About us
The Valley Forge Audubon Society (VFAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society serving those residing in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Delaware and Chester Counties, and parts of Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. Our mission is to preserve birds, other wildlife, and their habitats by promoting appreciation and stewardship of the local natural environment through education and active participation. VFAS offers regular bird walks, hikes, events, and educational programs. Valley Forge Audubon Society is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the birding community and beyond. We are excited to bring the joys of birding – the fun of seeing or hearing birds, the social benefits of being part of a like-minded community, and the health and wellness benefits humans receive from spending time in nature – to “everyone and every body”, regardless of someone’s physical, mental, emotional, or societal challenges. Long-time birders, ‘fledgling’ birders, able-bodied birders, and those with disabilities and health concerns are all welcome at VFAS’s programs.
We offer a number of outings that are accessible for those with various access challenges and/or health concerns.
Upcoming events
7
"Golden Hour" Photography at the Great Marsh
Great Marsh Institute, 28 Moores Rd, Elverson, PA, USPlease note: REGISTRATION IS REQUESTED – see details below.
Grab your camera and join hobbyist photographer Hilary Vadner and Valley Forge Audubon Society vice‑president Patty Werth for a relaxed, golden‑hour photography stroll through the scenic paths of the Great Marsh Institute. Evenings here can be spectacular, when the long evening light couples with the natural beauty of the marsh. Hilary will offer mentored, hands‑on photography guidance and instruction while Patty will help with bird spotting and wildlife identification, which may include not only songbirds but other enchanting marsh residents such as beavers, turtles, or snakes.
The walk will be unhurried, with the focus on observing and photographing birds and other natural highlights as they appear. For the best results in evening light, low‑light lenses are recommended if you have them.
This event is a follow-up to "The Art of Bird Photography" course that was presented in May, but you need not have taken that course to attend - all are welcome and encouraged to come.
Class size is limited to 15 people and registration is requested as well as a suggested donation of $20 to the non-profit Great Marsh Institute.
To register or for more information, please send an email to lori@greatmarshinstitute.org.
Photo credit: Hilary Vadner
12 attendees
VFAS Annual Social (registration required)
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, 1201 Pawlings Rd, Norristown, PA, USPlease register at this link. This is in addition to registering on Meet Up.
Please join us for a fun and informative afternoon on Sunday, August 9th from 2:00-6:00 pm at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove. Explore everything Valley Forge Audubon Society has to offer in a relaxed and friendly setting. There will be plenty of time for mingling and the opportunity to learn more about VFAS's mission. Meet other VFAS participants, ask questions of our board members, watch a year-in-review slideshow of program participants' photos, test your knowledge at our bird ID game, enjoy a great presentation on native plants, and go birding with us!
Light refreshments will be served. Children are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult.
If you would like to submit photos from a VFAS event for the slideshow, please email valleyforgeaudubon@gmail.com.
Don't miss out! Please register for this free event by Friday July 31 so we know how many to expect.
Schedule of events:
- 2:00 pm: Arrival, refreshments, informational tables, games, socializing
- 2:40 pm: VFAS annual meeting
- 3:00 pm: Year-in-review slideshow
- 3:45 pm: The Best Native Plants for Birds and Wildlife - and Tips for Getting Started (see description below)
- 5:00 - 6:00 pm: Birding field trip around Mill Grove
Featured Presentation: The Best Native Plants for Birds and Wildlife – and Tips for Getting Started
By providing habitat, fruit, and/or insects to eat, native plants are incredibly important for nearly all of our local bird species. However, not all native plants are created equal! In this presentation, urban forester Andrew Conboy will briefly discuss some of the most important native plants for supporting birds in our area. He will also provide some tips for finding these plants locally as well as how to get started with native plant gardening in your home landscape.
Andrew Conboy is a local urban forester, ISA-certified arborist, and plant lover from the Philadelphia area who is passionate about trees, native plants, and educating the public about ecology and how nature can be better integrated into the spaces where we live and work. He founded the Community Canopy Project, a local non-profit seeking to restore native plants, improve and steward our environment, build community, and inspire ecological literacy and advocacy.
Photo Credit: Black-throated Blue Warbler feasting on American Beautyberry fruit by Don Carrier
20 attendees
Past events
1090
Group links
Members
4,284
