Dispose of your electronic waste sustainably during Earth WeekHelp us celebrate Earth Week by participating in an electronics recycling drive. This event is a collaboration between Haverford's Committee for Environmental Responsibility (CER), the Arboretum, and PAR-Recycleworks. Large appliances, light bulbs, and batteries will not be accepted. All data on devices is wiped and destroyed. This event will take place in the South Lot. The drive will then be open to the entire community from 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. Most items are able to be recycled free of cost, but some items have a cost in order to ensure they

learn how to thin fruit trees in the spring and prevent pest damage(Pre-registration required at least 24 hours in advance to participate in the event)Join NJ organic farmer and veteran Jose Spellman Lopez for a hands-on workshop about on-farm spring orchard thinning and pest prevention.

City Nature Challenge is this weekend! We will introduce our Young Naturalists to the iNaturalist app and the Challenge. Ages 8-12Join us as we prepare for the City Nature Challenge this weekend! We will introduce our Young Naturalists to the iNaturalist app and practice observation skills, and then explore the ponds, forest, and meadow capturing photos and uploading them to the app for identification. Ages 8-12. Free. iNaturalist experience or camera, phone or app not required. Parking is available at the center with additional street parking. The center, bathrooms, and picnic areas are all accessible, however, the trails are rocky

What should you expect from your energy supplier? What can you do if you’ve been scammed? Learn more during this important discussion.What should you expect from your energy supplier? What can you do if you’ve been scammed? Join Green Philly and The Energy Co-op on April 26 at Friends Center to learn all about Energy Choice in Pennsylvania and Your Rights as an Energy Consumer. In this panel discussion hosted by Green Philly and The Energy Co-op, you will learn:All about Pennsylvania’s current energy landscape and future goalsHow to choose a renewable energy supplier while looking out for misleading sales

Celebrate Arbor Day with the Arboretum!The Arboretum has a longstanding tradition of planting trees on Arbor Day. First observed at Haverford on April 4, 1902, representatives of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association came out to the campus to celebrate the holiday. It became such a popular celebration that in the early 1900s a song was arranged by J. H. Redfield, Class of 1899, and published by Hums and Noble. Over the years, the Arboretum has planted hundreds of trees in honor of this special day. This year Brice Dorwart will be our guest speaker. Brice is an ISA-certified arborist and utility

Support talented artists in the heart of Germantown at this interactive community art show!

Join us for potato mulching as well as other field tasks such as planting, weeding, and more!THIS WORK SHIFT IS FOR NON-MEMBERS ONLY! IF YOU ARE A MEMBER, PLEASE REGISTER FOR YOUR SHIFT THROUGH THE MEMBER PORTAL. What to expect: You will be working with Alessandro (he/him), who goes by Ali, and Nicole(she/they), the farmers at Awbury, as well as potentially other Weavers Way farmers, co-opmembers completing working member shifts, and other volunteers. Field work generally involveskneeling, squatting, or bending over for extended periods of time and being exposed to theelements and the outdoors, i.e. sun, rain, bugs, mud, etc.

Join us for Community Clean up hosted by CUTLOOSE CARES and Habitat for Humanity!Small changes have a BIG impact on our community! Join us on April 29th as we host our first annual Community Clean-up in Norristown, PA starting at 10 am. This event is completely FREE and all ages are welcome! Grab your family, friends, and colleagues, and let's work together to make Norristown a cleaner place for us all to live! We will meet at the Norristown Public Library at 10 AM and then begin to collect trash within the surrounding area. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing

Audience: Homeschool providers, classroom teachers, and non-formal environmental educators. Six hours Act 48 available for Pennsylvania Certified Teachers. A certificate of participation will be provided for teachers outside of Pennsylvania. Starting point: White Clay Preserve (exact details will be emailed to participants prior to workshop) Note: Some shuttling of vehicles will happen prior to getting on the water. We will arrange for these details in an email or short (15 minutes) pre-program online video meeting. Cost: Free. Pre-registration is required. The workshop is limited to 16. Register Now Discover White Clay Creek The White Clay Creek canoe program is a paddle-in-the-present moment, featuring peaceful

Help us sort donated fabrics, textiles, and reclaimed materials for creative reuse!Volunteer to help our team divert hundreds of pounds of creative materials away from the landfill and back into the hands of our creative community where they can be reused in countless creative projects! Water bottle refill station and restrooms are available on-site. Masks required.)

