Natural Lands

Trek-a-Thon
2026-09-01 | Pennsylvania
celebrate America’s 250 years with 250 miles.
Join Natural Lands in 2026 to celebrate the USA’s 250th birthday by walking, trekking, or hiking 250 miles at any of Natural Lands’ nature preserves or at our public garden Wildflower-filled meadows, shady forests, boulder-strewn stream valleys, wetlands teeming with life, vibrant native plant gardens, and coastal marshland habitat… our 23,000+ acres span 2 states and 13 counties – plenty of space to log your miles.
From January 1 through December 31, 2026, we’re inviting you to walk, stroll, hike, or run 250 miles at our properties to commemorate our country’s 250 years.
Whether you’re hitting the trails alone, with friends, or your four-legged, furry friend, (remember to leash) every step counts. Natural Lands is committed to creating opportunities for joy, discovery, belonging, and connection in the outdoors for everyone.
Register for free below.

Volunteer - Fall Gardening
2026-09-01 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-09-03 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-09-08 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-09-10 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-09-15 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-09-17 08:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Did you know more than 100,000 plants thrive at Stoneleigh: a natural garden? Grab gloves and join staff and fellow volunteers for seasonal garden projects.
Volunteering with Natural Lands is a great way to learn more about the natural world, give your time to a great cause, and connect with like-minded people.
Capacity is limited for this small-group event, and pre-registration is required. If you sign-up, please show-up. If you need to cancel, please let us know so another volunteer can attend. All are welcome, ages 12 and up. Children age 12-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Volunteer - Nurture Nature
2026-09-02 09:00 - 11:30 | Crow’s Nest Preserve, 201 Piersol Road, Elverson, Pennsylvania, 19520
Love nature and want to lend her a helping hand? Grab gloves and join fellow volunteers in removing invasives, nurturing native plants, or restoring habitat. Projects vary, but good fun (and dirt) is guaranteed! Natural Lands cares for more than 23,000 acres and 120 miles of trails, and we couldn’t do it without volunteers like you.
Volunteering with Natural Lands is a great way to learn more about the natural world, give your time to a great cause, and connect with enthusiastic, like-minded people.
The health and safety of staff and volunteers is our highest priority during this volunteer event. Please review “before you go” details.
Capacity is limited for this small-group event. If you sign-up, please show up. If you need to cancel, please let us know so another volunteer can attend. All are welcome, ages 12 and up. Minors age 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult and registered in the same transaction as their guardian.

Writers’ Circle: Inkcaps, Moss, & Manuscripts
2026-09-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Stroud Preserve, 454 North Creek Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19382
Schedule your time to create among community. Join this brand-new autumnal series as we travel throughout Natural Lands’ preserves and take inspiration from the surrounding landscape and other writers.
Gather and bring your current projects (be they manuscripts of novels, poetry, or beyond), for a set hour of uninterrupted writing time. Afterward, we will gather in a closing circle, when you are welcome to share excerpts of your work, or use this time to bounce ideas off others.
Event breakdown:

5:30 – 5:45 PM – arrival time, settle in and claim your space
5:45 – 6:00 PM – greetings and share what you’re working on (set intentions)
6:00 – 7:00 PM – quiet writing time
7:00 – 7:30 PM – closing circle; free share and notes for next meeting

These events will be hosted on the first Wednesday of the month, from September through December, at various locations. In case of inclement weather, we may transition to a virtual meeting and online option. Pre-registration is recommended for any day-of details.
December’s meeting will be hosted virtually as our End-of-Year Gathering and offer more of an open share and reading opportunity for anyone who has participated throughout the year or wants to share their writing more widely.

