They are really around here!

Peace Valley Nature Center
A facility of Bucks County Department of Parks & Recreation
Spring 2010
Volume 31, Issue 1
Inside this issue:
What? They are really around here!
Volunteer Feature
2
Teacher Naturalist Training
2008 Volunteers
3
Member Information
4
Calendar of Events
6-7
Naturalist Activities
8-9
Service Projects
9
Education Opportunities
Pre-School
10
Sunday Naturalist Forays
11
Dates to Remember
 Maple Sugar Festival
~ March 6, 11:00am1:30pm
 Timberdoodling ~
March 10, 7:30pm
 Owl Prowl—March 6,
4:00-7:00pm
 Annual Members
Meeting ~ March 20,
1:00pm
 Frog & Toad Search ~
May 5, 7:30-9:00pm
 Plant Sale ~ May 1 &
2, 10:00-4:00pm
carrion round out their diet. They can quickly develop a
“taste” for human foods, via garbage cans, campsites
or anywhere food may be available. Bird feeders, nest
boxes, gardens, beehives and compost bins are not
excluded: bears find these food emporiums quite
handy and tasty. Bears can become dangerous to peoOver the past year or so Peace Valley Park has
ple it they have acquired this taste for human supplied
had a few of these not so cuddly animals. Oh, we food. That is why we must remember the age old
always have a fair share of spiders and insects (we reminder—Please Don’t Feed the Bears!
really do need these guys). The ones I am referring to are a bear, bobcat and coyote. There have Female bears give birth to two or three cubs in midbeen confirmed sightings and of course plenty of winter and nurse them in the den until spring. The
cubs stay with their very protective mother for about
scat evidence.
two years. The average lifespan in the wild is 20 years.
Contrary to what many folks believe bears are not
true hibernators. During their winter dormant period,
they do not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate, but may
wake up if disturbed.
“Lions, tigers and bears, oh my!”, Dorothy had
real fears of these elusive creatures. As part of the
food chain we also have fears of certain critters.
Most often they are of the big toothed carnivorous persuasion. Although spiders and insects are
also at the top of the list for some folks.
Black bears (Ursus americanus) have frequented
various locations in Bucks County for quite a few
years. Mother bears force the young to establish
their own territory. Most of the bears that frequent our area are due to the high bear population and human development in New Jersey.
Searching for a suitable habitat the young bears
often cross the Delaware River into Pennsylvania.
Wildlife Conservation Officer John Papson of the
Pennsylvania Game Commission warns "If you see
a bear, just leave it alone. If you unexpectedly come
into contact with a bear, throw your arms back and
forth and make some noise and they usually go
away". Black bears are North America’s most
common bear. They are excellent tree climbers
and despite their name they can be varied colors;
brown, cinnamon, blue-brown, blue-gray and very
rarely white.
They are opportunistic omnivores; grasses, berries, and insects as well as fish, mammals and
Bobcats (Felis rufus) are
present in quite large
numbers in Pennsylvania.
The elusive nocturnal
carnivores are rarely spotted by humans. They
adapt well to various
habitats and even suburban areas. They favor the
environmentally rich
ecotones (transitional
zones between habitat
types).
Sometimes called wildcats, Bobcats are roughly twice as big as the average
housecat. Bobcats have tufted ears and tufted face
marked with bold bands. They have long legs and large
paws similar to those of their larger relative the Canada
Lynx. Their most notable feature is their “bobbed” tail.
