Natural Lands

Secrets of Sadsbury Woods Hike
2025-06-17 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Sadsbury Woods Preserve, 443 Old Wilmington Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
Join us for an educational journey through the beautiful Sadsbury Woods Preserve led by our dedicated volunteer stewards. We’ll explore the vital restoration efforts taking place in the area, as well as other conservation projects aimed at improving the ecology of this forested preserve.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy the outdoors, this hike is a wonderful way to connect with nature and learn about the ongoing stewardship efforts at Sadsbury Woods.
This event is free, but registration is encouraged.

Insect Safari for Kids - sold out
2025-06-18 10:15 - 11:15 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
This event is sold out. Please join us for a future event!
Bugs are all around us. Underground, in the air, underwater… they’re everywhere! Despite their small size, insects are among the most important animals on the planet, supporting our ecosystems from the ground up. Stoneleigh is home to many different insects, from tiny beetles to giant dragonflies.
Kids, grab your favorite adult and join us on an insect safari in the garden as we search for bugs of all sorts. We’ll learn about their fascinating relationships with plants, humans, and each other. Afterward, you’ll be ready to embark on an insect safari in your own backyard.
This event is made possible with generous support from
The Kulicke Fund.

PlayIn Time Music Circle
2025-06-20 10:15 - 11:00, 2025-06-27 10:15 - 11:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Join our partners at PlayIn Time Productions for a weekly, interactive musical program geared toward children up to age five and their parents or caregivers.
Instructors Virginia will guide kiddos through warming up their bodies with movement, practicing listening skills using activities like freeze dances, and jamming to classic and new tunes. PlayIn Time’s music circles build musical connection and community through shared fun. Get ready to dance, jam, and learn!
Things to know:
Classes will run on Friday mornings from 10:15 – 11:00 AM, June 20th through August 1st (no meeting on July 4th).
Join for the whole series or just for one or two sessions. Registration is available on PlayIn Time’s website, linked below.
If you have them, you are welcome to bring your own shakers, sticks, or other percussive instruments.
Classes will be held outside in the Circle Garden so bring a blanket or lawn pad to sit on.
Please note that, while the program is geared toward younger ages, siblings ages 6 and older are welcome and can attend free of charge.
Click here to register.

Summer-sational Nights Solstice Edition - CANCELLED
2025-06-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
This event is cancelled due to storm debris please register for our new date here.
Hello, summer! Join us in the garden after-hours to celebrate the solstice and kick off our Summer-sational Nights series. To usher in this special evening, we’ll have some extra fun on hand including music, lawn games, and crafts and activities for kids. Owl’s Water Ice and Treats food truck and Conshohocken Brewing Co. will be on site offering desserts and beer for purchase. Bring your friends, a picnic, and a blanket and enjoy all the beauty that the first official summer evening at Stoneleigh has to offer.
This is a free event, but registration is required. In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified via email about cancellation.
This event is made possible with generous support from Mother Compost.

Friday Night Lights - SOLD OUT
2025-06-20 19:00 - 22:00 | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
Event is Sold OUT – no walk in tickets available. Please join us for Beats & Brews at Binky Lee Preserve on September 20.
Live music, wine and beer, s’mores toasting, star gazing, and sunset socializing at one of the most beautiful settings in all of Chester County. Friday Night Lights is the must-not-miss event of the summer.
This June, join us for live music under the evening sky. We’re thrilled to welcome David Wax Museum and Pawnshop Roses to the stage.

Natural beauty: Immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings of the preserve. Feel the gentle breeze, watch the sunset, and connect with the beauty of the great outdoors.
Cozy seating: Bring a chair or picnic blanket and enjoy a get together with friends and family near the Lenfest Center, boasting beautiful panoramic views of rolling hills.
Food and Drink: Local craft beer and wine, and yummy food truck fare to purchase:

Local craft beer from East Branch Brewing Company and Animated Brewing Company
Local cider and wine from Dressler Estate
Yummy food truck fare from Buddy’s Burgers, Breasts, and Fries (featuring veggie burgers), Delco Steaks (featuring veggie & vegan options), and KOI on the Go (Asian/Latin fusion with vegetarian options, plus coffee & desserts)
Supporting a great cause

