Workshops & Events
Ecology & Conservation
28Sep
Thursday Night Nature: Naughty by Nature: Courtship in the Animal Kingdom with Mike Weilbacher (September 28, 2023)
Birds do it, bees do it and sentimental fleas? Don’t even ask. In a fun yet science-filled, illustrated, PG-13 lecture, Mike Weilbacher presents the extraordinary life stories and adaptations of animals for sex and reproduction. From giraffes “necking” to male anglerfish hanging around literally forever, from gender-bending clownfish to overly endowed banana slugs, from honeybees to, of course, the infamous praying mantis, you’ll shake your head at the extraordinary antics of sex in the animal kingdom. Naturalist Mike Weilbacher is executive director of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education in Philadelphia’s Roxborough section. An award-winning environmental educator for 40 years, Weilbacher writes a weekly column for the Roxborough Review and is well known to public radio listeners as “Mike the All-Natural Science Guy” on the live children’s radio show “Kid’s Corner” on WXPN. Program Fee: $15 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.) All lectures will be held virtually using Zoom. They will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers for a short time.
28Sep
Thursday Night Nature Autumn 2023 Discount Bundle
Back to School savings are coming to you for Thursday Night Nature! The full class bundle is available for an extra discounted price of $90, which equals two free lectures. The Preserve is proud to announce the continuation of Thursday Night Nature. In the same vein as our popular Winter Lecture Series, the Preserve will host a guest lecturer 7 pm - 8 pm every Thursday for eight weeks, beginning Sept. 28. Using Zoom Webinars these all-virtual lectures will feature an impressive list of experts from across the country. All programs will be recorded and shared for a short time with all registrants. If you can't join us LIVE, register and watch when you can during the allowed time. Online registration for this program bundle closes on Sept. 28 at 5:00 pm.
05Oct
Thursday Night Nature: Restoring Ecological Function vs. Landscaping with Natives with Josh Bruce (October 5, 2023)
Learn the difference between these two approaches to incorporating native plants into the landscape, and how they perform over time. Learn about how the natural environment, and the selection of species, influence the long-term viability and ecological usefulness of native plantings. Josh is a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, and has spent years studying ecology and invasive management. He has worked with everything from Porceline Berry to Lantern Fly management in an effort to make way for healthier ecosystems. Josh has has a B.S. in Biology from Vassar College. He has a soft spot for riparian areas and streams, which is where you might find him collecting data (or trash) on his days off! Program Fee: $15 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.) All lectures will be held virtually using Zoom. They will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers for a short time.
12Oct
Thursday Night Nature: Climate Change: The Science, The Impacts and Some Steps We Can Take to Avoid The Worst with Mike Aucott, Ph.D. (October 12, 2023)
During this dive into one of the most pressing issues of our time, Mike Aucott will discuss what we currently know about climate science. He will highlight some existing and potential future impacts of elevated greenhouse gas (GHG) levels on the planet and its biota. He will also discuss ways we can reduce GHG emissions with efforts to encourage low- and zero-carbon energy production and also how we might actively discourage fossil fuel combustion. Mike Aucott holds a Ph.D. in environmental science from Rutgers University. He retired from his position as research scientist for the NJ Department of Environmental Protection in 2012, but still works with NJDEP as a member of its science advisory board. He also does consulting work in energy issues, air pollution and climate change, and he is a board member of the PA/NJ chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation. Aucott manages an orchard of 800 chestnut trees in northern Pennsylvania and oversees a hybrid chestnut breeding program involving 15 other growers. Program Fee: $15 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.) All lectures will be held virtually using Zoom. They will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers for a short time.
19Oct
Thursday Night Nature: Retooling the American Garden with Carl Molter (October 19, 2023)
With the shift of horticulture from one of aesthetics and extraction to one of ecology, many gardeners wonder how to best make their existing landscapes more environmentally beneficial. Unless you are moving into a newly built home, most of us have or buy existing landscapes that are primarily non-native, and their conversion can be daunting to even the experienced gardener. This talk will discuss strategies a homeowner can use to transform their standard yard into an ecologically beneficial garden. Carl Molter is Design Director at Indigenous Ingenuities, an ecologically based design-build firm in Doylestown, PA. He combines his over 25 years of design-build residential experience with a passion for ecology and place-making. He also is the host of WDVR’s Into the Garden radio show. Program Fee: $15 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.) All lectures will be held virtually using Zoom. They will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers for a short time.