Friends of the Rail Park for the Everyday Futures Fest, welcomes you to explore the past, present and future of the Rail Park!Phase One Tour, hosted by Friends of the Rail Park, welcomes you to explore the past, present and future of the Rail Park, a vision for a bold, transformative, and inclusive public park that will utilize historic rail lines to connect 10+ Philadelphia neighborhoods to the city and each other. Starting at Broad and Noble, this walking tour will cover notable historical remnants of the rail lines, architectural gems, vital community assets in and around Phase One, as

Spring Paper Making SeriesIn this two-hour workshop participants will be guided to experiment with the Western papermaking process of blow-outs to create a unique layered image. Working with stencils and a hose, students will learn to create an image by subtracting pulp and layering the resulting images. Through this manipulation and juxtaposition of different colored paper pulps participants will create a one of a kind all-paper piece. Participants are encouraged to bring mylar stencils, lace fabrics, or other waterproof objects of their preference to include on their creation. All levels of experience are welcome, no prior experience needed.Water resistant footwear

Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia.

Pop Up Shop Feathering Local Vendors

Topanga Tries: Fundraising - A Benefit for Bread & Roses. Raising funds for the Racial & Economic Justice Fund for community orgs in PhillyTopanga Tries: Fundraising - A Benefit for Bread & Roses. Raising funds for the Racial & Economic Justice Fund for community orgs in Philly. The 2023 the Racial & Economic Justice Giving Project brings together a group of people from across race, class, age, and gender who share a vision for social justice and want to apply their time, talent, and resources to supporting movements for change.Doors open at 7 pm and the show starts at 8pmYou

Join us for a bioblitz at Penn Treaty Park for the 2023 City Nature Challenge.We'll meet near the parking lot and review how to use iNaturalist. After everyone feels confident in their ability to use the app, we will begin exploring the park and creating observations of our findings. We will share tips for making observations of organisms in many categories including insects, plants, mushrooms, and animals. This event is part of the Philadelphia City Nature Challenge. Uploading observations to iNaturalist is strongly encouraged. The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is a 4-day bioblitz where cities around the world compete and

Meet at the Pachella Field Pavilion Join us as we take a 2.5 hour hike (~3 miles), visiting spots throughout the Wissachickon Valley Park that point to the history of the Wissachickon Creek and the creation of the park to protect the water, examples of the power of water in shaping and reshaping the park, and efforts to restore and preserve the watershed. Dogs on leash permitted. Distance: 3 miles Difficulty: Difficult Registration is required for all hikes so that participants can be informed of weather or other emergency cancellations.  If you or anyone in your household are exhibiting COVID-19 systems,

The 3rd annual BAPS (Big A** Plant Sale) + Marketplace is a day of everything planty. Workshops, plant based food, pots and a lot of plants.Locally made artisan goods, vegan food, botanical beverages and other goods, select vendors and non-profits will provide goods and information for your plant loving needs. There is also a plant and seed swap. Perfect time to look for your veggies, herbs, houseplants, and pots.Entrance is free 10-5. Some of the workshops include: Blue Jean Garden Aprons , Open Terrariums, Repotting Basics and a Children workshop for ages 6-10.This is an outdoor event for the entire

Mount Moriah is the largest cemetery in Pennsylvania, and home to some of our city’s finest grave architecture.Mount Moriah is the largest cemetery in Pennsylvania, and home to some of our city’s finest grave architecture. Trees and vines have engulfed the gravestones in some areas, giving the place the atmosphere of a lost city in the jungle. Almost every style of tomb can be found here, from Egyptian Revival to Art Nouveau. Guests will learn about the role of cemeteries as a place for leisure in the Victorian era, as well as the influence of the Freemasons. Part wilderness and