Bobcats are far ranging solitary animals. The females
raise a litter of 1-6 kittens, which will remain with her
for 9—12 months. They are fierce, agile hunters that
can kill prey much larger than themselves. The usual
prey includes mice, squirrels, rabbits, opossums, racContinued on page 7
Page 2
Dove Tales is a quarterly publication of
Peace Valley Nature Center,
a facility of the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation
COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Charles H. Martin, Chairman
James F. Cawley, Esq., Vice Chairman
Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW
STAFF:
Director Naturalist:
Craig Olsen
Assistant Naturalist &
Education Director
Gail Hill
Assistant Education Director/Volunteer
Coordinator
Mary Jo Lisewski
Office Coordinator:
Kathleen Everett
Asst. Bookkeeper:
Carolyn Schaupp
Store Manager:
Louise Lehman
Naturalist Aides:
Heather Mueller
Grace Gottschall
FRIENDS OF PEACE VALLEY
NATURE CENTER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
President:
Michael Line
Vice-President:
Pat Witek
Treasurer:
Kevin Cornwall
Corresponding Secretary:
Stephen Berkson
Directors
Andy Young
Robin Folkerts
Mary-jo May
Betsy Moore
Bob Rutt
Richard Sakulich
Newsletter Editor:
G. Hill and staff
The Bucks County Department of Parks
and Recreation does not
discriminate on the basis of disability
in its programs, activities and facilities.
Peace Valley Nature Center
170 Chapman Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-345-7860
Fax # 215-345-4529
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Volume 31, Issue 1
Volunteer Feature
TRISH HARRINGTON the area and
Having been raised in Philadelphia, I had an early appreciation for nature. A row
home with a small patch of
grass was all that we had, but
we put bread crumbs out for
the birds, and I enjoyed
watching them hop about.
When my husband and I
bought our first home, I hung
up a bird feeder. Nothing will
come to that, I thought cheap plastic feeder, and a
small bag of seed. Moments
later, a chickadee came and
then another, and a nuthatch
and then so on and so forth,
and I was hooked.
I took the teacher naturalist
class in 1992 after moving to
my son was in
kindergarten.
Over the years
I have had
many memorable moments at
Peace Valley.
Some of my
favorites include being
chased by turkeys, having a
baby bunny run through my
sharing circle being pursued
by several young weasels, having deer wander up outside
the wigwam during the Lenape program (so it could eat
the corn spillage). Also, the
meadow vole who came to
visit us inside the wigwam was
a bonus. I remember nights
out in the dark and cold during “Creepy Critter’s” Halloween program and crawling through the straw covered ‘possum path’ we used
to have for the kids. What
fun it was for the kids to
find a leftover bat the following Monday during an
ARE program!
Teacher Naturalist Training
Join us in deepening your appreciation of nature. Through this 6 session program you will learn the philosophy, techniques and some of the educational programs presented at Peace Valley Nature Center. Prerequisites for participation: a love of the outdoors and enjoyment of children and learning. It is also a great
way to spend 6 spring afternoons.
Tuesday March 23, Wednesday 24, Thursday 25, Tuesday 30, Wednesday 31, Thursday April 1
1:00-3:00 pm
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 ~ 215.345.7860 ~
[email protected]
Volunteer Work Day
May 15 ~ 10:00 am—1:00 pm
We have many projects to begin and complete, your help would be very much appreciated! Dress appropriately, long pants, long sleeve shirts recommended. Rain cancels the
work day, if questionable weather, please call!
