Workshops & Events
Ecology & Conservation
Aug27
Phytoblitz
Are you interested in improving your plant ID skills? Are you looking for an opportunity to explore the Preserve, off-trail, and discover some of its hidden treasures? If you answered yes to these questions, please join the Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve community as we launch our second in a series of three phytoblitzes, to be held Sunday, August 27, 2017. During the phytoblitz, teams of participants survey a particular area of the Preserve to see how many species of plants are present in that section. This important information will assist us in updating our plant database records as we determine how the Preserve has changed over time and will help us to plan for future stewardship efforts. All levels of plant enthusiasts are encouraged to participate—especially plant experts, such as botanists, ecologists, and others in the scientific community, as well as naturalists, gardeners, tradespersons and anyone looking to increase their knowledge of native plants. Be a part of a team crisscrossing the wilds of the Preserve, sharing ID tips, field guides and plant lore. About Our Phytoblitz Our first phytoblitz of the series was held on Sunday, June 25, 2017 10 teams visited various sections of the Preserve 25 volunteers participated, in addition to staff 331 unique species of plants were identified 4 teams were each able to identify over 100 species of plants Click here to learn more about a bioblitz. »
Sep17
Pat Sutton’s Landscape Design with Wildlife in Mind
In this property-owner workshop, Sutton will emphasize designs that work with nature, not at odds with nature. Choosing the right plant for the right spot (and the right site for different elements of a wildlife habitat) is key. The program will showcase multi-dimensional, diverse, layered and interesting-to-the-eye natural landscapes that benefit wildlife, emphasizing to “let nature be the guide.” Typical landscaping (lawn and uniform park-like plantings) pales in comparison. This program is geared toward adults. Pat Sutton lives near Cape May, N.J., and has keenly studied the natural world for over 30 years. She is a freelance writer, photographer, naturalist, educator, lecturer, tour leader and wildlife garden consultant. Pat is a passionate wildlife gardener and advocate for butterflies, moths, bees (all pollinators), birds, dragonflies, frogs, toad, and other critters. Pat has taught gardening for wildlife workshops and led tours of private wildlife garden. Sutton’s own wildlife garden is a “teaching garden” featured in many programs, workshops and garden tours. Advanced registration and payment required by Sept. 13. »
Sep23
Weed Patrol
Join Grounds Manager Rick Fonda for a fun morning out in the woods. Learn to identify native and non-native plants, and how to remove and dispose of invasive species properly. Your efforts will help to protect our collections of rare and endangered plant species. Groups, individuals and families welcome. Gloves and tools supplied or bring your own. Weather dependent. For ages 8 and up. Weed Patrol Dates (please register for each separately): Saturday, July 1 Saturday, August 5 Saturday, September 23 Saturday, October 7 Pre-registration suggested. »
Sep26
Backyard Composting
Did you know home composting reduces methane emissions and helps sequester carbon—all in the space of your own backyard? And you can create a home-grown soil amendment, which will make your soil, your garden and the rest of your landscape environmentally healthier. This session explains how to compost vegetable and fruit waste from your kitchen, along with other organic waste. We will discuss compost “recipes,” how to choose or build a composter, and how to troubleshoot for any challenges that arise. A countertop collection container and easy-to-use handout—with reminders from the session and a resource list for further reading—will be provided. For ages 12 and up. Advance registration required by Sept. 24. »
Oct07
Weed Patrol
Join Grounds Manager Rick Fonda for a fun morning out in the woods. Learn to identify native and non-native plants, and how to remove and dispose of invasive species properly. Your efforts will help to protect our collections of rare and endangered plant species. Groups, individuals and families welcome. Gloves and tools supplied or bring your own. Weather dependent. For ages 8 and up. Weed Patrol Dates (please register for each separately): Saturday, July 1 Saturday, August 5 Saturday, September 23 Saturday, October 7 Pre-registration suggested. »
May06
Phytoblitz
