UPPER DELAWARE RIVER REGION, PA AND NY – The Delaware Highlands Conservancy announces community programs and workshops hosted in August at the Van Scott Nature Reserve (571 Perkins Pond Rd, Beach Lake, PA) and in the region. Most events require advance registration. For program details and to register, please visit www.DelawareHighlands.org/events or call Education and Volunteer Coordinator Jen Campbell at 570-226-3164 ext. 2.

Saturday, August 1 – 10am-12pm – Exploring Our Local Forests

Join Julian Maza, Service Forester with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, for a guided walk along the Damascus Forest Trail. Explore the forest while learning about tree identification, forest management, and other forestry topics. Following the walk, attendees are invited to visit the property of Louise Washer, a local landowner who conserved her land in 2008 in partnership with Delaware Highlands Conservancy to protect its wildlife habitat, diverse natural resources, and the shores of the Delaware River. This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is requested.

Saturday, August 15 – 7:15pm-8:45pm – Sunset Wellness Walk

Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy staff on a guided wellness walk at the Van Scott Nature Reserve to enjoy the beautiful summer sunset! Through October, Conservancy staff will lead wellness walks on select dates in the morning and evening to promote relaxation and connection with the nature and beauty of the Van Scott Nature Reserve. Sunset walks will last for 1.5 hours and take different routes to finish off with the best view of the sunset. Perfect for photographers! Please be prepared to walk on sloped terrain, wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that are comfortable for the weather. A water bottle and light snack are recommended. The program is free, but advance registration is requested.

Saturday, August 22 – 8am-10am – Morning Bird Walk

Want to learn more about the bird calls you hear in your backyard? Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at the Van Scott Nature Reserve for a morning bird walk! Participants will walk the trails of the Reserve with a staff member and make occasional stops to locate birds and learn their calls. Please be prepared to walk on sloped terrain, wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that are comfortable for the weather. A water bottle and light snack are recommended. It is encouraged that participants bring a pair of binoculars, but limited supply will be available to borrow. This program is free, but advance registration is requested. Appropriate for all ages.

Saturday, August 22 – 12pm-1:30pm – What’s in Your Water?

Clean drinking water is something we all depend on. Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at the Van Scott Nature Reserve to learn how we can help keep our waterways clean and why that is important for both people and wildlife! Participants will also take part in a water filtration experiment to see firsthand some of the work that goes into creating clean drinking water. This program is designed for children aged 8 years old and up. Program fee is $5 for Conservancy members or $10 for non-members; kids 12 and under are free. Advance registration is required and children must be accompanied by an adult to attend.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s mission is to conserve the forests, farmland, clean waters, and wildlife habitat of the Upper Delaware River region for present and future generations and to foster environmental stewardship through community engagement. For more information, call 570-226-3164/845-583-1010 or visit www.DelawareHighlands.org.