Discover what enjoyable, meaningful climate action looks like for you - and fellow music fans - with songwriter/climate activist Vienna TengAre you ready to do more about climate change, but feel a bit overwhelmed? Wish you knew where to put your limited time & energy? This workshop might be for you.Drawing on her recent years working in environmental sustainability, Vienna will help you discover what enjoyable, meaningful climate action looks like for you personally, tailored to your unique circumstances, interests, and superpowers. You'll get to know some fellow music lovers taking their own similar journeys, and you’ll come away with

Celebrate the 2023 Everyday Futures Fest with local food, drinks, neighbors, and new friends! All proceeds benefit paying local artists.This year to capstone the Everyday Futures Fest, DVAA will be partnering with local restaurants and craftspeople for a fundraising banquet that celebrates the incredible talents of Philadelphia’s creative community under the Shambles at Headhouse Square! After a month of over 50 sustainable craft centered events all over the city, join our festival partners and supporters to let loose, meet new friends, and gather for dinner and beverages provided by local neighborhood restaurants and breweries and decorated by local makers. Everyone

This is a weekly program except for holidays. Join a knowledgeable naturalist for guided walks at various locations in NW Philadelphia.Northwest Philly Bird and Nature Walks Various Parks & Recreation Sites in Northwest PhillyMondays at 9amThis is a weekly program except for holidays. Join a knowledgeable naturalist and expert birder for a guided walk. We will have binoculars with us, but will look at much more than birds! Pre-registration is requested. All ages. FREE. Message WEC@Phila.gov for more information. March 6 Wissahickon, Bells Mills Road East Parking LotMarch 13 Schuylkill River Trail (Shawmont Ave entrance)March 20 Wissahickon, Valley Green (meet

FABSCRAP needs your help to save designer textiles from landfills! It's easy to learn, fun to do, and a safe way to help out.FABSCRAP Philly needs your help to save designer textiles from landfill! Volunteers will sort through fabric samples and swatches, separating fabric from paper headers and folding large, usable fabric to be saved for reuse.When registering, choose:First Time Volunteer Sorter if this is your first time volunteering with usReturn Volunteer Sorter if you’ve sorted with us beforeNote: If you choose to donate, please make sure that you also choose a sorter ticket. FABSCRAP Philly is committed to keeping

On this final day of the City Nature Challenge, our Young Naturalists will have a chance to officially participate.On this final day of the City Nature Challenge , our Young Naturalists will have a chance to participate and add their observations to Philadelphia’s observation count. We will return to the ponds, forest, and meadow to capture photos of as many species as possible. iNaturalistexperience or camera, phone or app not required. Ages 8-12. Free. Parking is available at the center with additional street parking. The center, bathrooms, and picnic areas are all accessible, however, the trails are rocky and uneven.

Join us for this free program to create trellises for indoor plants to climb on.Join us for this free program to create trellises for indoor plants to climb on. We will use bamboo cut from around the estate. Participants will learn two different types of trellis knots. Participants will receive instruction, and materials and will walk away with a finished trellis they can use at home for a growing plant!This workshop is created and run by our Bloomberg Interns, Shahzad, and Nahiyan.

Monthly Plant Swap where you can share your plants and bring home some new ones!PHS Plant Swaps are a free, family-friendly event. Bring plants, plant cuttings, or any garden-related items (i.e., books, tools, vegetables from your garden, etc.), then come to our garden to swap and meet new plant enthusiasts. It’s a one-for-one exchange; if you bring five items, you'll go home with five new items! We will have plant experts on hand to help identify unknown plants and special plant society guests with demonstration specimens. Please register before the swap and check in with us when you arrive. By

We'll listen to the songs frogs & toads, and record these and other sightings with iNaturalist for the City Nature Challenge. This hike coincides breeding season of some frogs including American toads. We will listen to the songs of these night singing amphibians and record these and other sightings with iNaturalist for the City Nature Challenge occurring 4/28-5/1. iNaturalistexperience or camera, phone or app not required. All Ages. Free. Parking is available at the center with additional street parking. The center, bathrooms, and picnic areas are all accessible, however, the trails are rocky and uneven. This is an all-weather, outdoor

