Events

Join us on Sunday, April 28 as we participate in the City Nature Challenge! We'll be meeting bright and early at the Michael Huber Prairie Warbler Preserve to search for migrating birds and other Pine Barrens wonders! Bring your binoculars, water, and some sturdy footwear. The Preserve lies within Burlington County, a New Jersey neighbor to Philadelphia. For more information about the Philadelphia City Nature Challenge, please visit https://cncphilly.org/

Join us on Sunday, April 28 as we participate in the City Nature Challenge! We'll be meeting at the Chatsworth Lake Entrance of the Franklin Parker Preserve to search for Pine Barrens plants! Our botany expert Russell Juelg will help lead the hike through our largest preserve, identifying and discussing the ecology of various species. Bring water and some sturdy footwear. The Preserve lies within Burlington County, a New Jersey neighbor to Philadelphia. For more information about the Philadelphia City Nature Challenge, please visit https://cncphilly.org/

Join us on Sunday, April 28 as we participate in the City Nature Challenge! Julia Raskin, Program Manager for Camden Parks and Greenways, will lead this walk through the newly opened Gateway Park. Bring binoculars and some water, and be on the lookout for soaring eagles, delicate butterflies, and any other wildlife you can spot! For more information about the Philadelphia City Nature Challenge, please visit https://cncphilly.org/

Naturalist Bill Lynch will lead us through the meadows and forest edges of Bamboo Brook as we search for both spring migrants and breeding birds. Songbirds love the transition between forest and field, and use the treetops to sing their hearts out.

Spring migration continues as we venture into the forest to search for migrants and breeding birds. We’ll hope to see Scarlet Tanagers, Ovenbirds, Woodpeckers, and other species that prefer the taller trees and denser vegetation of mature woodland.

Join Off The Grid yoga instructor Lauren Theis for a forest bathing experience; an easy hike and gentle yoga session, suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. The program will include a meditation and centering session along with an exploration of the beautiful landscapes of our Wickecheoke Creek Preserve. We will meet on Pine Hill Road just north of Pavilica Road near our kiosk. Yogis should bring their own mat (or a blanket/towel) along with water and suitable shoes for walking. Please be careful when parking on the street! Forest bathing refers to the "process of soaking up the sights, smells, and sounds of a natural setting to promote physiological and psychological health." Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/05/17/forest-bathing-is-latest-fitness-trend-to-hit-u-s-where-yoga-was-30-years-ago/

As more and more leaves cover the trees and understory of the forest, it becomes increasingly difficult to see birds and other wildlife – but there are other ways to appreciate the biodiversity of The Garden State! We will take the time to stop and listen for the vocalizations of Wood Thrush, Hooded Warbler, and the other birds of Bamboo Brook.

This year, we'll focus on the natural relationships and modern classification of plants, using the Pine Barrens of New Jersey as our outdoor classroom. By investigating, especially, plant families, and the characteristics that systematists use in trying to delineate them, we'll reinforce our understanding of plant morphology, which will greatly enhance our field botany skills. This course will be geared for beginners, though seasoned field botanists may also enjoy the tour of plant families and the careful study of the intriguing variety of flower morphology. We'll study live and pressed specimens during the ten evening workshops, and make nine weekend field trips. Of course, we'll also pay close attention to plants and plant communities that are of conservation priority. The class will meet every Thursday evening from 7-9pm, May 23 to August 1 with field trips taking place on weekends. Registration is $150 per person. High school and college students with a valid ID may register for a 50% discount at $75 per person. Two texts are required for this course: The Illustrated Book of Wildflowers and Shrubs, William Carey Grimm, 1993, Stackpole. Guide to Flowering Plant Families, Wendy B. Zomlefer, 1994, Chapel Hill. You will also need a 10X lens (pocket loupe). Economical models are available for less than $10 (see Forestry Suppliers)

Join us for Healthy Saturday at Camden's newest public green space, Gateway Park on the Cooper River! Enjoy a waterfront bike ride led by the YMCA, participate in a fitness class, learn about health and environmental initiatives in the city, or just relax in the park. We'll be joined by Circuit Trails, NJ Tree Foundation, The Food Trust and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.

Join experts from the North American Butterfly Association as we walk the meadows of Bamboo Brook in search of early summer butterfly species.