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
Take a tour of the Lenape Village with one of our educators and learn about some of the medicines and wild edibles that the Lenape used 500 years ago. Each week there will be a different craft or skill featured. Pre-registration is required.
Dates: |
Every Sunday, April 7 through October 27 |
| Times: |
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
Fee: |
$5 per person,
Under age 4 is free
|
Neshaminy Canoe Trip
Join us for this classic Bucks County paddle. We will canoe from Rushland to Tyler State Park, almost seven miles of rolling hills scenery. Cold weather clothing may be needed (no cotton will be allowed). Some experience is helpful. This is a joint trip with Appalachian Mountain Club. Fee includes canoes, paddles, preservers and experienced leadership. Leader: John Chalikian.
Date: |
April 27 |
Time: |
Departure at 8:45 a.m.
|
Fee: |
$25 members, $30 non-members
|
Summer Nature Camps
Each week is a new topic for children ages 4 and up to learn more about the natural world around
them. Games, stories and crafts will feature nature related topics. Parents can sign their children up for half day (10 a.m. to noon, or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) or full day camps (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For a full camp brochure and registration form, please visit our website and go to the "publications" tab at the top of the page.
Camps for 9 to 12 year olds
June 24
to 28: Habitats Large and Small
July 15 to 19: Wildcrafting
August 5 to 9: Woodcarving and Woodcrafting
August 26 to 30: Churchville Explorers
Camps for 4 to 9 year olds
June 24 to 28: Down on the Farm and Mineral Mutt
July 1 to 5 (no camp July 4): Rock Hounds
July 8 to 12: Under a Log
July 15 to 19: Let's Go Fishing
July 22 to 26: Outdoor Games
July 29 to August 2: Reptiles and Amphibians
August 5 to 9: Woodland Crafts
August 12 to 16: Let's Go Green
August 19 to 23: The Sounds of Nature
Augst 26 to 30: Let's Get Muddy
Fee: |
Half Day: $72 members, $80 non-members
Full Day: $175 members, $191 non-members
|
Birthday Party Programs
For ages 4 and above. The Churchville Nature Center offers families a fun, educational alternative to noisy arcade parties. These two hour events can be Nature, Live Reptile, or Lenape Native American Programs in our 1500’s era Lenape Village and will include: a one hour program of your choice, followed by a one hour use of our auditorium for your party (tables & chairs included), a one year family membership to Churchville Nature Center and a goodie bag for the birthday child. You provide your own refreshments, paper goods and table covers.
Fee: |
$230 for up to 18 children, $5 for each additional child. No fee for adults.
|
Saturday Morning Bird Walks
Join an experienced bird watcher every Saturday morning from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for our early morning bird walks. These walks are a great way to meet new people and enjoy casual conversation with other bird enthusiasts. Your guide will pick out the best spot to visit within the area. Bring along binoculars and a bird identification book, if you have them.
Dates: |
Every Saturday, March through September |
Times: |
7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
|
Fee: |
Free
|
Beginner Tandem Canoe Training
This class is sponsored by Churchville Nature Center and Appalachian Mountain Club. You will learn the fundamental strokes, how to read the signs of the river and be safe on the water. This class will work for either beginners or those with some experience. There will be group instruction on Harrisville Lake then onto the Wading River in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. Each student will be paddling with an experienced paddler/coach. Instructors: John Chalikian and Walk Underhill. Pre-registration is required. Limited space.
Date: |
May 11 |
Time: |
Departure at 7:00 a.m.
|
Fee: |
$50 members (CNC and AMC), $60 non-members
|
Moving Water Tandem Canoe Training
This class is sponsored by Churchville Nature Center and Appalachian Mountain Club. Learn new skills like eddy turns, peel outs, ferrying and maybe some surfing. At the end of this class, you may join the nature center and Appalachian Mountain Club for class I river trips. Rivers include the Delaware, Lehigh, Pine Barrens and Schuylkill. Must prove your competence prior to class. Instructors: John Chalikian and Walt Underhill. Pre-registration is required. Limited space.
Date: |
June 8 |
Time: |
Departure at 7:45 a.m.
|
Fee: |
$45 members (CNC and AMC), $55 non-members Includes boat, paddle, pfd.
Special Combination Fee, take both canoe courses and receive a discount: $85 members (CNC and AMC) $105 non-members
|
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Peace Valley Nature Center
215-345-7860
www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Summer Nature Adventures
In groups of 5 to12 (size of group depends on the age group), our professional educators will lead your child on adventures that will awaken their senses to the wonders of the world around us. Programs include:
Preshool Programs (Ages 2 to 6 with caregiver) -- Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Nature Adventures for Elementary Age Children (Completed grades 1 to 6) -- Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Science Camp (Completed grades 4 to 7) -- Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Full Day Camp at Tohickon Valley Park (Completed grades 4 to 6) -- Monday through Friday,
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Dusk to Dark (Completed grades 4 to 6) -- Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Single Day Nature Discoveries for Elementary Age Children (Completed grades 3 to 5) --
9:00 a.m. to noon
For more information about program themes, pricing, and dates, please contact Peace Valley Nature Center.
