Christmas Crossing Re-enactment
Washington Crossing Historic Park 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA, United StatesGeorge Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River and defeat of the Hessians in Trenton is considered a turning point in the Revolutionary War. You can witness this historic event for yourself during one of two reenactments in December. Join fellow citizens from around the country for a Bucks County tradition featuring several hundred reenactors clad in Continental military dress and George Washington himself. Listen as General Washington delivers an inspiring speech and then leads his troops across the river in replica Durham boats. River crossings are contingent upon safe conditions for participants. However, even if conditions do not allow for crossing, ceremonies, speeches and commemorative activities still occur. We suggest visitors arrive before 1 PM on Christmas Day to ensure a good place along the viewing line.
Friday Night End-of-Year Hike at Rancocas
Wrap up the last week of the year by getting a jump on your 2017 commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Join an RNC naturalist for an hour hike in the state park preserve─it’s prime time for Great Horned Owl activity. Suitable for adults and interested teenagers. Preregister by calling RNC at 609-261-2495. There is no charge for this program, but donations are encouraged.
Christmas Bird Count
Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow 2877 Creamery Road, New Hope, PA, United StatesJoin Bucks County Audubon Society on January 1st, 2017 to take part in the tradition of the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count! Data compiled in New Hope will record every individual bird species seen in a specified area, contributing to a vast citizen science network that continues a tradition stretching back more than 100 years. Birders of all ages are welcome to contribute to this fun, nationwide citizen science project, which provides ornithologists with a crucial snapshot of our native bird populations during the winter. Each individual count is performed in a count circle with a diameter of 15 miles. At least ten volunteers, including a compiler to coordinate the process, count in each circle. The volunteers break up into small parties and follow assigned routes, which change little from year to year, counting every bird. In most circles, some people also watch feeders instead of following routes. As we have scheduled our count for New Year’s Day, this is a great opportunity to take a “First Day Hike!” Start the New Year outside and on the right foot as you join us for this great event! To sign up for a count, please visit/contact Diane Smith at dianesmith@bcas.org or call 215-297-5880!
First Day Hike
Delaware Canal State Park 11 Lodi Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA, United StatesLast year 1,841 people hit the trail for a First Day Hike in Pennsylvania's State Parks; we're hoping to get even more people out this year! Get those resolutions rolling and welcome the New Year with a short afternoon stroll on the Delaware Canal Towpath. Join a state park educator for a 2 - 4 mile hike on easy, level terrain, starting in the lower parking lot of Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, River Rd. (PA-32), and heading 1 - 2 miles north on the Delaware Canal towpath toward New Hope and back. All ages and abilities are welcome. Leashed, friendly dogs welcome. Hike at your own pace and turn back when you wish. We hope to see you there!
Out and About on the Perkiomen Trail
Green Lane Park 2144 Snyder Road, Green Lane, PA, United StatesMontgomery County’s Green Lane Park will hold a guided walk on the Perkiomen Trail on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 10:00am. Winter is a great time to get outside and explore County trails. Join Green Lane Park staff for a winter stroll on the Perkiomen Trail south of Green Lane Park. Along the way, participants will investigate plant life, animal tracks and signs, and enjoy the quiet of a winter morning. Bundle up and meet at the Crusher Road Trail parking lot located at 1125 Crusher Road, Green Lane, PA 18054. This is a free program, but preregistration is required. Please call 215-234-4528 to reserve a space.
Groundhog Day at Norristown Farm Park
Norristown Farm Park Barley Sheaf Drive and Germantown Pike , E Norriton, PA, United StatesCelebrate Groundhog Day at Norristown Farm Park. Learn about the animal that gets its own special day on the calendar. After a natural history lesson about groundhogs, hear a story, play a groundhog game, and make a craft. This program is suitable for children ages three and older with adult accompaniment. There is a $5.00 fee per child. Preregistration is required. Please call 610-270-0215 to preregister. Norristown Farm Park is located at Barley Sheaf Drive and Germantown Pike in East Norriton, PA 19403. Meet in the salt wing of the barn.
Volunteer Service – Tackling Invasives at ChesLen Preserve
ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, PA, United StatesJoin Natural Lands Trust staff and dedicated volunteers in tackling invasives around the Lenfest Center at our picturesque ChesLen Preserve. Please register for this volunteer service opportunity to let us know you’re coming – complete and submit the form on the Natural Lands Trust website. Groups are welcome! Contact Becky Rennix if you have any questions, or you’d like to bring a group, at brennix@natlands.org, 610-353-5587, ext 214.
Winter Tree ID
Saunders Woods Preserve 1020 Waverly Rd, Gladwyne, PA, United StatesTrees can be tricky to I.D. in winter, when tell-tale leaves are long gone. But branches, bark, and other features provide clues for us to discover and appreciate. Lace up sturdy boots and join preserve manager Luke Hamilton on a leisurely-paced hike to learn about trees, and enjoy a winter woodland landscape. Event is free! Please complete and submit the secure, on-line registration form on the Natural Lands Trust website, or call 610-353-5587 ext. 221.
‘Souper’ Winter Snowshoe or Hike
ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, PA, United StatesWinter time is a great time to get outdoors and explore trails! Join Natural Lands Trust staff and volunteers on an invigorating snowshoe (conditions permitting) or hike through ChesLen Preserve. After the trek, we’ll stoke the outdoor fireplace and warm-up with steaming bowls of delicious soup and hot chocolate. Registration required to reserve your spot. Please complete and submit the secure, on-line registration form on the Natural Lands Trust website, or call 610-353-5587 ext. 221. $10 member, $15 non member.
Let’s Get Native
Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association 31 Titus Mill Rd, Pennington, , NJ, United StatesJoin Michael Van Clef, founder of Ecological Solutions, LLC, as he shares his expertise in ecological management, native plants and stewardship of natural resources. Learn about beneficial additions to your yard and where to find them! Take home some native starter seeds and information on native plants around the Watershed Reserve. Also being held at Fairview Farm on April 26th - visit njriverfriendly.org/resident for the registration link