Volunteer - Summer Gardening
2026-07-09 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-14 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-16 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-21 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-23 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.

PlayIn Time Music Circle
2026-07-10 10:15 - 11:00, 2026-07-17 10:15 - 11:00, 2026-07-24 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 ages newborn to five and their parents or caregivers. Instructor 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 10:15am – 11:00am, June 19th through August 14th (no class on July 3)

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 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 6 and older are welcome and can attend free of charge.

register now

Summer Pruning Workshop
2026-07-10 10:30 - 12:00 | Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania, 19085
Early summer is a perfect time for shaping, shearing, and sculpting certain trees and shrubs in the garden. Join Stoneleigh staff for a workshop to learn summer pruning basics for small trees and shrubs, as well as specialized pruning techniques used at Stoneleigh like espalier, cloud-pruning, and hedging. 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.

Volunteer - Nurture Nature
2026-07-11 08:00 - 10:30, 2026-07-19 08:00 - 10:30 | 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.

Home and Garden Tour
2026-07-11 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.

Pints & Connect: Family Edition
2026-07-11 15:00 - 17:00 | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
Natural Lands’ NextGen Council invites families to meet up for a few hours of fun and exploration. All activities are free, but registration is requested.
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).

At 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 by the
generous support of the Kulicke Fund.

Pints on the Preserve
2026-07-11 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.

Bioluminescent Lightshow
2026-07-11 20:30 - 22:30 | Green Hills Preserve, 553 Gunhart Road, Mohnton, Pennsylvania, 19540
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 volunteer Mike Slater and Events Coordinator Tianna Godsey, this program will educate us about the 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.
Find more dates and locations below:

Saturday, June 27, 7:30 – 9:00 pm, Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary (Easton, PA)
Sunday, June 5, 8:30 – 10:30 pm, Green Hills Preserve (Mohnton, PA)

Volunteer - Give Back to Nature
2026-07-12 08:00 - 10:30, 2026-07-26 08:00 - 10:30 | 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.

Volunteer - Garden Tenders
2026-07-13 09:00 - 11:30 | ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320

Outdoors Online: Curious Caterpillars
2026-07-16 18:30 - 19:30 | https://wp.natlands.org/event/outdoors-online-caterpillars-0716/
Why would the early bird rather have a caterpillar than a worm? Learn the incredible biology and facts of caterpillars and how to identify the caterpillars of common Pennsylvania butterflies and moths.
Led by education partner Julie Travaglini, this webinar will entertain and enlighten with stories, science, and savvy tips to make your next nature exploration safer and more interesting.
Whether you’re a backyard explorer, gardener, hiker, or curious learner, this engaging session brings the often-hidden side of the outdoors to life.
Grab a refreshment, get cozy, and log in from wherever you are.
About our instructor:
Julie is the senior director of education and curriculum for Allegheny Land Trust. 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.

Art & Connect: Open Call for Submissions
2026-07-17, 2026-07-24 | 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 Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education 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, or the Schuylkill Center.
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 Schuylkill Center on Friday, November 13, 6:00 – 8:00 PM.
Find more details at the link below; we look forward to seeing what you share.

submit your work for consideration

How to Photograph the Wild
2026-07-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, 240 Sunnyside Road, Easton, Pennsylvania, 18042
Join us for an engaging evening introduction to nature photography at Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary. Wildlife photographer David Brandes will guide participants through the essentials of capturing wildlife, flowers, butterflies, and other natural subjects through a combination of a how‑to presentation and open Q&A. This session is perfect for beginners looking to get started as well as hobbyists wanting to refine their field techniques before Saturday’s hands-on workshop.
About the workshop
This program is designed as a two‑day nature photography workshop, with an indoor session on Friday evening and a hands-on field workshop on Saturday. The two sessions complement each other. Friday provides foundational techniques and helpful Q&A, while Saturday offers time to practice those skills in the field during peak butterfly and wildflower season.
Each session stands fully on its own, so you’re welcome to join us for one or both depending on your schedule and interests.
Day 2: Through the Wild Lens Photography Workshop

Volunteer - Care for Nature
2026-07-18 08:00 - 10:30 | 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 - Nurture Nature
2026-07-18 08:00 - 10:30 | Stroud Preserve, 454 North Creek Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19382
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.

Volunteer - Give Back to Nature
2026-07-18 08:00 - 10:30 | Hildacy Preserve, 1031 Palmers Mill Road, Media, Pennsylvania, 19063

Through the Wild Lens Photography Workshop
2026-07-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, 240 Sunnyside Road, Easton, Pennsylvania, 18042
Spend an afternoon outdoors exploring Mariton’s mid‑summer beauty—peak season for butterflies, wildflowers, and lush woodland light. During this field-based workshop, instructor David Brandes will lead participants along the trails, offering hands-on guidance in composition, lighting, shutter settings, and wildlife etiquette. Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, you’ll practice capturing dynamic nature scenes and receive personalized feedback throughout the session.
About the workshop
This program is designed as a two‑day nature photography workshop, with an indoor session on Friday evening and a hands-on field workshop on Saturday. The two sessions complement each other—Friday provides foundational techniques and helpful Q&A, while Saturday offers time to practice those skills in the field during peak butterfly and wildflower season.
Each session stands fully on its own, so you’re welcome to join us for one or both depending on your schedule and interests.
Day 1: How to Photograph the Wild

Insect Safari for Kids
2026-07-22 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 program takes places outdoors and is intended for kids aged 3 to 8 but older siblings are always welcome to join in the learning.

Gardening for Moths
2026-07-24 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, from tiny micromoths to the spectacular silkmoths, and how we can all work together to create beautiful and beneficial habitat for moths.

Volunteer - Care for Nature
2026-07-25 08:00 - 10:30 | Binky Lee Preserve, 1445 Pikeland Road, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, 19425

Home and Garden Tour
2026-07-25 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.
