Calendar of Events
SUMMER HOURS FOR OFFICE AND VISITOR CENTER
The Office will close at 4 p.m. on Fridays in June, July and August
The Visitor Center will be closed on Sundays in August
January
1 Sunday New Year's Day
The Visitor Center will be closed. The parking lot and restrooms will be open dawn to dusk.
7Saturday Birders' Early Walk, 8 – 11 a.m.
Led by Kathy Klusman. Beginners welcome. Bring your binoculars and field guide. Free.
7Saturday Free-A-Tree Corps, 10 a.m. – noon
(Volunteer Program)
See November 5. Bring leather work gloves and pruning shears (or borrow ours) and dress for outdoor work. Pre-registration requested.
7Saturday Owl Prowl and Marshmallow Roast 7 - 8:30 p.m. (Family Program)
Explore the mysterious nighttime world of owls with naturalist Tom Hibbs. Learn how to call for owls and listen for their replies! Learn about the lives of owls and other creatures that are active at night and learn that there's a lot going on outdoors while you're usually asleep. After the prowl, gather around a fire, toast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate. This program requires standing quietly for short periods of time, and might not be appropriate for young children. Pre-paid registration required and limited. Members free; non-member adults $3, children $2.
10Tuesday Trout Unlimited, 7:30 - 9 p.m.
See November 9.
12Thursday Story Hour for Pre-Schoolers, 10 – 11 a.m.
See November 10.
16Monday Service Day, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
(Volunteer Opportunity)
Lend a hand on the Pennypack Preserve for a few hours of service in honor of Martin Luther King. Projects will include removing invasive vines from trees along the woods' edges and removing tree shelters from new tree plantations. Bring loppers, pruning shears and gloves or borrow ours. Dress in layers and wear sturdy boots. Pre-register by Friday, January 13.
21Saturday Birders' Early Walk, 8 – 11 a.m.
Led by Betty Smith. Beginners welcome. Bring your binoculars and field guide. Free.
22Sunday One Trail Twelve Times, 2-3:30 p.m.
On the third or fourth Sunday afternoon of each month over the next year, we're going to walk the same route along the new Beech Springs Trail (see November 19). We'll take pictures at certain stops, and at that end of each hike we'll journal, making note of seasonal changes, wildlife sightings, weather, and unusual finds. Come once, or come twelve times; by December, we'll have experienced a year in the life of a trail in intimate detail. Pre-registration is suggested in case we need to reschedule because of inclement weather. Free.
February
4 Free-A-Tree, Saturday, 10 a.m. - noon. (Volunteer Program)
Join the Free-A-Tree Corps’ effort to rescue our vine-infested trees . Bring leather work gloves and pruning shears (or borrow ours) and dress for outdoor work. Pre-registration requested. Free.
9 Morning Story Hour for Preschoolers, Thursday, 10 - 11 a.m.
Bring your children ages 2-5 to enjoy nature stories told by Megan Haley Keaton, followed with a special activity, sing-alongs and a walk down to the pond. Story Hour is held the second Thursday of every month. Free.
11 Birders’ Early Walk, Saturday, 8 - 11 a.m.
Led by Kathy Klusman. Beginners welcome. Bring your binoculars and field guide. Free.
11 Birdseed Sale, Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This is the last chance for the winter season to buy Pennypack’s birdseed at reduced prices. Members receive 20% and non-members receive 10% off our regular prices. Pre-order seed by mailing or faxing (215.657.1679) the Birdseed Sale form that is included in this brochure or purchase it the day of the sale.
14 Trout Unlimited, Tuesday, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
The Southeastern Montgomery County Chapter of Trout Unlimited holds its monthly meetings in the Trust’s Visitor Center on the second Tuesday of each month. [From January through April, while the Visitor Center is under construction, meetings will be held at Pennypack Environmental Center located at 8600 Verree Road in Philadelphia, which is just north of where Verree Road crosses Pennypack Creek. The Center is on the west side of the road, and is just south of where Bloomfield Road intersects with Verree.] All are welcome!
15 Historic Homes of Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Briar Bush Trip #201)
The beautifully preserved and restored homes in Fairmount Park were built and owned by some of the founding families of Philadelphia. A tour guide from the Philadelphia Museum of Art will personally escort us through three of these unique gems – Cedar Grove Mansion, with all-original furniture from the late 1700’s; Mount Pleasant, the “grand dame” of the park; and Woodford, a quintessential Georgian house full of eye-popping decorative arts. Snacks between stops and lunch in the Museum of Art are included in this historical tour. Cost: $75; Trust members $67.50. Call Briar Bush Nature Center at 215.887.6603 to register.
