Natural Lands

Volunteer - Give Back to Nature - FULL
2026-03-08 09:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
This event is full. Please join us for a future event.
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.

Volunteer - Care for Nature - FULL
2026-03-08 09:00 - 11:30 | Binky Lee Preserve, 1445 Pikeland Road, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, 19425
This event is full. Please join us for a future event.
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.

Movie Night in the Barn
2026-03-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Crow’s Nest Preserve, 201 Piersol Road, Elverson, Pennsylvania, 19520
Join us for a Movie Night in the Barn at Crow’s Nest Preserve featuring The Little Things That Run the World, an inspiring documentary exploring the essential role flying insects play in healthy ecosystems.
Making up nearly three-quarters of all species on Earth, insects are often called the “glue of life” for the vital roles they play in holding ecosystems together.
The film traces their remarkable 440-million-year history—from becoming the first animals to evolve flight to surviving every known mass extinction—while examining the unprecedented pace of their current decline.
Through the work of scientists, farmers, and nature advocates, the film highlights hopeful, community-driven efforts to protect these vital species and the future of life on Earth, including our own.
Sponsored by the Cassandra O. and Dennis B. Lacey Performance Series

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.

Mantis Meadow Scavenger Hunt
2026-03-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, 240 Sunnyside Road, Easton, Pennsylvania, 18042
Not all mantises are welcome…
Many people are surprised to learn that the praying mantises they spot in their gardens might not be native—and that some invasive species can pose serious threats to local wildlife, even preying on hummingbirds.
Join us for a fun, hands-on scavenger hunt in the meadow to search for and remove invasive mantis egg cases (ootheca), which are distinct from those of native mantises. Along the way, you’ll learn how to tell the difference between species and help protect the balance of our local ecosystems.
All collected egg cases will be donated to our partners at Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, where they’ll help feed recovering baby birds this spring and summer—turning an invasive problem into a nurturing solution.
Help native wildlife and support bird rehab with your efforts.

Volunteer - Nurture Nature FULL
2026-03-07 09:00 - 11:30 | Stroud Preserve, 454 North Creek Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19382
This event is full. Please connect with us in a future event.
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.

Friday Organ Concert
2026-03-06 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 spring 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 home. Come for the music and stay for the beauty of the garden sure to be in bloom in all its springtime glory.
About the organist:
Kevin J. O’Malia holds Bachelor’s (summa cum laude) and master’s degrees (with distinction) from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. His concentrations of study were in organ, choral conducting, and church music history. Mr. O’Malia is the Director of Music and Organist at All Saints’ Church in Princeton. Kevin also serves as an organist at Temple B’nai Shalom in East Brunswick, NJ. Mr. O’Malia is extremely active as an instructor, as an adjunct professor at several colleges, and as a frequent clinician for the American Guild of Organists and the Association of Anglican Musicians.
Kevin has performed in the United States, the United Kingdom, France and South Africa. Many of his performances have been featured on radio broadcasts including National Public Radio production Pipedreams, and on Radio South Africa, Classic FM, and its program ‘People of Note.’ Distinguished performances have featured cathedral residencies at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, Lincoln Cathedral, Christ Church, Oxford; recitals and appearances at Notre-Dame in Paris, St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, New York, Washington National Cathedral, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, the White House, Princeton University Chapel, and at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.
This past year, Kevin played and conducted a residency at Exeter Cathedral in the UK.

Schedule of organists:

March 6: Kevin O’Malia

April 10: Vincent Ryan

May 1: Margaret Harper

June 12: W. Edward McCall

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.

Volunteer - Spring Gardening
2026-03-05 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-03-03 08:30 - 11:30 | 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.

Lunar Eclipse Blood Moon Wander - CANCELLED
2026-03-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Bryn Coed Preserve, Flint Road, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, 19425
This event is cancelled due to weather conditions. Please join us for a future event.
Join us for an evening wander beneath the energy of the Blood Moon. While the eclipse itself won’t yet be visible, we’ll gather to slow down, tune in, and soak up the lunar atmosphere through quiet reflection, gentle movement, and shared presence in nature.
This is an invitation to connect—with the land, the moment, and the subtle magic of the moon’s cycle. Come as you are. Curiosity and wonder encouraged.

Trek-a-Thon
2026-03-02 08:00 | 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.

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.

CANCELLED - Mantis Meadow Scavenger Hunt
2026-02-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Green Hills Preserve, 553 Gunhart Road, Mohnton, Pennsylvania, 19540
This event has been cancelled due to preserve conditions. Please join us at our next Mantis Meadow Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, March 7 at Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary.
Not all mantises are welcome…
Many people are surprised to learn that the praying mantises they spot in their gardens might not be native—and that some invasive species can pose serious threats to local wildlife, even preying on hummingbirds.
Join us for a fun, hands-on scavenger hunt in the meadow to search for and remove invasive mantis egg cases (ootheca), which are distinct from those of native mantises. Along the way, you’ll learn how to tell the difference between species and help protect the balance of our local ecosystems.
All collected egg cases will be donated to our partners at Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, where they’ll help feed recovering baby birds this spring and summer—turning an invasive problem into a nurturing solution.
Help native wildlife and support bird rehab with your efforts.

Volunteer - Care for Nature
2026-02-28 09:00 - 11:30 | Gwynedd Preserve, 640 Swedesford Road, North Wales, Pennsylvania, 19454
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.

Volunteer - Care for Nature - FULL
2026-02-28 09:00 - 11:30 | Binky Lee Preserve, 1445 Pikeland Road, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, 19425
This event is full. Please join us at a future event.
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.

