Workshops & Events
Ecology & Conservation
Feb23
Growing Native Plants: Propagation From Seed
Start your wildflower gardening early! Take advantage of BHWP Curator Jason Ksepka’s expertise and learn how to start native wildflowers from seed. Jason will discuss interesting seed germination processes while you plant a variety of wildflower seeds in class to bring home and grow on. Advance registration is required by February 21. »
Mar24
Growing Native Plants: Propagation Primer with Jake Fitzpatrick
Join our nursery manager on a behind-the- scenes tour of our propagation facilities, then get your hands dirty and learn to how to properly pot plants and care for them. Each participant will receive a native plant to take home. Advance registration is required by March 22. »
Apr13
Growing Native Plants: Make and Take Bog Planter
Bring a piece of the Preserve home with you! Your new bog garden will include three plants suited for boggy conditions that will thrive in your pot! Our make & take table will be open next to the Visitor Center between 10 am and 2 pm. »
Apr14
Hummingbirds 101 with Pat Sutton
Get ready, get set for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds! Even if you think you know everything about these winged jewels, expect to be surprised by what you learn during this presentation by Pat Sutton, naturalist and wildlife gardener. She will show you an actual hummingbird nest and will share essential tips on how to ready your yard so that you can be entertained by a blizzard of hummingbirds from mid-April until early September (in the northeast). Pat Sutton has keenly studied the natural world for 40 years, first as the Naturalist at Cape May Point State Park and then as the Naturalist and Program Director at the Cape May Bird Observatory. A passionate advocate and wildlife gardener, Pat is now a freelance writer, photographer, educator and wildlife garden consultant. »
May11
Weed Patrol
Join Grounds Manager Rick Fonda for a great way to learn and give back at the same time! Learn to identify native and non-native plants, the importance of biodiversity, and how to remove and dispose of invasive species properly. Your efforts will help to protect our native plant collections. Groups, individuals, and families are welcome. Dress for the weather and working in the woods. Gloves and tools will be supplied or bring your own. FREE for all! Pre-registration is suggested. »
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. »
Jun01
Weed Patrol
Join Grounds Manager Rick Fonda for a great way to learn and give back at the same time! Learn to identify native and non-native plants, the importance of biodiversity, and how to remove and dispose of invasive species properly. Your efforts will help to protect our native plant collections. Groups, individuals, and families are welcome. Dress for the weather and working in the woods. Gloves and tools will be supplied or bring your own. FREE for all! Pre-registration is required. To register, contact Volunteer Coordinator Regina Moriarty at 215.862.2924 ext. 110 or moriarty@bhwp.org. »
Jun15
Invasive Species ID and Management
Join us to discover the Preserve’s most unwanted plants. In this session, you will learn about the problems caused by invasive plants, which species are of concern at the Preserve and beyond, and the methods we are using to control these exotic intruders. Naturalist Mary Anne Borge will introduce you to invasive plants through an indoor presentation and Grounds Manager Rick Fonda will join Mary Anne to lead you on an outdoor walk. Walk is weather dependent. Advance registration required by Thursday, June 12. »
Jun29
Pollinators and Pollination Strategies
Many plants depend on the assistance of a third party, usually an animal, to help them successfully achieve pollination. How do plants entice visitors to their flowers, and then manipulate them to carry pollen to another plant of the same species? Naturalist Mary Anne Borge will introduce you to some of the many potential pollinators of native plants, including bees, flies, wasps, beetles and birds, and to the strategies plants have evolved to achieve successful pollination by taking advantage of these flower visitors. Indoor presentation/discussion followed by an outdoor hunt for potential pollinators. Mary Anne Borge is a naturalist, photographer, writer and educator. She is a certified Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, a contributor to Butterfly Gardener magazine, and has been 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. »
Birding Programs
Mar30
Bagels and Birding for Beginners with Pam Newitt
If you’ve wanted to begin watching birds, but didn’t know where to start, here is your opportunity. We’ll open with bagels and coffee, then learn the basics of field identification through visual and behavioral cues, as well as some common song recognition. Next we will head out to test our newfound knowledge in the field. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Advance registration is required with payment by Thursday, Mar. 28, 2019 »
Apr13
Spring Bird Walk
