Message from the Director

Dear Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center,

In 2025, Peace Valley Nature Center marked an important milestone with the reopening of the Nature Center building after an 18-month closure, welcoming visitors back indoors while continuing to make meaningful strides in habitat restoration, public engagement, and community connection. 

With the building reopened, public engagement expanded through new and refreshed programming, including the launch of innovative initiatives designed to spark curiosity and deepen visitor connection to nature. Educational programs, community science efforts, and interpretive experiences once again welcomed visitors of all ages indoors and out, while special events—such as the sold-out Luminaria Walk—demonstrated strong community support and enthusiasm. Behind the scenes, new outreach tools and trained volunteers strengthened our presence at community events and broadened opportunities for engagement beyond the Nature Center.

Together, these efforts reflect a year of resilience, collaboration, and renewed momentum. As we look ahead, stay tuned for major announcements kicking off the next 50 years of connecting people with nature, including special 50th anniversary activities, trail and signage upgrades, and new fundraising events and campaigns. With the continued support of our community, Peace Valley Nature Center is poised for an exciting and impactful future in 2026 and beyond.

With gratitude,
Kelly Joslin
Director/Naturalist

VOLUNTEER NOTES

Celebrating Our 2025 Volunteers: The Heart of Peace Valley

Volunteers made an incredible impact this year, with more than 300 volunteers contributing nearly 4,300 hours of service. Together, they planted more than 800 trees and shrubs during the spring and fall in areas affected by Emerald Ash Borer, along the lakeside riparian buffer, and at our vernal pool site. Volunteers also established a new Livestaking Nursery by clearing an enclosed area and planting eight live-staking species, creating a future source for on-site restoration and fundraising. Additional efforts included designing new tabling materials, recruiting and training tabling volunteers to expand community outreach, and making major progress on the HOW project through habitat restoration at the vernal pool and reseeding one of our largest meadows, with evergreen planting planned for 2026. Volunteers also played a key role in developing and leading new programs, including Grounded in Nature: A Forest Mindfulness Series and the Wild Reads Book Club.

Looking ahead, there will be many ways to get involved and make an impact in 2026, including opportunities to serve as visitor services volunteers, garden crew members, and administrative support, as well as continued roles in habitat restoration, education, and community engagement.

Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center: Volunteer Info Session - Sunday, Jan. 11th, 1 - 2 PM

Our neighbors at Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Chalfont care for thousands of orphaned and injured animals each year—and they do it with the help of an incredible team of volunteers.

Join us at Peace Valley Nature Center for a brief information session to learn about volunteer opportunities with Aark for the 2026 season. Aark staff will share what volunteering involves and how you can get involved in supporting wildlife rehabilitation and education.

Preregistration is recommended but not required. Children are welcome to attend the session; however, please note that volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate at Aark. The session will last less than one hour, leaving plenty of time to enjoy your visit to Peace Valley Nature Center afterward.

PEACE VALLEY NATURE CENTER

(215) 348-6270

170 N. Chapman Rd.

Doylestown, PA  18901

40.3400° N, 75.1717° W

Trails open daily, dawn to dusk