The Old Crow Circle
We’re branching out to draw the grown-ups into our learning circle. The first Friday of (almost) every month, we’ll meet up at the Learning Center Barn for some plant-focused fun, exploring topics on herbal medicine, nature aligned gardening practices and more.
Bring a friend or three and kick off your weekend right!
Adults only, age 21 and up. No registration necessary, $5 materials fee, pay at the door.
Bring a friend or three and kick off your weekend right!
Adults only, age 21 and up. No registration necessary, $5 materials fee, pay at the door.
Autumnal Equinox Party and Grand Opening Of The WPNR Sanctuary Garden For At Risk And Endangered Plants
September 20, Friday 12-2
Gather ‘round and let’s celebrate the autumnal equinox in our newest garden at WPNR! Learn about our role as part of the United Plant Saver’s National Botanical Sanctuary Network, which plants are at risk in our region, and what you can do to help support our crucial allies. Our Education Horticulturist will be on hand to answer your questions and offer up some cool plant swag, and you can pick up your favorite native Pennsylvania plants from Friendship Farms at our mini plant sale. Rain or shine! Free to attend, no registration necessary.
September 20, Friday 12-2
Gather ‘round and let’s celebrate the autumnal equinox in our newest garden at WPNR! Learn about our role as part of the United Plant Saver’s National Botanical Sanctuary Network, which plants are at risk in our region, and what you can do to help support our crucial allies. Our Education Horticulturist will be on hand to answer your questions and offer up some cool plant swag, and you can pick up your favorite native Pennsylvania plants from Friendship Farms at our mini plant sale. Rain or shine! Free to attend, no registration necessary.
Warmth In The Heart, Fire In The Belly
October 4, Friday 12-1:30 pm
Stoking the digestive fire is essential to vibrant health and vitality and herbal tonics can do just that and more. Fire cider, an ancient remedy, is having its day in the sun, so let’s make some! Learn about the roots of this potent panacea, how to make the basic recipe, and simple options you can add to for amping it up to support your individual constitution. Make and take your own jar! $5 at the door, no registration necessary.
October 4, Friday 12-1:30 pm
Stoking the digestive fire is essential to vibrant health and vitality and herbal tonics can do just that and more. Fire cider, an ancient remedy, is having its day in the sun, so let’s make some! Learn about the roots of this potent panacea, how to make the basic recipe, and simple options you can add to for amping it up to support your individual constitution. Make and take your own jar! $5 at the door, no registration necessary.
A Thousand Wonders In A Single Drop
November 15, Friday 12-1:30 pm
We'll explore the magic of herbal tinctures and bitters as we taste and smell various blends and simples. Used as both food and medicine, these powerful concoctions can boost your wellbeing throughout the chaos of the holiday season and beyond. $5 at the door, no registration necessary.
November 15, Friday 12-1:30 pm
We'll explore the magic of herbal tinctures and bitters as we taste and smell various blends and simples. Used as both food and medicine, these powerful concoctions can boost your wellbeing throughout the chaos of the holiday season and beyond. $5 at the door, no registration necessary.
A Proper Cuppa For What Ails You
December 13, Friday 12-1:30 pm
Teas and tisanes are one of the most effective and pleasurable ways to enjoy powerful medicine. Learn the best methods for making a proper cup of tea and how to create your own signature blend to address all sorts of maladies. $5 at the door, no registration necessary.
December 13, Friday 12-1:30 pm
Teas and tisanes are one of the most effective and pleasurable ways to enjoy powerful medicine. Learn the best methods for making a proper cup of tea and how to create your own signature blend to address all sorts of maladies. $5 at the door, no registration necessary.
Sticky Sweet Spoonfuls Of Medicine
January 10, Friday 12-1:30 pm
Herbal syrups are a sweet way to nourish your mind and body. We’ll taste and talk about this versatile method for preserving and consuming herbs and ways you can incorporate them into your everyday life. $5 at the door, no registration necessary.
January 10, Friday 12-1:30 pm
Herbal syrups are a sweet way to nourish your mind and body. We’ll taste and talk about this versatile method for preserving and consuming herbs and ways you can incorporate them into your everyday life. $5 at the door, no registration necessary.
Live By the Sun, Garden By The Stars
February 7, Friday 12-1:30 pm
If you’ve ever heard the term Biodynamic gardening and wondered what it is and how you go about practicing it, come with an open mind and learn all about this fascinating, yet practical nature-centric gardening method. $5 at the door, no registration necessary.
February 7, Friday 12-1:30 pm
If you’ve ever heard the term Biodynamic gardening and wondered what it is and how you go about practicing it, come with an open mind and learn all about this fascinating, yet practical nature-centric gardening method. $5 at the door, no registration necessary.