Lunch Provided—bring work gloves
Volume 31, Issue 1
2008 Volunteers
* designates previously recognized
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Leslie
Carlton
Christa
Nancy
David
Courtney
Thomas
Alexandra
Stephen
Rob
Tim
J. Harold
Jacob
Gail
Christine
Laurie
Billy
Ellen
Sharon
Emily
Kate
Jeff
Barbara
Brian
Frank
Dolores
Grace
Susan
Cliff
Rick
Carol
Carolyn
Kevin
Robert
Cody
Chuck
Lauren
Diana
Donna
Kevin
Marianne
Paul
Pat
Rose
Brenna
Ryan
Tracey
Kathe
Nancy
Adams
Adams
Ahn-Doettger
Andreas
Arrowood
Baker
*
Barnes
Baty
Berkson
*
Betts
Betts
Betts
Bittner
*
Blum
Bontmepi
Booth
*
Bothwell
Boucher
*
Brauer
*
Brodsky
Brown
Bruni
*
Burdack
Burke
Burns
Burns
*
Carabetta
Charkes
*
Cole
Colello
*
Connard
*
Constable
*
Cornwall
*
Costello
*
Crooke
Crunkleton
Curry
*
Decker
DiMella
Dougherty
*
DuBresson
Dworakivsky
Eberhard
*
Evans
*
Everdale
*
Everdale
Everdale
*
Everitt
Evers
Marcia
Gordon
Michele
Robin
George
Ron
Jason
Zach
Kerrie
Sarah
Rachel
Matthew
Phil
Mike
Matt
Grace
Terry
Sean
Jane
Rebakkah
Amanda
Tony
Lynn
Bryan
Denise
Trish
Chuck
Ray
John
Barbara
Leah
Gail
George
Mariana
Olivia
Ben
Dave
Kara
Robert
Carolyn
Jesse
Helen
Betty
Ken
Leonard
Gail
Chris
Ryan
Mike
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Page 3
Bold 5 years of service
Farnsworth
Colin
Farnsworth
Taylor
Florkowski
* Alice
Folkerts
* Louise
Franchois
Dick
French
Jeff
Friemann
Wynn
Gant
* Mike
Garges
Mary Jo
Gerding
* Cindy
Gerhart
Rebecca
Gerhart
Melanie
Getty
Charlie
Gimpel
Jane
Glanzman
Molly
Gottschall
Melissa
Greber
* Mary-jo
Greene
* Don
Gregoire
Joan
Gregoire
Harry
Greiser
* Ginny
Gryn
T.J.
Gulla
John
Guthrie
* Chris
Hallman
* Judy
Harrington
* Augie
Heckenberger * Margarita
Hendrick
Beatriz
Herring
* Betsy
Hiebsch
* Janet
Hill
* Heather
Hill
Maddie
Hoffman
Diane
Hoffman
* Monica
Hoffman
* Craig
Hoffman
* Vicki
Horne
Michael
Humphries
Kevin
Hutchison
Mimi
Jarin
Ashley
Jones
Ruth
Kim
* Mark
Kitson
* Bill
Kitson
* Ethel
Knapp
Scott
Knight
* Dave
Knight
* Alice
Knouse
* Dan
Lorri
Kozempel
Kreft
Kyle
Laquer
Lehman
Lehman
Levett
Levett
Line
Lisewski
Long
MacNamee
Manion
Marks
Mauer
Mauer
Mauer
May
McClintock
McClure
McGarrity
Melick
Miernicki
Mihalich
Minnich
Mirabella
Mirabella
Mohler
Moisett
Moore
Moyer
Mueller
Mulligan
Myers
Norman
Olsen
Olsen
Palardy
Parker
Peluso
Peterson
Pfleiger
Popjoy
Preston
Quiring
Randall
Rauschenberger
Rauschenberger
Reenock
Resuta
Andy
Reszka
Riffitts
* Virginia
Risko
* Debbie
Russ
Risko
Adrienne
Risko
Ritter
* Dottie
Jared
Roger
Stacy
Roman
Jenna
Rorer
Tyler
Roth
Natalie
Rugel
Margie
Rutbell
Bob
Rutt
Richard
Sakulich
Sandberg
* Susan
Sarantschin
* Jill
Schaupp
* Carolyn
Scheingold
* Dot
Shaffer
* Bob
Mark
Shegda
Cole
Shegda
Shiver
* Heidi
Brian
Snyder
Erin
Snyder
Sparks
* Tom
Whitney
Spaulding
Megan
Speiss
Lauren
Speiss
Julia
Spillane
Evan
Spitzer
* Diane Crooke Szwajkowski
Szwajkowski
* Joe
Dan
Thomas
Kate
Thompson
Greg
Tiberio
Sandra
Trainer
Kyle
Upton
Kristine
Urrutia
Vacca
* Jane
Dore
Vorum
Keith
Wagner
Steven
Walker
Ware
* Agnes
Sam
Wild
Witek
* Pat
Young
* Andrew
Volume 31, Issue 1
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Page 4
Welcome New Members
“Nature is painting for
us, day after day, pictures
of infinite beauty.”