Join us for a morning of field work which could include harvesting, weeding, planting, mulching, seeding, and more!THIS WORK SHIFT IS FOR NON-MEMBERS ONLY! IF YOU ARE A MEMBER, PLEASE REGISTER FOR YOUR SHIFT THROUGH THE MEMBER PORTAL. What to expect: You will be working with Alessandro (he/him), who goes by Ali, and Nicole(she/they), the farmers at Awbury, as well as potentially other Weavers Way farmers, co-opmembers completing working member shifts, and other volunteers. Field work generally involves kneeling, squatting, or bending over for extended periods of time and being exposed to theelements and the outdoors, i.e. sun, rain, bugs,

Get outside and discover Jenkins with us!Wednesday Walkabouts Wednesdays, April 12 – June 28, 1 – 2 PM Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens Staff Join us on Wednesday afternoons this spring to rejoice in the re-emergence of our beautiful gardens. Each week’s tour will have a different focus depending on the seasonal landscape and staff leader. Topics may include spring wildflowers, flowering trees, or our nationally accredited collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, and mountain laurels. Get outside and discover Jenkins with us! Free of charge

Join us for the opening reception of a gallery show with work from collage workshops on diasporic gardens.This gallery showing is a part of a yearlong participatory arts project, Multispecies Relations Across Diasporic Landscapes, that experiments with collage and conversation as ways of weaving multispecies narratives from members of diasporas. In a world of science-based environmental policy making, we need more ways of challenging the limits of established scientific frameworks and values. Particularly when addressing issues of climate adaptation and conservation, the myth of the “pristine wild” undergirds much of the logic in pursuing conservation science research. This myth imagines

Dabble in multimedia in an inspiring outdoor setting!Art & Mindfulness WorkshopWednesday, May 3, 6 – 7:30 PM*Theme for May 3: Botanical Impressions & Relief (clay)Nicola Loughlin, Owner and Artist, Entwined-ActionCreatively unwind through art! A fantastic opportunity to instill a sense of Zen in your life as you dabble with clay, ink, pastels, and more. Learn techniques to channel a creative outlet that you can revisit long after the program. Classes will take place outdoors amid the tranquil surroundings at Jenkins - indoor option available for inclement weather.No experience necessary. This intimate class is open for newcomers to pop along and

Attend this session to learn all about container gardening with master gardener, Rich Kedanis!Container gardening is a space-saving, water-wise, and beautiful method that provides everyone with access to gardening. Join Master Gardener Rich Kedanis for a presentation on container gardening basics and the different applications and arrangements for success with both outdoor and indoor containers. We will focus on flowers, herbs, vegetables, and more!This event will take place virtually via zoom. The zoom link will be emailed to all participants in the confirmation email generated from program registration.

We will take a hike to look and listen for creatures of the night: owls, toads, flying squirrels, fireflies, racoons etcNocturnal Wildlife Walks We will take a hike to look and listen for creatures of the night: owls, toads, flying squirrels, fireflies, racoons etcWed April 5 7:30pmWed May 3 7:30pmFri June 23 8:30pm

The Stenton Committee and The Board of Managers of The NSCDA/PA request the pleasure of your company at the Stenton Garden Party.The Stenton Committee and The Board of Managers of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania request the pleasure of your company at the Stenton Garden Party on Thursday, May 4th, celebrating the conservation of Stenton's shellwork grotto. All proceeds benefit the preservation of Stenton and educational programs like History Hunters. ***Please note: Eventbrite adds additional fees to online ticket purchases. If you would like to avoid the fees, you may purchase your tickets over the phone by

Begin your day with a hike in the forest under the light of the full moon and rising sun.Begin your day with a hike in the forest under the light of the full moon and rising sun. Only during the full moon will the moon will set about the same time the sun rises, giving us a glimpse at their brief meeting. Coffee will be served. PJs and sneakers are acceptable attire. ~1 mile hike on uneven, rocky trails in twilight. Adults & Teens. Free. *We cannot predict nature's display of light or clouds, so we cannot guarantee a clear

2022-23 Environmental Education Series: Caring for CreationJoin PA IPL for our 2022-23 Environmental Education Series: Caring for CreationFirst Fridays 12-1pm | October 2022 through June 2023MAY 5: Earth Month Planting Events & Virtual Cosmic WalkPA IPL is offering a virtual Environmental Education Series that is generously funded by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The programs will be offered virtually along with our partner, First United Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG), and will be available to all of our members through this virtual environmental education series, Caring for Creation with PA IPL. Please join us during your lunch hour

Come to the People’s Budget Office at LOVE Park to learn about The City of Philadelphia’s proposed budget and add your line item.

