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Valley Forge Audubon Society Calendar of Events

Norristown, PA, US

3,385 members · Public group

Organized by valleyforgeaudubon and 7 others

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What we’re about

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 (4+)

Sat, Jul 27, 2024, 8:30 AM EDTPaddle Birding at Marsh Creek State Park
Marsh Creek State Park , Downingtown, PA
Birding from the water is a wonderful warm-weather activity, and if you have never tried it before this is your chance. Join DCNR naturalist Jared Brandt and volunteer guides from Valley Forge Audubon Society for a morning of paddle birding where the gentle, quiet, self-powered pace of being on the water allows access to bird habitat from a different angle and a chance to scan the shorelines at close range.

While there are a limited number of kayaks available through the state park, this is also a bring-your-own-watercraft event. Kayaks, canoes, rafts, and SUPs are all welcome. Please note that kayaks must be reserved in advance. For information and to reserve a kayak, please contact Jared Brandt at jabrandt@pa.gov or (610) 582-9680.

The minimum age to participate is 10 years old.

Pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to counter the glare off the water, as well as plenty of water. Synthetic quick-dry clothing and shoes that can get wet are recommended. A dry bag or Ziploc for keys, phone, etc is recommended.

Please park at the boat rental lot and meet at the park office (which you will have just passed to get to the parking lot.) Restrooms are available on site.
25 attendees+20
Fri, Aug 2, 2024, 6:30 PM EDTLook Up! Birdwatching and Stargazing
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, Audubon , PA
REGISTRATION AT THE FOLLOWING LINK IS REQUIRED: https://shorturl.at/N2z7g

Observing the beauty of birds or marveling at the wonders of the night sky - which would you choose? For this program, no choice is necessary because we will be doing both!

We will begin our evening experiencing the peaceful joy of bird watching during a 90-minute birding tour of Mill Grove led by Valley Forge Audubon Society past president Vincent Smith. During the outing we will discuss the importance of the stars and dark skies for bird migration before going inside to learn how Bird Safe Philly's Lights Out! program is making a difference for birds in our area. Those new to birding are especially encouraged to join us.

After that we will begin our journey into the starry night. Amateur astronomy is a wonderful and fun hobby, but it can be intimidating to start. Damien Ruffner, Audubon Program Manager for the Discovery Center, will present Stargazing 101, which will walk you through what you need to know such as what to look for and what equipment is needed. After this indoor presentation we'll head outside to explore the wonders of the night sky together.

We will have telescopes on hand, but guests are encouraged to bring binoculars and perhaps a comfy blanket to lay on while looking up at the sky.

All ages are welcome to join us for this family-friendly program. Activity times are as follows:

6:30 - 8:00 PM: Birdwatching tour with Valley Forge Audubon Society
8:05 - 8:25 PM: Learn about "Lights Out! Philly"
8:25 - 9:00 PM: Stargazing 101 presentation
9:00 - 10:00 PM: Stargazing

Please RSVP here so we know to expect you at this popular event.
13 attendees+8
Sat, Aug 3, 2024, 8:00 AM EDTBirding The Forests of the Meng Preserve
Natural Lands Meng Preserve, Schwenksville, PA
This summer has been hot, but birdwatching is still cool! Join Vincent Smith, past president of Valley Forge Audubon Society, on a birding trip through the deep forests of the Meng Preserve in Lower Frederick Township, Montgomery County.

Once the home of Eva R. Meng, an avid preservationist, and used for a time as a girl scout camp, this unique 101-acre property was gifted to Valley Forge Audubon Society (VFAS) in 1994. In 2019 VFAS transferred the Meng Preserve to Natural Lands, which now stewards and cares for it. The preserve is notable for its vast unbroken forest and the essential habitat it offers for wildlife. It also includes spectacular diabase rock formations which make the trails wonderfully challenging, so good boots and a sense of adventure are a must.

Our partner for this event is Lower Frederick Township (LFT), which has been designated as a Pennsylvania Bird Town. Through the Bird Town program municipalities promote environmental awareness via educational activities and community involvement to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for birds, wildlife, and people. Valley Forge Audubon Society is delighted to partner with Lower Frederick Township to offer this free event at the Meng Preserve.

This field trip will cover 1-2 miles over rocky and sometimes steeply sloped terrain and will last approximately 2 hours. No prior knowledge of birds or birding is necessary to attend - beginners are always welcome, as are children who are accompanied by an adult. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Note that there is no restroom available on site.
8 attendees+3
Sun, Aug 11, 2024, 9:00 AM EDTSecond Sunday Nature Hike at Ridley Creek State Park
Ridley Creek State Park Entrance, Glen Mills, PA
How to find us: Enter the park from Gradyville Road. Once in the park, follow the signs to the park office, which is Hunting Hill Mansion, and meet in the upper parking lot. If using GPS, enter these coordinates to take you directly to the meeting location: +39.95076, -75.45191

Please join Ridley Creek State Park's naturalist on the second Sunday of every month for a 2-3 mile guided nature hike through the woods and fields of this expansive 2,606-acre park in Delaware County, only 16 miles from center city Philadelphia. The hike will last about 2 hours and will take place on natural surface trails, so wear good walking shoes and bring water and snacks. You may want to bring binoculars if you have them to get a better look at the birds we encounter. We will also explore the variety of trees, wildflowers, and other plants and animals that we may find, and we will learn about the history of the park as well.

Registration is not required for this family-friendly program. Meet at the Hunting Hill Mansion (Park Office) in the upper parking lot.

Restrooms are available on site.
4 attendees

Past events (831)

Sat, Jul 20, 2024, 8:00 AM EDTMonthly Birding Tour at Mill Grove
This event has passed
6 attendees+1

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