Sound Meditation
2026-02-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Crow’s Nest Preserve, 201 Piersol Road, Elverson, Pennsylvania, 19520
Join our partners Soul Bloom for an evening of supreme relaxation in the restored bank barn at Crow’s Nest Preserve.
Enjoy a full sound bath and yoga nidra meditation to harmonize your body, mind, and spirit.
Please bring pillows and blankets.
Learn more about Soul Bloom.

register now

Volunteer - Winter Gardening
2026-02-26 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-02-19 09:30 - 11:30 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085

Volunteer - Give Back to Nature - CANCELLED
2026-02-22 09:00 - 11:30 | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
This event is cancelled. Please join us for a future event.
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.

Best-Laid Plans: A Murder Mystery - SOLD OUT
2026-02-21 16:30 - 19:30 | 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.

Members Edition: Mantis Meadow Scavenger Hunt - Cancelled
2026-02-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Hildacy Preserve, 1031 Palmers Mill Road, Media, Pennsylvania, 19063
Event is cancelled. Please join us for the upcoming Mantis Meadow Scavenger Hunt at Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday, March 7.

This event is reserved exclusively for Natural Lands members and their guests.
Not all mantises are welcome…
Many people are surprised to learn that the praying mantises they spot in their gardens might not be native—and that some invasive species can pose serious threats to local wildlife, even preying on hummingbirds.
To learn how to tell the difference between species and help protect the balance of our local ecosystems, join us for a fun, hands-on scavenger hunt in the meadow to search for and remove invasive mantis egg cases, which are distinct from those of native mantises.
All collected egg cases will be donated to our partners at Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, where they’ll help feed recovering baby birds this spring and summer—turning an invasive problem into a nurturing solution.
Help native wildlife and support bird rehab with your efforts.
Camaraderie and refreshments to follow.

Volunteer - Give Back to Nature
2026-02-21 09:00 - 11:30 | Hildacy Preserve, 1031 Palmers Mill Road, Media, Pennsylvania, 19063

Volunteer - Nurture Nature - FULL
2026-02-21 09:00 - 11:30 | Stroud Preserve, 454 North Creek Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19382
This event is full. Please join us at a future event.
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.

CANCELLED - Mantis Meadow Scavenger Hunt
2026-02-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Gwynedd Preserve, 640 Swedesford Road, North Wales, Pennsylvania, 19454
This event has been cancelled due to mud and rain conditions. Please join us at our next Mantis Meadow Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, March 7 at Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary.
Not all mantises are welcome…
Many people are surprised to learn that the praying mantises they spot in their gardens might not be native—and that some invasive species can pose serious threats to local wildlife, even preying on hummingbirds.
Join us for a fun, hands-on scavenger hunt in the meadow to search for and remove invasive mantis egg cases (ootheca), which are distinct from those of native mantises. Along the way, you’ll learn how to tell the difference between species and help protect the balance of our local ecosystems.
All collected egg cases will be donated to our partners at Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, where they’ll help feed recovering baby birds this spring and summer—turning an invasive problem into a nurturing solution.
Help native wildlife and support bird rehab with your efforts.

Outdoors Online: Sssensational Snakes of PA
2026-02-18 18:30 - 19:30 | https://wp.natlands.org/event/online-snakes-2026-0218/
Join our partner, Julie Travaglini with Allegheny Land Trust, for a fascinating virtual journey into the world of Pennsylvania’s native snakes. From the common garter snake to the elusive timber rattlesnake, learn how to identify local species, understand their behaviors, and appreciate their role in maintaining ecological balance.
Whether you’re a curious nature lover or a cautious hiker, this webinar will shed light on the snakes you might encounter—and why they deserve respect, not fear. Great for all ages.
Grab a refreshment, get cozy, charge your laptop (or smartphone), and join the program via Zoom.
About our instructor:
Julie is the Senior Director of Education and Curriculum for Allegheny Land Trust’s. In her role, she creates hands-on STEM and place-based lessons for children and adults alike as well as providing state-accredited professional development for educators.

Seed Cleaning CANCELLED
2026-02-17 09:30 - 11:30 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
This event is cancelled. Please join us for a future event.
Join Stoneleigh staff for a morning of seed cleaning. Under staff guidance, learn how to clean and label various wild-collected, native seeds and prepare them for sowing and growing for the garden. No experience required. This event will be held indoors; meet at the Carriage House. Bring light/thin gloves and wear clothes that can get dirty.
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.

Volunteer - Nurture Nature - CANCELLED
2026-02-15 09:00 - 11:30 | Bryn Coed Preserve, Flint Road, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, 19425
This event is cancelled. Please join us for a future event.
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.

Explore – Bird Count on the Preserve
2026-02-15 08:30 - 11:00 | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
Join people from all over the world and head outdoors to count birds. The annual Great Backyard Bird Count depends on everyone—from beginners to experts—to tally up the birds they spot. Scientists use the data to track the health of bird populations, which can be indicators of overall ecological health. Natural Lands’ volunteer-lead bird surveyor, Mike Niven, will lead a morning walk around ChesLen with eyes to the skies.
Connect and explore with Natural Lands. This is our ‘onsite’ program for the Great Backyard Bird Count; learn more about the Great Backyard Bird Count with our ‘online’ program recorded in February 2024.

Volunteer - Care for Nature - CANCELLED
2026-02-14 09:00 - 11:30 | Gwynedd Preserve, 640 Swedesford Road, North Wales, Pennsylvania, 19454
This event has been cancelled. Please join a future event.
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.