Wednesday, September 2, 5:30-7:30 PM, Stroud Preserve (West Chester)
Wednesday, October 7, 5:30-7:30 PM, Gwynedd Preserve (North Wales)
Wednesday, November 4, 5:30-7:30 PM, Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary (Easton)
Wednesday, December 2, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Virtual End-of-Year Gathering

Through the Wild Lens – Photo Contest at Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary
2026-09-04 | 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 second annual “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. Themes 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 along the trails of Mariton, 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 in early summer 2027 (date/time TBD), where photographers, community members, and nature lovers are invited to enjoy the exhibit and connect with others inspired by the sanctuary.
Deadline to Submit: Saturday, February 13, 2027 (midnight)
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 below; we look forward to seeing what you share.

submit your work for consideration

Edible and Medicinal Plant & Tree ID Walk
2026-09-04 17:30 - 19:30 | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
Join us for an engaging and educational walk around the preserve, where you’ll learn to identify native trees and other plants, and discover their edible and medicinal uses. Throughout the walk, we’ll focus on the ethics, ecology, and conservation of these valuable natural resources, helping you connect more deeply with the land.
By the end of the walk, we hope you’ll have gained a greater understanding of the natural world and the steps we all can take to protect it.
Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or new to exploring plants and trees, this experience will strengthen your connection to the environment. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about the plants and trees thriving at the preserve.
About the instructor: Max McCormick is an educator and creator currently residing in Cincinnati with frequent visits and class offerings in Chester County. A former forestry technician for the USDA and a certified arborist, Max is a tree nerd, ecology lover, ethical forager and wildcrafter, home-herbalist, and all-around plant and nature enthusiast. Max is also certified in permaculture design, and is a maker, artist, and community organizer. Follow Max on Instagram @intothetrees.green for fun plant quizzes and facts, and current offerings.

Volunteer - Nurture Nature
2026-09-05 09:00 - 11:30 | Stroud Preserve, 454 North Creek Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19382

Contra Dance
2026-09-05 19:30 - 22:30 | Crow’s Nest Preserve, 201 Piersol Road, Elverson, Pennsylvania, 19520
Come out for a lively evening of contra dancing in Crow’s Nest’s rustic, restored barn. Natural Lands is partnering with Birdsboro Contra Dance for a fun night of dancing and socializing.
Join us for an informal walk on the preserve at 5:00 PM, and bring a dish for a potluck dinner to be held at 6:00 PM before the dance begins.
Contra dancing draws from square, round, Scottish, English country, Appalachian, and European dances of the 1800s, but modern folks from all heritages participate in the swirling fun.
A caller with teach the dances and guide us through them. Live music will inspire our movement together.
Whether you’re a seasoned stepper or hearing “do-si-do” for the first time, all dancers are welcome. No special skills are necessary, and no partner is needed. If you can walk, you can dance! Be willing to learn, smile, and ask questions. Our experienced dancers are happy to help out newcomers.
Interested in attending? Learn more here.

Volunteer - Care for Nature
2026-09-06 09:00 - 11:30 | Binky Lee Preserve, 1445 Pikeland Road, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, 19425
Love nature and want to lend her a helping hand? Grab gloves and join fellow volunteers in nurturing nature. Good fun (and dirt) is guaranteed! Natural Lands cares for more than 23,000 acres and 120 miles of trails, and we couldn’t do it without volunteers like you.
Volunteering with Natural Lands is a great way to learn more about the natural world, give your time to a great cause, and connect with enthusiastic, like-minded people.
The health and safety of staff and volunteers is our highest priority during this volunteer event. Please review “before you go” details.
Capacity is limited for this small-group event. If you sign-up, please show up. If you need to cancel, please let us know so another volunteer can attend. All are welcome, ages 12 and up. Minors ages 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult and registered in the same transaction with their guardian.

Explore: Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research
2026-09-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, 170 Possum Hollow Rd, Newark, DE, 19711
Go behind the scenes at Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research to learn how injured and orphaned wild birds are given a second chance. Participants will explore the facility, meet the experts who provide lifesaving care, and gain insight into the rehabilitation process from intake to release. This educational visit offers a rare look at the challenges and triumphs of wildlife rescue, perfect for curious nature lovers of all ages.

Fungi Foray: Salt Marshes & Mushrooms
2026-09-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Harold N. Peek Preserve, 1400 South 2nd Street, Millville, New Jersey, 08332
Don’t miss out on this special early autumn tour of Peek Preserve’s unique salt marsh habitat. Let’s discover together which mushrooms and fungi are growing this season.
Led by preserve managers and engagement staff, we’ll learn all about the Wood Wide Web that lives beneath our feet, and why mushrooms and fungi are important indicators for ecosystems and conservation.