The Preserve’s plant and habitat diversity provide nesting sites and food sources for many species of birds, including warblers, thrushes, chickadees, woodpeckers, towhees, nuthatches, goldfinches and more. Bird walks depart from the Visitor Center and are led by experienced, local guides. For ages 10 and up. Be sure to bring your binoculars if you have them. »
Apr20
Spring Bird Walk
The Preserve’s plant and habitat diversity provide nesting sites and food sources for many species of birds, including warblers, thrushes, chickadees, woodpeckers, towhees, nuthatches, goldfinches and more. Bird walks depart from the Visitor Center and are led by experienced, local guides. For ages 10 and up. Be sure to bring your binoculars if you have them. »
Apr27
Spring Bird Walk
The Preserve’s plant and habitat diversity provide nesting sites and food sources for many species of birds, including warblers, thrushes, chickadees, woodpeckers, towhees, nuthatches, goldfinches and more. Bird walks depart from the Visitor Center and are led by experienced, local guides. For ages 10 and up. Be sure to bring your binoculars if you have them. »
May04
Spring Bird Walk
The Preserve’s plant and habitat diversity provide nesting sites and food sources for many species of birds, including warblers, thrushes, chickadees, woodpeckers, towhees, nuthatches, goldfinches and more. Bird walks depart from the Visitor Center and are led by experienced, local guides. For ages 10 and up. Be sure to bring your binoculars if you have them. »
May05
Birding by Kayak on the Delaware Canal
We’re teaming up with Delaware Canal State Park for a gentle morning paddle on the Delaware Canal. We’ll learn about the history of the canal and look and listen for birds and other local wildlife during this relaxing paddle. We’ll put in at the canal near the Preserve. DCSP provides life vests, paddles, and kayaks. Details on meeting place will be provided upon registration. Space is limited; advance registration and payment is required by May 2. »
May11
Spring Bird Walk
The Preserve’s plant and habitat diversity provide nesting sites and food sources for many species of birds, including warblers, thrushes, chickadees, woodpeckers, towhees, nuthatches, goldfinches and more. Bird walks depart from the Visitor Center and are led by experienced, local guides. For ages 10 and up. Be sure to bring your binoculars if you have them. »
Art, Health & Nature
Jan30
Mindfulness Meditation and Movement for Health and Healing
6 Wednesdays: Jan. 9 – Feb. 13, 10 – 11:15 am Most of our time is spent lost in thought, reviewing the past or planning for the future, while it is only in the present moment that we are truly living. Mindfulness brings us into the present moment, cultivating awareness and felt experience, by paying attention, moment- to-moment. Mindfulness is accompanied by the attitudes of non-judging, acceptance, non- striving, letting go, patience, trust, beginner’s mind, curiosity, and kindness. This series will explore mindfulness through guided meditation and Qigong as a way to cultivate awareness for health and healing. Sandy Unger, MA, is trained in teaching Mindfulness-Based Stress 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. Please Note: This series must be purchased as a whole, in advance, by January 6. Individual sessions are not available for purchase. If you wish to register after January 9, please call 215.862.2924 for space availability and reservations. »
Feb06
Mindfulness Meditation and Movement for Health and Healing
6 Wednesdays: Jan. 9 – Feb. 13, 10 – 11:15 am Most of our time is spent lost in thought, reviewing the past or planning for the future, while it is only in the present moment that we are truly living. Mindfulness brings us into the present moment, cultivating awareness and felt experience, by paying attention, moment- to-moment. Mindfulness is accompanied by the attitudes of non-judging, acceptance, non- striving, letting go, patience, trust, beginner’s mind, curiosity, and kindness. This series will explore mindfulness through guided meditation and Qigong as a way to cultivate awareness for health and healing. Sandy Unger, MA, is trained in teaching Mindfulness-Based Stress 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. Please Note: This series must be purchased as a whole, in advance, by January 6. Individual sessions are not available for purchase. If you wish to register after January 9, please call 215.862.2924 for space availability and reservations. »
Feb09
From Nature with Love
Since ancient times, people have used plants to heal and care for themselves. But did you know that many herbal remedies can still be found in your backyard? In this make-and-take session, you’ll learn about botanicals used through history and make a healing lip balm to take home. Registration fee includes includes all materials. Advance registration is required by Feb. 7, 2019 »
Feb13
Mindfulness Meditation and Movement for Health and Healing
