FULL – After Dark Edition: UV Blacklight Night Hike & Nature Journaling
June 19 @ 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm
This event is full; please join us at another outdoor adventure.
Step into the forest after sunset for a guided UV / Blacklight Night Hike, alongside our partners—naturalists from DCNR and our nature journaling ambassador—where the hidden world of nighttime nature comes alive in unexpected ways. Armed with ultraviolet flashlights, we’ll explore trails and uncover the fluorescent secrets of the forest—revealing glowing plants, lichens, fungi, and insects that are invisible by day.
Mid‑June is one of the most magical times to be outdoors. As we meander, you’ll witness the glow of firefly (lightning bug) season, when warm summer evenings transform forests and fields into a natural light show.
Along the trail, keep your senses tuned for other nocturnal wildlife. You may hear the distant hoot of an owl, the chorus of frogs near wetlands, or spot bats darting overhead as they feed on insects—playing a vital role by consuming thousands each night.
From rustling leaves to glowing beetles, the forest becomes a dynamic nighttime ecosystem full of sound, movement, and light.
Under UV light, you’ll also discover:
- Fluorescent fungi and lichens that glow in eerie greens and blues
- Certain insects and spiders that reflect ultraviolet light
- Unexpected glowing patterns on rocks, tree bark, and organic materials
This immersive experience blends science, discovery, and a bit of nighttime magic, offering a whole new way to see a familiar landscape.
Come explore the forest in a whole new light—literally—and experience one of nature’s most enchanting summer spectacles.
After the hike, we’ll gather for a short nature journaling session, giving you time to reflect on what you observed and experienced. Capture the glow of fireflies, the sounds of the forest, or the patterns revealed under UV light through sketches, notes, or simple creative prompts. No artistic experience needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to slow down and notice the details of the night.
Green Hills Preserve is located within the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape, a place-based partnership administered by Natural Lands and funded in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
Related Events
about the property
Green Hills Preserve is a bucolic mixture of gently rolling farm fields, woodlands, and wetlands. A tributary to Allegheny Creek, a state-designated “Cold Water Fishery” stream, bisects the preserve.
The Preserve is situated within the Schuylkill Highlands, a region at the nexus of two landscapes that have been prioritized for protection: the Highlands (as defined by the US Congress) and the Schuylkill River watershed.
parking
There is a paved, 10-car parking lot at the main entrance to the preserve.
visitor hours
Daily, dawn to dusk.
more preserve informationBefore you go
- We will have UV/blacklights for you to borrow. If you want to bring your own flashlight, we recommend red-light.
- Dress for the weather.
- Notebook and pen are suggested. We will also have some available.
- This is a wonderful opportunity for nature journaling!
- A full water bottle and trail snacks are recommended.
- Bring a camera to capture feathered friends in the field.
- Don’t forget to bring your patience and curiosity—wildlife will appreciate it.
- Please leave your four-legged friends at home. Service animals welcome.
This event is full; please join us at another outdoor adventure.
Registration is required to reserve your spot. Your online registration signifies acceptance of our terms and conditions (read in full below). Questions? Please contact us.
- $0 – per person
- $25 – event ticket and a year-long membership to Natural Lands
Shreiner Tree Care
Event Terms and Conditions
Cancellation
Events may be cancelled due to inclement weather or low registration. In that case, we will make every effort to update our website and contact registrants. Note that we cannot offer refunds of paid registrations or ticket purchases, but rest assured that your donation will help us in our work to save open space, care for nature, and connect people to the outdoors.
Communication
Natural Lands (and our co-host if applicable) will use the email address you provided here to let you know details about this event and to keep you up-to-date on other news and happenings. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Photography Policy
Attendance at Natural Lands programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and electronic media. Images will not be identified using full names without written approval from the individual. Please notify Natural Lands staff if you would prefer that your photo not be used.
Participant Waiver
By registering for this event, I, as the participant, and/or parent or legal guardian of a minor participant, do hereby understand and acknowledge that by participating, in this, or any, Natural Lands’ event or activity, I am agreeing to indemnify and hold harmless Natural Lands, their respective administrators, directors, agents, officers, members, volunteers, employees, other participants, any sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises on which the Activity takes place, (each considered one of the “RELEASEES” herein).
I further acknowledge, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of the Program and related Activities and my and/or the Minor’s experience and capabilities, and believe that I and/or the minor are qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions of participation.
I fully understand that: (a) the Program and related Activities involve risks and dangers of damage to personal property and serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death (“risks”); (b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my and/or the Minor’s own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the Activity, the condition in which the Activity takes place, or the negligence of the “releasees” as aforementioned; (c) there may be other risks and social and economic losses either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I and/or the minor incur as a result of my participation or that of the Minor in the Activity.
I hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to sue Natural Lands or any of their “releasees” from all liability, claims, demands, losses, injuries, damage to property, or other damages on my and/or the minor’s account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the “releasees” or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations; and I further agree that if, despite this release and waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement I, the Minor, or anyone on the Minor’s behalf makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I will indemnify, save, and hold harmless each of the releasees from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which any may incur as the result of such claim.
I have read this Agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by registering for this event, and have done so freely and without any inducement or assurance of any nature and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid, the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