Star gazing with local astronomy clubs: Delaware Astronomical Society, ChesMont Astronomical Society, and Bucks-Mont Astronomy Association.
It’s music without walls, y’all! Check out the fun in this video.
Join Natural Lands’ NextGen Council and other folks in their 20s, 30s, and 40s for Friday Night Lights. Check out our NextGen ticket options below.
Premium Ticket holders enjoy all the perks of the regular ticket experience plus the following:

Premium parking
Express entry
Drink ticket

Beginning a Botanical Sketchbook: Observations - SOLD OUT
2025-06-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
This event is sold out. Please join us for a future event.
Join botanical artist Margaret Saylor as you learn to observe and draw the natural world. Explore the minute details and plant characteristics of summer specimens. Begin a sketchbook or add to an existing one. Use graphite, Micron pen, and/or watercolor to depict summer’s plant life. Who knows… this could be the start of a lifelong sketchbook habit.
About the instructor: Margaret Saylor has a Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration with distinction, from The New York Botanical Garden. She has taught numerous botanical art workshops and technique classes throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. Her medium is watercolor on vellum, egg tempera, and graphite. Learn more about Margaret and her work on her website: Home | MargaretSaylor

Yoga in the Garden - cancelled
2025-06-22 10:15 - 11:15 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
This event is cancelled. Please join us for a future event.
Relax the mind and strengthen the body with an all-levels yoga class and meditation session guided by Christina Fittipoldi in the tranquil setting of Stoneleigh. The gentle pace will allow us time to linger in poses and build a deeper connection to the body using our breath.
Please bring a mat, water bottle, and any props you may like to use.
Can’t attend this one, or want to enjoy more? Check these out:

Sunday, May 4, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, May 11, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, May 18, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, May 25, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, June 1, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, June 8, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, June 15, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, June 22, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, June 29, 10:15 – 11:15 am

Outdoors Online - Out on the Land
2025-06-24 18:30 - 19:30 | https://wp.natlands.org/event/virtual-outontheland-2025-0618/
Join us this June for a special Pride Month webinar exploring the vibrant diversity of the natural world. In this one-hour virtual event, we’ll journey through spring ephemeral flowers, fungi, insects, and more—uncovering surprising parallels between nature’s fluidity and human expressions of identity.
Nature is full of species with a wide variety of sexualities, genders, and family relationships. In this webinar, learn about such species that occur in North America, including oaks, mushrooms, flowers, deer, eagles, and more. In addition to our focus on the natural world, we’ll also discuss ways to ensure that there is space for everyone in the outdoors.
The information presented is educational, lighthearted, and identity affirming.
Celebrate the beauty of nature’s many forms as we connect ecological wonder with the ongoing journey toward equality and inclusion. This event is open to all.
About the instructor: Emilee Martell (she/they) is a land conservationist, writer, and aspiring farmer based in the beautiful St. Croix River valley of northwest Wisconsin. Emilee works at Driftless Conservancy as their Communications Specialist.

Insect Walk
2025-06-26 10:30 - 12:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Join engagement manager and naturalist Sam Nestory on a walk through the garden to search for the fascinating insects that call Stoneleigh home.
Learn about insect diets and lifecycles, how important insects are to our ecosystems, and how you can support them in your own garden.

Fluorescent Firefly Frolic - sold out
2025-06-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, 240 Sunnyside Road, Easton, Pennsylvania, 18042
This event is sold out. Please join us for a future event.
Join us for an enchanting evening under the stars as we look for several different species of fireflies, each emitting their unique glow.
Led by Preserve Manager Zane Miller, this program will educate us about the fascinating behavior, biology, and conservation of fireflies while experiencing the wonder of nature’s living light show.
Perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, families, and anyone looking to escape into the magic of the evening, this event will undoubtedly be one to remember.
Connect and explore with Natural Lands. This is our ‘onsite’ program for firefly fun in the field; learn more about identifying different species of fireflies at our Outdoors Online: Fantastic Fireflies program on June 3 (you’ll receive a recording when you sign up for the event below).

Home and Garden Tour - SOLD OUT
2025-06-28 10:30 - 12:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
This event is sold out. Please join us for a future event!
Enjoy dazzling displays of native plants, stately trees, and historical landscapes by the Olmsted Brothers that have been thoughtfully reimagined into a beautiful and biodiverse haven for people and wildlife.
The spectacular Tudor Revival Main House—which is usually only open for special events—is also included in the tour, so don’t miss this opportunity for a peek inside the former home of three prominent Main Line families.

