Exploring Nature
Apr13
Flashlight Egg Hunt
Kids ages 3-7 can join us to learn about some of the animals that hatch from eggs. We’ll read a story about oviparous animals, decorate a special basket, and then head outside for a very special egg hunt. Bring a flashlight and find some treasures to take home. It's going to be an EGG-citing time! Members: $15/child with non-paying adult; Non-members: $18/child with non-paying adult Space is limited! Advanced registration with payment required by April 10. »
May03
Amphibian Adventures
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. Members: $6 adult/$4 child; Non-members: $8 adult/$6 child; Space is limited! Advanced registration with payment required by Wednesday, May 1. »
May18
Walk When The Moon Is Full
There's something special about exploring nature at night. Set your sense of adventure on high, and join us for an evening full of folklore and stories under the light of the moon and stars. »
Jun22
Collections Walk: The Fern Trail
Dr. Edgar Wherry planted nearly 100 species of native ferns during his tenure at the Preserve. Over the years, their numbers have dwindled but many beautiful examples remain. Take a walk with local fern expert Janet Novac to explore the Fern Trail while learning its colorful history and our ongoing restoration efforts. »
Jun22
Summer Nature Play Day
Come join us for an afternoon of play in nature! Our Visitor Center will be filled with FUN and thematic self-guided activities, art projects, and opportunities for a guided hike. This is a drop-in, family program. Fees: Members FREE; Non-member $3 (includes Preserve admission) »
Knowing Native Plants
Feb23
Knowing Native Plants: Trees in Winter
Although at this time of the year trees are dormant, they exhibit many interesting botanical features to examine. Join Ed Lignowski to learn how to identify native deciduous trees and shrubs when they have neither flowers nor leaves. Participants will learn to use a dichotomous key based on characteristics of twigs, buds and bark; discover how trees are preparing for spring growth; and find out how flowing sap is used to make maple syrup. Advance registration suggested. Professional CEUs are available. »
Mar30
Knowing Native Plants: Signs Of Spring
The promise of spring is just around the corner. Meet the early flowering plants and learn how they have adapted to this potentially harsh time of year. This program will focus on early-blooming species such as snow trillium, skunk cabbage and hepatica. We will attempt to identify spring-blooming species from the shoots that will just be poking through the soil. Advance registration suggested. Presentation/discussion followed by outdoor tour. Professional CEUs are available. »
Apr20
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. Our indoor presentation and discussion will be followed by an outdoor tour. Advance registration is recommended. Professional CEUs are available. Photo: Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) by Jean Barrell »
May04
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. Indoor presentation/discussion followed by an outdoor tour. Advance registration suggested. Professional CEUs are available. »
May18
Knowing Native Plants: Focus on Ferns
Some native plants, such as ferns, don’t flower at all. In this popular program, Ed Lignowski, Ph.D., 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. Advance registration suggested. Professional CEUs are available. »
May25
Knowing Native Plants: Flowering Shrubs
The Mid-Atlantic region has a stunning display of spring flowering native shrubs, filling 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. We’ll pay particular attention to the azaleas, dogwoods, viburnums, and some rose family members. The indoor presentation and discussion will be followed by an outdoor tour. Advance registration suggested. Professional CEUs are available. »
Growing Native Plants
Feb23
Growing Native Plants: Propagation From Seed
Start your wildflower gardening early! Take advantage of BHWP Curator Jason Ksepka’s expertise and learn how to start native wildflowers from seed. Jason will discuss interesting seed germination processes while you plant a variety of wildflower seeds in class to bring home and grow. Advance registration is required by February 21. »
Mar24
Growing Native Plants: Propagation Primer with Jake Fitzpatrick
Join our nursery manager on a behind-the- scenes tour of our propagation facilities, then get your hands dirty and learn to how to properly pot plants and care for them. Each participant will receive a native plant to take home. Advance registration is required by March 22. »
Apr07
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! »
Apr13
Growing Native Plants: Make and Take Bog Planter
Bring a piece of the Preserve home with you! Your new bog garden will include three plants suited for boggy conditions that will thrive in your pot! Our make & take table will be open next to the Visitor Center between 10 am and 2 pm. »
Apr14
Hummingbirds 101 with Pat Sutton
Get ready, get set for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds! Even if you think you know everything about these winged jewels, expect to be surprised by what you learn during this presentation by Pat Sutton, naturalist and wildlife gardener. She will show you an actual hummingbird nest and will share essential tips on how to ready your yard so that you can be entertained by a blizzard of hummingbirds from mid-April until early September (in the northeast). Pat Sutton has keenly studied the natural world for 40 years, first as the Naturalist at Cape May Point State Park and then as the Naturalist and Program Director at the Cape May Bird Observatory. A passionate advocate and wildlife gardener, Pat is now a freelance writer, photographer, educator and wildlife garden consultant. »
May05
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! »
Growing Native Plants: Mother’s Day Make and Take Basket
Get ready for Mother’s Day with a special planter for mom made with love by you. Our make & take table will be open next to the Visitor Center between 10 am and 2 pm. You’ll pot up a beautiful native plant in a lovely container and finish off with a bow. It’s the perfect gift for our moms who love nature! This is a drop-in program. »
Growing Native Plants: Mother’s Day Make and Take Basket
Get ready for Mother’s Day with a special planter for mom made with love by you. Our make & take table will be open next to the Visitor Center between 10 am and 2 pm. You’ll pot up a beautiful native plant in a lovely container and finish off with a bow. It’s the perfect gift for our moms who love nature! This is a drop-in program. »
Jun02
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! »