Wissahickon Environmental Center

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

Join our EE staff for a nature hike on the local trails. This program is oriented towards adults and families with older children

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

Bring food to share, as well as your knowledge and opinions, as we discuss the nature of the Wissahickon!

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

Join our EE staff for a nature hike on the local trails. This program is oriented towards adults and families with older children

This a series of programs that aims to connect math to the natural world in a fun way.This a series of programs that aims to connect math to the real world, specifically the natural world. Taught by local natualist and educator, Brian Rudnik. The program is most appropriate for 3rd to 5th graders but younger students will find much to their interest and older students will be challenged to explore concepts more deeply.10/19/22 SHAPES IN NATUREHow do different mathematical shapes such as circles, spirals, polygons, certain curves and other shapes manifest in nature? Why are natural objects and phenomena shaped

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

We will walk the trails and Forbidden Drive to find owls, bats, flying squirrels, racoons, opossums and other creatures of the night.Nocturnal Wildlife & Full Moon Walks We will walk the trails and Forbidden Drive to find owls, bats, flying squirrels, racoons, opossums and other creatures of the night. January 6th will also be full moon night! This program is appropriate for people of any age that can be quiet! FREE Friday January 6, 5:30pm - 7:00pm Friday February 10, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

Take a walk to look with a naturalist to look for birds, wildlife, and other phenomena.Most Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation Sites. 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 exact meeting location Jan 2 Houston Meadow (meet at playground) Jan 9 Bells Mills East Parking Lot Jan 23 Valley Green (meet outside the Inn) Jan 30 Schuylkill River Trail (Shawmont entrance) Feb 6 Houston Meadow (meet at Cathedral Road entrance) Feb 13 Harper's Meadow (meet outside Cedars House) Feb 27 Roxborough

Join our EE staff for a nature hike on the local trails. This program is oriented towards adults and families with older children

Bring food to share, as well as your knowledge and opinions, as we discuss the nature of the Wissahickon!

We will walk the trails and Forbidden Drive to find owls, bats, flying squirrels, racoons, opossums and other creatures of the night.Nocturnal Wildlife & Full Moon Walks We will walk the trails and Forbidden Drive to find owls, bats, flying squirrels, racoons, opossums and other creatures of the night. January 6th will also be full moon night! This program is appropriate for people of any age that can be quiet! FREE Friday January 6, 5:30pm - 7:00pm Friday February 10, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

Join our EE staff for a nature hike on the local trails. This program is oriented towards adults and families with older children

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

We will listen and watch for Woodcocks, affectionately called Timberdoodles Thursday March 2nd. Meet local birder Martin Selzer and WEC staff at Houston Playground at 5:30-5:45 PM until dark to listen and watch for Woodcocks, affectionately called Timberdoodles. We will begin to walk onto the trail at 5:45PM. All ages. FREE

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

Join our EE staff for a nature hike on the local trails. This program is oriented towards adults and families with older children

Bring food to share, as well as your knowledge and opinions, as we discuss the nature of the Wissahickon!

We will brew a pot of hot or iced coffee to enjoy as we see what birds are around the grounds and trails if time permits.Coffee With The Birds New Day: Fridays at 9am at the Tree House starting 1/27/23 We will brew a pot of hot or iced coffee to enjoy as we see what birds are around the grounds. If time permits, we will venture out in woods or meadow or down to the creek. FREE

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

Join our EE staff for a nature hike on the local trails. This program is oriented towards adults and families with older children

Bird and nature walks Mondays at 9am at different Parks & Recreation locations in NW Philly.

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

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

1-1.5 hournature activities and lessons on most Thursdays.Weekly Afternoon Activities/ Homeschool LessonsThursdays at 1:00pmJoin us for weekly themed, 1-1.5 hour activities and lessons on most Thursdays. We can accommodate requests for other times and dates by appointment for your group. Equipment and materials are provided. These programs are geared for elementary and middle school aged children with caregivers. We can adapt programs to the needs of your group. $5 per child.Frogs & ToadsApril 6 One of the wonders of spring is frogs and toads emerging from their winter dormancy. Learn about what type of frogs live in Philadelphia and take

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

We will meet you at different locations in the Park and search for the many birds arriving or traveling through after the long winter.Migration Madness. Different Locations in Wissahickon Park. Fridays at 12:00pm. We will meet you at different locations in the Park and search for the many birds arriving or traveling through after the long winter. This is a guided walk featuring an expert birder. Schedule: April 21- Rex Ave Entrance, April 28- Valley Green (Meet outside the inn) May 5- Cresheim Creek (Allen’s Lane Train Station) May 12- Summit Ave (Summit Ave and Old Line Road entrance) May

