BEACH LAKE, PA – The Delaware Highlands Conservancy announces community programs and workshops hosted in May at the Van Scott Nature Reserve (571 Perkins Pond Rd, Beach Lake, PA) and throughout the Upper Delaware River region. Most events require advance registration. For program details and to register, please visit www.delawarehighlands.org/events or call Education and Stewardship Associate Lydia Freethy at 570-226-3164 ext. 4.

Saturday, May 2 – 10am-12pm – Wandering Invaders: Multiflora Rose

Join Lucas Green, the Conservancy’s Reserve & Facilities Coordinator, to learn how to identify and manage Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), an introduced invasive shrub that is present across much of the Northeastern United States, including at the Van Scott Nature Reserve. After a brief introduction, participants will head out on a guided walk to spot young plants and developing thickets while learning practical identification and management techniques you can use on your own property. Closed-toe shoes required. Please dress for the weather. Tools will be provided. This event will involve light to moderate outdoor activity. A water bottle and snack are recommended. Rain date: Sunday, May 3.

Saturday, May 9 – 9am-11am – Morning Wellness Walk

Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy staff on a guided morning wellness walk at the Van Scott Nature Reserve! Twice per month from May to October, Conservancy staff will lead wellness walks in the morning and evening to promote relaxation and connection with the nature and beauty of the Van Scott Nature Reserve. The morning walks will last for approximately 1.5-2 hours and take different routes of the Bluebird, Butterfly, Explorer, Wildflower and Woodland Trails. 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 guided wellness walks are free, and advance registration is not required—just drop in and meet the group at 9am to join.

Tuesday, May 12 – 5:30pm-6:30pm – Conservation Conversations *Zoom event*

Join the Conservancy’s Land Protection Coordinators Trey Talley and Kaylan Hubbard for a virtual Zoom gathering to learn about the Delaware Highlands Conservancy and how we can help you protect your land. What is a conservation easement and what property characteristics do we look for? What are the steps and costs associated with placing a conservation easement on your property? Are there any financial benefits for the landowner? Following a brief presentation, you will be invited to join the conversation and get your questions answered.

Saturday, May 16 – 10am-12pm – Walk & Talk at the Forest Reserve at Smallwood

Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy and Timothy Yeatts, Forester with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, for a “Walk and Talk” at the Forest Reserve at Smallwood in Smallwood, NY. This engaging event offers a chance to explore an important question: What does it mean to manage land and its forests? Tim will guide participants along the reserve’s scenic trails and pristine waterways while answering questions from attendees and sharing insights into forest management, conservation, and stewardship. Closed-toe shoes required, rain or shine. Participants should anticipate walking 1-2 miles on maintained trails and pathways.

Friday, May 22 – 1pm-5pm – Monitoring Volunteer Training

Join Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Stewardship Staff for an informative Monitoring Volunteer Training at the Van Scott Nature Reserve. Learn more about our monitoring program and how volunteers can join us on annual visits to conserved properties throughout the region. The training will include an introduction to monitoring, accompanied by a practical example site visit. Gain valuable insights and contribute to the conservation efforts of the Conservancy.

Saturday, May 23 – 10am-1pm – What’s That Native? A Hands-On Gardening Workshop

Discover the native species of the Conservancy’s Van Scott Nature Reserve with Leigh Allison of Project Meadow, Louise Washer of Pollinator Pathways, Keenan Gruver of Known Grove, and Lucas Green, the Conservancy’s Reserve & Facilities Coordinator. This hands-on program is great for those who want to learn how to identify native plants and understand their vital roles in supporting healthy ecosystems. After exploring the Reserve and identifying native plants, put your knowledge into action with a hands-on transplanting session. Join our presenters as they guide you in transplanting native plants into the Conservancy’s new Preview Garden. You’ll gain practical skills in soil composition, plant removal and transplantation, and tips for establishing natives in your own landscape. Closed-toe shoes required. Please dress for the weather. Tools will be provided. This event will involve light to moderate outdoor activity. A water bottle and snack are recommended. Rain date: Sunday, May 24.

Saturday, May 30 – 10am-11:30am – Maintaining and Caring for Your Seedlings: Growing Your Own Food Series

Join local farmer Amy Erlwein at the Van Scott Nature Reserve for the second part of our Growing Your Own Food Series where we will discuss how to maintain and care for your new seedlings! (You need not attend all three sessions of the series.) Amy will discuss the how and why of where to plant your seedlings in the garden, what fertilizer to use, how to control pests and weeds, and more tips on how to properly maintain and care for your new seedlings. We’ll discuss the differences between using organic vs. conventional fertilizer and what would be best for you to use in your gardens based on what you’re planting. Amy has been farming in Sullivan County for over 40 years and currently serves on the Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Board of Directors. In this 3-part education series, Amy will discuss the process of how to grow your own food from seedlings all the way to harvest. Each program will focus on different aspects of gardening and discuss important processes that can help your garden succeed. We’ll discuss proper planting techniques, correct maintenance and care for your seeds, and finally, how to properly harvest and store your crops for both short and long-term timeframes. Workshop fee is $10 per family.

Saturday, May 30 – 7pm – 8:30pm – 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 and fall sunsets. From May to 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 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.