Departments
Parks and Recreation
Nature Center Programs
Don't forget about Nature's classroom! Churchville Nature Center (CNC) in Churchville, Peace Valley Nature Center (PVNC) in Doylestown and Silver Lake Nature Center (SLNC) in Bristol also offer a variety of classes regarding nature and the environment as well as other special events and programs throughout the year. For complete information on registering for any of the nature centers' classes, their newsletters, activities and gift shops, please contact the centers directly. Below are a few of their exciting programs for all ages.
Churchville Nature Center
215-357-4005
www.churchvillenaturecenter.org
Lenape Village Tours
See a working Lenape Village as it was in the 1500's. Try your hand at doing some hands-on activities, such as corn pounding, Lenape games, hunting, scraping a hide, fire making, and rope making.
Every week there will be a different craft or skill featured. Come out and see how the Lenape learned from nature as they used everything they needed for survival from nature and always gave something back. They lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years before the Europeans came.
Date: |
Sunday, September 4-October 23 |
Fee: |
Adults/children 4 & up $5
Children under 4 are free
Pre-registration is required.
|
Autumnal Equinox Hike & Campfire
Join us as we welcome the change of seasons. After today, our days shall keep getting shorter and shorter. Come find out why during this evening family event. The night includes an evening hike followed by a campfire with marshmallows.
Date: |
September 23 |
Time: |
7:30 p.m.
|
Fee: |
Adults $5, Children $3
Reservations are required.
|
Hawk Watch & Hike
It is time once again for our annual excursion to the Appalachian ridge for the fall hawk migration. We will hike about a half-mile up to Bake Oven Knob for some early morning viewing of migrating raptors and then about 2 miles to the lofty perch of Bear Rocks where we will spend a leisurely lunch, watching yet more hawks, vultures, and possibly falcons and eagles riding the thermals southward.
Date: |
October 10 |
Time: |
7:00 a.m.
|
Fee: |
Members $10, Non-Members $14
|
| Leader: |
Marlin Corn, CNC Naturalist |
Brandywine Canoe & Museum Trip
Join CNC and the Appalachian Mountain Club for one of our favorite fall paddling trips down the historic Brandywine River in Chester County. The group will be stopping at the Brandywine River Museum for lunch and a tour of the museum. After the trip, participants are invited to join the leader for a soup and bread dinner. *Admission to the museum is included in the trip fee. Canoes, paddles, and preservers are provided. Bring a bag lunch/beverage and clean, dry clothes for the museum tour.
Date: |
October 16 |
Time: |
7:00 a.m.
|
Fee: |
Members $26, Non-Members $31
|
Leader: |
Led by Barb & John |
Star Party Campfire
Come and explore the nighttime sky during our Fall campfire program. Weather permitting, we will view constellations and other celestial wonders with both our naked eye and a telescope. The planet Jupiter should be visible and offers good views through a telescope. Star finder charts will be available to use. A campfire and marshmallows will finish off the night. This program is dependent on good weather and clear skies.
Date: |
October 21 |
Time: |
7:30 p.m.
|
Fee: |
Adults $5, Children 12 and under $3
Reservations are required.
|
Eagle Excursion
Join us as we celebrate the winter solstice in the midst of a large number of our most regal of raptors; the bald eagle. On our annual pilgrimage of the Conowingo Dam, we see scores of bald eagles, many at close range. After a morning of watching eagles, black vultures, herons, and other impressive birds at the dam, we will eat lunch and then take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Susquehanna River in search of other interesting birds and wildlife.
Date: |
December 18 |
Time: |
8:00 am
|
Fee: |
$10 members, $14 non-members
|
| Leader: |
Marlin Corn, CNC Naturalist |
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Peace Valley Nature Center
215-345-7860
www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Bird Walks
Join birders of the area for an informal and informative walk. All levels of experience welcome. Hone your skills or learn new skills.
Dates: |
Saturday mornings |
Time: |
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
|
Gosling Gang
Ages 4-6 with caregiver.
Dates: |
Tuesday, September 20, 27
Tuesday, October 4,11
(Rain Date 10/18) |
Times: |
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
|
| Fees: |
$45 members, $55 non-members
Accompanying siblings under 2 - no charge. Limit 2 children per adult. |
Kit Crew
Ages 2-3 with caregiver.
Dates: |
Wednesday, September 21, 28
Wednesday, October 5, 12
(Rain Date 10/19) |
Times: |
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
|
| Fees: |
$45 members, $55 non-members
Accompanying siblings under 2 - no charge. Limit 2 children per adult. |
Spider's Tea Party
Bring along your favorite stuffed pal and join us for tea (juice) and crumpets (snack food). We will listen to some creepy stories and tales read by Mrs. Spider. We will then go and search for some real spiders and their relatives.