19 One Trail Twelve Times, Sunday, 2-3:30 p.m.
Join us for the second installment of a year-long event. On the third or fourth Sunday afternoon of each month over the next year, we’ll be walking the same route along the new Beech Springs Trail. We’ll take pictures at certain stops, and at that end of each hike we’ll journal, making note of seasonal changes, wildlife sightings, weather, and unusual finds. Come once, or come twelve times; by December, we’ll have experienced a year in the life of a trail in intimate detail. Pre-registration is suggested in case we need to reschedule because of inclement weather. Free. REGISTER
20 Presidents’ Day Cherry Tree Ramble, Monday, 1 – 3 p.m.
In honor of Presidents’ Day, join Executive Director David Robertson on an afternoon nature walk through the preserve. Along the way, we’ll investigate the veracity of the story of George Washington’s chopping down a cherry tree and learn how to distinguish between native black cherries and imported European cherry trees. Members free; non-members $5. REGISTER
20-25 Monday – Saturday Uncover the Trees
(Volunteer Opportunity)
Help us uncover the thousands of young trees that the staff and volunteers had covered in September to protect the trees from deer antler rub damage. Call the office (215.657.0830) to help out for a few hours during the week or for the finale on Saturday from 10 a.m. – noon.
25 Birders’ Early Walk, Saturday, 8 - 11 a.m.
Led by Yoav Chudnoff. Beginners welcome. Bring your binoculars and field guide. Free.
28 Presidents From the Civil War Through the End of WWII, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Upper Moreland Township Building
Just in time for Presidents’ Month, and back by popular command, Dale Sander will continue his interesting talk on the presidents, from the Civil War up through the end of WWII. (Sponsored by the Upper Moreland Historical Association)
March
3 Free-A-Tree, Saturday, 10 a.m. - noon. (Volunteer Program)
Join the Free-A-Tree Corps’ effort to rescue our vine-infested trees for the last time this season. Bring leather work gloves and pruning shears (or borrow ours) and dress for outdoor work. Pre-registration requested. Free.
8 Story Hour for Preschoolers, Thursday, 10 – 11 a.m.
See February 9.
9 Full Moon Watch! Friday, 7:45 p.m.
Come and enjoy this month’s full moon. Meet in the Visitor Center and listen to folklore and facts about the moon from Briar Bush naturalist Ehren Gross. Then take a short hike to Raytharn Farm and view the moon through telescopes set up by Bucks-Mont Astronomical Association. Participants may want to bring a flashlight. In the case of rain or cloudy weather, there will be an extended program in the Visitor Center. Pre-paid registration required. Members $5; Non-members $7. REGISTER
10 Birders’ Early Walk, Saturday 8 - 11 a.m.
Led by Barbara Knox. Beginners welcome. Bring your binoculars and field guide. Free.
13 Trout Unlimited Meeting, Tuesday, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
See February 14.
18 One Trail Twelve Times, Sunday, 2-3:30 p.m.
Join us for the third installment of a year-long event. On the third or fourth Sunday afternoon of each month over the next year, we’re going to walk the same route along the new Beech Springs Trail. We’ll take pictures at certain stops, and at that end of each hike we’ll journal, making note of seasonal changes, wildlife sightings, weather, and unusual finds. Come once, or come twelve times; by December, we’ll have experienced a year in the life of a trail in intimate detail. Pre-registration is suggested in case we need to reschedule because of inclement weather. Free.
March 20 – May 20, 2012 Spring Pennypack Photo Contest
Each participant may enter 3 images for each of 7 categories offered in this year's contest (21 images total). All images submitted to the contest will be presented in a slideshow at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in Bryn Athyn on May 27 at 7:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for each category and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners for each category will be invited to frame their work for a gallery showing.
All participants must register with the Pennypack via phone, email or mail. The registration fee is $20 before March 20, $25 between March 21 and April 20, and $30 between April 21 and May 20. The deadline for all photo submissions is May 20. All profits will be used to benefit the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust.
For more detailed information visit www.pennypackphoto.blogspot.com.
24 Birders’ Early Walk, Saturday, 8 - 11 a.m.
Led by Harris Brown. Beginners welcome. Bring your binoculars and field guide. Free.
March 24 – June 2, Learn the Joy of Beekeeping, Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. – noon
Learn to be a beekeeper during this 10-week course taught by Nancy Schnarr. Classes are a combination of lecture and field work. Students must bring their own bee veil, which can be purchased online from Brushy Mountain Bee Farm. Minimum of 6 people needed to hold the course. No class April 17. Pre-paid registration required by Thursday, March 22. Members $110; non-members $125. REGISTER
24 Spring Peepers! Saturday, 7 - 8 p.m. (Family Program)
It’s the time of year to hear the unique sound of spring peepers! Join naturalist Tom Hibbs for an evening walk and learn about these remarkable tree frogs while listening to their springtime serenade. Pre-registration required. Members free; non-member adults $5, children $3. REGISTER
27 Unsinkable Molly Brown, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Upper Moreland Township Building
Melissa Yiaski Rabinsky as Molly Brown, more than just the Titanic, shows her rags to riches story, including work with woman’s rights, the Red Cross, and more. (Sponsored by the Upper Moreland Historical Association)
30 Hagley Museum and Library, Friday, Wilmington, DE, 9:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Briar Bush Trip #202)
The story of the du Pont family begins with a bang at the Hagley Mansion and Museum, which features a working black powder yard, replicated workers’ community and Eleutherian Mills, the grand first American home of du Pont Company founder E.I. du Pont. The beginning of Delaware's founding family will come to life during a two-hour guided tour (cozy tour bus and some walking). Lunch in their organic café and time to explore the museum exhibits and gift shop complete our day. Buy lunch. Cost: $65; Trust members $58.50. Call Briar Bush Nature Center at 215.887.6603 to register.
