Wissahickon Environmental Center

What is a mineral, other than a pretty, shiny object? Learn through a few experiments and then see how minerals form local rocks.What is a mineral, other than a pretty, shiny object? Learn some of the scientific properties of minerals by conducting a few simple experiments. Then see some of the minerals found in rocks of the Wissahickon and hike to examine them outdoors. We will be joined by FOW Trail Ambassador and amateur geologist, Hallam Harper. Best for ages 8 and above. Suggested donation is $5 per child.

Learn some of the scientific properties of minerals by conducting a few simple experiments, then hike to see the rocks in the area.What is a mineral, other than a pretty, shiny object? Learn some of the scientific properties of minerals by conducting a few simple experiments. Then see some of the minerals found in rocks of the Wissahickon and hike to examine them outdoors. We will be joined by FOW Trail Ambassador and amateur geologist, Hallam Harper. Best for ages 8 and above. Suggested donation is $5 per child. NOTE: Time change to 1pm to 2:30pm.

Enjoy a guided bird walk in the Andorra Natural Area during lunchtime!Enjoy a guided bird walk in the Andorra Natural Area during lunchtime! The winter is an excellent time for birding, as the Wissahickon is host to many boreal forest species like juncos, sparrows, and spasuckers. If its too cold, we will stay inside and watch the feeders!

Erica Smith Fichman, Acting Manager, Urban Forestry will give highlights of the new TREEPHILLY PLAN, a 10-year strategic urban forest plan.Erica Smith Fichman, Acting Manager, Urban Forestry will give highlights of the new TREEPHILLY PLAN, a 10-year strategic plan for the equitable planting and care of Philadelphia's urban forest, released in 2023.We are inviting several professionals from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to speak on important sustainability and ecological topics. Light snacks and soup will be available for purchase. This is first lecture in the series.

Examine minerals and rocks from the area, before hiking the Andorra section looking at its unique geological features.Are you curious about some of the amazing, twisted rock formations you see in the Wissahickon; or the flecks of sparkly minerals on the ground? Examine minerals and rocks from the area, before hiking the Andorra section looking at its unique geological features. We welcome amateur geologist and FOW trail ambassador Hallam Harper as learn about the most interesting geological area in the region! Program is for adults, tweens, and teens.

Enjoy a guided bird walk in the Andorra Natural Area during lunchtime!Enjoy a guided bird walk in the Andorra Natural Area during lunchtime! The winter is an excellent time for birding, as the Wissahickon is host to many boreal forest species like juncos, sparrows, and spasuckers. If its too cold, we will stay inside and watch the feeders!

Puzzles, games, challenges, and other fun activities will help us explore a wide variety of math topics. Nature is our laboratory!Puzzles, games, challenges, and other fun activities will help us explore a wide variety of math topics. The natural environment is our laboratory for exploring mathematical principles in the real world. Taught by Brian Rudnick, a math, language, and nature educator who dabbles in theater. He delivers interactive “show and tell” programs for many organizations . Recommended ages: 8 to 12.

Learn how to identify sugar maples, tap trees, boil sap, and make syrup.WEC will be holding maple sugaring demonstrations at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Participants will learn to identify sugar maples and tap trees, boil sap, and make syrup. The Tree House will be open, and we will have a campfire and sap and syrup tasting stations from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Create a painting or drawing for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Junior Duck Stamp Contest. New tCome create a painting or drawing for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Junior Duck Stamp contest! Ages 6 to 18 are eligible. Entries must be based on an actual animal. Learn about waterfowl in the process. Nervous about drawing? Staff member teaching the contest has an art background and will guide you! Note: You will need 2 or 3 sessions to complete your work. Works will be judged by grade level in March at John Heinz NWR. Prizes are awarded for many

Join us to tap a maple tree and explore the process of creating maple syrup and sugar.Join us to tap a maple tree and explore the process of creating maple syrup and sugar. This popular program will be repeated 2x.

Enjoy a guided bird walk in the Andorra Natural Area during lunchtime!Enjoy a guided bird walk in the Andorra Natural Area during lunchtime! The winter is an excellent time for birding, as the Wissahickon is host to many boreal forest species like juncos, sparrows, and spasuckers. If its too cold, we will stay inside and watch the feeders!

Puzzles, games, challenges, and other fun activities will help home schoolers explore a wide variety of math topics.Puzzles, games, challenges, and other fun activities will help us explore a wide variety of math topics. The natural environment is our laboratory for exploring mathematical principles in the real world. Taught by Brian Rudnick, a math, language, and nature educator who dabbles in theater. He delivers interactive “show and tell” programs for many organizations. Recommended ages: 8 to 12. $5 per child. Note: The registration link is for the first date. other registration links will be added soon

Join us to tap a maple tree and explore the process of creating maple syrup and sugar.Join us to tap a maple tree and explore the process of creating maple syrup and sugar. This popular program will be repeated 2x.

Dhan Parker, Environmental Scientist for Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, will introduce you to some of the serious threats to trees here.This is the 2nd of our new winter lecture series at Cedar's House. Dhan Parker, Environmental Scientist for Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, will introduce you to some of the serious threats to trees here. Beech Leaf Disease is a problem just beginning in the Wissahickon Park. He will discuss this serious new threat to the American Beech, a major component of our forest. He will also discuss the Department's campaign again the Emerald Ash Borer and the successes they are

Enjoy a guided bird walk in the Andorra Natural Area during lunchtime!Enjoy a guided bird walk in the Andorra Natural Area during lunchtime! The winter is an excellent time for birding, as the Wissahickon is host to many boreal forest species like juncos, sparrows, and spasuckers. If its too cold, we will stay inside and watch the feeders!

This walk is timed to see the evening aerial mating displays of the American Woodcock, a very unique bird.This walk is timed to see the evening aerial mating displays of the American Woodcock, a very unique bird. We will walk to Houston Meadow and listen for the sound of the Woodcock wings and glimpse its upward flight. Meet at Houston Playground.

Enjoy a guided bird walk in the Andorra Natural Area during lunchtime!Enjoy a guided bird walk in the Andorra Natural Area during lunchtime! The winter is an excellent time for birding, as the Wissahickon is host to many boreal forest species like juncos, sparrows, and spasuckers. If its too cold, we will stay inside and watch the feeders!

Puzzles, games, challenges, and other fun activities will help home schoolers explore a wide variety of math topics.Puzzles, games, challenges, and other fun activities will help us explore a wide variety of math topics. The natural environment is our laboratory for exploring mathematical principles in the real world. Taught by Brian Rudnick, a math, language, and nature educator who dabbles in theater. He delivers interactive “show and tell” programs for many organizations. Recommended ages: 8 to 12. $5 per child. Note: The registration link is for the first date. other registration links will be added soon