Pollinators Gone Wild
March 7, Friday 12-1:30 pm
We gardeners and nature lovers are all about enticing pollinators into our gardens with native Pennsylvania plants, but herbs possess the real magic that draws them in and keeps them coming back for more. Let’s talk about these plant powerhouses they’re crazy for, why they’re drawn to them, and how their unique constituents support pollinators of all kinds. $5 at the door, no registration necessary.
March 7, Friday 12-1:30 pm
We gardeners and nature lovers are all about enticing pollinators into our gardens with native Pennsylvania plants, but herbs possess the real magic that draws them in and keeps them coming back for more. Let’s talk about these plant powerhouses they’re crazy for, why they’re drawn to them, and how their unique constituents support pollinators of all kinds. $5 at the door, no registration necessary.
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more.”
– John Burroughs
Pennsylvania Herps 101
A crash Course in PA Herpetology w/ Naturalist April Claus
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025
10 am-2:30 pm
PA Amphibians with a Focus on Vernal Ponds
Morning Lecture and Field Component at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve
Join naturalist April Claus for an in-depth examination of the amphibians of PA. This class will introduce you to the species that rely on vernal pools for reproduction and showcase the behaviors of some of our most endearing salamander and frog species. Participants will learn to identify amphibian species/egg masses and meet some live salamanders, toads, and frogs. The first portion of the workshop will be held indoors, and after lunch, the group will visit a nearby wetland to search for live “herps." Topics covered will include discussions about vernal pond inhabitants, mole salamander genetics, symbiotic relationships, and the best management practices for protecting vernal ponds in your area.
Sunday, March 23rd, 2025
10 am-2:30pm
PA Reptile Review
Morning Lecture at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve and Field Component at Penguin Court
Naturalist, April Claus returns to WPNR to introduce you to our state’s most common reptile species. Live specimens of turtles and snakes will be on hand to allow participants to review the anatomy/field characteristics of each species. The first portion of the workshop will be held indoors, and after lunch, the group will travel to nearby Penguin Court to search for herp species in a variety of habitats. Topics covered will include reptile reproductive strategies, venomous snake identification, creating beneficial herp-habitat, snake fungal disease, venomics, and state-threatened and endangered reptiles.
Participants should bring a brown bag lunch/drink and be dressed to go outdoors and tromp through muddy conditions each day.
10 am-2:30 pm
PA Amphibians with a Focus on Vernal Ponds
Morning Lecture and Field Component at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve
Join naturalist April Claus for an in-depth examination of the amphibians of PA. This class will introduce you to the species that rely on vernal pools for reproduction and showcase the behaviors of some of our most endearing salamander and frog species. Participants will learn to identify amphibian species/egg masses and meet some live salamanders, toads, and frogs. The first portion of the workshop will be held indoors, and after lunch, the group will visit a nearby wetland to search for live “herps." Topics covered will include discussions about vernal pond inhabitants, mole salamander genetics, symbiotic relationships, and the best management practices for protecting vernal ponds in your area.
Sunday, March 23rd, 2025
10 am-2:30pm
PA Reptile Review
Morning Lecture at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve and Field Component at Penguin Court
Naturalist, April Claus returns to WPNR to introduce you to our state’s most common reptile species. Live specimens of turtles and snakes will be on hand to allow participants to review the anatomy/field characteristics of each species. The first portion of the workshop will be held indoors, and after lunch, the group will travel to nearby Penguin Court to search for herp species in a variety of habitats. Topics covered will include reptile reproductive strategies, venomous snake identification, creating beneficial herp-habitat, snake fungal disease, venomics, and state-threatened and endangered reptiles.
Participants should bring a brown bag lunch/drink and be dressed to go outdoors and tromp through muddy conditions each day.
WPNR Living library IS OPEN
Visit us at the learning barn to view our seed bank, The Living Library. The first one in our region, the library hopes to serve as a learning tool and free resource for anyone who wants to grow fruits, vegetables, trees, flowers, and herbs. We have over 300 types of seeds and the numbers are growing every day as folks all across the country are sharing their seeds with us. To find out how you can acquire seeds or how you can donate to help our Living Library grow, call, e-mail, or inquire at the front desk!
Adult Pop-Up WorkshopS |
For the adult learner – “grow” your knowledge of the natural landscape.
Once a month, our Education Horticulturist hosts lunchtime pop-up workshops for adults. As the weather and season lends itself month to month, check our website and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) for the topic presented.
Join us for an hour of discovery, learn about nature, and engage in interesting conservation.
No registration required. Free to attend.
Once a month, our Education Horticulturist hosts lunchtime pop-up workshops for adults. As the weather and season lends itself month to month, check our website and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) for the topic presented.
Join us for an hour of discovery, learn about nature, and engage in interesting conservation.
No registration required. Free to attend.
DATESGrowing Soon!
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REGISTRATIONFREE
No registration required. |
AGESAdults.
Bring a date, a friend, or your group of pals to the Learning Barn. |