Join us for a special night of plant shopping and refreshments!Plant Sale Weekend Party & Pre-Sale EventCo-Hosted by Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens and The Valley Forge Chapter of the American Rhododendron SocietyFriday, May 5 from 5:30 - 8 PMJoin us at Jenkins for a special one-weekend only sale to shop for rare and unusual rhododendrons and azaleas, plus native trees, perennials, and shrubs. Don't miss the Opening Night Party & Pre-Sale to get first choice selection of plants before the sale opens to the general public on Saturday, May 6. Ticket includes hors d'oeuvres and beverages.Click here to learn more

Join the RRWA for this special treat inside the protected area of the Franklin Parker Preserve.This tour is limited to 25 people. The fee is $15 per person. Please send a check made out to the Rahway River Watershed Associaion and mail to 337 East Milton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065Emile has been the Manager of Science and Stewardship at the New Jersey Conservation Foundation since 1989. He received a doctorate in Ecology in 1988 for research on bird communities and vegetation landscapes in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens. Dr. DeVito develops management plans for NJCF’s 20,000+ acres of holdings designed to

Join Friends of the Rail Park for a walking tour covering the Three Mile Vision for the Rail Park.

A hands-on workshop where we'll learn how to assess watershed health and document the visual power of water!The way water moves and behaves tells us a lot about the health of the watershed. In this workshop, we are going to observe water through two sets of eyes: as community scientists and as artists. Join ecological artist (and TTF Streamkeeper) Rebecca Schultz and TTF Upstream Conversation Leader Ryan Neuman as we use our senses to assess the health of Tookany Creek and put those senses to work documenting the visual power of water. Bring a phone with a camera (if you

An informal tour and discussion with curator and artists.

Attend a foraging walk with Philadelphia Mycology Club's founder Bethany Teigen.Join us for a casual stroll around campus hunting for mushrooms! Bethany Teigen, founder of the Philadelphia Mycology Club, will lead the way teaching participants how to properly forage for mushrooms. This class is intended for beginners and will include a general introduction to the fungal kingdom and identification information on each specimen found. Please remember to wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather.

Come one, come all! Join us on this unique, two-hour tour of Philly. Walk alongside the Badass women who formed this city of sisterly love!

Learn all about foraging & mushrooms plus explore the Wagner museum and the collections.MAY'S FIRST SATURDAY OPEN HOUSEForaging Frenzy!This month our theme is Foraging Frenzy! Check out our new mushroom display in the Exhibit Hall with dried specimens and papier-mâché mushroom models that date back to the 1800s. Get a lesson in mushrooms from The Philadelphia Mycology Club! And learn how to find the best mushrooms in the field and which ones to avoid, with fresh specimens to view.We'll have arts & crafts activities inspired by the foraging theme too. Make your own "spore print" or press and dry some

This workshop is designed to help "birders" of every level use this free tool to document their bird observations for science and friends.This event is free, but registration is required due to limited capacity. Hosted by Friends of Heinz Refuge (FOHR) in partnership with the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC), the event will be held at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Sign-in begins at 12:45. Gregg Gorton and Rob Bierregaard will provide an introduction to eBird and its uses, followed by break-out groups and going outside to bird with eBird. Mr. Gorton

An informal tour and discussion with curator and artists.

Make botanical prints and learn the art of hapazome to transfer natural color to fabric and and paper. Adults Only.Visitors and artists (14+ and adults) are invited to make botanical prints and transfer natural color and textures of leaves and flowers to fabric and paper.Take a walk in the park and talk about the “invasive” plants and common garden weeds in the area. Then create nature prints using organic waste from gardens and park maintenance.The word "invasive" from in- (meaning "in, inside") & vādō (“to go, to rush, to walk”) is used to define species of thriving plants that are

Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia.