John Ruskin
(1819-1900)
Marie Mueller
Shanti Kengeter
Vincent Martin O’Donnell
Russ Mast
Sharon Anderson
George Prokopiak
Victoria Kempe
Bill Ritter
Jesse Jones
Lisa, Catherine & James Moore
Katherine Blake
Linda Lemire
Mary Reichley
Frances Warwick
Marsha Evans & Hayden Grice
Joan McClure
Charles & Tena Kellogg
Amy & Tim Maher
Una Kang
Sharon & Howard McCall
Donations
George & Nina Franchois
Doylestown Masonic Lodge
Susan Patton
Christopher M. Laskey
Robert Hunsickler
Sally Conyne
In Memory of:
Elizabeth Marr:
Janice & Mark Niznik
Allyson & Steve Germann
Robert & Nancy Joyce
Barbara & Jere Reedinger
Tracey & Glen van Luvanne
Merry Mednitsky
Barbara Magarity
Amy & Michael Owen
Kay, Bob & Gregg Heins
Spence & Sheila Miller
Megan Gallagher Family
N. Penn Internatl Friendship Committee
Rita & Richard Pietroski
Upper Dublin HS Faculty Fund
Don & Ruth Lewis
LaBrum Sunshine Club
Barbar Staller
Adria Mednitsky & Chuck Cohn
Friends of Jeff Marr
Marion Lavery
Stephen Janice Marcheski
Carol & Rich James
Barbara & Cletus Quinn
Victoria Frist
Mary DeFranco
Mary Koons,
Kevin Lyons:
Paul & Terry Duffin
Wednesday Night Bridge Group
Karin & Terry Davis
20 Years & More ! Invaluable Volunteers
Carolyn
Carolyn
Louise
Ethel
Alice
Susan
Dave
Barbara
Margaret
Constable
Jarin
Lehman
Quiring
Rauschenberger
Sandberg
Rauschenberger
Brilhart
Reschovsky
31
31
27
27
26
25
24
23
23
Dot
Scheingold 23
Marie
Tollini
23
Ellen
Boucher 22
Pat
Eberhard 22
Ron
French
22
Phil
Getty
22
Ken
Kitson
22
Alice
Laquer
22
Leonard
Knapp
21
Ginny
Melick
21
Margarita
Mohler 21
Shelley
Taylor
21
Gail
Hill
20
Dot
Kathrins 20
Jim
Luitweiler 20
Don
McClintock 20
Craig
Olsen
20
Dottie
Ritter
20
Volume 31, Issue 1
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Page 5
Flowering Trees at Peace Valley and Beyond
As spring approaches, trees at Peace Valley Park and throughout the region
begin to blossom. While this event for the trees is purely utilitarian, the many beautiful
flowers that come about throughout the spring months are a treat for those who can
appreciate them. Peace Valley Park boasts a multitude of flowering trees that not only
offer a splendid show for the senses, but also perform functions that benefit the natural world.
The fragrant sassafras tree is easily identified by its three distinct leaf shapes,
something unseen in other North American trees. Its flowers, which are yellow and
tiny, appear before or with the leaves in spring, and occur in clusters at the ends of
twigs. This tree proves especially beneficial to the White-Tailed Deer, who frequently
browse sassafras twigs.
Flowering tulip trees also dot the park and produce beautiful flowers beginning around late May. Although commonly known as a tulip poplar, the trees are actually a member of the magnolia family. The tulip tree's flowers are yellowish green in
color, with a splotch of orange close to the base and has a shape reminiscent of a true
tulip flower, which is how the tree got its name.
Flowering in the early spring, the sugar maple is more commonly known for the delicious syrup that can be produced
from its sap than it is its flowers. Developing roughly simultaneously with the leaves,
the sugar maple's flowers droop off of the branches like pendants. These yellow-green
flowers do not last long, however, so the flower enthusiast must keep a vigilant eye on
the tree's progress.
