volunteer Jeffrey Buckwalter and naturalist Jim Bray to explore the history of Penn's Woods Tree Trail, discover why native trees work best in the landscape, and the efficiency and environmental benefits of trees. »
Knowing Native Plants
Jul28
Knowing Native Plants: Meadow Magic
Come discover the Preserve’s meadow with naturalist Mary Anne Borge. See native meadow plant species, including wildflowers and grasses, and learn about meadow successional stages and some of the animals that depend on this habitat. Find out why these plants are important for soil stabilization and groundwater recharge. This program is geared for adults. Advance registration suggested. Presentation/discussion followed by outdoor tour. Professional CEUs are available. Mary Anne Borge is a naturalist, photographer, writer and educator. She is a certified Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, a contributor to Butterfly Gardener magazine, and has been a volunteer at the Preserve for more than 10 years. She shares her fascination with nature through her writing and photography on her blog, www.the-natural-web.org. »
Jul28
Knowing Native Plants: Meadow Magic with Mary Anne Borge
Discover the Preserve's meadow with Naturalist Mary Anne Borge. See native meadow plant species, including wildflowers and grasses, and some of the animals that depend on this habitat. Learn about successional stages and why it is important to plant native species. Presentation/discussion followed by an outdoor tour. Professional CEUs are available. »
Sep15
Knowing Native Plants: Amazing Asters with Mary Anne Borge
Fall is peak bloom time for the Aster family. Explore our woods and meadows with Naturalist Mary Anne Borge to discover asters, goldenrods, bonesets, coneflowers, tickseeds, and other yellow composites. We'll look for signs of the relationships these plants have with the insects, birds, and other animals that depend on them. »
Growing Native Plants
Jul08
Behind-the-Scenes Nursery Tour
Join Preserve Nursery Manager Jake Fitzpatrick for a walk-through of the Preserve's growing area. Normally closed to all visitors, this is your chance to see how we grow our precious native plants. Learn how we propagate seeds and care for our native perennials all year long. You will also pot a native perennial to take home! »
Jul14
Shade Gardening Workshop with Jenny Rose Carey
Join Jenny Rose Carey, Senior Director at PHS Meadowbrook Farm in Jenkintown and author of Glorious Shade, (Timber Press, 2017) as she discusses tips and tricks to develop or improve your shade garden. Learn which native shade-loving plants Jenny particularly loves and how she combines them for beautiful effects. Also learn how to manipulate the amount of shade that you have and how to improve your soil. Jenny Rose Carey is a renowned educator, historian, and author, and the senior director at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Meadowbrook Farm in Jenkintown. She previously worked at Temple University for over a decade, first as an adjunct professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and then as director of the Ambler Arboretum. Jenny Rose has been lecturing nationally and internationally for many years. She is an avid, hands-on gardener who has gardened in both England and the United States. Her Victorian property, Northview, contains diverse garden spaces, including a shade garden, moss garden, and a stumpery. Jenny Rose and her gardens have been featured on the PBS series "The Victory Garden," in the Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Inquirer, Green Scene magazine, and the Pennsylvania Gardener. »
Aug12
Behind-the-Scenes Nursery Tour
Join Preserve Nursery Manager Jake Fitzpatrick for a walk-through of the Preserve's growing area. Normally closed to all visitors, this is your chance to see how we grow our precious native plants. Learn how we propagate seeds and care for our native perennials all year long. You will also pot a native perennial to take home! »
Sep08
Fall Native Plant Sale
Saturday, September 8, 2018 11 am - 1 pm: Members-only Nursery shopping 1 pm - 5 pm: Nursery opens to the public Sunday, September 9, 2018 9 am - 5 pm: Nursery open to all »
Sep08
Milkweeds & Monarchs
Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on leaves of milkweed, the only host plant for this iconic butterfly species. Without it, they cannot complete their life cycle. The good news is that planting milkweed is one of the easiest ways that each of us can make a difference for monarchs. Join Education Coordinator Kelly Joslin and learn about the monarch life cycle and their migration. You will also learn which plants to add to your yard to provide nectar for adults and serve as hosts for caterpillars. »
Sep09
Natural Landscape Design: Meadows, Woods, and Water with Larry Weaner
Natural gardens reduce maintenance needs, improve the environment, and enhance the beauty of any residential property. Through a series of case studies, this presentation details techniques for gracefully integrating native plant compositions and ecological processes into a residential setting. Projects are presented from inception to maturity, providing a behind-the-scenes look at both practical and aesthetic considerations involved in creating and maintaining natural gardens. Larry Weaner is nationally recognized for combining expertise in horticulture, landscape design, and ecological restoration. His work throughout the eastern United States has been featured in regional and national publications, including the New York Times. Larry is an active guest lecturer for horticultural and environmental organizations throughout the U.S. and in 1990 he developed New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL), a conference series with a national following. His book, Garden Revolution: How Our Landscapes Can Be a Source of Environmental Change, received an American Horticultural Society Book Award. »
Sep09
Make & Take: Fall Planter Workshop
Come to the Native Plant Nursery and create your own native fall planter. This planter will be an inviting piece for your front porch or back patio. The selected plants can be kept in the planter or planted out in your home's landscape. »
Sep29
Growing Native Plants: Seed Collection with Jason Ksepka
We often forget that the reason for a flower is to manufacture seeds. Take advantage of the expertise of Preserve Curator Jason Ksepka and learn how to collect seed from the plants in your own backyard. This class will take you through the steps of successful and responsible native plant seed collection. The timing of seed collection, as well as techniques and supplies suggested for storage and cleaning, will also be covered. Participants will take home a packet of native seeds. »
Oct14
Behind-the-Scenes Nursery Tour
Join Preserve Nursery Manager Jake Fitzpatrick for a walk-through of the Preserve's growing area. Normally closed to all visitors, this is your chance to see how we grow our precious native plants. Learn how we propagate seeds and care for our native perennials all year long. You will also pot a native perennial to take home! »