26Oct
Thursday Night Nature: Nature Journaling: Observation, Questioning and Connecting! with Jack Hobe (October 26, 2023)
Learn how to document your outdoor explorations and make yourself a better observer by keeping your own nature journal. Join local naturalist-artist Jack Hobe for an evening talk about the basics of nature journaling (observation, questioning and connecting) as well as a live demonstration using a nature object. Hobe will discuss his background, passion for nature art and techniques he uses to look more closely at the natural world. Participants are encouraged to have with them a nature object (fruit, vegetable, flower, leaf, feather, pinecone, etc.) and paper and pencil so they can follow along as Hobe creates a journal page in real time! Jack Hobe—artist, birder, naturalist, scientist and nature journaler-–loves all things birds and nature. He started drawing as soon as he could hold a crayon, and his interest in birds was realized soon after. That interest has since grown into a passion for birds and the natural world in general. Hobe has learned many of his techniques from the work of master wildlife illustrator and nature journaler John Muir Laws. A passionate naturalist and nature journaler, Hobe loves to notice, wonder, make connections and explore nature through the pages of a journal. He also aims to help others enjoy the natural world by teaching them to observe scientifically through their own journals. Program Fee: $15 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.) All lectures will be held virtually using Zoom. They will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers for a short time.
28Oct
Nature Journaling Workshop with Jack Hobe (Oct. 28, 2023)
Nature journaling—observing nature using a notebook and pencil—is a powerful and fun activity. Learn new ways of looking closely, asking questions and using creative thinking by making your own nature notebook in this interactive workshop taught by local naturalist-artist Jack Hobe. Surrounded by beautiful native plants and pollinators at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, we will cover the basics of nature journaling—such as observation, asking questions and using words alongside drawings—before trying out new skills on plants and other natural objects. Participants should bring a pencil and sketchbook (or paper and clipboard) as well as outdoor gear suitable for the weather. Jack Hobe—artist, birder, naturalist, scientist and nature journaler-–loves all things birds and nature. He started drawing as soon as he could hold a crayon, and his interest in birds was realized soon after. That interest has since grown into a passion for birds and the natural world in general. Hobe has learned many of his techniques from the work of master wildlife illustrator and nature journaler John Muir Laws. A passionate naturalist and nature journaler, Hobe loves to notice, wonder, make connections and explore nature through the pages of a journal. He aims to help others enjoy the natural world by teaching them to observe scientifically through their own journals. Program Fee: $30 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.) This is an in-person class.
02Nov
Thursday Night Nature: The Past and Present of the Lenapes: We are still here! With Barbara ‘Bluejay’ Michalski (November 2, 2023)
We are taught to keep our heritage and culture alive. Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania’s Chief Barbara Bluejay Michalski, Keeper of Culture, does just that.The Lenapes have their own unique story. Lenapes were original caretakers of the land, and their story is “The Prophecy of the Fourth Crow.” It is about the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania’s decades-long struggle to survive to keep their community and culture intact. The First Crow was the Lenape before the coming of the Europeans. The Second Crow symbolized the death and destruction of their culture. During the Third Crow, the people went “underground’” hiding their identity. The Fourth Crow was the Lenape becoming caretakers again and working with everybody to restore this land. Chief Bluejay will discuss how they have been maintaining the language and culture. TheLenape Nation of Pennsylvania has been preserving the land through the Rising Nation River Journey and the treaty of renewed friendship, and has created partnerships with over 130 organizations. Chief Bluejay, aka Barbara Michalski, was given the name by her grandfather, Bill Thompson, late Chief Whippoorwill of the Unalachtigo (people near the ocean) Tribe of the Turkey Clan. A member of Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, she has immersed herself in their activities, such as serving on the tribal council and as tribal secretary and participating in educating the public by attending events or festivals in the Lenapehoking (Homeland of the Lenape). Most importantly, Bluejay teaches children the history of the Lenape Nation through crafts, storytelling and artifacts. She has also been involved in environmental causes, particularly working for clean water and protecting our Earth Mother. Recently, she has seen a rising interest in medicinal plants and has been working to learn more about them. Program Fee: $15 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.) All lectures will be held virtually using Zoom. They will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers for a short time.