Sunday Naturalist Forays
Outdoor adventure for explorers of all ages. Minimum number of participants required for walk to occur. Inclement weather cancels event.
Dates: |
Sundays, April 14 to May 26 (No Foray May 12) |
Times: |
2:00 p.m.
|
| Fees: |
Free |
Spring Preschool Programs
Search for animal homes, visit the pond or stream, and look for birds. We will begin our exploration with a storybook and snack, and will follow our outdoor search with an age-appropriate take-home craft. Kit Crew: ages 2 to 3 with caregiver. Gosling Gang: ages 4 to 6 with a caregiver. Advance registration & payment is required.
Dates: |
Tuesdays May 7, 14, 21, 28 (Rain Date June 4)
OR Wednesdays May 8, 15, 22, 29 (Rain Date June 5)
|
Times: |
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
|
| Fees: |
$45 members, $55 non-members
Includes 1 adult and 1 child (for 4 sessions) |
Babes in the Woods
Awaken the senses of your babe with a great outdoor experience. These nature awareness classes focus on age-appropriate walks. Led by Teacher Naturalist Jason and accompanied by his son Ryan, you and your babe will discover some of the wonders of Peace Valley Nature Center. We will utilize stroller-friendly trails. Ages 8 months to 2 years. Advance registration and payment is required.
Dates: |
Tuesdays May 7, 14, 21, 28 (Rain Date 5/23) |
Times: |
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
|
| Fee: |
$30 members, $40 non-members
(for 4 sessions) |
Teacher Naturalist Training
Join us in deepening your appreciation of nature. Through this six session program, you will learn the philosophy, techniques and some of the educational programs presented at Peace Valley Nature Center. Pre-requisites for participation: a love of the outdoors and enjoyment of children and learning. It is a great way to spend six spring afternoons. There is no fee! Completion of these sessions and subsequent observation of programs could lead to a part-time paid teacher naturalist position. To register or for additional information, contact Gail Hill at 215-345-7860 or ghill@co.bucks.pa.us.
Dates: |
April 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 |
Times: |
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
|
| Fee: |
Free |
Turtle Day
A walk and activities to learn about these important residents of Peace Valley Nature Center. From the lake, pond and forest, let's go in search of turtles! Pre-registration is required.
Date: |
June 8 |
Time: |
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
|
| Fee: |
Free |
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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, March through June and September through November |
Times: |
7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
|
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 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
|
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. 1st Saturday of every month, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Kids and Nature Event
Spend some of your spring break with us! Six to ten-year-olds are invited to join us as we explore the trails, play games, make a craft, and visit with our animals! Activities will be held both outdoors and indoors. Light snacks will also be provided. For more information and/or to register, please call or visit our website above. Registration and payment due by March 26.
Date: |
Thursday, March 28 |
| Time: |
9:00 a.m. to noon |
| Fee: |
$10 members; $15 non-members |
Birding Field Trips
For more information and/or to register, please call or visit our website above.
Dates: |
Saturday, April 27, Southern New Jersey
Saturday, May 11, PA Migratory Bird Count
Saturday, May
18, Delaware Water Gap
Saturday, July 13, Silver Lake Park, Butterfly Count
|
Fee: |
$15 members, $18 non-members
|
Kayaking Trips
Offered from April through October. Visit our website above or call our office for locations and dates.
Earth Day Work Days
Celebrate the Earth by helping to clean her up!! We will be cleaning our watershed by picking up the litter and debris on Magnolia and Silver Lakes as well as the channel in between. Please wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and muddy, closed toe shoes, and bring a refillable water bottle.
If you put in all 4 hours, we provide a pizza lunch! Please call or visit our website to register.
Date: |
Saturday, April 20 |
Time: |
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
|
Summer Camps
Summer Camp, Ages 6 to 12
Children will have the chance to investigate water, woodland, marsh, bugs, crayfish, frogs, and more through hands‐on activities, games, and natural crafts. Before and after care options available.
Dates: |
June 24 to August 16 |
| Times: |
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
Fee: |
$180/week members, $200/week non-members
|
Teen Adventure Cemp, Ages 13 to 17
Dates: |
June 24 to 28; July 15 to 19; August 12 to 16 |
| Times: |
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
Fee: |
$95/week members, $115/week non-members
|
Preschool Camp, Ages 4 to 5
Dates: |
July 8 to 12 and August 12 to 16 |
| Times: |
9:00 a.m. to noon |
Fee: |
$95/week members, $155/week non-members
|
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