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Peace Valley Nature Center Connecting People and Nature since 1975
Message from the Director
Dear Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center,
As summer arrives at Peace Valley Nature Center, there is no shortage of exciting activity across the preserve. From campers and community scientists to volunteers and visitors, the season is already off to a wonderful start.
We're pleased to welcome Julia Giannattasio, our Summer Community Science Intern, who will be assisting with wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration projects, and helping visitors engage with nature through hands-on conservation efforts. We're excited to have Julia as part of the team and look forward to sharing her work throughout the summer.
Summer Camp season is also underway, and we can't wait to welcome dozens of young explorers to the Nature Center for a season of discovery, adventure, and outdoor learning.
Across the preserve, habitat restoration efforts continue to make impressive progress. New native plantings are establishing, meadow and woodland restoration projects are taking shape, and ongoing monitoring is helping us better understand how these improvements benefit wildlife. If you haven't visited recently, be sure to stop by the rain garden near the Visitor Center—it's especially beautiful this time of year and buzzing with pollinators.
Community engagement remains strong as well. More than 150 teams have participated in our Find Your Wild scavenger hunt, helping people of all ages explore Peace Valley in new ways. The Spring edition was a tremendous success, and the Summer edition will kick off 6/21 with new missions and challenges to enjoy.
We were also thrilled by the incredible turnout for the inaugural Twilight 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk, which brought together runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters in a fun-filled evening benefiting Peace Valley Nature Center. We'll share more highlights and results from the event in our July Dove Notes.
As always, there are many ways to support Peace Valley Nature Center. If you own a business—or know someone who does—please consider learning more about Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, which allows eligible businesses to redirect state tax dollars to support our environmental education programs.
Whether you're joining us for a program, hiking a trail, volunteering, or simply enjoying the beauty of the preserve, we hope you'll make Peace Valley Nature Center part of your summer.
See you on the trails,
Kelly Joslin Director/Naturalist
UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS
There’s no better time than summer to explore the wonders of the natural world at Peace Valley Nature Center. Our programs offer something for everyone! Seasonal highlights below, but be sure to visit our calendar of events to discover more!
Sunday, June 21st
Come join us as we celebrate the summer solstice on June 21st! We will kick off the official start of summer with an ice cream social and lawn games. Stop by the pavilion just next to the Visitor's Center anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 to join in the fun!
FIND YOUR WILD: CELEBRATING50 YEARS OF CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE
The Spring edition of Find Your Wild has been a tremendous success, with more than 150 teams participating in nature-themed missions, exploring the preserve, and discovering Peace Valley Nature Center in new ways. From spotting wildlife and wildflowers to tackling trivia challenges and outdoor adventures, participants of all ages have helped make the program one of our most engaging anniversary activities yet.
Now, we're excited to launch the Summer Edition of Find Your Wild! New missions, new discoveries, and new opportunities to connect with nature are arriving all season long. Whether you're a returning participant or joining for the first time, it's not too late to jump in on the fun. The program is completely free and designed for families, friends, and nature lovers of all ages.
Complete missions, earn points, explore the park, and make lasting memories while celebrating Peace Valley Nature Center's 50th Anniversary. Your next adventure is waiting—it's time to Find Your Wild!
Habitat Restoration Project Nearing Completion
A major habitat restoration project at Peace Valley Nature Center is nearing completion thanks to the generous support of the HOW Foundation and the hard work of volunteers from the Central Bucks Rotary and our dedicated PVNC volunteer corps.
The project includes restoration of both meadow and vernal pool habitats, as well as reforestation efforts within an adjacent evergreen stand. Together, these improvements will enhance habitat quality for a wide range of native wildlife while increasing the ecological diversity of the area.
As part of the project, the HOW Foundation funded the installation of 700 native grass and wildflower plugs, 75 native trees and shrubs, and 60 pounds of seed mix tailored to woodland and meadow habitats. These plantings are being paired with ongoing community science and ecological monitoring efforts designed to better understand the benefits native plants provide to sensitive wildlife species, including salamanders, frogs, insects, and other important members of the preserve's ecosystem.
The final phase of the project will be the installation of an interpretive sign at the vernal pool located at the intersection of Pond Path, Unami Trail, and Lenape Trail. The sign will help visitors learn about the unique ecology of vernal pools and the importance of habitat restoration in supporting native wildlife.
We extend our sincere thanks to the HOW Foundation, Central Bucks Rotary, and the many volunteers who have helped transform this area into a healthier and more resilient habitat for both wildlife and future generations of visitors.
STAFF NEWS
Please join us in welcoming Julia Giannattasio to Peace Valley Nature Center as our Summer Community Science Intern. Throughout the summer, Julia will assist with wildlife monitoring, habitat assessments, native plant inventories, and community science initiatives that help us better understand and protect the preserve's diverse ecosystems.
As part of her internship, Julia will also work alongside staff and volunteers to collect valuable ecological data while engaging visitors in hands-on conservation and environmental education efforts.
If you see Julia out on the trails or participating in a project this summer, be sure to say hello and help us welcome her to the PVNC community!
Summer is a great time to get involved and help care for the landscapes and habitats at Peace Valley Nature Center. Volunteers can lend a hand with habitat restoration projects, support the Native Plant Garden Crew, and assist with invasive plant removal. Whether you enjoy working in the gardens or out on the trails, these hands-on opportunities are a great way to learn, connect with nature, and make a meaningful impact at PVNC.
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.
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