Tales of Green Hills Preserve: Then & Now
2026-09-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Green Hills Preserve, 553 Gunhart Road, Mohnton, Pennsylvania, 19540
Join current Preserve Manager Erin Smith, past Conservation Director Jack Stefferud, and Events Coordinator Tianna Godsey for a guided hike at Green Hills Preserve. It’s a perfect chance to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts and experience the preserve during one of its most vibrant seasons. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, the trails offer a rewarding mix of terrain and scenery for everyone.
Along the way, we’ll pause at key spots to highlight notable features of the landscape and share how our land management practices support wildlife habitat while welcoming public exploration.
Optional: Pack a picnic lunch and join us after the hike if you’d like to extend the time for connection, community, and storytelling.
We look forward to seeing you there.
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.

Harvest How-To for Natural Holiday Decor
2026-09-11 10:00 - 12:30 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
It’s never too early to start thinking about harvesting from the garden for a beautiful holiday display. Join Kristen Ryan, senior horticulturist and creative lead for Stoneleigh’s Home for the Holidays event series, for a workshop all about bringing the beauty of the garden indoors as home décor.
During this workshop, you’ll learn about harvesting methods, preservation techniques, and other tips and tricks for creating long-lasting and stunning natural decorations. Part lecture, part demonstration, and part practical application, Kristen will have you ready and prepared to start planning your holiday displays.
This workshop will have indoor and outdoor components, so please dress accordingly. A handout of our “Lessons Learned” will be provided, along with other instructional materials. Each participant will leave with a small bundle of flowers to dry and use at home.

PlayIn Time Music Circle
2026-09-11 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. Instructor Miss Virginia will guide you and your child 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, September 11 through November 13.
Join for the whole series or just for one or two sessions. Registration is available on PlayIn Time’s website, linked below.
You are welcome to bring your own shakers, sticks, or other percussive instruments.
Classes will be held outside on the Great Lawn, so bring a blanket or lawn pad to sit on.
Please note that, while the program is geared toward younger ages, siblings ages sixand older are welcome and can attend free of charge.

register now

Friday Organ Concert
2026-09-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
The Organ Historical Society (OHS) and Natural Lands present Friday Organ Concerts in the Main House at Stoneleigh. Join us for noontime concerts this fall featuring Stoneleigh’s mighty Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ. Local organists will perform a selection of sweeping musical pieces surrounded by the elegant beauty of the Tudor-revival style building. Come for the music and stay for the beauty of the garden, which is sure to dazzle with autumnal color.
about the organist

Andrew Senn
Known for his commanding and colorful performances, Andrew Senn has been featured as a recitalist across the United States and Europe. American venues have included the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine and St. Thomas Church in New York City; St. Philip’s Cathedral and Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta; and Old West Church in Boston. European performances have taken place across England (including Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral, London), France (Nancy Cathedral and St. Thomas, Strasbourg), and Germany (Evangelische Saalkirche, Ingelheim).

Volunteer - Nurture Nature
2026-09-12 09:00 - 11:30 | Bryn Coed Preserve, Flint Road, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, 19425
Love nature and want to lend her a helping hand? Join fellow volunteers in removing invasives, nurturing native plants, or restoring habitat. Projects vary, but good fun (and dirt) is guaranteed! Natural Lands cares for more than 23,000 acres and 120 miles of trails, and we couldn’t do it without volunteers like you.
Volunteering with Natural Lands is a great way to learn more about the natural world, give your time to a great cause, and connect with enthusiastic, like-minded people.
The health and safety of staff and volunteers is our highest priority during this volunteer event. Please review “before you go” details.
Capacity is limited for this small-group event, and pre-registration is required. If you sign-up, please plan to participate. If you need to cancel, please let us know so another volunteer can attend. All are welcome, ages 12 and up. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult parent/guardian. Adult(s) and the Minor(s) for whom they are responsible, should register in the same transaction.