04Nov
Masters of the Skies: A Brief Introduction to Falconry with Gregory Wojtera (Nov. 4, 2023)
This program will introduce participants to falconry, its history and its significance in the past and present. It will also touch on the biology and natural history of our native raptor species. Participants will be introduced to two of Pennsylvania’s native birds of prey—a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and a red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus)—as well as a Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), which is native to the Southwestern U.S. Additional time will be allotted for a Q&A session and a photo opportunity with the birds at the end of the program. Please note, this is a bring-your-own seat event, be it a blanket or a lawn chair. Please note that individual tickets are per person and that all children must be accompanied by an adult. French native Gregory Wojtera is a master falconer who has worked with almost 50 raptors in the past 12 years. He trains and flies hawks, falcons and owls for a variety of purposes, including hunting, falconry abatement (bird control) and education. In 2014, he created Masters of the Skies to educate the general public about birds of prey and falconry. Wojtera is licensed at the state and federal levels to conduct public falconry classes, and he has been working as a full-time falconer and educator since 2016.
09Nov
Thursday Night Nature: Cultural Stories and Horticulture Justice with Adam DePaul (November 9, 2023)
Chief Adam Waterbear DePaul, tribal storykeeper and director of education for the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, will briefly discuss the past and present of the Lenape people in Pennsylvania. He will then share cultural stories of the Lenape People that address creation, conservation and pillars of Lenape culture. A theme of these stories will be horticulture and environment, and Chief Adam will also discuss food justice and health in relation to indigenous and introduced foods. Questions and discussion from the audience will be encouraged. Adam Waterbear DePaul is a council member for the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, where his roles include storykeeper, academic liaison and coordinator of the Rising Nation River Journey. He is an instructor and Ph.D. candidate in cultural and mythological studies at Temple University, where he co-curated Everyday Artistry, Enduring Presence in 2019. Program Fee: $15 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.) All lectures will be held virtually using Zoom. They will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers for a short time.
16Nov
Thursday Night Nature: TerraCycle with Kariina Rand (November 16, 2023)
TerraCycle is a mission-driven company dedicated to the elimination of the idea of waste through the creation of innovative solutions for the recycling of traditionally non-recycled materials. TerraCycle, based in Trenton, NJ, operates in over 20 countries worldwide and has a foundation in Thailand that undertakes the cleanup of river plastics. TerraCycle has been recognized by the United Nations for its work towards cleaning up and repurposing ocean plastics, and Time Magazine includes TerraCycle on its list of the world's 100 Most Influential Companies. TerraCycle offers opportunities for schools, communities and NGOs to fundraise just by recycling non-curbside recycled products and packaging. These unique programs have collectively raised over $45,000,000 for participating schools and nonprofits. Kariina Rand is TerraCycle’s North America manager of community relations and strategic partnerships., Rand works to empower communities and organizations with opportunities to recycle hard-to-recycle items using TerraCycle's free programs. Outside of work, she enjoys time spent outside, including gardening, hiking, camping and exploring new places around the world. She happily calls the Sourlands, just across the river from the Preserve, her home, where she lives with her husband and their daughter. Program Fee: $15 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.) All lectures will be held virtually using Zoom. They will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers for a short time.
Birding Programs
04Nov
Masters of the Skies: A Brief Introduction to Falconry with Gregory Wojtera (Nov. 4, 2023)
This program will introduce participants to falconry, its history and its significance in the past and present. It will also touch on the biology and natural history of our native raptor species. Participants will be introduced to two of Pennsylvania’s native birds of prey—a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and a red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus)—as well as a Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), which is native to the Southwestern U.S. Additional time will be allotted for a Q&A session and a photo opportunity with the birds at the end of the program. Please note, this is a bring-your-own seat event, be it a blanket or a lawn chair. Please note that individual tickets are per person and that all children must be accompanied by an adult. French native Gregory Wojtera is a master falconer who has worked with almost 50 raptors in the past 12 years. He trains and flies hawks, falcons and owls for a variety of purposes, including hunting, falconry abatement (bird control) and education. In 2014, he created Masters of the Skies to educate the general public about birds of prey and falconry. Wojtera is licensed at the state and federal levels to conduct public falconry classes, and he has been working as a full-time falconer and educator since 2016.
