A recent study published in the journal Science revealed that butterfly populations in the United States declined 22% between 2000 and 2020. The drop in the Northeastern United States was even worse: 32.6%. Much of the data used for this …
Every year, monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus)—those showy, Halloween-colored beauties—engage in one of nature’s most extraordinary feats: flying to a very few secluded mountain valleys in Mexico. After wintering, they begin a perilous journey north, sometimes taking generations to return to Pennsylvania. And in the fall, they start over again. How do they accomplish this remarkable task? Why did it even evolve? The monarch is also among the most endangered butterflies, their numbers in a steep decline in recent decades—for surprising reasons. Mike Weilbacher shares this butterfly’s unique story, weaving up-to-date science with folk legend and Aztec myth. You’ll gain a new appreciation for the master of butterflies and learn innumerable ways you can help this amazing creature.
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.
Mike will be joining us in-person for this program.
Program Fee: $18 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.)
The 2023 Winter Lecture Series is brought to you, in part, thanks to the generous support of the Bucks County Foundation.
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), the North American native tree that produces the largest edible fruits—once nearly forgotten—has seen a dramatic resurgence in popularity. While you may not see the fruit on grocery store shelves, you may be lucky enough to pick one up at your local farmers market or receive one from a friendly neighbor. Chris Chmiel, founder of the Ohio Pawpaw Festival, will present a general overview of the pawpaw and discuss its cultural significance and history. He will share his experiences with Integration Acres, currently the world’s largest pawpaw processor and purveyor of pawpaw products. In addition, Chmiel will talk about this fruit’s cult-like following and the Ohio Pawpaw Festival, the world’s largest of its kind.
Chris Chmiel attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and graduated with a specialized studies degree, “Wholistic Transition to Sustainability.” He started Integration Acres in 1995 and the Ohio Pawpaw Festival in 1999. He is also currently serving as an Athens County commissioner.
Chris will be joining us virtually for this program.
Program Fee: $18 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.)
The 2023 Winter Lecture Series is brought to you, in part, thanks to the generous support of the Bucks County Foundation.
To support community engagement, the Preserve offers public libraries in the Delaware Valley the opportunity to join our membership program through the Library Pass Program. Participating libraries may add a Preserve Pass to their circulating collection. Each pass provides free …
Plants have universal appeal. Plants do not judge. Plants are used in sickness and in health, in celebration and in sorrow. We cook with them. We wear them as clothing. What is it about our need to connect to nature? Join Laura DePrado, horticultural therapist/consultant, to learn about horticultural therapy–also known as therapeutic horticulture or social therapy–its history, application in human health and well-being, and evidence base.
Laura DePrado is a horticultural therapist, HTR, B.S. and HT certificate recipient, author, journalist and photographer, specializing in connecting people and plants for human health and well-being. DePrado is the founder, president and owner of Final Touch Plantscaping, LLC, which provides customized activities and programs using plants to impact social, physical and psychological well-being. She has traveled the world studying the ancient use of plants in health and medicine. She is a three-time national presenter of the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) and recipient of the AHTA Alice Burlingame Humanitarian Award.
Laura will be joining us in person for this program.
Program Fee: $18 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.)
The 2023 Winter Lecture Series is brought to you, in part, thanks to the generous support of the Bucks County Foundation.