Are you interested in improving your plant ID skills? Are you looking for an opportunity to explore the Preserve, off-trail, and discover some of its hidden treasures? If you answered yes to these questions, please join the Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve community as we launch our third in a series of three phytoblitzes, to be held Sunday, May 6, 2018. During the phytoblitz, teams of participants survey a particular area of the Preserve to see how many species of plants are present in that section. This important information will assist us in updating our plant database records as we determine how the Preserve has changed over time and will help us to plan for future stewardship efforts. All levels of plant enthusiasts are encouraged to participate—especially plant experts, such as botanists, ecologists, and others in the scientific community, as well as naturalists, gardeners, tradespersons and anyone looking to increase their knowledge of native plants. Be a part of a team crisscrossing the wilds of the Preserve, sharing ID tips, field guides and plant lore. About Our Phytoblitz Our first phytoblitz of the series was held on Sunday, June 25, 2017. 10 teams visited various sections of the Preserve 25 volunteers participated, in addition to staff 331 unique species of plants were identified 4 teams were each able to identify over 100 species of plants Click here to learn more about a bioblitz. »
Birding Programs
Sep10
Sparrow Identification Workshop
Pete Bacinski leads a comprehensive identification workshop featuring over 25 of our resident and wintering sparrows as well as common rarities that visit Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A PowerPoint presentation will illustrate field marks and clues to identification. For ages 14 and up. Pete Bacinski has been a naturalist, photographer, field trip guide and 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. »
Nov17
Owl Prowl
Session I: Friday, Nov. 17, 7 - 8:30 pm Session II: Saturday, Dec. 9, 7 - 8:30 pm Please register for each program separately. 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. Space is limited. Advanced registration required. »
Dec06
Winter Waterfowl Field Trip
Many species of waterfowl make a migratory stop at the Edwin B. Forsythe NWR in Oceanville, N.J., on their way south. Education Coordinator Kelly Joslin and birders Chris and Gerry Dewaghe will serve as your hosts and guides on this special visit to “Brig.” We’ll look for brant, teal, scaup and others, plus we may get bonus birds like peregrine falcons, bald eagles and winter sparrows along Wildlife Drive. Spotting scopes and snacks will be provided. This program is geared toward adults. Please dress for the weather, bring a sack lunch and binoculars. This program meets at the NWR. Transportation is not provided. Directions will be provided after registration. Advance registration required by Dec. 3. »
Dec09
Owl Prowl
Session I: Friday, Nov. 17, 7 - 8:30 pm Session II: Saturday, Dec. 9, 7 - 8:30 pm Please register for each program separately. 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. Space is limited. Advanced registration required. »
Art, Health & Nature
Dec02
Holiday Wreath Workshop
Join the fun and make a festive holiday wreath out of natural materials and native plants including juniper, white pine and holly. Preserve Executive Director Miles Arnott will lead the workshop with step-by-step demonstration and hands-on instruction to help you create a work of art that you’ll be proud to display during the holiday season. Space is limited, so register early. For ages 14 and up. Registration fee includes includes all materials. Advance registration with payment required by Nov. 30. »
Dec02
Holiday Wreath Workshop
Join the fun and make a festive holiday wreath out of natural materials and native plants including juniper, white pine and holly. Preserve Executive Director Miles Arnott will lead the workshop with step-by-step demonstration and hands-on instruction to help you create a work of art that you’ll be proud to display during the holiday season. Space is limited, so register early. For ages 14 and up. Registration fee includes includes all materials. Advance registration with payment required by Nov. 30. »
Dec09
Edible Ornaments for Birds
During the winter, it is a challenge for birds to find sufficient food to survive because natural food sources are limited. Make several natural “ornaments” for birds that you can use to decorate outdoor trees. Please bring a container for your ornaments. ALLERGY ALERT: Nuts are used in projects. Advance registration with payment required by Dec. 6. »