Orchestra in the Garden: Summer Serenade with Reggie Mobley
2025-06-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Registration through the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia
Orchestra in the Garden returns this June for a series of outdoor concerts at Stoneleigh: a natural garden with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.
Program

Sancho Songs and Dances

Handel Selected arias

Purcell Selected arias

Williams Flow My Tears

Seating Options:
Premium
Enjoy the best seats, VIP parking on-site at Stoneleigh.
General
Chairs are provided in the area in front of the players.
Lawn
Bring a blanket and picnic from home for our most affordable option.
These performances are rain or shine.
Questions? Contact info@chamberorchestra.org.
Click Here to Register

Fluorescent Firefly Frolic - POSTPONED
2025-06-28 20:30 - 22:30 | Green Hills Preserve, 553 Gunhart Road, Mohnton, Pennsylvania, 19540
This event is postponed to Sunday 6/29 due to weather.
Join us for an enchanting evening under the stars as we look for several different species of fireflies, each emitting a unique glow.
Led by volunteer Mike Slater and Events Coordinator Tianna Godsey, this program will educate you about the fascinating behavior, biology, and conservation of fireflies in an immersive experience of their living light show.
Perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, families, and anyone looking to escape into the magic of the evening, this event will undoubtedly be one to remember.
Please note: this event is subject to change due to weather and field conditions. We will alert you at least 24 hours in advance if we do not plan to proceed.
Connect and explore with Natural Lands. This is our ‘onsite’ program for firefly fun in the field; learn more about identifying different species of fireflies at our Outdoors Online: Fantastic Fireflies program on June 3 (you’ll receive a recording when you sign up for the event below).

Yoga in the Garden
2025-06-29 10:15 - 11:15 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Relax the mind and strengthen the body with an all-levels yoga class and meditation session guided by Christina Fittipoldi in the tranquil setting of Stoneleigh. The gentle pace will allow us time to linger in poses and build a deeper connection to the body using our breath.
Please bring a mat, water bottle, and any props you may like to use.
Can’t attend this one, or want to enjoy more? Check these out:

Sunday, May 4, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, May 11, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, May 18, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, May 25, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, June 1, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, June 8, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, June 15, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, June 22, 10:15 – 11:15 am
Sunday, June 29, 10:15 – 11:15 am

Art & Connect: Open Call for Submissions
2025-07-10 | Pennsylvania
What inspires you in nature, and how do you connect with and express this inspiration?
Natural Lands’ NextGen Council invites artists (18+) of all backgrounds and mediums to submit their work for Art & Connect, a juried exhibition to be held this November with our partners at the Da Vinci Art Alliance gallery in Philadelphia. We are seeking creative expressions inspired by the landscapes and wildlife of eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey—with a special interest in pieces that reflect your connection to Natural Lands’ preserved properties.
From painting to poetry, sculpture to spoken word, all forms of original artwork are welcome. Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned creator, we want to see how nature moves you.
Interested in the exhibit and want to stay in the loop? Sign up to receive event alerts and more.
Deadline to Submit: Friday, August 1, 2025
This event is hosted by Natural Lands’ NextGen Council, a group of passionate advocates in their 20s–40s working to help Natural Lands reach younger and more diverse communities. The exhibit is a celebration of creativity, conservation, and the power of connection.
Questions? Contact Martha Moore at Natural Lands. Scroll down for a link to submit and more guidelines/details.
Let nature inspire your art—and share it with the world.
Interested in seeing the art show? Save the date and stay tuned to join us at the Opening Reception at DaVinci Art Alliance on Thursday, November 13.

Through the Wild Lens – Photo Contest at Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary
2025-07-10 | Pennsylvania
Connect with the wonders of nature—and share the magic you see through your lens.
Natural Lands invites photographers of all skill levels to participate in the inaugural “Through the Wild Lens” photo contest, celebrating the beauty, biodiversity, and serenity of Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary in Easton, PA. Whether it’s a fleeting moment of wildlife, a quiet landscape, or a close-up marvel of the forest, we want to see what makes Mariton special to you.
What we’re seeking:
Submit a single, original photo that reflects your unique connection to Mariton. Categories may include (but aren’t limited to):

Landscape photography
Wildlife in action
Macro and detail photography
Environmental storytelling