6 Wednesdays: Jan. 9 – Feb. 13, 10 – 11:15 am Most of our time is spent lost in thought, reviewing the past or planning for the future, while it is only in the present moment that we are truly living. Mindfulness brings us into the present moment, cultivating awareness and felt experience, by paying attention, moment- to-moment. Mindfulness is accompanied by the attitudes of non-judging, acceptance, non- striving, letting go, patience, trust, beginner’s mind, curiosity, and kindness. This series will explore mindfulness through guided meditation and Qigong as a way to cultivate awareness for health and healing. Sandy Unger, MA, is trained in teaching Mindfulness-Based Stress 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. Please Note: This series must be purchased as a whole, in advance, by January 6. Individual sessions are not available for purchase. If you wish to register after January 9, please call 215.862.2924 for space availability and reservations. »
Mar02
Landscape Design – A Process For the Homeowner
(4) Saturdays, Mar. 2 – 23, 1:30 – 3:30 pm You may know what a landscape is, but do you know what “design” is? In this 4-part series, Landscape Architect Don Borden will share his expertise to help you understand the ins and outs of the design process. You’ll learn about the creative part of the process - from how to use texture, color and constructed aspects – and how to choose the best solutions for your landscape. The final class will help you put it all together. Don Borden is a retired registered Landscape Architect who earned degrees from Rutgers University in landscape architecture and Temple University in landscape design. He has 47 years in professional practice and taught at Temple University in Landscape Design and Delaware Valley University in Landscape Architecture. Advance registration is required by March 2, 2019. »
Mar09
Landscape Design – A Process For the Homeowner
(4) Saturdays, Mar. 2 – 23, 1:30 – 3:30 pm You may know what a landscape is, but do you know what “design” is? In this 4-part series, Landscape Architect Don Borden will share his expertise to help you understand the ins and outs of the design process. You’ll learn about the creative part of the process - from how to use texture, color and constructed aspects – and how to choose the best solutions for your landscape. The final class will help you put it all together. Don Borden is a retired registered Landscape Architect who earned degrees from Rutgers University in landscape architecture and Temple University in landscape design. He has 47 years in professional practice and taught at Temple University in Landscape Design and Delaware Valley University in Landscape Architecture. Advance registration is required by March 2, 2019. Click here to register. »
Mar16
Landscape Design – A Process For the Homeowner
(4) Saturdays, Mar. 2 – 23, 1:30 – 3:30 pm You may know what a landscape is, but do you know what “design” is? In this 4-part series, Landscape Architect Don Borden will share his expertise to help you understand the ins and outs of the design process. You’ll learn about the creative part of the process - from how to use texture, color and constructed aspects – and how to choose the best solutions for your landscape. The final class will help you put it all together. Don Borden is a retired registered Landscape Architect who earned degrees from Rutgers University in landscape architecture and Temple University in landscape design. He has 47 years in professional practice and taught at Temple University in Landscape Design and Delaware Valley University in Landscape Architecture. Advance registration is required by March 2, 2019. Click here to register. »
Mar23
Landscape Design – A Process For the Homeowner
(4) Saturdays, Mar. 2 – 23, 1:30 – 3:30 pm You may know what a landscape is, but do you know what “design” is? In this 4-part series, Landscape Architect Don Borden will share his expertise to help you understand the ins and outs of the design process. You’ll learn about the creative part of the process - from how to use texture, color and constructed aspects – and how to choose the best solutions for your landscape. The final class will help you put it all together. Don Borden is a retired registered Landscape Architect who earned degrees from Rutgers University in landscape architecture and Temple University in landscape design. He has 47 years in professional practice and taught at Temple University in Landscape Design and Delaware Valley University in Landscape Architecture. Advance registration is required by March 2, 2019. Click here to register. »
May11
Weed Patrol
Join Grounds Manager Rick Fonda for a great way to learn and give back at the same time! Learn to identify native and non-native plants, the importance of biodiversity, and how to remove and dispose of invasive species properly. Your efforts will help to protect our native plant collections. Groups, individuals, and families are welcome. Dress for the weather and working in the woods. Gloves and tools will be supplied or bring your own. FREE for all! Pre-registration is suggested. »
Jun01
Weed Patrol
Join Grounds Manager Rick Fonda for a great way to learn and give back at the same time! Learn to identify native and non-native plants, the importance of biodiversity, and how to remove and dispose of invasive species properly. Your efforts will help to protect our native plant collections. Groups, individuals, and families are welcome. Dress for the weather and working in the woods. Gloves and tools will be supplied or bring your own. FREE for all! Pre-registration is required. To register, contact Volunteer Coordinator Regina Moriarty at 215.862.2924 ext. 110 or moriarty@bhwp.org. »