Art, Health & Nature
04Oct
“Wild” Gentle Yoga: Yoga to Connect with Yourself and Nature (Oct 2023 – All)
This program has a tiered pricing system that allows you to pay what you wish. Join Priscilla Hayes, Preserve naturalist and certified yoga teacher, for gentle yoga that builds body awareness, strength, flexibility and a better understanding of how humans connect to and reflect natural systems. On your mat each week, you will notice the small—or not so small—changes in yourself: the community of your body, mind and spirit. Each session will include breath exercises, yoga poses and gentle self-care exercises/meditations. Create an intimate awareness of your body and self surrounded by the mosses and plants as they provide you lovely fresh air and peace. Safe social distancing will be practiced throughout each session, and participants are asked to bring their own mats, a blanket, and any other props (a block and a strap are recommended). Priscilla Hayes was inspired to become a yoga teacher after she experienced the benefits of yoga firsthand, in both healing and developing flexibility after a knee replacement. Wanting to pass those same benefits on to others, she completed teacher training at Honor Yoga in 2018 and did her first year and a half of teaching there, as well as additional training in various yoga specialties. Hayes left to pursue her passions of yoga in nature and of inspiring others to engage in a daily home practice. She has been teaching in the moss garden at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve since late spring 2020 (with a winter break). Since August 2020, she has been posting approximately half-hour sequences combining yoga with other self-care practices at Home Practice Breaks, https://www.facebook.com/homepracticebreaks, which can be accessed at any time for free. Safe social distancing will be practiced throughout each session, and participants are asked to bring their own mats, a blanket, and any other props. By registering for this program, I agree and understand that there are inherent risks to being in the out of doors (e.g. ticks, poison ivy, uneven terrain). I release Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve Association, Inc. (BHWP), its officers, employees, agents, and volunteers from any and all claims that may arise from my participation in this program, including but not limited to injury, illness, loss of life or property damage. I have notified the staff of any medical conditions of which they need to be aware. With my initials, I also authorize BHWP to publish, display or use all photographs in which I appear, without limitation.
04Oct
“Wild” Gentle Yoga: Yoga to Connect with Yourself and Nature (October 04, 2023)
This program has a tiered pricing system that allows you to pay what you wish. Join Priscilla Hayes, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve volunteer naturalist and certified yoga teacher, for gentle yoga that builds body awareness, strength, flexibility and a better understanding of how humans connect to and reflect natural systems. On your mat each week, you will notice the small—or not so small—changes in yourself: the community of your body, mind and spirit. Each session will include breath exercises, yoga poses, and gentle self-care exercises/meditations. Create an intimate awareness of your body and self surrounded by the mosses and plants as they provide you lovely fresh air and peace. Safe social distancing will be practiced throughout each session, and participants are asked to bring their own mats, a blanket, and any other props (a block and a strap are recommended). Priscilla Hayes was inspired to become a yoga teacher after she experienced the benefits of yoga firsthand, in both healing and developing flexibility after a knee replacement. Wanting to pass those same benefits on to others, she completed teacher training at Honor Yoga in 2018 and did her first year and a half of teaching there, as well as completing additional training in various yoga specialties. She left to pursue her passions of yoga in nature and of inspiring others to engage in a daily home practice. She has been teaching in the moss garden at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve since late spring 2020 (with a winter break). Since August 2020, she has been posting approximately half-hour sequences combining yoga with other self-care practices at Home Practice Breaks, https://www.facebook.com/homepracticebreaks, which can be accessed at any time for free. Safe social distancing will be practiced throughout each session, and participants are asked to bring their own mats, a blanket, and any other props.
11Oct
“Wild” Gentle Yoga: Yoga to Connect with Yourself and Nature (October 11, 2023)
This program has a tiered pricing system that allows you to pay what you wish. Join Priscilla Hayes, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve volunteer naturalist and certified yoga teacher, for gentle yoga that builds body awareness, strength, flexibility and a better understanding of how humans connect to and reflect natural systems. On your mat each week, you will notice the small—or not so small—changes in yourself: the community of your body, mind and spirit. Each session will include breath exercises, yoga poses, and gentle self-care exercises/meditations. Create an intimate awareness of your body and self surrounded by the mosses and plants as they provide you lovely fresh air and peace. Safe social distancing will be practiced throughout each session, and participants are asked to bring their own mats, a blanket, and any other props (a block and a strap are recommended). Priscilla Hayes was inspired to become a yoga teacher after she experienced the benefits of yoga firsthand, in both healing and developing flexibility after a knee replacement. Wanting to pass those same benefits on to others, she completed teacher training at Honor Yoga in 2018 and did her first year and a half of teaching there, as well as completing additional training in various yoga specialties. She left to pursue her passions of yoga in nature and of inspiring others to engage in a daily home practice. She has been teaching in the moss garden at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve since late spring 2020 (with a winter break). Since August 2020, she has been posting approximately half-hour sequences combining yoga with other self-care practices at Home Practice Breaks, https://www.facebook.com/homepracticebreaks, which can be accessed at any time for free. Safe social distancing will be practiced throughout each session, and participants are asked to bring their own mats, a blanket, and any other props.