Eight-Legged Explorers: Spiders, Silk, & Science
2026-09-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, 240 Sunnyside Road, Easton, Pennsylvania, 18042
Step into the fascinating world of spiders with us and PA Master Naturalist, Tom Huff. This family‑friendly program begins with a lively, lecture‑style introduction to spider science—covering how they build, hunt, and help our ecosystems thrive. Then, we’ll venture outdoors for a guided field experience to spot spiders and their spectacular webs up close.
The two-part program occurs when spider activity is picking up, and delicate morning webs are still shimmering on the landscape. Perfect for curious kids and adults ready to learn, look closely, and maybe even lose a little fear of our eight‑legged neighbors.

Late-Summer Wildflower Wander
2026-09-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Crow’s Nest Preserve, 201 Piersol Road, Elverson, Pennsylvania, 19520
Join us for a guided walk along the northern trails of Crow’s Nest Preserve, where the fields are bursting with late-summer blooms, including New England aster, white turtlehead, closed bottle gentian, blazing star, swamp milkweed, virgin’s bower, flat-topped goldenrod, ironweed, and Joe-Pye weed.
This is one of the most vibrant and rewarding times of year to experience the preserve’s wildflowers.

Home and Garden Tour
2026-09-12 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 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.

Pints on the Preserve
2026-09-12 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.
*Small snacks will be available for CASH-ONLY purchase.*
Join us on the 2nd Saturday of the month, from April through November.

Gentle Sunset Yoga
2026-09-12 19:00 - 20:00 | 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 at ChesLen Preserve for a gentle sunset yoga series.
This practice aims to restore the nervous system, deepen a connection to the land, and let the natural world support 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.
Note: these events occur immediately after our popular Pints on the Preserve. Please feel free to join us early and linger in the outdoors while you wait for your yoga session to begin.
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.

Volunteer - Give Back to Nature
2026-09-13 09:00 - 11:30 | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
Love nature and want to lend her a helping hand? Grab gloves and join fellow volunteers in nurturing nature. Good fun (and dirt) is guaranteed! Natural Lands cares for more than 23,000 acres and 120 miles of trails, and we couldn’t do it without volunteers like you.
Volunteering with Natural Lands is a great way to learn more about the natural world, give your time to a great cause, and connect with enthusiastic, like-minded people.
The health and safety of staff and volunteers is our highest priority during this volunteer event. Please review “before you go” details.
Capacity is limited for this small-group event. If you sign-up, please show up. If you need to cancel, please let us know so another volunteer can attend. All are welcome, ages 12 and up. Minors ages 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult and registered in the same transaction with their guardians.

Yoga in the Garden
2026-09-13 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 the garden. 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.
about the instructor
Christina Fittipoldi’s yoga practice began after the birth of her son. She was immediately drawn to the movement and strength that yoga provided both on and off the mat. Christina started teaching yoga once her son entered elementary school, and for the past 14 years, she has guided many students in their yoga journey. Christina offers sequencing that is thoughtful, meaningful, and allows for inner exploration while guiding you through safe and responsible movements using body and breath awareness.

Volunteer - Garden Tenders
2026-09-14 09:00 - 11:30 | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320

In Color Birding Book Club: Better Living through Birding
2026-09-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Join our partners In Color Birding Club for their next Book Club gathering, where bird joy meets storytelling.
On Wednesday, September 16th, we will come together at the Parkway Central Library to dive into Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World by Christian Cooper. Mr. Cooper weaves us through his unique life “leading up to the now-infamous incident in Central Park and shows how a life spent looking up at the birds prepared him, in the most uncanny of ways, to be a gay, Black man in America today.”
This will not be a lecture. It is a conversation. We will spend about 90 minutes reflecting on what moved us, what challenged us, and what we are still sitting with. Whether you finished the book, started it, or are just curious, you are welcome here.
Like all of our gatherings, this space is rooted in community, curiosity, and connection. Come as you are. Bring your thoughts, your questions, your perspectives, or just come to listen.
Free to attend, RSVP at link below.
Need a copy of the book? You can borrow it through the Free Library or Libby, grab one from your local bookstore, or use Bookshop.org or Libro.fm; if cost is a barrier, In Color Birding Club has you covered.
The space is fully accessible, with elevator access and restrooms on the same floor. Easy to reach by SEPTA, and parking support is available.
Come build something new with us, a space for stories, reflection, and community.

register here
