Natural Lands

Best-Laid Plans: A Murder Mystery - SOLD OUT
2026-02-21 16:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
This event is sold out. Please join us at a future event.
Join us in the cozy magnificence of Stoneleigh’s Main House for an evening of mystery and intrigue featuring the Murder Mystery Co. of Philadelphia.
In this immersive, quintessential whodunit experience, you’ll be part of the thrills. Dress in your best evening wear, bribe suspects for clues, and gather information to uncover who is whacking all the invitees. But keep your guard up, because you never know who might be next.
Doors open at 4:30 PM for light bites, beer, and wine. This is also the perfect opportunity to begin gathering intel and mingling with the other guests. The performance begins at 5:30 PM.

Guided Winter Walk
2026-02-28 10:30 - 12:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Enjoy the unique beauty of Stoneleigh during the winter season. Now that the leaves have fallen, we can delight in the structure and delicate details that are revealed. Join Stoneleigh staff on a walk through the winter garden to discover the beautiful bark, brilliant berries, and stunning seeds that bring life to the chilly days of winter.

Hidden Language of Trees: Winter ID - SOLD OUT
2026-03-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Saunders Woods Preserve, 1020 Waverly Road, Gladwyne, PA, 19035
This event is sold out. Please join us at a future event.
Even without their leafy crowns, trees have stories to tell—through textured bark, delicate buds, and lingering berries. On this guided winter walk, Preserve Manager Luke Hamilton will teach you how to identify trees using the subtle clues they offer during the dormant season.
Enjoy a slow-paced, sensory-rich hike through the quiet beauty of Saunders Woods Preserve. Whether you’re a budding naturalist or just curious about the forest in winter, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for trees and the ecosystems they support.
Dress warmly, bring your curiosity, and come ready to look a little closer.

Natural Light Still Life Photography Workshop
2026-03-07 12:00 - 15:00 | Crow’s Nest Preserve, 201 Piersol Road, Elverson, Pennsylvania, 19520
Still life is a genre of photography that can be done no matter the weather. It allows the photographer to have control over the light, the subject, and the story being told.
Join photographer Ginnie Lodge for an intimate, hands-on workshop exploring the art of still life photography using natural light. Working in the cozy, heated lower level of the Crow’s Nest barn—transformed into a studio for the day—you’ll learn how to arrange, light, and capture striking still life compositions using objects gathered from the preserve.
Ginnie will demonstrate her process using both a mirrorless camera and simple techniques, showing how to achieve rich, Old Masters-style images through focal point control, photo stacking, and thoughtful editing. While participants are encouraged to bring an SLR or mirrorless camera and tripod, the workshop is accessible to those using only a smartphone.
With limited space, each participant will receive individual guidance as they create their own still life photographs. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your creative approach, this inspiring three-hour session offers a unique chance to develop your skills and experiment with natural light photography.
Please note: The inclement weather date is Saturday, March 14.
About the instructor: Ginnie Lodge is a local multi-genre photographer who delights in experimenting and creating with her camera… out in nature, or on her kitchen counter. With a lifelong career as a teacher, she enjoys bringing out the best in others with whom she explores the craft of photography. You can see some of her work at www.ginnielodge.com.

Beauty of Buds Walk
2026-03-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Signs of spring are all around us, even in the winter. Flower and leaf buds are more than just ways for us to identify plants; they are delicate and beautiful wonders of the winter garden. Join Stoneleigh staff as we explore the vast and fascinating world of buds during this guided walk in the garden.

Early Spring Pruning Workshop
2026-03-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Are you puzzled by pruning? Confounded by coppicing? Perplexed by pollarding? Join Stoneleigh staff for a workshop in the garden to demystify early spring pruning.
With the expert guidance of a horticulturist, you’ll learn winter pruning basics for small trees and shrubs, as well as specialized pruning techniques used at Stoneleigh like pollarding and coppicing. Part lecture, part demonstration, this workshop will help you build confidence in your pruning skills and offer an opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion about pruning in your own garden.
This workshop will begin with an indoor lecture then move outdoors for pruning demonstrations by a Stoneleigh horticulturist. Dress for the weather and bring a notebook and writing utensil.

