Sponsored by Merck
Week 1 - April 8, 2020
Just because we are stuck at home, it doesn't mean we can't get out in nature! Join Senior Naturalist, Kristy Morley in nature journaling from your backyard. Watch the introducation video below to get started and then share your photos with us via email at kristy@wissahickontrails.org or post them on social media and tag us.
Week 2 - April 15, 2020
This week, your challenge is to:
Week 3 - April 22, 2020
Week 4 - May 7, 2020
Find two similar species or objects (two trees, two flowers, or two mushrooms for example). Use the image below as an example of how to set up your nature journal page, and compare the two subjects using words, pictures, and numbers. Also record any questions that come up while you are comparing them.
Try to pick subjects that are relatively similar, think lemon and orange versus apple and orange, otherwise the differences may be overwhelming. You can also compare species or areas that are the same, but subject to different conditions. A puddle in the shade versus one in the sun, or the same plant growing in wet area versus a dry one.
Bird surveys help us understand which birds rely on our preserves throughout the year, and allows us to document if and when changes occur. One way we monitor birds is by operating a summer banding station at Crossways Preserve. Trained staff capture and band wild birds to collect information about their populations that helps us, and the larger conservation community, understand what is driving bird declines so that we can be more focused in our work to conserve them.
Conservation Manager Margaret Rohde spots spring ephemerals along the Green Ribbon Trail, shares characteristics for identification, and describes some of the biology behind these unique wildflowers.
Sit back and enjoy a variety of backyard songbirds as they visit Community Outreach Manager Kelly Joslin's mealworm and suet feeders. Video was shot in early April 2020 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
You may have noticed Spotted Lanternflies have invaded the Montgomery County area in the past few years. You can help! Join Pat Oelschlager, Stewardship Assistant, as he walks through a step-by-step instruction of how to find and remove Spotted Lanternfly egg cases from trees and other surfaces.
NOTE: Please be careful and steer clear of poison ivy vines on trees while looking for Lanternfly egg cases!
To learn more about the Spotted Lanternfly, visit PennState Extension's website.
On a spring day, the air is filled with the sounds of songbirds. But at night, nature plays a different tune. The spring rains have awakened our local tree frogs from their long, winter slumber and they are out in force to sing and look for a mate. Community Outreach Manager, Kelly Joslin, shares fun facts about native tree frogs in this video.
On April 15, 2020, Margaret Rohde, Wissahickon Trails Conservation Manager and board member of Wyncote Audubon Society took us on a virtual tour of Crossways Preserve in Blue Bell, PA. She shared information about the unique landscape of meadows and woods, conservation projects, and more.
On April 23, 2020, Executive Director Gail Farmer gave a tour of our new website and trail finding tools. The new website focuses on enabling people to protect, steward, and enjoy our local land and waterways because we know that our mission can only be achieved in partnership with you. Our hope is that the website makes it easier for you to act on behalf of a healthy environment and do more of what you love - exploring the Wissahickon and all its charms.
On May 6, 2020 Wissahickon Trails hosted an online program called Creating Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard. In this recording of the program, you will learn about how you can sustainably landscape your yard using native plants to benefit everything from wildlife to your electric bill. Our presenter, Cindy Nuss, owner of Nature’s Way Designs, LLC., explains why native trees, shrubs and perennials are so important for survival of everything from insects to birds as well as preservation of clean air and drinking water for future generations.
On May 14, 2020 Wissahickon Trails hosted an online program called Learning Birdsong. In this program, you will learn how to identify birds by their songs. Presented by Kristy Morley, Senior Naturalist, this program focuses on learning the songs of several common breeders with a dose of migrating warblers for good measure. You will learn tips and tricks for remembering bird songs as well as the latest technology tools to help you continue mastering bird song ID on your own.
On May 18, 2020 Wissahickon Trails hosted an online program called The Monarchs are Coming. In this program, you will learn all about monarch butterflies. We cover their lifecycle including their fantastic fall migration. We also discuss how we can use understanding monarchs as a springboard for conservation of other pollinators, and how you can contribute to monarch research right from your own backyard.
On May 20, 2020 Wissahickon Trails hosted an online program called Choosing Pollinator Plants for Your Garden. In this program presented by Cindy Nuss, owner of Nature's Way Designs LLC, you will learn how to convert your yard into a haven for beneficial butterflies, bees, moths and more – and without a lot of work! Planting for insects is easy and rewarding. You will not only have beautiful flowers and grasses, but also interesting and entertaining insects to enjoy, even if you don’t think that you have a green thumb.