Pop Up Shop Feathering Local Vendors

Walk with us up this vein of architectural and historical gold, from Spring Garden Street to Temple University.One hundred years ago, North Broad was THE signature place to live in Philadelphia. Enormous mansions, such as the Widener home, a vibrant Jewish neighborhood, and great high schools that were the pride of this neighborhood. We'll uncover secrets in and around Temple U, and learn about famous auto showrooms and car-related factories which lined this beautiful boulevard. After years of decline following World War II, investment has brought the reopening of the mind-boggling Metropolitan Opera House and the stately yet strange creation

Join the PMC for some land stewardship in Cobbs Creek Park!Meet in the parking lot at Thomas Ave along Cobbs Creek Parkway at 2pm. We will provide everything you need. This month, along with picking up trash, we will also be planting trees and removing invasive plants.Everyone is invited! For questions you can reach out to us at info@phillymycoclub.com.Join us on the first Sunday of every month at the same time and location!

Learn to make and fly a kite with Kite Curiosities, Second State Press, and DVAA as part of the Everyday Futures Fest!Join Kite Curiosities, Second State Press, and DVAA at Penn Treaty Park on April 29th from 2pm - 4pm for an afternoon of high flying fun! Kite enthusiasts, beginners, families, and friends are all welcome – bring your own kite, or register for a workshop earlier in the day to build your own with Kite Curiosities at Second State Press! Alice of Kite Curiosities will assist kite flyers, helping them adjust their bridle strings to catch the wind and

FABSCRAP needs your help to save designer textiles from landfills! It's easy to learn, fun to do, and a safe way to help out.FABSCRAP Philly needs your help to save designer textiles from landfill! Volunteers will sort through fabric samples and swatches, separating fabric from paper headers and folding large, usable fabric to be saved for reuse.When registering, choose:First Time Volunteer Sorter if this is your first time volunteering with usReturn Volunteer Sorter if you’ve sorted with us beforeNote: If you choose to donate, please make sure that you also choose a sorter ticket. FABSCRAP Philly is committed to keeping

Come practice the Japanese method of relaxation, shinrin yoku at the beautiful grounds and forest of Winterthur Museum**Designers Only** Winterthur Museum: Forest bathing is the Japanese practice of relaxation; known in Japan as shinrin yoku. The simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply can help de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way.

Learn how to create a beautiful floral arrangement with local spring blooms!Join Elise Hanks, Philadelphia based flower grower, floral designer, and owner of Terra Luna Herbals for a hands on floral design workshop. Learn the basics of creating a unique flower arrangement with blooms sourced from the Terra Luna farm! Ticket price includes a bountiful mix of herb and flower blooms in a beautiful glass vase created by local artisans Remark glass. This class will celebrate the power of local growers, makers, and the natural creativity in all of us. Learn more about Terra Luna Herbals hereLearn more about Remark

Volunteer with Haverford College Arboretum!

Come to the People’s Budget Office at LOVE Park to learn about The City of Philadelphia’s proposed budget and add your line item.

Discussing relationships to change and collective survival. Tasting autumn harvest cookies from The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen.Join us at Blackwell Library for a unique treat and discussion about relationships to change and collective survival as explored in Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents. In the dystopian future of Butler's Parables, protagonist, Lauren Oya Olamina, enjoys an Indigenous recipe for acorn bread. In lieu of acorn bread, we will prepare autumn harvest cookies from The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen. Find that book and others by Octavia E. Butler at the Free Library of Philadelphia.Free, flavorful,

Ticks are active year-round in the woods & neighborhoods. Learn to spot, ID and prevent ticks and tick bites with PA Lyme Resource Network.Ticks are active year-round in the woods & neighborhoods. Learn to spot, ID and prevent ticks and tick bites with PA Lyme Resource Network.PA Lyme Resource Network’s Dare 2B Tick Aware Program was originally created with a CDC Preventative Health Block Grant via the PA Department of Health. The goal is to improve the use of prevention strategies, reduce tick bites, and improve early diagnosis. This program uses the most current research available and standardizes prevention messages