Spring Equinox Stroll & Connect - SOLD OUT
2026-03-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Saunders Woods Preserve, 1020 Waverly Road, Gladwyne, PA, 19035
This event is sold out. Please join us at a future event.
Celebrate the arrival of spring with Natural Lands’ NextGen Council.
Join us for a relaxed, nature-filled evening as we mark the equinox together outdoors. This gathering is open to everyone, with a special welcome to folks in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who are looking to connect with nature and one another.
We’ll enjoy an easy, naturalist-led walk through the preserve, taking in the sights and signs of the new season. As the evening winds down and the sun begins to set, we’ll gather by the barn around a cozy campfire, where you can warm up with light refreshments and warm beverages.
Feel free to bring a favorite dish or beverage to share as we commune, connect, and enjoy each other’s company to close out the evening.

Create Your Own (Recycled) Nature Journal - FULL
2026-03-21 14:00 - 16:00 | French Creek State Park, 843 Park Road, Elverson, PA, 19520, United States
This event is full. Please join us for a future event.
Connect with the world through nature journaling. Join our partner, Rose Rowe, a naturalist at French Creek State Park, for a hands-on workshop where we’ll be getting crafty. As part of our Learning through Art series, this month’s session will focus on traditional bookbinding and the history of nature journaling. From cover to cover, we will make nature journals ready to be filled with your unique observations and revelations.
This workshop is part of an ongoing series where we will be partnering with a nature journaling ambassador to explore and discover this mindful practice. Wisdom begins in wonder, and we hope this series will inspire you to cultivate curiosity and creativity as you explore and connect with the parks and natural lands around us.
Meet at the French Creek State Park’s Playground Pavilion (follow the link: 843 Park Road, Elverson, PA 19520).
French Creek State Park 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.

Spring Awakening: Forest Bathing for Wellness
2026-03-29 13:00 - 15:30 | Hildacy Preserve, 1031 Palmers Mill Road, Media, Pennsylvania, 19063
As winter loosens its quiet hold, the forest begins awakening. Step into this tender moment of early spring during this slow, sensory-rich walk through the woods. Instructor Stacey Vinci’s gentle, heart-centered approach aims to soothe the nervous system, rekindle the spirit, and restore balance in a time when many of us move too quickly to notice the beauty at our feet.
All walks are invitational and trauma-informed, offering space for whatever you bring and however you arrive. We’ll close our time together sharing a calming tea tasting and light snacks—an unhurried moment to savor the simple gifts of the season.
About the instructor: Stacey Vinci is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified forest therapy guide through the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy. Stacey has been in practice for 14 years supporting individuals, communities, and family systems in generational healing, growth, and change. Stacey facilitates embodied wellness through somatic, trauma-informed, and nature-based offerings.

SOLD OUT - Bluebells Beneath the Pink Moon Stroll
2026-04-02 18:30 - 20:00 | Stroud Preserve, 454 North Creek Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19382
This event is sold out. Please join us for a future event.
Join us for an enchanting evening walk at Stroud Preserve as spring comes alive beneath the full Pink Moon of April. Wander through woodland paths (which just might be starting to grow their carpet of blooming bluebells) and learn about these fleeting spring ephemerals while enjoying the soft glow of moonlight.
This peaceful stroll blends seasonal ecology with celestial wonder for a truly magical night outdoors.

Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Wander - SOLD OUT
2026-04-10 13:00 - 14:30 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
This event is sold out. Please join us for a future event.
Celebrate the beginning of spring with an exploration of spring ephemeral wildflowers. This stunning but elusive group of plants blooms, sets seed, and vanishes into dormancy in just a few months, all before the rest of the garden fully awakens.
Join Stoneleigh staff on a tour of the garden’s lovely collection of spring ephemerals and learn about their lifecycle, cultivation, and uses in the home garden.
Can’t attend this one? Check out more dates and locations in our Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Wander series below:

Friday, April 10, 1:00-2:30pm – Stoneleigh: a natural garden (Villanova, PA)
Sunday, April 12, 1:00-3:30pm – Crow’s Nest Preserve (Elverson, PA)
Saturday, April 18, 9:00-11:30am – Sadsbury Woods Preserve (Coatesville, PA)
Friday, May 1, 10:00am-12:00pm – Saunders Woods Preserve (Gladwyne, PA)
Saturday, May 2, 10:00am-12:00pm – Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary (Easton, PA)
Saturday, May 9, 9:00-11:30am – Sadsbury Woods Preserve (Coatesville, PA)

Stoneleigh Native Plant Sale – Online Shopping Opens for Members
2026-04-11 08:00 - 17:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Shop an exceptional selection of carefully curated native plants to add beauty and biodiversity to your garden. With more than 300 varieties of our favorite native plants—including more than 100 new offerings—this year’s selection is our most diverse yet. Pre-order your plants online, then pick up your pre-ordered plants on April 25 or April 26 at Stoneleigh during your chosen time slot.
In appreciation for being a member, we are opening up a full day in advance to get these sought after, hard to find native plants. Thank you for being a member. If you’re not already a member, join below.
For complete details about the Stoneleigh Native Plant Sale, please visit: Stoneleigh native plant sale.

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Home and Garden Tour
2026-04-11 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-04-18 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 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.
Looking for a more accessible option? Consider joining our Golf Cart tours:
Friday, April 17, 11:00 – 11:45 am
Friday, May 8, 11:00 – 11:45 am
Friday, June 26, 11:00 – 11:45 am

Stoneleigh Native Plant Sale – Online Shopping Opens for All
2026-04-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Shop an exceptional selection of carefully curated native plants to add beauty and biodiversity to your garden. With more than 300 varieties of our favorite native plants—including more than 100 new offerings—this year’s selection is our most diverse yet. Pre-order your plants online, then pick up your pre-ordered plants on April 25 or April 26 at Stoneleigh during your chosen time slot.
These plants go quickly. Consider becoming a member to get early access to these sought after, hard to find native plants. If you’re not already a member, join below.
For complete details about the Stoneleigh Native Plant Sale, please visit: Stoneleigh native plant sale.

join now

Yoga in the Garden
2026-04-12 10:15 - 11:15, 2026-04-19 10:15 - 11:15, 2026-04-26 10:15 - 11:15, 2026-05-03 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.

Hepatica Hike
2026-04-12 13:00 - 15:30 | Crow’s Nest Preserve, 201 Piersol Road, Elverson, Pennsylvania, 19520
Join event leaders on this off-trail exploration of a rarely visited section of the preserve. We’ll search the woods along Mine Run (a tributary of French Creek) to look for round-lobed hepatica, one of the earliest-blooming spring ephemeral wildflowers. Boulder-hop through Deep Woods to find other harbingers of spring like wood anemone, rue anemone, and early violets.
This part of the preserve has mature forest with diabase rock outcroppings. Though it looks pristine today, it has a long history of human use, including small quarry pits used to source cobblestones. A long-gone nearby railroad line (the Warwick branch of the Wilmington & Northern Railroad, once known as the Boar’s Back, today part of the Horse-Shoe Trail) is lingering evidence of this industrial period that extended into the early 20th century.
Can’t attend this one? Check out more dates and locations in our Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Wander series below:

Friday, April 10, 1:00-2:30pm – Stoneleigh: a natural garden (Villanova, PA)
Sunday, April 12, 1:00-3:30pm – Crow’s Nest Preserve (Elverson, PA)
Saturday, April 18, 9:00-11:30am – Sadsbury Woods Preserve (Coatesville, PA)
Friday, May 1, 10:00am-12:00pm – Saunders Woods Preserve (Gladwyne, PA)
Saturday, May 2, 10:00am-12:00pm – Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary (Easton, PA)
Saturday, May 9, 9:00-11:30am – Sadsbury Woods Preserve (Coatesville, PA)

Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Wander
2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-09 09:00 - 11:30 | Sadsbury Woods Preserve, 443 Old Wilmington Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
Embark on a spring adventure through Sadsbury Woods Preserve with its display of blooming spring ephemerals. Join Force of Nature® volunteer team leaders Matthew Watson and Colleen Cranney for an in-depth exploration of the vibrant wildflowers that grace the woods.
Along the way, take in the beauty of the landscape while learning about ongoing stewardship projects, the many benefits of each wildflower, and practical tips for beginning your own identification journey.
Discover how tools like iNaturalist can connect you to the wonders of local flora. Whether you’re a nature newbie or a seasoned botanist, this hike offers something for everyone—don’t miss out on the chance to experience the magic of the season up close.
Can’t attend this one? Check out more dates and locations in our Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Wander series below:

Friday, April 10, 1:00-2:30pm – Stoneleigh: a natural garden (Villanova, PA)
Sunday, April 12, 1:00-3:30pm – Crow’s Nest Preserve (Elverson, PA)
Saturday, April 18, 9:00-11:30am – Sadsbury Woods Preserve (Coatesville, PA)
Friday, May 1, 10:00am-12:00pm – Saunders Woods Preserve (Gladwyne, PA)
Saturday, May 2, 10:00am-12:00pm – Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary (Easton, PA)
Saturday, May 9, 9:00-11:30am – Sadsbury Woods Preserve (Coatesville, PA)

Radiant Redbuds
2026-04-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Adorned in blooms of ivory, magenta, or dusty rose, eastern redbuds are among the showiest and most beloved of our spring-blooming trees. During this guided walk, explore Stoneleigh’s spectacular collection of nearly 30 eastern redbud varieties and bask in the beauty of the many other early blooming trees in the spring garden.

Nature as Healer: A (Grief) Writing Workshop
2026-04-23 16:00 - 18:00 | Hildacy Preserve, 1031 Palmers Mill Road, Media, Pennsylvania, 19063
“The people cannot be healed until the land is healed. The land cannot be healed until the people are healed by the land.” – Martin Prechtel, author
Nature can be a great healer for the heartaches we all experience along our journey. Join Naila Francis, founder of This Hallowed Wilderness, for a writing workshop to explore the restorative power of nature (right around Earth Day).
Together, we will walk through the shady woods and sunny meadows of Hildacy Preserve, listening to our inner voices, on this inspiring nature immersion that also invites us into reciprocal relationship with the land and wildlife.
Bring a notebook and a writing instrument for this workshop. (We will also have some available.)
Our stroll through the woods will be silent, followed by some meditative time beside the flowing Crum Creek, and quiet reflection.
You will be invited to share whatever you wish in a “sacred circle,” but this is not required. The intent of this event is to bring people together, whatever their losses and struggles, and to connect with others and the natural world at their own comfort level.
About our instructor: Naila is a grief coach and death midwife who companions people on their grief journey through multiple spaces and practices, including meditations in nature and the written word.

Forest Bathing Wellness Wander
2026-04-26 13:00 - 15:30 | Gwynedd Preserve, 640 Swedesford Road, North Wales, Pennsylvania, 19454
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to slow down, breathe, and experience the peace that nature offers.
Join guide Stacey Vinci for a slow-paced, sensory guided walk, wander, and reflection at Gwynedd Preserve. Stacey’s relational and heart-centered approach can promote wellness and healing, regulate the nervous system, support the immune system, prevent burnout, and help strengthen our relationship with the natural world.
All walks are invitational and trauma informed. We’ll wrap up the afternoon with a relaxing tea tasting and delicious light snacks, the perfect way to unwind and savor the flavors of nature.
About the instructor: Stacey Vinci is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified forest therapy guide through the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy. Stacey has been in practice for 14 years supporting individuals, communities, and family systems in generational healing, growth, and change. Stacey facilitates embodied wellness through somatic, trauma-informed, and nature-based offerings.

