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Dove
Tales
February 2023
Welcome to the new Dove Tales, a monthly e-blast to our most ardent supporters of PVNC. 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 Notes
Happy February!
This is the time of year when the winter blues can be the most challenging, but I want to remind you that the promise of spring is within reach. The days are getting longer, sap has started to flow, skunk cabbage is in bloom, and the melodies of northern cardinals and house finches fill the air.
As nature readies herself for renewal, the Board, staff, and volunteers are working hard to assess, strategize, and plan for the future. Work inside the nature center is close to completion – a new pellet stove, fresh paint, and refreshed children’s area are welcome improvements. The exterior of the building will receive a new roof, windows, and siding later this year.
New things are happening all around, and include:
Design work for the Nature Play Zone and rain garden commenced this month
Master Watershed volunteers will live plant native trees and shrubs along the banks of Lake Galena
The development of a reforestation plan, with help from the 10 Million Trees for PA program, to offset the loss of ash trees on the property
Trail mapping and assessment continue as we look to address erosion and water management along the trails
New programs are planned in the coming months that include Members Only offerings
We are able to “spring forward” thanks to the support of our Board, members, dedicated volunteers, and the community. We hope you’ll join us on Saturday, April 29thfor our Annual Meeting, where we’ll discuss these and other initiatives that we hope to implement in the near future.
See you on the trails!
Kelly Joslin
Director - Naturalist
PVNC Summer Camp
Another memorable summer of outdoor exploration at Peace Valley is just around the corner! Registration is open and slots are filling fast.
This year, we are excited to introduce some changes to the structure of our nature camp. Please click below to find out more, and reach out to Karissa Elser, EE Director at v-kmelser@buckscounty.orgwith any questions.
Register by March 1st to receive an Early Bird discount!
Teen Volunteer Opportunity - 2023 Summer Camp Junior Counselor
Are you a teen aged 15 & up who enjoys spending time outdoors and helping kids discover the wonders of nature? Consider applying to our Junior Counselor program.
In December, we launched a campaign to raise funds that will be used to update our trail map, trails signs, and install pollinator and bird-friendly gardens. Thanks to everyone who helped us raise $4,710 of our $20,000 goal!
Will you help us to improve our gardens and trails and share this fundraiser with your friends and family?
Do you or someone you know have a passion to serve, promote, and support the development, programming and operation of Peace Valley Nature Center? If so, we hope you'll consider a leadership position on our Board of Directors.
Our Directors have served the best interests of PVNC for decades, and will play an integral role in the coming months as we continue to implement projects and plan for the future.
Directors serve for a term of 3 years, beginning April 2023 and concluding March 2026. Interest forms are due no later than February 24, 2023.
Interested? Click below to learn more about the role and to fill out a questionnaire.
We would like to thank all of our volunteers—individuals and groups—for their continued support of the Nature Center. Volunteers assist with education, land management, and special events. Upcoming volunteer opportunities are listed below. To register or inquire, please email kgudknecht@buckscounty.org
Work Days:
April 8th: 10am-12pm
May 6th: 10am-12pm
Our group Work Days are a great opportunity for community members to support the mission of Peace Valley Nature Center.
Peace Valley Love Stories
A few weeks ago, we asked couples who met a Peace Valley to share their stories with us. We heard from several folks whose love of nature helped them find the love of their life. We hope you enjoy these Peace Valley love stories as much as we did!
Click Here for a complete list of our upcoming events, classes, and programs. We have something for all ages and interests, and we look forward to enjoying the outdoors with you!
Event Highlight - Maple Sugar Day
Saturday, March 4th: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Bring family and friends or come as a group and experience the way maple sugar was collected and made during the pioneer days. We will travel to the sugar bush to bring back some maple sap for the addition to the boiling pot of soon-to-be syrup. Waffles available for a nominal fee.
No registration is required for this event.
Program Highlight - Naturalist's Digital Toolbox Workshop
Wednesday, March 29th: 6:30 – 7:30pm
Fee: $5/member; $8/non-member
This workshop is all about using technology to elevate our experience in the woods. We will learn how to use a few identification apps, download them together, and hit the trail to begin using them. We’ll also go over some excellent resources for independent learning online. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of local flora and fauna, this is the class for you! Advance registration required.
Every day is Earth Day! But especially today, when people in over 190 countries celebrate our planet through education, action, and commemoration. We will celebrate by providing our community a day full of activities in and around the Nature Center. This event is rain or shine.
MEMBERSHIP NOTES
Welcome January's New Members:
Jessica Brown Lori Boccuzzi Kaitlin Beck Poonam M Patel Jenna L Harbaugh Kim Hawksworth Joyce DeLucia Dana Naddaff Nicole Puchyr Timothy Crowell Sarah J Moffatt Maureen Skaates Ashley Burnett Jeffery Bruni & Sharon Vogt Shannon A DeBellis Heather L Chisnell Laura Slingsby Leann Heinzeroth Roseanne M Bolger Lisa Yan Faryn Kunkle Kimberly McLaughlin Tammy McCarthy Maria Sampera Janet Wampole Heather Wolf
J. and Family Julian
Elizabeth OMalley Angela Capece Cassandra Matthews Brian Sweigard Stephanie Scott Vanessa Lassin Heather R Wear Faryn Kunkle Kate W Tarr Nicole Weckenman Joe Barnyock Sarah Candido Bridget Stetler Megan Castor Sarah Candido Darby G Sullivan Rosemary McDowell Martin & Kathleen Kaffenberg Jade McGregor Sarah E Hogan Katie Murphy Pamela Blake John Hill & Carol Hannan Brenda Hendrickson & Jere Schade E. and Family Hibbs Robert & Jess Fox
Thank you to our generous donors.
Click Hereto check out our new Donor Recognition page on the website.
PEACE VALLEY NATURE CENTER
170 N. Chapman Rd., Doylestown
215.348.6270
Trails open daily, dawn to dusk
Winter Hours
Tue- Fri,10-4:30; Sat, 10-4, Sun,12-4
Closed Mondays
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: Robert J. Harvey, Jr., Chair; Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW, Vice-chair & Gene DiGirolamo