Exploring Nature
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
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
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! »