One of the most beautiful and fragrant flowering trees present at Peace Valley
is the crab apple tree. The five-petaled flowers range in color from red or pink to white
and bloom in early spring. The crab apple tree bears an eponymous fruit that provides
nutrition for a variety of animals, including deer, raccoons, skunks and foxes.
Although not present at Peace Valley Park, the Japanese flowering cherry tree
is frequently associated with springtime, both in America and abroad. In Japan the trees
are known as Sakura, and over 200 varieties exist with flower colors ranging from
nearly pure white to deep pink. The Japanese tradition of hanami or flower-viewing centers around the cherry blossoms. In 1912 and again in 1965 Japan gifted the United
States with 3,020 and 3,800 flowering cherry trees respectively in the spirit of friendship between the two nations. Presently, festivals celebrating the blossoming of the
trees take place in early spring across the nation, including festivals in both Philadelphia
and Washington DC.
Sugar Maple
Although fleeting, the blossoming season is one of the most beautiful times of
year, and one of the most rewarding times to go out and explore the natural world. Be
it in Peace Valley Park, at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.,
or elsewhere, take some time to stop and smell the flowers!
References
Grimm, William Carey. The Illustrated Book of Trees. Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1983.
Rogers, Walter E. Tree Flowers of Forest, Park, and Street. New York: Dover Publications, 1965.
Jesse Jones, 2009 Fall Intern
Page 6
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Volume 31, Issue 1
February 2010
Schedule of Events
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 8am Bird Walk
21/28
22
23
24
25
26
 March 6 ~ 11:00-1:30pm
Maple Sugaring
 March 6 ~ Owl Prowl 4-7pm
 March 10 ~ 7:30pm
Timberdoodling
 March 20 ~ Annual Members
Meeting 1:00pm
March 2010
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
7:30 pm
Timberdoodling
11
Star Watch
7:30pm
12
13 8 am Bird Walk
Singles 10:30-12
14
15
16
17
Volunteer Day
11:30-1:30
18
19
20 8 am Bird Walk
ANNUAL
MEMBERS
MEETING
21
22
23 Teacher
Naturalist Training
1-3pm
24 Teacher
Naturalist Training 1-3pm
25 Teacher
Naturalist Training 1-3pm
26
27 8 am Bird Walk
10:30 am Singles
28
29
30 Teacher Naturalist Training 13pm
31Teacher Naturalist Training 13pm
 March 17 ~ Volunteer Day
 March 23-25 & 30-Apr 1
Teacher Naturalist Training 13pm
 April 28 Moonlight Walk
8:00pm
 April 21 ~ Evening Bird Walk–
6-7:30 Ongoing through May 26
 May 5 ~ Croaks & Trills: Frog
& Toad Search 7:30-9pm
27 8 am Bird Walk
10:30am Singles
 May 1 & 2 ~ PLANT SALE
10-4pm
8 am Bird
Walk
Maple Sugar Festival
Owl Prowl 4-7pm
April 2010
Sun
Enjoy a fine spring evening on
a quest for Frogs & Toads,
May 5, 7:30 pm
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1 Teacher
Naturalist Training 1-3pm
2
3 8am Bird Walk
4 EASTER
Nature Center
Closed—Trails
Open
5
6
7
8
9
10 8 am Bird Walk
10:30 am Singles
11
Naturalist Foray:
Birds 2pm
12
13
14
15
16
17 8 am Bird Walk
18
Naturalist Foray:
Spring 2pm
19
20
21
Evening Bird Walk 67:30pm
22
23
24 8 am Bird Walk
Shenk’s Ferry Trip
8:00am-4:00pm
25
Naturalist Foray:
Spring Flowers 2pm
26
27 10:0011:30am
Kit Crew
Gosling Gang
28 10:00-11:30am
Kit Crew
Gosling Gang
Evening Bird Walk 67:30pm
Moonlight Walk 8:00pm
29
30
Volume 31, Issue 1
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Page 7
May 2010
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1 8 am Bird Walk
PLANT SALE 104pm
Beautiful perennials,
annuals, trees & shrubs
available at the Plant Sale,
2
PLANT
SALE
10-4pm
3
9
Naturalist
Foray: Herps!
