by Betsy Natter
Summer is for the Birds & Bees – and other creatures! The air is warm and filled with all kinds of flying and tweeting. Grab the family and buzz over to one of these outdoor walks or attend an educational talk and learn more about the creatures that fill our summer skies.
Upper Schuylkill Valley Park – Meet Montgomery
1615 Black Rock Road, Royersford, PA 19468
Upper Schuylkill Valley Park’s resident bald eagle, Montgomery, will be greeting young visitors during this outdoor program on Fri., July 15 at 10 am. Participants ages 3 -7 can learn about the habitat of our national symbol and their typical diet. The program includes a story time and craft. Pre-registration is required by July 13th and there is a $4 suggested donation. Call the park at 610-948-5170 to sign up.
Lorimer Park – Audubon Bird Town Walk
183 Moredon Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
Join other bird lovers on July 12 or August 16 for this monthly 8 am bird walk through one of the National Audubon Society’s IBAs (Important Bird Areas). The walks are led by members of the Wyncote Audubon Society who help with bird identification. Meet at the Moredon Rd. parking area and bring binoculars if you have them. The event is free.
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove – Bird Fest and Summer Walks
1201 Pawlings Rd, Audubon, PA 19403
Bird Fest 2016
Enjoy a relaxing evening at Mill Grove during Bird Fest 2016 on Wed., July 13th from 6 – 8 pm. Take a guided walk along the center’s trails, learn about owls or watch falcons take flight during a live demonstration. There will be activities, crafts to make and light refreshments. The event is free for all ages. Call the park 610-666-5593 ext. 109 or email jjac_education@audubon.org for more information.
Saturday Morning Walks
If you can’t make it to Bird Fest, but love to watch our area’s many bird species, join members of the Valley Forge Audubon Society on their monthly bird walk. Every Saturday morning from 8 – 10 am enjoy an exploration of the grounds to search out the summer’s bird population. The walks are free and open to all ages. Meet at the main parking area at Mill Grove. Bring binoculars if you have them, but extras are available to borrow.
Norristown Farm Park – Honeybees and Dragons & Damsels
2500 Upper Farm Road, Norristown, PA 19403
Honeybees
Have you ever wondered how the tiny buzzing honeybee makes such a sweet treat for your table? Join the park’s resident bee keeper to learn all about these amazing insects. View a live hive, learn about the equipment needed to care for a hive and how to help support the bee populations in our area. Sign-up sheets for a future class on beginning beekeeping will be available. The free program is for adults and children ages 12 and up and pre-registration is required. Call the park at 610-270-0215.
Dragons and Damsels
A free program all about dragonflies and their ladies (damselflies) on Sun., August 28th at 2 pm. These beautiful flyers come from an ancient order of insects that have existed since before the dinosaurs. Learn about the history, habitat and how to recognize different species as well as collecting them for viewing. For adults and children ages 6 and up. Pre-registration is required. Meet in parking lot #3 and bring nets or bug jars if you have them.
Green Lane Park – 3 free programs
2144 Snyder Road, Green Lane, PA 18054
Incredible Insects
Bring the kids to create an insect zoo on Sat., July 23 at 1 pm! This fun outdoor program will have you hunting for six-legged critters with nets and magnifying glasses and collecting your finds in a temporary insect zoo. Participants will learn all about the many insects that inhabit our fields and parks. The event is free for ages 4 and up, but please pre-register by calling 215-234-4528. Meet at the Stone Picnic Pavilion in the Deep Creek area.
Bugs & Blooms
For the older crowd, explore your creative side with a new program at the park called Bugs & Blooms. Meet with other photo enthusiasts to photograph insects as they interact with the park’s wide array of flora on Sat., August 27 at 1 pm. The program is free for anyone age 12 and up and all skill levels are welcome. Pre-registration is required. Meet at the fly-fishing area on Church Rd., 1.2 miles east of Kutztown Rd.
Shorebirds or Songbirds
Mother Nature will be choosing the program on Sat., August 13th at 6 pm, depending on the seasonal weather and water levels. If the park’s mud flats are exposed, viewing for shorebirds and waders will be great. If the water is too high, the program will be an evening stroll in search of late summer songbirds. Bring binoculars or a viewing scope if you have them and meet at the Church Rd. Bird Sanctuary at 1010 Church Rd., East Greenville, PA. The program is free but pre-registration is required. For ages 10 and up.
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