Gentle Sunset Yoga
2026-04-28 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-05-05 18:30 - 19:30 | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
Whether you’re seeking ease, grounding, or a glimpse of a gorgeous sunset, join yoga instructor Jen Gervasi this spring at ChesLen Preserve for a gentle, sunset yoga series.
Together, we’ll restore the nervous system, deepen our connection to the land, and let the natural world support our healing and renewal.
Please bring a mat or beach towel, water if desired, and any props you may like to use. You are welcome to arrive early and settle in or linger a little longer.
About the instructor: Jen Gervasi offers yoga as a nurturing, accessible practice—welcoming all bodies, all identities, and all levels. Her classes blend gentle movement, breath, energy awareness, and deep respect for the body’s wisdom. As a caretaker of both people and animals, she’s inspired by the rhythms of nature and the power of community care.

Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Wander
2026-05-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Saunders Woods Preserve, 1020 Waverly Road, Gladwyne, PA, 19035
Wander with us through the ever-changing array of blooms along the wooded trails and open meadows of Saunders Woods and the Bridlewild Trails. Preserve Manager Luke Hamilton will lead this spring stroll, pointing out ephemeral wildflowers growing at Saunders Woods and nearby public trails and highlighting the beauty of this charming Main Line preserve.
Can’t attend this one? Check out more dates and locations in our Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Wander series below:

Friday, April 10, 1:00-2:30pm – Stoneleigh: a natural garden (Villanova, PA)
Sunday, April 12, 1:00-3:30pm – Crow’s Nest Preserve (Elverson, PA)
Saturday, April 18, 9:00-11:30am – Sadsbury Woods Preserve (Coatesville, PA)
Friday, May 1, 10:00am-12:00pm – Saunders Woods Preserve (Gladwyne, PA)
Saturday, May 2, 10:00am-12:00pm – Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary (Easton, PA)
Saturday, May 9, 9:00-11:30am – Sadsbury Woods Preserve (Coatesville, PA)

Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Wander
2026-05-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, 240 Sunnyside Road, Easton, Pennsylvania, 18042
Enjoy the beauty of ephemerals along the mountainous terrain of Bougher Hill overlooking the Delaware River.
Preserve Manager Zane Miller will guide us along trails to explore rue anemone, hepatica, trilliums, dutchman’s breeches, wild ginger, and so much more. We may even stumble upon some surprises, depending on the spring weather.
Stop along the way to hear the benefits and ecological importance of each wildflower, many of which have mycorrhizal associates and rely on atypical pollinators or seed dispersal mechanisms.
Can’t attend this one? Check out more dates and locations in our Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Wander series below:

Friday, April 10, 1:00-2:30pm – Stoneleigh: a natural garden (Villanova, PA)
Sunday, April 12, 1:00-3:30pm – Crow’s Nest Preserve (Elverson, PA)
Saturday, April 18, 9:00-11:30am – Sadsbury Woods Preserve (Coatesville, PA)
Friday, May 1, 10:00am-12:00pm – Saunders Woods Preserve (Gladwyne, PA)
Saturday, May 2, 10:00am-12:00pm – Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary (Easton, PA)
Saturday, May 9, 9:00-11:30am – Sadsbury Woods Preserve (Coatesville, PA)

Members Appreciation Day
2026-05-02 14:00 - 16:30 | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
Land for life. Nature for all. It’s the heart of our mission.
But we can’t succeed in delivering on it—saving open space, caring for nature, and connecting people to the outdoors and each other—without our membership community.
You take care of us all year long. We want to thank you!
Mingle with Natural Lands staff and fellow members for an afternoon of festive food and beverages, guided hikes and wagon rides, and family-friendly activities at a stunning 1,282-acre preserve.
Guests are welcome! Share your passion for protected open space by bringing friends and family along to experience the joy of nature and community.
Member-supported Natural Lands. Together we have an impact. Today. And forever.
RSVP by Thursday, April 30th
Rain date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