Let your lens tell the story of Mariton’s wild, subtle, and serene spirit.
Showcase & Celebration:
Selected photographs will be featured in a special gallery exhibit at the Mariton Nature Center, online, and across our social media platforms. The overall winning photo will receive special recognition and will be framed and displayed at the Nature Center for a limited time.
We’ll celebrate with an Open House Showcase on March 18, 2026, where photographers, community members, and nature lovers are invited to enjoy the exhibit and connect with others inspired by the sanctuary.
Deadline to Submit: Friday, February 13, 2026
Questions? Contact Tianna Godsey at Natural Lands. Scroll down for a link to submit and more guidelines/details.
We can’t wait to see what you discover through your wild lens.
Submit your photo and be part of this unique celebration of Mariton’s natural beauty.

PlayIn Time Music Circle
2025-07-11 10:15 - 11:00, 2025-07-18 10:15 - 11:00, 2025-07-25 10:15 - 11:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Join our partners at PlayIn Time Productions for a weekly, interactive musical program geared toward children up to age five and their parents or caregivers.
Instructors Virginia will guide kiddos through warming up their bodies with movement, practicing listening skills using activities like freeze dances, and jamming to classic and new tunes. PlayIn Time’s music circles build musical connection and community through shared fun. Get ready to dance, jam, and learn!
Things to know:
Classes will run on Friday mornings from 10:15 – 11:00 AM, June 20th through August 8th (no meeting on July 4th).
Join for the whole series or just for one or two sessions. Registration is available on PlayIn Time’s website, linked below.
If you have them, you are welcome to bring your own shakers, sticks, or other percussive instruments.
Classes will be held outside in the Circle Garden so bring a blanket or lawn pad to sit on.
Please note that, while the program is geared toward younger ages, siblings ages 6 and older are welcome and can attend free of charge.
Click here to register.

Summer-sational Nights Kickoff Edition - SOLD OUT
2025-07-11 17:00 - 20:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Event is sold out. Please join us for the next Summer-sational Nights next friday.
Hello, summer! Join us in the garden after-hours to celebrate the summer and kickoff of our Summer-sational Nights series. To usher in this special evening, we’ll have some extra fun on hand including music, lawn games, and crafts and activities for kids. Owl’s Water Ice and Treats food truck and Conshohocken Brewing Co. will be on site offering desserts and beer for purchase. Bring your friends, a picnic, and a blanket and enjoy all the beauty that a summer evening at Stoneleigh has to offer.
This is a free event, but registration is required. In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified via email about cancellation.
This event is made possible with generous support from Mother Compost.

Summer Tai Chi
2025-07-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Join instructor Aimée Alegria Barry as she leads you through some relaxing, easy steps of tai chi walking to bring together mind and body. She’ll also teach several slow-moving qigong stretches to help deepen your breathing and focus. We hope you’ll leave Stoneleigh feeling calm and centered, ready for the rest of your day.
About the instructor:
Aimee Alegria Barry from Centaur Tai Chi began studying Yang style tai chi and chi qigong more than 30 years ago. She also holds a black belt in tae kwon do. Aimee’s movement background includes dance, Pilates, and therapeutic horsemanship.

Home and Garden Tour
2025-07-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Enjoy dazzling displays of native plants, stately trees, and historical landscapes by the Olmsted Brothers that have been thoughtfully reimagined into a beautiful and biodiverse haven for people and wildlife.
The spectacular Tudor Revival Main House—which is usually only open for special events—is also included in the tour, so don’t miss this opportunity for a peek inside the former home of three prominent Main Line families.

Family Edition - Pints on the Preserve
2025-07-12 15:00 - 17:00 | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
3:00 – 5:00 pm: Natural Lands’ Next Gen Council invites families to meet up for a few hours of fun and exploration. All activities are free, but registration is requested.
Activities at the pavilion

Make crafts to take home.
Enjoy lounging, lawn games, and outdoor fun.
Small snacks will be available for CASH-ONLY purchase.
Pints for the grown-ups (cash or credit card).

Activities in Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround

Search for clues for the Ollie Owl Scavenger Hunt.
Climb logs, build stick teepees, hunt for bugs, explore small streams, and get a little dirty, tired, and inspired.
Free play is encouraged and is a great way for kids to gain an appreciation for nature.
Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround is designed for children ages 4 to 12 years old, but older kids and adults have fun, too. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Kiddos are encouraged to explore at their own pace, so stay and play as little or long as you like in this drop-in event.
This event is made possible with generous support from
The Kulicke Fund.

