Knowing Native Plants
Knowing Native Plants: The Amazing Aster Family Part 1, Classic Asters and Their Colorful Companions
Join Naturalist Mary Anne Borge to find out what makes aster family members different from all other plants, and learn their importance to both wildlife and people. During the outside portion of the class, we'll look for these plants, and signs of the relationships they have with the insects, birds and other animals that depend on them. Presentation/discussion will be followed by outdoor tour. 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. Advance registration suggested. Professional CEUs are available.
Knowing Native Plants: The Amazing Aster Family Part 2, Confusing Yellow Composites
Join Naturalist Mary Anne Borge as we focus on the late summer and fall blooming confusing yellow composites, including goldenrods, sunflowers, coneflowers and beggar-ticks. During the outside portion of the class, we'll look for these plants and signs of the relationships they have with the insects, birds, and other animals that depend on them. Attending ‘The Amazing Aster Family Part 1: Classic Asters and Colorful Companions’ prior to this class is recommended, but not required. Presentation/discussion will be followed by outdoor tour. Photo by MaryAnne Borge. 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. Advance registration suggested. Professional CEUs are available.
Knowing Native Plants: Trees of the Preserve
Learn about many of our native tree species in the glory of their fall color with former botany/plant physiology college instructor Ed Lignowski, PhD. Do you know which native tree was originally used to flavor root beer? Or why leaves change color? The class will cover these topics and more, as well as provide tips on how to identify the trees of the Preserve, both deciduous and evergreen. Presentation/discussion is followed by an outdoor tour. This program is suited for adults. Professional CEUs are available.
Knowing Native Plants: From Flowers to Seeds with Ed Lignowski, PhD
How do angiosperms reproduce sexually? Former botany/plant physiology college professor Ed Lignowski, PhD, will answer that question in this new program by discussing the life cycle of flowering plants from pollination to fruit/seed dispersal. General anatomy of flowers will be covered, and specific examples of native plants will be used to illustrate the many interesting differences in floral structure and function that occur in nature. Presentation/discussion is followed by an outdoor tour. This program is suited for adults. Professional CEUs are available.
Exploring Nature
Mornings in the Meadow
Native bees and butterflies gather nectar or pollen from milkweeds, mints, bonesets and coneflowers. Take a guided tour of our 4-acre meadow to learn about native warm season grasses, meadow ecology and plant-pollinator interactions. This vigorous walk leaves from the Visitor Center. Ages 10 and up.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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)
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.
Meandering Mindfully Through Fall’s Colors (Series)
Mindfulness is a way of experiencing the world in the present moment with curiosity and non-judgmental awareness. Join Sally Unger, MA, a Qigong and Tai Chi Easy instructor, in mindfully wandering through the Preserve, focusing on the change of seasons through four of our senses: sight, hearing, touch, and smell. Deepen your connection with the natural world and nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Please note this series must be purchased as a whole, in advance. Individual sessions are not available for purchase. Sandy Unger, MA, is trained in teaching Mindfulness Based Stree Reduction (MBSR) at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. She is also a certified Qigong and Tai Chi Easy certified teacher through the Institute of Qigong and Tai Chi, and a member of the National Qigong Association.
Knowing Native Plants: Trees of the Preserve
Learn about many of our native tree species in the glory of their fall color with former botany/plant physiology college instructor Ed Lignowski, PhD. Do you know which native tree was originally used to flavor root beer? Or why leaves change color? The class will cover these topics and more, as well as provide tips on how to identify the trees of the Preserve, both deciduous and evergreen. Presentation/discussion is followed by an outdoor tour. This program is suited for adults. Professional CEUs are available.
Wildflowers to Bowman’s Tower Family Nature Walk
You're in for a treat! Join us for a guided, early morning walk from our Visitor Center to Bowman's Hill Tower. Along the way, we'll discuss the interesting plants and habitats we encounter.
Meandering Mindfully Through Fall’s Colors (Series)
Mindfulness is a way of experiencing the world in the present moment with curiosity and non-judgmental awareness. Join Sally Unger, MA, a Qigong and Tai Chi Easy instructor, in mindfully wandering through the Preserve, focusing on the change of seasons through four of our senses: sight, hearing, touch, and smell. Deepen your connection with the natural world and nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Please note this series must be purchased as a whole, in advance. Individual sessions are not available for purchase. Sandy Unger, MA, is trained in teaching Mindfulness Based Stree Reduction (MBSR) at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. She is also a certified Qigong and Tai Chi Easy certified teacher through the Institute of Qigong and Tai Chi, and a member of the National Qigong Association. Online booking for this program closes on October 7, 2019. To register online, click here. If you wish to register after October 7, please call 215.862.2924 for space availability and reservations.
Penn’s Woods Tree Trail Walk
Penn’s Woods is a 9-acre arboretum within the Preserve that showcases our collection of native trees. Join volunteer Jeffrey Buckwalter and naturalist Jim Bray to explore the history of the Penn’s Woods Tree Trail, discover why native trees work best in the landscape and the environmental benefits of trees.
Collections Walk: The Mill Race
Take a walk along the newly restored Mill Race Trail with the collections crew and Glenn Blakely, a volunteer with the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park. He was instrumental in restoring the functioning water channel as part of a larger effort to restore the Thompson-Neely Grist Mill on Pidcock Creek. You’ll learn about 19th technological ingenuity while strolling between the creek and the mill race in the colorful light of the streamside forest.