2pm
10
Art Exhibitions
Photography Shows
4 10:00-11:30am
Kit Crew
Gosling Gang
5 10:00-11:30am
Kit Crew
Gosling Gang
6
7
Migratory Bird Day Sale
10-5pm
Evening Bird Walk 6:007:30pm
Frog & Toad Search 7:309:00pm
11 10:00-11:30am
Kit Crew
Gosling Gang
12 10:00-11:30am
Kit Crew
Gosling Gang
Evening Bird Walk
7:30pm
8 8 am Bird Walk
10:30 am Singles
13
14
15 Bird Walk 8am
Volunteer Work Day
10:00am-1:00pm
6:00-
ALAN BRADY ~ February
TRACI LAW—March—Mid-April
What? They are really around here! Continued from page 1
coons, a variety of birds and other small game. Hunting by stealth, the
bobcat delivers a deathblow with a leaping pounce that can cover 10
feet. It is estimated that the bobcat population in North America is
quite large with perhaps one million cats in the United States alone.
These omnivores will eat almost anything. They hunt small game,
rabbits, fish, frogs, rodents, and deer (mostly fawns). They are just as
satisfied with a tasty meal of insects, snake, fruit, berries, and carrion.
Many ranchers and farmers consider them pests because they have
been known to dine on pets, lamb, calves and other livestock. They
are quite adept predators. They possess a keen sense of smell and
great vision and can run up to 40 miles per hour.
Coyotes of the Northeast are larger than their western relatives. This
is typical of many species. This is known as latitudinal cline, as you go
north the animals get larger. In the northeast the largest male coyote is
nearly 40 pounds the largest female , 31 pounds. Just keep in mind the
coyote is much smaller than the typical German Shepherd.
Coyote’s territory in our area is smaller than that of the west. The
patchwork of suburban wooded and open areas creates more
ecotones (edge habitat), which increases the diversity and amount of
prey.
Coyotes form strong family groups. In the spring females give birth to
Coyotes (Canis latrans)are often portrayed as very savvy and clever in 3—12 pups that are protected by both parents until the following fall.
Native American tales and traditions. In recent years they have shown In the fall and winter they will sometimes hunt in packs.
Coyote are a far less threat than the dog next door. They are most
their cleverness through their adaptability. They once lived primarily
active at night, dawn, and at dusk. They avoid humans and are often
in deserts and the open prairies of the west, they now roam all over
mistaken for dogs. Even though they are here, they are mostly
North America. In the early 20th century coyotes took advantage of
the new habitats that agriculture and logging provided. They also
“invisible”.
benefited from the decline of the Gray Wolf, a competitor and preda- If you should spot any of these animals you should feel quite lucky!
tor. Coyote are now present in every county in Pennsylvania. It is believed that their population is at an all-time high.
Page 8
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Volume 31, Issue 1
Naturalist Activities
BIRD WALKS
Saturdays ~ 8:00 - 10:00 am
It’s the coming of spring, so goes the bird migration. March marks the arrival of
early migrants such as the Red-winged Blackbird and Phoebes. In mid-April warblers
begin to arrive, their numbers peak in May. This is a great time for everyone who
enjoys the outdoors to come birding. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning.
SINGLES WALKS
Saturdays ~ 10:30 am – 12 noon
Feb. 27
March 13, 27; April 10; May 8
Director Naturalist Craig Olsen will lead singles of all ages for informative walks. Spring begins with renewal, as we
search for animal signs, wildflowers and birds.