13Oct
Nature Therapy Walk: A Shinrin-yoku Experience with Sharon Lohse (October 13, 2023)
“The forest is the therapist. The guide opens the doors.” – M. Amos Clifford Led by Sharon Lohse, nature therapy walks are a unique, immersive, slow-paced experience with proven health benefits. Inspired by the Japanese practice of forest bathing and led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide, you will explore the land of the Preserve and awaken your senses to its sounds, beings, textures and beauty. This experience is different than a hike or naturalist walk. You will be invited to move slowly, wander, pause, observe and reflect. The emphasis is on unplugging, calming the mind and engaging with the natural world. Many studies have shown that this type of experience in nature reduces stress, lowers cortisol levels and blood pressure, increases energy, enhances sleep, increases natural killer disease-fighting cells and provides an overall sense of well-being. Sharon Lohse is a psychiatric nurse with certificates in horticultural therapy, mindfulness and forest therapy. Her love of plants, trees, flowers and people is the root of her business, Mindful in Nature. She has been a certified guide since January 2019 and very much enjoys bringing people and plants together. She has transformed her yard into a horticultural masterpiece, winning the Garden of Distinction Award in the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society’s annual garden contest. In the process, she discovered how happy people felt after walking her garden trail, which led Lohse to Delaware Valley University. Pre-registration for this program is required by Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Admission: $35 ($28 with member discount)
18Oct
“Wild” Gentle Yoga: Yoga to Connect with Yourself and Nature (October 18, 2023)
This program has a tiered pricing system that allows you to pay what you wish. Join Priscilla Hayes, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve volunteer naturalist and certified yoga teacher, for gentle yoga that builds body awareness, strength, flexibility and a better understanding of how humans connect to and reflect natural systems. On your mat each week, you will notice the small—or not so small—changes in yourself: the community of your body, mind and spirit. Each session will include breath exercises, yoga poses, and gentle self-care exercises/meditations. Create an intimate awareness of your body and self surrounded by the mosses and plants as they provide you lovely fresh air and peace. Safe social distancing will be practiced throughout each session, and participants are asked to bring their own mats, a blanket, and any other props (a block and a strap are recommended). Priscilla Hayes was inspired to become a yoga teacher after she experienced the benefits of yoga firsthand, in both healing and developing flexibility after a knee replacement. Wanting to pass those same benefits on to others, she completed teacher training at Honor Yoga in 2018 and did her first year and a half of teaching there, as well as completing additional training in various yoga specialties. She left to pursue her passions of yoga in nature and of inspiring others to engage in a daily home practice. She has been teaching in the moss garden at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve since late spring 2020 (with a winter break). Since August 2020, she has been posting approximately half-hour sequences combining yoga with other self-care practices at Home Practice Breaks, https://www.facebook.com/homepracticebreaks, which can be accessed at any time for free. Safe social distancing will be practiced throughout each session, and participants are asked to bring their own mats, a blanket, and any other props.
25Oct
“Wild” Gentle Yoga: Yoga to Connect with Yourself and Nature (October 25, 2023)
This program has a tiered pricing system that allows you to pay what you wish. Join Priscilla Hayes, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve volunteer naturalist and certified yoga teacher, for gentle yoga that builds body awareness, strength, flexibility and a better understanding of how humans connect to and reflect natural systems. On your mat each week, you will notice the small—or not so small—changes in yourself: the community of your body, mind and spirit. Each session will include breath exercises, yoga poses, and gentle self-care exercises/meditations. Create an intimate awareness of your body and self surrounded by the mosses and plants as they provide you lovely fresh air and peace. Safe social distancing will be practiced throughout each session, and participants are asked to bring their own mats, a blanket, and any other props (a block and a strap are recommended). Priscilla Hayes was inspired to become a yoga teacher after she experienced the benefits of yoga firsthand, in both healing and developing flexibility after a knee replacement. Wanting to pass those same benefits on to others, she completed teacher training at Honor Yoga in 2018 and did her first year and a half of teaching there, as well as completing additional training in various yoga specialties. She left to pursue her passions of yoga in nature and of inspiring others to engage in a daily home practice. She has been teaching in the moss garden at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve since late spring 2020 (with a winter break). Since August 2020, she has been posting approximately half-hour sequences combining yoga with other self-care practices at Home Practice Breaks, https://www.facebook.com/homepracticebreaks, which can be accessed at any time for free. Safe social distancing will be practiced throughout each session, and participants are asked to bring their own mats, a blanket, and any other props.