Pints on the Preserve
2025-07-12 15:00 - 19:00 | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
East Branch Brewing Company will be pouring suds at the Lenfest Center pavilion. Enjoy refreshments with a take-your-breath-away view.
Pair your pint with a…
…hike! ChesLen Preserve includes nearly 1,300 acres and more than 14 miles of trails to explore.
…picnic! Bring a picnic to enjoy with your favorite pint.
…fun time with friends! Bring a chair or picnic blanket and enjoy a get together with friends and family on the Lenfest Center’s back deck or the covered pavilion.
…crafts & more (for the kids!) If you are a family with kids, please sign-up for our special Family Edition from 3:00 – 5:00pm.
*Small snacks will be available for CASH-ONLY purchase.*
We’re excited to welcome our wonderful partners, LaMancha Animal Rescue, for a fun-filled two hours at the preserve! Join us to meet some adorable, adoptable dogs, and enjoy the chance to play and interact with these lovable rescues. Who knows – you might just find your new best friend. Come share the joy and maybe even fall in love with a furry companion who’s waiting for their forever home.
Join us on the 2nd Saturday of the month, from May through November.

Outdoors Online - Restoring Crum Creek
2025-07-16 18:30 - 19:30 | https://wp.natlands.org/event/crumcreek-online-2025-0716/
Want to learn how we’re improving water quality and restoring ecosystems?
Join Preserve Manager Mike Coll for an exciting webinar on the innovative deer enclosure fence at Hildacy Preserve and how it’s enhancing the water quality of Crum Creek, a vital source of drinking water. Thanks to funding from AQUA, this project focuses on revitalizing the floodplain to improve the health of our water resources.
Discover how this initiative is creating a lush, native planting area that slows and absorbs water runoff, reducing harmful erosion and sedimentation. The exclosure fence also helps improve water quality by allowing native leaves to naturally filter the creek, supporting macroinvertebrates that are essential for clean water.
But that’s not all! Learn how this project is also sequestering carbon, providing new habitats for floodplain species, and supporting migrating wildlife. Plus, it’s boosting native plant diversity, which is crucial for pollinators and other vital insects.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how ecological restoration is benefiting both the environment and our water supply.
Register for free or become a member to show your support for Natural Lands.

Insect Safari for Kids
2025-07-17 10:15 - 11:15 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Bugs are all around us. Underground, in the air, underwater… they’re everywhere! Despite their small size, insects are among the most important animals on the planet, supporting our ecosystems from the ground up. Stoneleigh is home to many different insects, from tiny beetles to giant dragonflies.
Kids, grab your favorite adult and join us on an insect safari in the garden as we search for bugs of all sorts. We’ll learn about their fascinating relationships with plants, humans, and each other. Afterward, you’ll be ready to embark on an insect safari in your own backyard.
This event is made possible with generous support from
The Kulicke Fund.

Summer-sational Nights
2025-07-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
There’s just nothing like a summer evening. We invite you to enjoy the outdoors at Stoneleigh this summer during extended garden hours every third and fourth Fridays of the summer months. Tell your friends; pack a picnic, a chair or blanket, and your favorite beverage; and join us. The garden unfolds throughout summer with colorful blooms, entrancing wildlife, towering trees, and inspiring vistas.
Registration is encouraged but not required. In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified via email of cancelations.

Gardening for Moths
2025-07-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
In honor of National Moth Week, join Stoneleigh staff on an exploration of the garden with moths in mind. Learn how native plants attract and support our incredible local moths species, from tiny micromoths to the spectacular silkmoths, and how we can all work together to create beautiful and beneficial habitat for these winged wonders.

Open Air Chamber Music
2025-07-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Did you know the term “chamber music” derives from the fact that the music was composed of just a few instruments, traditionally a group that could fit in a palace room or chamber?
This summer, the Philadelphia International Music Camp & Festival turns the notion of performing in a small room on its head. Instead, students of all ages will perform at unique sites in and around the greater Philadelphia region, including our very own Stoneleigh: a natural garden. The birds and insects will lend their notes to the musical performance.
Event is free. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket.
Registration requested.