31 Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, 11 a.m. prompt. (Children’s Program)
Children ages 2-9 can join the Easter Bunny and friend Easter Skunk for a fun-filled hunt for colored eggs. Please bring your own basket to be filled with goodies after the hunt. Members $3; non-members $5. Pre-paid reservations are required by Thursday, March 29. REGISTER
April
5 Full Moon Walk, Thursday, 8 – 9:30 p.m.
Wildlife sightings have been very rare treats during our series of full moon walks through the preserve, but Pennypack Creek running like quicksilver never fails to delight nighttime wanderers. Depending on the weather we may hear a chorus of spring peepers or catch the end of a timberdoodle’s mating dance. This walk will be cancelled under mostly cloudy or rainy skies. Pre-paid registration required by Wednesday, April 4. Members free; non-members $5. REGISTER
6-8 Easter Holiday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Office and Visitor Center closed.
7 Birders’ Early Walk, Saturday, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Led by Paula Scelsi. Beginners welcome. Bring your binoculars and field guide. Free.
10 Trout Unlimited Meeting, Tuesday, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
See February 14.
12 Story Hour for Preschoolers, Thursday, 10 – 11 a.m.
See February 9.
14 Pennypack’s Creek Clean-Up, Saturday, 10 a.m. - noon. (Volunteer Program)
Join our annual springtime effort to make Pennypack Creek more beautiful by removing trash from the creek and its banks before vegetation begins to grow and hide the debris. Bring work gloves and waterproof footwear. Your hard work will be rewarded with a feeling of great satisfaction for a job well done and lunch back at the Visitor Center! Pre-registration is required by Thursday, April 12.
14 Wild Edibles and Wildflower Walk, Saturday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Learn and sample the many edible plants growing in the Pennypack Preserve and look for wildflowers during a walk with naturalist Dana Ward. Pre-registration required. Members free; non-members $5. REGISTER
20 Starwatch, Friday, 8 p.m. (Family Program)
Enjoy an evening of stargazing with Bucks-Mont Astronomical Association members who will offer observing tips and an opportunity to gaze through their telescopes. Location: the knoll on Raytharn Farm. Park at the Creek Road cul-de-sac (off Terwood Road) and walk ¼- mile on the Raytharn Trail to the top of the hill. Cancelled under cloudy/rainy skies. Call BMAA at 215.579.9973 after 6:30 p.m. if the weather is questionable. Free. REGISTER
21 Birders’ Early Walk, Saturday, 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Led by Elaine Zeaman. Beginners welcome. Bring your binoculars and field guide. Free.
21 Salamander Search, Saturday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
For most of the year salamanders are hard to find, but in April they come out of their hiding places to enjoy the wetness of early spring. Come join us in a search for red-backed salamanders at one of their favorite spots. We will meet at the Visitor Center, caravan to another location on the preserve, and then take a short hike to the salamander site. Great fun for any age! Pre-registration required. Members free; non-members $5.
22 One Trail Twelve Times, Sunday, 2-3:30 p.m.
Join us for the fourth installment of a year-long event. On the third or fourth Sunday afternoon of each month over the next year, we’re going to walk the same route along the new Beech Springs Trail. We’ll take pictures at certain stops, and at that end of each hike we’ll journal, making note of seasonal changes, wildlife sightings, weather, and unusual finds. Come once, or come twelve times; by December, we’ll have experienced a year in the life of a trail in intimate detail. Pre-registration is suggested in case we need to reschedule because of inclement weather. Free.
24 14th Annual Upper Moreland Historical Association Dinner, Tuesday, Williamsons Restaurant
Kirk R. Brown delivers a first person presentation of the life of John Bartram, America’s first Botanist and Horticulturist. Starting in 1699 and up to 1776, he introduced more than 200 species and 100 trees to the trade. He also started the first public garden in America. Reservations are required; forms are available in the township building. (Sponsored by the Upper Moreland Historical Association)
28 Saturday Pennypack Mills Walk, 1 – 3 p.m.
At one time, nearly 30 mills operated along the Pennypack Creek. Meet at the Visitor Center and take a walk down to the creek to learn about several of the local mills from a local mill expert. Pre-register by Friday, April 27. Members free; non-members $5. REGISTER
NOTICES:
HELP NEEDED IN VISITOR CENTER
Volunteers are needed to staff the Visitor Center on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 – 4 p.m. Call Volunteer Coordinator Conrad Cregan at the Trust's office at 215.657.0830 (M-Th, 9-1) for more information.