Date: |
Sunday, October 16
|
Time: |
1:30 p.m.
|
Fee: |
Free
|
Gaggles of Ghosts and Ghouls
Led by our somewhat ghoulish teacher naturalists, you will be led on an eerie walk through the trails of PVNC. Along the way you may meet some "creatures" that will expose some of the myths about the creepy and frightening nature of cats, bats, rats, snakes, ghosts, and other things that go bump in the night. After the walk, relax at our warming fire with toasty, gooey marshmallows. No pre-registration necessary. Walks are ongoing throughout the evening. Groups are welcome. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 7 YEARS OF AGE.
Date: |
Friday, October 21 |
Time: |
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
|
Fee: |
$2 members, $5 non-members
|
Treats for the Birds!
Hand-made gifts for the bird aficionados on your list! Shapes and sizes to satisfy the most discriminating birds in your yard. A squishy molding time using suet, peanut butter, and other fine ingredients. Limit 25 participants.
Date: |
Saturday, December 10
|
Time: |
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
|
Fee: |
$5 members, $10 non-members
|
Owl Prowl
Visit various areas of Peace Valley searching for owls. Hopefully we shall see four species and be able to call in an owl. Advanced registration and payment required.
Date: |
Saturday, March 10
|
Time: |
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
|
Fee: |
$9 members, $13 non-members
|
Winter Get Out and About
Program for all ages! A great way to brak that cabin fever! From us (humans) to groundhogs, chipmunks, and amphibians, we will discover some amazing facts. Learn about thes wonderful adaptations, create some crafts, and enjoy activities that highlight this time when our part of the world begins to awaken to the coming of spring. Don't forget your boots and warm clothes for a journey down the trails.
Date: |
Sunday, February 5
|
Time: |
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
|
Fee: |
$3 members, $5 non-members
|
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Silver Lake Nature Center
215-785-1177
www.silverlakenaturecenter.org
Sunday Morning Bird Walks
For novice and experienced birders, come out and learn to identify our local birds. Bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the weather.
Dates: |
Every Saturday, September through November and March through June |
Times: |
7:30 am to 9:00 am
|
Fee: |
Free
|
Sunday Strolls
If you would like to learn more about the park, but are not even sure where the trails lead, come take a walk with one of our Naturalists. A different topic will be covered each week, appropiate for the season.
Dates: |
Every Sunday |
Times: |
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
|
Fee: |
Free
|
Volunteer Work Days
Help us maintain our grounds and Visitors' Center. Give us four hours and we'll give you lunch! Please call 215-785-1177 to register.
Dates: |
1st Saturday of each Month |
Birding Field Trips
For more information and/or to register, please call or visit our website above.
Dates & Times: |
Saturday, September 10, Birding Cape May
Saturday, November 19,
Birds of Brigantine |
Fee: |
$14 members, $18 non-members
|
Bird Seed Sale
Stock up on seed to feed our feather friends! Please call 215-785-1177 to place orders at least 10 days before the sale.
Dates: |
October 8, December 10, February 11 |
Times: |
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
|
Kayaking and Hiking Excursions
Visit our website above or call our office for locations and dates.
Date: |
Friday, October 29 |
Times: |
7:30 p.m.
|
Nature Photography Workshop
Would you like to learn to take better nature pictures? Bring your camera, any camera will do, and we will spend a couple of hours finding, composing, and taking pictues at the Nature Center. Our resident historian/photographer, Clarence King, will be leading this adult-level workshop. Pre-registration/pre-payment is required. Call 215-785-1177 to register early as space is very limited.
Date: |
Sunday, October 30 |
Times: |
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
|
Fee: |
$8 members, $11 non-members
|
38th Annual Focal Planes Photo Contest
Entries must be received by February 5. Awards Ceremony will be held on Febrary 19. Please call 215-785-1177 for additional details or visit our website for information/details.
Pinecone Pals
Three to five-year-olds and one of their favorite caregivers are invited to join "Pinecone" PattiAnn as we enjoy crafts, stories, activities, walks on our trails, and camaraderie! Each session features a different theme. Our fees are $6 per child with an adult, per session for Friends of Silver Lake members. $9 for non-members. Pre-registration is required to attend. Please help us spread the word about this fun, educational program now offered one Wednesday and one Saturday each month! For more information and/or to register, please contact PattiAnn at the Center at palynn@co.bucks.pa.us or 215-785-1177 x12.
Date: |
Offered twice each month! 9/14, 24; 10/5, 22;
11/9, 19; 12/7, 17; 1/11, 21; 2/8, 18; 3/7, 17 |
Times: |
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
|
Fee: |
$6 per child with an adult per session for members, $9 per child with an adult per session for non-members
|
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