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Dove
Tales
Fall 2024
Welcome to Dove Tales, an informative e-blast to our most ardent PVNC supporters. Here you’ll find links to upcoming programs, volunteer and membership news, and updates on projects. We hope this provides the resources you need to stay informed and engaged!
Director's Note
Dear Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center,
Over the past year, our facility has undergone some major changes – a new roof, siding, and HVAC system were installed. Drywall repair and painting are in the final phase, and upgrades to the main visitor area began mid-November.
As with any project, unforseen challenges arise, and this renovation has been no exception. We're nearing the finish line, but several several items still need to be addressed. The list includes new flooring, storage solutions, and water mitigation.
We're working hard to complete all projects and are eager to welcome you back to the Visitor Center in the coming weeks.
Upgrades outside are also ongoing. A Master Trail Plan was completed this year, and we've prioritized the repair of Pine, Evergreen, Pond, Indian, and Woods Edge trails. Work began this fall to make this network of "arterial trails," our most universally accessible. A crew of dedicated County employees and volunteers installed boardwalks and new tread along portions of Pine Path in late November. Work on this network of trails and fundraising will continue this winter.
In late August, design concepts for a stormwater management plan were presented. Phase 1 is underway and includes construction of a bioswale and rain garden. This phase will address the water that inundates access to the visitor center and bird blind and should be complete before the end of winter, with the native plant garden installed in early spring.
This has been a challenging year for our dedicated volunteers and staff. Their resilience and determination have been nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing extreme challenges, they continued to work with passion and perseverance, ensuring our mission stayed strong. Their commitment has not only overcome obstacles but has uplifted our entire community. They deserve an enormous thank your for their extraordinary effort and for being the heart of our success!
To our valued members and supporters: we deeply appreciate your patience and commitment throughout our extended closure. Your understanding has been invaluable as we work to improve and restore our facilities for a better visitor experience. If you would like to further support these efforts, we invite you to consider a donation to help us continue providing a space for learning, connection, and natural beauty. Thank you for standing with us—you make everything we do possible!
See you on the trails,
Kelly Joslin
Director - Naturalist
8th Annual Fall Harvest Sampler a Great Success!
The Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center, with support from theBucks County Department of Parks and Recreation, held their largest fundraiser of the year on Friday, September 27th. Featuring live music, a silentauction,andraffles,more than 150 guestsenjoyedanincrediblelineupofcraftbeerandseasonalfoodscourtesyofB&B Beverages and Penn Taproom.
Net proceeds from this year’s event totaled more than $37,000! This will be used to fund our on-going Trail and Garden RevitalizationProject.ThisprojectwillinstallrainandnativeplantgardensneartheVisitorCenterandhelpimplement recommendations from the PVNC Master Trail Plan created by Penn Trails, LLC in April 2024. This includes trail repair, new signage, and designated universal access trails to enhance the hiking experience. Thanks to those who attended, sponsored, or donated to our auction. Your generousity is appreciated!
8th Annual Fall Harvest Sampler Sponsors
This Giving Tuesday, Help Revitalize Our Trails and Gardens!
Your support can bring new life to our beloved trails and gardens, creating spaces where nature thrives and visitors connect with the outdoors. Every donation helps restore habitats, enhance accessibility, and ensure a beautiful, sustainable environment for all to enjoy.
Join us in preserving these treasures for future generations—give today to make a lasting impact! 🌿✨
Fall has arrived and we invite you to join us for a dose of nature! Be sure to visit our calendar of events to discover more! Most events require advance registration.
This is your opportunity to explore the park after dark! This educational walk is all about our closest celestial neighbor and how it affects life on earth, both human and otherwise.
Join us for a hike to celebrate the promise of longer days. We'll discover the myths and legends behind the shortest day of the year and end with a cup of hot cocoa.
This past year, natural resource volunteers have worked diligently to remove invasive species, maintain trails, and plant native forbs, grasses, trees, and shrubs. One recent project is our Streamside Buffer Teaching Garden, located behind the Visitor Center. The projected was supported by a Plant Grant from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, funding from the Bucks County Parks & Rec. Dept. for interpretive signage, and a lot of restoration work by the Master Watershed Stewards. Come check it out and learn about the water-purifying power of plants!
Memberships and donations for the Friends of PVNC provide funds for our environmental education program mission. We are fortunate to have a community that provides financial and volunteer support and look forward to your continued participation.
Barbara Beck
Kathleen Benditt
Maggi Ruth Boyer
Debbie Carlin Kennedy
Linda A DeBow
Barbara Dempsey
Rose Djorup
Gail Donegan
Philomena Glowka
Sandy Goldberg
Douglas Gump
Paul Hammer
Patrick & Suzanne Helbach
Jennifer K. Heusser
Mary Jacobs
Teresa Kellogg
Michelle L Kelly
Jeff Kuhl
James Maxwell
Matt Mutchler
Jeffrey E. Phillips
Ellie Reader Popjoy & Mark Popjoy
Janeen Priano
Stevyn Reed
Bob Shuminski
John Taplett
George Stephen Varkoly
Lesley S Weissman-Cook
David Wilderman
Meredith Yoeli
DONATIONS
We are deeply thankful for the ongoing financial support from our members, friends, and neighboring communities. Your donations sustain our mission, enabling us to keep nature accessible and inspire others to protect our habitats and the wildlife that depend on them.
Click hereto see a list of those who provided financial support in August, September, and October.
The Hidden Value of Fallen Leaves: Nature's Essential Ecosystem Players
As autumn sets in and leaves begin to blanket the ground, many people view this as a sign to start raking and clearing their yards. But before you reach for the rake, it's worth understanding the crucial role these fallen leaves play in sustaining ecosystems, benefiting everything from insects to birds.
Fallen leaves help build healthy soil, provide shelter for overwintering invertebrates, offer a winter buffet for birds, and support a healthy ecosystem.
Click the button to learn more about the hidden value of fallen leaves.
The Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs, activities, and facilities. The official registration information of the Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center, Inc. may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling (800) 732-0999.
Bucks County Commissioners:
Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW, Chair; Robert J. Harvey, Jr., Vice-chair & Gene DiGirolamo
