UPPER DELAWARE RIVER REGION, PA AND NY – The Delaware Highlands Conservancy announces community programs and workshops hosted in November 2026 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.

Friday, November 6 – 1pm-3pm – Using Nature as a Blueprint for Landscape Design

Join Maria Grimaldi, certified Permaculture instructor, at the Van Scott Nature Reserve for an introduction to the essentials of designing a landscape plan for your home or homestead. In this workshop, you’ll learn the ethical principles of permaculture design and how to apply nature-inspired strategies to your own landscape. You’ll explore tools such as zone and sector analysis to better understand your property and identify opportunities for thoughtful, sustainable design.

During the first hour, Maria will introduce the key concepts and techniques. You’ll then put what you’ve learned into practice by creating a landscape plan of your own, with guidance from Maria along the way. All materials will be provided, along with resources to help you continue exploring permaculture design after the workshop. This program is intended for adults. Program fee is $5 for Conservancy members or $10 for non-members; kids 12 and under free. Advance registration is requested.

Saturday, November 7 – 9am-11:30am – Stopover Ecology of Landbird Migrants: Why It’s Good to be Fat and Other Migratory Tales

Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at the Van Scott Nature Reserve for morning all about birds, featuring a presentation on avian migration and research conducted in Northeast Pennsylvania with Dr. Robert Smith and Dr. Meg Hatch. Drs. Hatch and Smith are especially interested in the ecology of migratory birds. The event fee is $5 for Conservancy members and $10 for non-members. Kids under 12 are free. Advance registration is requested.

Friday, November 13 – 5:30pm-6:30pm – Monarchs & Milkweed: Seed Bomb Workshop for Kids!

Western Sullivan Public Library, 198 Bridge Street, Narrowsburg, NY

Join Delaware Highlands Conservancy for an educational program about how to support the monarch butterfly and its habitat within our community! In the last two decades, the monarch’s population has decreased by over 80%, but by learning more about their species and what helps them thrive, we can do our part to bring them back. After learning all about the beautiful monarch butterfly, children will participate in a hands-on craft by building their very own seed bomb filled with milkweed seeds! This program is free of charge, but prior registration is requested. This program is best suited for children ages 3-12.

Saturday, November 14 – 10am-11:30am – BearWise in Pennsylvania: Biology, Behavior, and Coexistence

Join PA Game Commission Northeast Region’s Environmental Education Specialist, Kelly Pollock, at the Van Scott Nature Reserve to explore the fascinating biology, behavior, and seasonal habits of Pennsylvania’s black bears. She will offer insights into how they survive and thrive in our forests and share tips on minimizing potential conflicts associated with black bears in your community. This program is geared towards families. Program fee is $5 for Conservancy members or $10 for non-members; kids 12 and under free. Advance registration is requested.

Saturday, November 21 – 5am-7pm – Owl Prowl

Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at the Van Scott Nature Reserve to learn about Pennsylvania’s owls, their role in our ecosystems, and potentially spot one on the Reserve. This program will begin indoors with a brief overview on owls coupled with the opportunity to see and touch replica skulls of multiple owl species. At dusk, the group will head out on a quiet prowl to search and listen for owls in our beautiful meadows. There is no guarantee the group will see or hear an owl during the outdoor portion of this program, but it will still be a great learning experience! This program is designed for participants of all ages with an appreciation for local wildlife. Program fee is $5 for Conservancy members or $10 for non-members; kids 12 and under free. Advance registration is requested.