Workshops & Events
Ecology & Conservation
29Sep
Thursday Night Nature Fall 2022 Bundle
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. 29. Using Zoom Webinars these all-virtual lectures will feature an impressive list of experts from across the country. Lecturers will discuss a variety of topics ranging from pollinators to haiku. Online registration for this program bundle closes Sept. 29 at 5:00 pm.
29Sep
Last Chance Café: the Secret Life of a Goldenrod Field with Mike Weilbacher (Sept. 29)
Goldenrod fields—the villains in thousands of allergy-relief commercials—are a critically important ecosystem for millions of butterflies, bugs and birds. They are the last chance for life-saving pollen and nectar before the long winter sets in. In a lively, colorful and photo-filled presentation, Preserve naturalist Mike Weilbacher will share the wonderful life histories of the many species found in these fields, including monarch butterflies, bumblebees, praying mantises, crab spiders, peacock flies, assassin bugs and the plants themselves: asters, goldenrods, milkweeds and thistles. This class will inspire a deep appreciation for this critical ecosystem. 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.
06Oct
Green and Natural Burials with Ashley Oppon (Oct. 6)
Traditional burial methods and cremation contribute heavily to our carbon footprint. Educating ourselves on natural burial methods can provide ways to give back to our planet even after death. This program will go over all the current options for green burial methods and how they can help combat climate change. Ashley Oppon is a registered nurse and a death midwife, a home funeral guide and an advocate for medical aid in dying and green and natural burials. She has done extensive death training and supports individuals from advanced planning to funerals and vigils. Oppon is a part of Sisters of the Sacred, a spiritual collective that creates sacred space for all of life's major moments. With her death work she hopes to make the dying process a safe space for grief and healing.
13Oct
What is Native, Context Matters with Amy Highland (Oct. 13)
Loss of habitat and decline in many species, including pollinators, has led to a growing interest in the incorporation and reestablishment of native plants into our environment. Botanic gardens, local governments, ecological organizations and neighborhood gardeners are seeking the best plants for their projects. Selecting from available plants is not always easy, and there is an ever-growing need for evidence-based guidelines on sourcing native plant materials. Join Amy Highland as she shares the decision-making strategies of Mt. Cuba Center in determining when local matters. Amy Highland is the director of collections and conservation lead at Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware. She obtained her degree in public horticulture from Perdue University before heading east for the Longwood Gardens Internship Program. There, in the plant records office, her love of plant systematics combined with her love of organization and planning. In 2006 she joined Mt. Cuba Center as the plant recorder and in 2012 she became the first curator of Mt. Cuba Center. Soon after, Highland was named director of collections to oversee both living and nonliving collections for the Center and in 2018 was named conservation lead.
20Oct
Life After Death with Samantha Nestroy (Oct. 20)
Most people are familiar with the innumerable benefits of living trees, but even after their death they provide vital habitat, shelter and food for wildlife. Join us as we learn how dead and dying trees still teem with life, from tiny termites to fantastic flying squirrels and everything in between! Samantha Nestory is the engagement manager and naturalist at Stoneleigh: a natural garden in Villanova. Nestory’s prior experience includes work with Sarver Ecological, an ecological consulting firm, and Morris Arboretum. She is passionate about native plants, ecological gardening and insect conservation, and she is strongly committed to educating the public about these important issues.
27Oct
Pollinators in Pop Culture with Codey Mathis (Oct. 27)
In recent years, insects of all kinds have been gaining attention in media and our pop culture, from video games to news articles about murder hornets. While this may seem like a boon to entomologists, it frequently leads to misinformation and further deepens the negative sentiments that the general public has towards these important invertebrates. In this talk, Codey Mathis discusses the pros and cons of having more attention paid to pollinators and pollinator-adjacent insects, the “good” and the “bad” of how these insects are portrayed in society and ways to improve the messaging for all ages. Codey Mathis is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Entomology at Penn State University. Her research focuses on improving our understanding of plant-pollinator communities to better inform the conservation of these important insects, as well as critically evaluating existing monitoring methodologies. Mathis received her master’s in miology at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she studied pollinator communities in timber harvests, and her bachelor’s in fisheries and wildlife at Oregon State University. She is from the Pacific Northwest and enjoys hiking with her beagle, reading books about epic fantasy, science history and laments the lack of realistic bee Pokémon.
03Nov
Learning Native Lenape Plants with Barbara Michalski (Nov. 3)
Long before pure chemicals were manufactured in labs, members of the Lenape nation used plants for medicine, some of which are still utilized today. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) and jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) are just a few of these species. This traditional medical knowledge was, and continues to be, passed down through their families. This program will introduce the Lenape people and discuss the importance of respect for plant beings and building a connection with the spirit world. 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.