Meandering Mindfully Through Fall’s Colors (Series)
Mindfulness is a way of experiencing the world in the present moment with curiosity and non-judgmental awareness. Join Sally Unger, MA, a Qigong and Tai Chi Easy instructor, in mindfully wandering through the Preserve, focusing on the change of seasons through four of our senses: sight, hearing, touch, and smell. Deepen your connection with the natural world and nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Please note this series must be purchased as a whole, in advance. Individual sessions are not available for purchase. Sandy Unger, MA, is trained in teaching Mindfulness Based Stree Reduction (MBSR) at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. She is also a certified Qigong and Tai Chi Easy certified teacher through the Institute of Qigong and Tai Chi, and a member of the National Qigong Association. Online booking for this program closes on October 7, 2019. To register online, click here. If you wish to register after October 7, please call 215.862.2924 for space availability and reservations.
Fall Foliage Walk with Jim Bray
Have you ever wondered how and why the beautiful fall color at the Preserve happens? Join naturalist Jim Bray as he shares his knowledge of trees, from color changes to medicinal value and more, on this interactive walk.
Knowing Native Plants: From Flowers to Seeds with Ed Lignowski, PhD
How do angiosperms reproduce sexually? Former botany/plant physiology college professor Ed Lignowski, PhD, will answer that question in this new program by discussing the life cycle of flowering plants from pollination to fruit/seed dispersal. General anatomy of flowers will be covered, and specific examples of native plants will be used to illustrate the many interesting differences in floral structure and function that occur in nature. Presentation/discussion is followed by an outdoor tour. This program is suited for adults. Professional CEUs are available.
Learn About Lichens with Dennis Waters
Are they plants? Are they fungi? They're both! Lichens are everywhere you look and they are as fascinating as they are unbiquitous. Join lichenologist Dennis Waters to learn about these remarkable botanical partnerships. Understand how they work and why they have grown to be so dependent on each other. Following a short talk, we will take an excursion into the Preserve to find lichens growing on trees, on rocks, and on the ground. You will learn about their lifestyles, their habitats, and their important contributions to ecosystems. You'll have plenty of chances to tour your hand at identifying the lichens you see. Dennis Waters has been a lichenologist for ten years. He is currently completing his first lichenological survey of Mercer County, New Jersey, in collaboration with the New York Botanical Garden, the Mercer County Park Commission, and the D&R Greenway Land Trust. In recent years he has been part of lichen surveys in Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula, the Dare Regional Biodiversity Hotspot in North Carolina, the Straits Counties of Michigan, and the Talladega National Forest in Alabama.
Owl Prowl
Join us for an after-hours hike as we search for these nocturnal birds. We’ll start indoors and discuss how to identify the species we may see or hear. Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk through wet trail conditions. For ages 8 and up.
Owl Prowl
Join us for an after-hours hike as we search for these nocturnal birds. We’ll start indoors and discuss how to identify the species we may see or hear. Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk through wet trail conditions. For ages 8 and up.
Winter Solstice Walk
Instead of hunkering down and bemoaning the longest night of the year—also known as the winter solstice—celebrate with a stroll through the Preserve with a naturalist. We’ll celebrate the joys of winter with a walk on the trails at a time when the sun is lowest in the sky and we experience the shortest days of the year. We’ll conclude in the Visitor Center with hot drinks and cookies.
Growing Native Plants
How to Fight Plants with Plants – Chemical-Free Methods for Removing Invasives Workshop with Nancy Lawson
If you are interested in starting a native plant garden for the good of the animals and the environment, join Nancy Lawson for this informative program on chemical-free methods for removing invasive plant species by using other plants. Learn how to go native without the use of chemicals—and without overwhelming yourself—through innovative, humane and sustainable planting and cultivation strategies. 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.
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.
Fall Native Plant Sale
NATIVE PLANT NURSERY FALL PLANT SALE HOURS Members and Non-Members Welcome Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 am – 5 pm Sunday, Sept. 15, 9 am – 5 pm Members get 20% off all stock Non-members get 10% off all stock
Fall Native Plant Sale
NATIVE PLANT NURSERY FALL PLANT SALE HOURS Members and Non-Members Welcome Sunday, Sept. 15, 9 am – 5 pm Members get 20% off all stock Non-members get 10% off all stock
Meadowscaping 101 Workshop with Catherine Zimmerman
Before manicured lawns, with their chemicals, mowers and blowers, there were ecological meadows with their butterflies, birds and bees. Come and learn how to meadowscape with Catherine Zimmerman, author of Suburban Meadows, Bringing Meadowscaping to Big and Small Spaces. Catherine will provide both the inspiration and multiple, organic methods to create a meadow on your property. The workshop will cover meadow site preparation, design, planting and maintenance. Walk away with sample designs for dry, mesic (average) and wet locations as well as lists of native plants to create your own, living landscape design. There will be a tour Aquetong Meadow as well as the opportunity to purchase plants to get started on yourmeadowscape. Author and filmmaker Catherine Zimmerman is a certified horticulturist and landscape designer based in Yellow Springs, Ohio. An Accredited Organic Land Care Professional (AOLCP) from the NOFA Organic Land Care Program, Catherine has designed and taught a course in organic landscaping for the USDA Graduate School Horticulture program. She is accredited in organic land care through the Northeast Organic Farmers Association and has designed and taught a course in organic landscaping for the USDA Graduate School Horticulture program. Pre-registration for this program closes two days prior to the event. After September 13, please call 215.862.2924 for space availability and reservations.
Growing Native Plants: 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: Seed Collection with Jason Ksepka
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 needed to successfully and responsibly collect native plant seeds. Timing of seed collection, as well as techniques and supplies suggested for seed storage and cleaning, will also be covered. Participants will take home a packet of native seeds.
Growing Native Plants: Make-and-Take Carnivorous Plants
What’s scarier than a plant that eats meat? Join us in our Native Plant Nursery to create your own “scary” carnivorous plant masterpiece. The planter will contain a pitcher plant and a sundew, and can be kept in the planter or planted out in your landscape. This is a drop-in program that takes place between 10 am - 2 pm.