Learn the basics of photography with a focus on wildlifeWildlife Photography Class with Troy BynumSat April 22 1:00-4:00pmIn this class for beginners, you will learn the basics of photography and ways to apply manual setting adjustments in the field. We will explore important terminology and troubleshooting techniques so that you can capture images with your own artistic style.At the end of the class, you will be able to capture pictures of wildlife using manual settings. The skills learned in this class are general to digital photography and can be applied to DSLR, bridge, superzoom or mirrorless cameras.$10 per participant for

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

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

We will meet you at different locations in the Park and search for the many birds arriving or traveling through after the long winter.Migration Madness. Different Locations in Wissahickon Park. Fridays at 12:00pm. We will meet you at different locations in the Park and search for the many birds arriving or traveling through after the long winter. This is a guided walk featuring an expert birder. Schedule: April 21- Rex Ave Entrance, April 28- Valley Green (Meet outside the inn) May 5- Cresheim Creek (Allen’s Lane Train Station) May 12- Summit Ave (Summit Ave and Old Line Road entrance) May

Friday night Family Nature ExplorationsJoin us for our monthly Friday evening, family-friendly nature-walks. The schedule is as follows:Spring Ephemeral Wildflower Walk. This month's topic is spring ephemeral wildflowers...plants that grow and bloom before the leaves of the forest canopy emerge. We will explore nearby trails for some of these delicate beauties! Recommended for ages 7 and up. Bring your camera. FREE Birds of the Meadow. Late May is the end of spring migration. On this walk, we will look for late migrants and birds that nest in Andorra Meadow, such as Orioles, Buntings, and more! Recommended for ages 7 and

1-1.5 hournature activities and lessons on most Thursdays.Weekly Afternoon Activities/ Homeschool LessonsThursdays at 1:00pmJoin us for weekly themed, 1-1.5 hour activities and lessons on most Thursdays. We can accommodate requests for other times and dates by appointment for your group. Equipment and materials are provided. These programs are geared for elementary and middle school aged children with caregivers. We can adapt programs to the needs of your group. $5 per child.Frogs & ToadsApril 6 One of the wonders of spring is frogs and toads emerging from their winter dormancy. Learn about what type of frogs live in Philadelphia and take

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

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

RESCHEDULED from last Friday! Come learn about the beetles we call Fireflies!RESCHEDULED from last Friday! Come learn about the beetles we call Fireflies! Learn what ones inhabit our local area and a special one that resides in the Allegheny Forest of Pennsylvania. Find out what we can do to protect fireflies. Then we go outside to observe them. Children will catch and release.

Join us as we use sweep nets and bug boxes to find out what insects live in Andorra Meadow.Thursday, July 6th Meadow Exploration Join us as we use sweep nets and bug boxes to find out what insects live in Andorra Meadow. We expect to find beetles, butterflies, mantids, katydids, plant hoppers, and more! We will talk about how these insects are adapted for life in the meadow, and pollination.

We will walk and collect ripe wine berries, then blend them with blueberries and a few other ingredients into tasty smoothiesWineberries are a type of raspberry originally from Asia, but grow in great abundance in Philadelphia parks and are considered an invasive plant. We will walk and collect ripe berries, then blend them with blueberries and a few other ingredients into tasty smoothies. Please wear long pants and clothedtoed shoes. Bring a container with you.

Have fun looking for the small life that lives in Wissahickon Creek and use outdoor microscopes to get a better view.Have fun looking for the small life that lives in Wissahickon Creek and use outdoor microscopes to get a better view. What is a macroinvertebrate and why do we care about them? Make a drawing of what you find.

With mosaic artist, Eve Miller. Bring an idea for creating a simple nature-themed mosaic.With mosaic artist, Eve Miller. Bring an idea for creating a simple nature-themed mosaic. You will begin to learn how to cut and arrange glass tiles to create your image. For children ages 10 and older, and adults. Cost of materials: $10. PREGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Butterfly themed walk and craftDid you know there are butterflies that do not nectar at flowers? Or that there are some that lay their eggs not on small plants but on tall trees? What’s the difference between a host plant and a food source for butterflies? Come learn about this and more. We will take a walk after the presentation. Caterpillars may be available to observe. Make a butterfly craft.

Edible plant themed walk.What are some of the more common edible plants in the Park and what parts are edible? Take a walk focused on what can be responsibly foraged. Pick leaves of Spicebush and brew up a tea at the Tree House.

