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Dove
Tales
May 2023
Welcome to the 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 Note
The busy spring season is in full swing at PVNC. More than 1,500 people participated in programs or events, dozens of volunteers helped maintain trails, pull invasive species, and plant hundreds of trees. The arrival of spring wildflowers, migratory birds, and "warm" spring weather have been a welcome relief to visitors and program participants alike. To date, 166 species of birds have been documented at Peace Valley Park, including an extremely rare visitor - a red phalarope! Let this be a reminder to us all how extraordinarily lucky we are to have this gem of a park in our community.
The Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center hosted their Annual Membership Meeting on April 29th. Outgoing Board President Kathy Donahue shared the 2022Annual Report at the meeting which noted healthy financial, membership, and community engagement numbers. A slate of new board members was also approved at the meeting. We welcome Jim Nangeroni, Zach Jarin, Anthony Volpe, Ralph Kennedy, Michael Carter, and Tim Hayes - each elected to serve 3-year terms. We are also pleased to welcome Jennifer Brown, who was appointed to serve the remainder of Board Member Bob Showalter's term. Each new board member brings a unique skill set and passion for supporting our mission. We're excited to have them on our team!
As we ushered in new board members, we said goodbye to Andy Jarin and Jared Rubinsky, who each served 6 years on our board. We're grateful for the time and talent they shared with PVNC. They've assured us that this will not be a final farewell as they are committed to volunteer and serve in various ways. Kathy Donahue, whose guidance and leadership have been invaluable, will serve one more year on the board as a member at large. She passed the Board President's baton to Jane Bittner, who will competently continue in Kathy's footsteps.
I encourage you to check out the numerous ways to engage with PVNC in the coming months and take advantage of the benefits of membership. Members will get first dibs at our Native Plant Sale. This annual fundraiser will have a member's only preview sale on May 18th! It's a great way to support both PVNC and native wildlife. Speaking of support, be sure to set aside Friday, September 29th for the 7th Annual Fall Harvest Sampler. More details soon!
We also hope you'll consider numerous volunteer opportunities, that include trail maintenance, garden work, and the Father's Day Break-Fast 5K/10K & Fun Run. Details can be found below and please reach out if you have any questions. Have a great spring!
In 2022, volunteers provided 3,043 hours of service. That's equivalent to 1.5 full time employees! We're grateful for the support all of our volunteers provide. We couldn't do it without you!
Thank you to our many dedicated volunteers!
Five Year Award Recipients:Cynthia Cameron Kathy Donahue TJ Miernicki Brian and Erin Spillane-Snyder Jared Rubinsky
Twenty Year Award Recipients:
Virginia Riffits Jane Gregoire
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Our Spring projects are in full swing, and we need your help! Join our talented team of volunteers who maintain trails, remove invasive species, plant trees, fill birdfeeders, run the plant sale, and so much more. This is a fantastic way to give back to our beloved park and make friends in the process!
Teen Volunteer Opportunity: 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.
Have you stopped by the Nature Center lately? New windows have been installed, the siding is nearly finished, and we should see a new roof soon. Once these are complete, we'll get to work on the gardens. Come check out the progress!
MEMBERSHIP NOTES
Membership 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!
Welcome New & Returning Members!
Nathan D. Balsham
Kathryn G. Carlson
Liza Donaldson
Cheryll Dougherty
Lynne J. Falterbauer
Courtney Goche
Leane Halter
Jennifer B. Hodges
Esther Hoffner
John & Susan Hook
M. Ivers
Kathleen Lilieholm
William McClements
Jim McGowan
August & Judy Mirabella
Marie & Bob Mueller
Jennifer & Jorge Ortiz
Robert B. Parr
Rachel Refice
Crystal Schneider
Melanie Senft
Katherine Short
Amy Hanna Smith
Jeanne Snyder
Robert T. Stephenson
Janice S. Thomas
FUNDRAISING NOTES
A huge thank you to Kimberton Whole Foods who made us the beneficiary of their Rounding Up at the Register program at their Ottsville location during the month of April. Customers contributed $3,469.73 to the program, which KWF generously matched, for a grand total of $6,936.46!
Volunteers have been hard at work prepping the site of the new rain garden. They're removing invasive species like mugwort, lesser celandine, and creeping Charlie. The goal is to install critical infrastructure this later this fall and plant native forbs, grasses, and shrubs next spring.
Father's Day Run to Benefit Peace Valley Nature Center
Have you considered increasing your impact with a recurring donation to the Friends of PVNC? It's easy - just CLICK HERE and select the dollar amount and frequency that fits your budget.
PEACE VALLEY NATURE CENTER
170 N. Chapman Rd., Doylestown
215.348.6270
Trails open daily, dawn to dusk
Visitor Center Hours
Tue - Sat: 10-5
Sun:12-5
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