Bring lunch for after the walk
$2 donation suggested
EVENING BIRD WALKS
Wednesdays ~ 6:00-7:30 pm
April 21– May 26
Join us for the evening as we go in search of warblers and songbirds. As dusk looms we may see
nighthawks hunting insects. These walks are a great way to unwind after a day at work, or just relax
and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring. Bring binoculars. A great time for experienced birders and
those who would like to learn about bird identification and habits
MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL
March 6 ~ 11:00am-1:30 pm
Walks led by naturalist, visit the “sugarbush”, learn about the bounty & history of these
native trees. Watch the kettle demonstration and other processing methods. Great maple
treats available for purchase, see you at the kettle!
No Fee for the program
STAR WATCH
Thursday ~ March 11 ~ 7:30 pm
Join the Bux-Mont Astronomical Association to look at the Spring happenings in the night sky.
Star Watch will be held in the field off Chapman Road, From the parking lot walk towards the bridge,
the entrance to the field is on the left before the bridge
NO FEE
MOONLIGHT WALK
Wednesday ~ April 28, 8:00 pm
Enjoy Peace Valley at night! April will bring the antics and mating sounds of frogs. This frenzy is
not to be missed. Spring awakens senses with the fresh scent of spring flowers along with
the sights and sounds of evening critters.
Limited use of flashlights! (Please)
Volume 31, Issue 1
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Page 9
TIMBERDOODLING
Wednesday ~ March 10~ 7:30 pm
It’s time again to view the amazing mating ritual of the American Woodcock. Male
Woodcocks begin with a peculiar dance and then take to the air with a spectacular
flight. Depending on weather conditions, Woodcocks can be active for 15 minutes or
for an entire night. Wear dark clothing.
NO FEE ~ BUT advance registration is required
CROAKS & TRILLS
Frog & Toad Search
Wednesday May 5 ~ 7:30 pm
Evening brings the sounds of these amphibians to our ears. The frenzy to find a mate begins.
Learn about their habits and habitats as we scour the aquatic areas of the nature center in search
of them. Be certain to dress accordingly, it is often very mushy and muddy this time of year, especially where we will be trekking.
NO FEE
Field Trips
Advance Registration & payment required: Fee: $13 ($9 members) ~ Fee not
refundable after one week prior to trip.
Checks payable to Friends of PVNC
OWL PROWL
SHENK’S FERRY, LANCASTER COUNTY
Saturday ~ March 6 ~ 4:00-7:00pm
Saturday ~ April 24 ~ 8:00am-4:00 pm
We will search Peace Valley, for owls, hopefully seeing up Shenk's Ferry Wildlife Preserve is one of the most impresto four different species. At dusk, we will try to call in some sive wildflower areas in the eastern United States. A moderowls. Bring a spotting scope if you have one
ate hike to see some spectacular blooms!
Service Projects
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS
ANDREW MULLER~ Troop 175;
Closed Woods Edge trail, planted
shrubs and constructed deer barricades
RYAN KNOUSE~ Troop 79; Rerouted Upper Woods trail, creating a
loop in trail
ROBERT COSTELLO~ Troop 414; Planted native shrubs
near Lenape education area; Built new corn pounders, drying rack, and fire pit
GROUP PROJECTS
TEMPLE JUDEA~ Clean-up in vicinity behind pooh
Tree
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST HIGH SCHOOL KEY
CLUB~ Clean-up along
waterways
GWYNEDD MERCY
ECOLOGY CLASS~
Clean-up near Lake Galena
WEBELOS PACK 173~
Wood chipped sharing circles
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Volume 31, Issue 1
Pre-School Programs
Outdoor educational activities & fun! Children 2-6 years old and their care-giver
Fee $ 55 ($45 member) includes one adult & one child
Under 2 no fee (no craft provided)
Advance registration & payment required ! The fee is not refundable one week prior to the start of the program.
No confirmation will be sent; Payment secures your child’s place.
KIT CREW
Ages 2-3 with caregiver
Class Size 5 Kits
(Children)
Search for animal
homes, visit the
pond or stream &
listen and look for
birds. We will begin our exploration
with a storybook
and snack then begin our search, followed by an
age-appropriate take home craft.
