Education
Adult Programs
Educational programs at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve cover a wide range of topics including the identification, ecology, and biodiversity of native plants; basics of botany; and how to use native plants, trees & shrubs in gardening and landscaping.
Keep checking our Calendar of Events for dates, costs and details. To ensure a place in a program, please make sure you pre-register by phone (215) 862-2924.
For adults interested in the Plant Stewardship Index, please click here>
Winter Lecture Series
Shake off the winter doldrums by joining us for our annual Winter Lecture Series.
This popular series features presentations by fascinating speakers every Sunday afternoon from 2 - 3p.m. in January and February.
Knowledgeable lecturers address a wide range of topics related to natural history, biodiversity, ecological gardening, native plants, native wildlife and other related topics.
For more information about our 2012 Winter Lecture Series, click here
Landscape Design Series
Learn the basics of landscape design from a professional! Develop a landscape plan of your own during this 4-part course. The design process will be broken down into bite-sized pieces, for a delicious and fun experience.
Landscape Design with Native Plants - sessions are 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Part I: Basic Hand Drafting Skills – January 14, 2012
Part II: The Built Environment – January 28, 2012
Part III: Native Plant Selection and Placement – February 11, 2012
Part IV: Finalizing Your Design – February 25, 2012
* Must be registered for the entire series to attend.
For registration information and class descriptions, check out our Calendar of Events.
Special Topical Walks
Winter Native Plant Walks
Explore the Preserve in its winter brilliance to discover woodland and meadow: Jan 21, 2012, 1-2 p.m. & Feb 18, 2012, 11 a.m. - noon
Spring Bird Walks
Experienced, local birding guides lead Saturday morning bird walks at the Preserve from April 14 - May 19, 2012, 8 - 10 a.m.
Morning Meadow Walks
Take a guided tour of our meadow to learn about ecology, grasses and pollinators: Wednesdays, July 18 - Sept 12, 2012, 10 - 11 a.m.
For registration information and class descriptions, check out our Calendar of Events.
Bird and Butterfly Counts
Great Backyard Bird Count: February 19, 2012, 11 a.m. – noon
Join Michael O’Shea from Wild Birds Unlimited to count birds at the Bird Observatory and help to create a real-time snapshot of where birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts.
North American Butterfly Assoc. Butterfly Count: July 21, 2012, 10 – 4
Join Preserve staff and volunteers for a fun-filled day tracking our butterfly populations. Count species of butterflies found in the Preserve meadow and even woodland areas. Anyone can participate, from beginning butterfly watchers to experts.
For more information about these events, check out our Calendar of Events.
Weed Patrol Invasives Classes
Join us to discover the Preserve’s most unwanted! Come learn about the problems caused by invasive plants and identification tips for our invasive enemies. Preserve staff will introduce you to these invasive plants and our management strategies.
Introduction to Invasive Species - March 31, 2012, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Invasive Plant Field Trip - NEW - October 27, 2012, 2 - 5 p.m.
Join us for a pulling party! Weed Patrol work days run 9:30 - noon on: May 19, June 16, July 21, August 11, September 29 and November 3.
For registration information and class descriptions, check out our Calendar of Events.
Growing Native Plants Series
Our Growing Native Plants classes are taught by Preserve Nursery Manager, Bob Mahler. In these classes, you will learn techniques for native plant propagation and cultivation.
2012 Growing Native Plants Schedule:
February 4 - Propagation from Seed, 10 a.m. - noon
June 23 - Mini Bog Garden, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
October 20 - Native Seed Collecting, 1 - 3 p.m.
For registration information and class descriptions, check out our Calendar of Events.
Knowing Native Plants Series
We feature a seasonal series of classes called Knowing Native Plants, in which learners of all backgrounds discover both the aesthetic and scientific aspects of our native flora through presentations and field hikes around our grounds.
Knowing Native Plants classes are held on Saturdays in the Preserve Auditorium. The fee for members is $15 and for non-members is $20. Pre-registration is suggested.
For registration information and class descriptions, check out our Calendar of Events.
2012 Knowing Native Plants Schedule:
January 7 - Basics of Plant Identification, 10 a.m. - noon
February 25 - Trees in Winter, 2 - 4 p.m.
March 24 - Signs of Spring, 1 - 4 p.m.
April 7 - Fleeting Flora, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
April 21 - Late Spring Lovelies, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
May 19 - Focus on Ferns, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
June 2 - Flowering Shrubs, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
July 7 - Meander Through Our Meadow, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
September 22 - The Amazing Aster Family, 1 - 4 p.m.
October 20 - Trees of the Preserve, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