10Nov
Hedgerows: An Icon of Bucks County’s Rural Vernacular Landscape with David Hughes (Nov. 10)
Get reacquainted with hedgerows, an icon of our rural agricultural roots, and see what opportunities these linear landscapes can provide for us in today’s culture. In this program, David Hughes will present observations on how they were created, what native species they attract and what invasive species threaten them. He will also discuss the functions and ecological values that existing hedgerows provide and draw upon local and regional examples to show the splendor we have in our agricultural remnants. The discussion will end with some thoughts on how to best preserve these unique landscape features. David Hughes is a registered landscape architect and owner of Weatherwood Design LLC, specializing in native plant-based garden design, ecology and natural habitat preservation. In addition, Hughes is a rustic furniture artist that specializes in hand-crafted structures that he incorporates into his native garden designs. Find out more on his website: www.weatherwooddesign.com.
17Nov
Wildspawn Mushrooms: Cultivating and Foraging Gourmet Fungi with Cody Iannozzi (Nov. 17)
Cody Iannozzi became captivated by mushrooms through wild foraging. This lecture will begin with a brief history of his adventures in the field and follow how Wildspawn Mushrooms was founded. With an emphasis on Northeastern wild species, Iannozzi will describe some of the identifying characteristics of mushrooms as well as some common misconceptions. He will delve into concepts such as mycorrhiza and the roles of saprophytes and parasites in the ecosystem. Iannozzi will also touch on cooking with mushrooms, medicinal uses of fungi and foraging for them in the wild. Participants will learn what role we can play in the fascinating symbiosis between plants and fungi and how they can grow mushrooms at home! Mycoenthusiest Cody Iannozzi grew up in rural Hunterdon County, NJ. He attended Lock Haven University, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in ecology and a minor in environmental science. It was during his first full-time job working for Hunterdon County Mosquito Control that he began collecting mushrooms for identification while surveying potential mosquito habitats. This small side interest quickly skyrocketed into a total love for fungi due to their aesthetic, culinary and medicinal values. By spring of 2021, Iannozzi and his close friend Jeff Mertz officially founded Wildspawn Mushrooms, LLC, a business that specializes in the cultivation, foraging and sale of choice edible mushrooms.
19Nov
Masters of the Skies: A Brief Introduction to Falconry (Nov. 19)
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 and a red-shouldered hawk) as well as a Harris’s hawk, 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.
Birding Programs
19Nov
Masters of the Skies: A Brief Introduction to Falconry (Nov. 19)
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 and a red-shouldered hawk) as well as a Harris’s hawk, 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
28Sep
“Wild” Gentle Yoga: Yoga to Connect with Yourself and Nature (September 28, 2022)
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.
05Oct
“Wild” Gentle Yoga: Yoga to Connect with Yourself and Nature (October 5, 2022)
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.
05Oct
“Wild” Gentle Yoga: Yoga to Connect with Yourself and Nature (October – All)
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. 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.
12Oct
“Wild” Gentle Yoga: Yoga to Connect with Yourself and Nature (October 12, 2022)
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.
14Oct
Nature Therapy Walk: A Shinrin-yoku Experience with Sharon Lohse (October)
“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 a certificate in horticultural therapy, mindfulness and a certificate in 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 Sharon to Delaware Valley University. She learned about Horticulture as a science and how to incorporate nature and plants into the lives of special populations in order to improve their health and spirits. Pre-registration for this program is required by Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022. Admission: $35 ($28 with member discount)
19Oct
“Wild” Gentle Yoga: Yoga to Connect with Yourself and Nature (October 19, 2022)
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.
22Oct
Photographing the Present: Becoming One with your Subject with Stephen Harris
With the business of life, it is important to take time to slow down and smell the roses—or the native flowers. This unique photography class will help you isolate your subjects and examine and imagine the composition. “Mindfulness helps you step outside the endless chatter of your thoughts and see the world with fresh eyes...” (Williams & Penman, 2016). Learn to block out any background noise and become one with your subject, truly “seeing” it—before taking the picture. In this interactive workshop, we will discuss mindful techniques and exercises that you can apply to your photography. The class is open to mobile phone or DSLR photography. Stephen Harris discovered photography in his early years, developing his photographic skills and composition eye in grade school. At the time, he focused on 35mm black and white photography processed in a small basement darkroom. After a corporate executive career, he returned to photography. Harris taught photography at the Visual Art Center of New Jersey, Digital Photo Academy (NYC) and various community schools. He is the owner of River Town Creative, providing marketing and photography services to local businesses, and co-owns 26Bridge Studio & Gallery in Lambertville. The Lambertville resident loves to explore Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in all seasons — it is his mindful or Zen place. Fees: $70, Members can use their discount code to receive 20% off this program. If you are a member and having trouble with using your code, please message development@bhwp.org. Additional Information: Registration for this program closes on Friday, May 27, at 3 pm; for help with registration please email education@bhwp.org.
26Oct
“Wild” Gentle Yoga: Yoga to Connect with Yourself and Nature (October 26, 2022)
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.