GOSLING GANG
Tuesdays
Ages 4-6 with caregiver
10:00 –11:30am
April 27, May 4, 11, 18
Rain date 25
Wednesdays
10:00 –11:30am
April 28, May 5, 12, 19
Rain date 26
Explore Nature!
Many creatures
& new discoveries to make.
Catch insects
and some of
their relatives.
Wade into the stream to discover the critters
that live there and so many more things to see
and do. A story, craft and snack are included.
Adopt a Garden
Consider sharing your gardening talents with us, we could use your help in maintaining our gardens.
Plant new wildflowers as needed
Weed and clean on a weekly basis
Water as needed
Volunteer gardeners are also welcome to participate on workdays, when we tackle special projects
Contact Volunteer Coordinator
Mary Jo Lisewski at 215-345-7860 or [email protected]
Shopping that benefits the Nature Center
You collection of ACME register tapes and registration with Genuardis has been very beneficial for the nature center. It may seem like a
small thing to do, but it does add up and creates a great way for us to supplement our educational endeavors with your need for food.
ACME ~ $256.00
If you do not have a GENUARDI’S CLUB CARD, you need to register, be sure to designate Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center ~ GROUP ID # 150301483 GENUARDI’S ~ $65.91
GoodSearch.com You can
A website that benefits the nature center—do your online shopping at go onto the site, put in Peace Valley Nature Center , and then order things through merchants that you already use and the
nature center will recieve a check. There are online coupons, coupon deals, discounts and promo codes available. Check it
out. !
GOODSEARCH ~ $12.91
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Sunday Naturalist’s Forays
2:00pm
Join us on the following Sunday afternoons for a walk through the Nature Center’s diverse habitats. Bring your
sense of adventure and inquisitiveness.
Rain cancels the walk; (contact us if weather appears questionable)
NO FEE
CAN YOU HEAR THEM? BIRDS BREAK THE SILENCE ~ April 11
Spring migration is on! Red-winged Blackbirds have arrived and are calling. Phoebes and Tree Swallows can be spotted perched on power and phone lines. Bring your binoculars and join us in viewing
these early migrants.
SPRING! WHAT’S HAPPENING ~ April 18
Spring is in the air! The emergence of tiny shoots & buds, frogs, turtles and many animals are now out
and about. Join us as we walk through different habitats in search of these signs and perhaps many
more.
BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS ~ April 25
Spring ephemerals are abloom. Search for the fantastic colors of spring. Bloodroot, Spring Beauty,
Trout Lily and Toothwort are some of the species bringing the color palette to life.
FROGS, TOADS, SNAKES & TURTLES—The World of Herps ~ May 9
Creepy crawling and often scary, these often misunderstood critters are crucial to our ecosystems. We will walk to various areas to attempt to see them and learn about their habitats and
importance.
VISIT THE SUNFLOWER SHOP
INTERNATIONAL
MIGRATORY BIRD DAY SALE
May 8 ~ 10:00-5:00
ALL BIRD RELATED ITEMS IN OUR BARN &
STORE
30% off
International Migratory Bird Day celebrates the incredible journeys of migratory birds between their breeding
grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central and South America.
This yearly event encourages bird conservation and increases the awareness of the importance of birds.
The arctic tern flies a phenomenal round trip that can be as long as 20,000 miles per year, from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back.
How high can they fly?
Higher than Mt. Everest. Bar-headed geese have been recorded flying across the Himalayas at 29,000 feet. Other species seen above 20,000 feet include the
whooper swan, the bar-tailed godwit, and the mallard duck.
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Volume 31, Issue 1
Maple Sugar Festival
March 6
11:00-1:30
Crisp and cold! The sap is running!
Join us as we travel to the
“sugarbush” to collect some sweet
sap to bring back to the kettle. We
will discuss the historic significance
of maple sugar in America as well as
the methods used for processing
this sweet treat. Sharing this bounty
of the forest is an experience not to
be missed.
Tasty Maple Treats Available:
Waffles with Maple Syrup, Maple
Popcorn Balls, Maple Cotton
Candy