Look for the small life that lives in Wissahickon Creek and use outdoor microscopes to get a better view.Look for the small life that lives in Wissahickon Creek and use outdoor microscopes to get a better view. What is a macroinvertebrate and why do we care about them? Make a drawing of what you find.

The Tree House will be hosting a week of camp for kids aged 11-14, August 11-14 , visiting different ecosystems each day.Ecology CampAges 11-14August 14-18 2023Wissahickon Environmental Center (Tree House)The Tree House will be hosting a week of camp for kids aged 11-14, August 14-18 from 9am to 3pm or (8:30-4 for longer trips). This camp will consist of daily field trips, each to a different ecosystem. We will visit a bog in the Poconos, a salt marsh, the New Jersey Pine Barrens, and forest and aquatic environments within Philadelphia. Binoculars, field guides, nets, magnifying glasses, field notebooks, and other

Learn the basics of tree ID. Learn the basics of tree ID. What’s a compound leaf, a broad-leafed tree, etc.? What are some of the more common trees in Wissahickon Park? Learn to identify at least 10 types and then make a small tree journal from the leaves you collected.

A talk and walk to learn some of the common bird sounds around you.As spring ends, the leafy trees obscure our view of forest birds.  But if you can identify a bird by song or call, a new world of wonder will open to you!  Talk and walk to learn some of the common bird sounds around you. Learn to use a free App on your phone called Merlin to help with bird song ID and learning.

Let’s get down and dirty and look at what types of animals we can find living under logs and in dead leaf piles.Let’s get down and dirty and look at what types of animals we can find living under logs and in dead leaf piles. We will learn more about decomposition and what other organisms help recycle nature’s dead back to the nutrients of the soil.

Noontime bird walks.Enjoy an expert guided bird walk during fall migration. If it's raining we will watch the feeders from inside and talk about birds!

Learn about insects in the meadow by using nets to catch and identify. Also take pictures of pollinators for citizen science project.By the end of summer, insects are in great abundance in the meadows. Enjoy using nets to catch and identify various species. We will also look for late flowering plants and animals in the meadow. Take pictures of what you find to enter in the PARKS FOR POLLINATORS BIOBLITZ, a citizen science project.

Enjoy a walk around the meadow and take photos of bees, hummingbirds, flies, and other insects that you see pollinating late summer flowers.To draw attention to the importance of pollinators and native plants, the National Recreation and Parks Association has created a BioBlitz for the month of September. This BioBlitz is a time to record as many sightings of pollinator species and the plants they visit as possible. If you are competitive, our Park can compete with other parks!Enjoy a walk around the meadow and take photos of bees, hummingbirds, flies, and other insects that you see pollinating late summer

The Upper Roxborough Reservoir has a little bit of everything: woods, meadows, wetlands, and open water.The Upper Roxborough Reservoir is a Philadelphia Parks and Recreation facility. The mostly drained reservoir has a little bit of everything: woods, meadows, wetlands, and open water. We can observe canopy-feeding birds at eye level in the trees growing on the steep slope of the old reservoir. The reservoir's north rim is a great vantage point for scanning the open sky for migrating raptors.

Noontime bird walks.Enjoy an expert guided bird walk during fall migration. If it's raining we will watch the feeders from inside and talk about birds!

Curious about the mushrooms you see in the woods? Then come on this Phila. Mycology Club walk!We are pleased to welcome the Philadelphia Mycology Club to the Wissahickon Environmental Center to help us with some basics about mushroom identification. They will lead us on a walk through the woods nearby to see what mushrooms can be found in the Wissahickon. Meet at the Tree House.

Noontime bird walks.Enjoy an expert guided bird walk during fall migration. If it's raining we will watch the feeders from inside and talk about birds!

Learn to identify trees , nuts, seeds and berries collected and eaten by wildlife in the fall. Learn who eats what.In autumn, nuts and seeds are falling to the ground to begin next year’s cycle of plant regeneration. Wildlife is busy collecting and eating this bounty before winter’s arrival. Let’s take a walk and identify as many of these food sources as possible and who might eat them. We can collect some and use them to add to colorful collage art.

Houston Meadow provides quick access to different upland habitats that support a diversity of birds.Houston Meadow provides quick access to different upland habitats that support a diversity of birds. We will scan the meadows for bluebirds and sparrows, the woods for warblers and vireos, and watch the open sky for raptors. If Eventbrite is “full” RSVP at WEC@phila.gov

Noontime bird walks.Enjoy an expert guided bird walk during fall migration. If it's raining we will watch the feeders from inside and talk about birds!