Category: Uncategorized

Getting to the Bottom of a Salty Situation

Thursday, February 12

7:00pm – 8:30pm

Narberth Borough Hall

100 Conway Ave., Narberth, PA 19072

Free

Join us for a winter workshop with Dr. Steven Goldsmith from the Department of Geography and the Environment at Villanova University to examine the impact of road salt on streams and actions we can take to improve conditions. Dr. Goldsmith will share findings from our National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funded project, including stream monitoring data and results of a community survey about road salt use. The event will be the first time this important information is shared publicly. Learn more about the project in this recent article. 

Register

School and Group Lessons

Our environmental education programs are available to public and private schools, homeschool groups, and extracurricular organizations such as Scouts and school clubs. Each lesson is designed to connect students to nature, inspire curiosity, and empower them to make positive impacts on their environment. By engaging students in real-world science and outdoor exploration, we aim to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards and help teachers strengthen their STEM curriculum with hands-on, place-based learning experiences.

We can accommodate a variety of class sizes, with a standard rate of $200 per session. One educator is provided for approximately 25 students; larger groups or creek-based programs may require additional educators for a small added fee. Discounts are available for Title I schools, and grant funding may be available to help offset program costs. 

Read about our lesson structures below. Email [email protected] and [email protected] to learn more about scheduling classes, customizing lessons, and exploring funding support.

Creek & Water Lessons

Held at nearby creeks, our water-focused programs bring watershed science to life. Many of these lessons can be adapted to in-class settings. 

  • Watershed & Stormwater Runoff: Students learn about watersheds and how land use within the watershed impacts water health. They will understand the changes affected by impervious surfaces, buildings, land use, etc. (Grades 4–12)
  • Enviroscape Interactive Model: Using a large 3D model, students can see how pollution travels through a watershed and brainstorm solutions to reduce nonpoint source pollution. We illustrate how common actions (such as road salt and fertilizer use) can lead to pollution downstream and share pollution solutions. This engaging, visual activity is ideal for all ages and is always a crowd favorite.
  • Macroinvertebrate Study: Students roll up their sleeves to collect and identify aquatic insects and other stream life. They’ll discover how these small creatures serve as indicators of water quality and the health of the ecosystem. While we think being in the creek is the best approach to this lesson, preserved samples can be brought into the classroom to accommodate. (Grades K–12)
  • Chemical Water Testing: For older students, this lesson adds a scientific layer to their fieldwork, testing water for pH, dissolved oxygen, and other factors that affect stream health, connecting the chemicals in the water to the actions on the land. (Grades 5–12)

Seasonal & Wildlife Lessons

Available either at Rolling Hill Park, at our cottage and surrounding land, or right on your school grounds. Students might learn about how animals adapt to winter through learning about hibernation and feeling real animal pelts, dissect owl pellets to explore food webs, join bird call walks, or go on bug hunts to discover the creatures that live under logs and leaves. We also offer exploratory nature play sessions that encourage creativity and sensory engagement with the natural world.

Native Plant Lessons

Through our native plant programs, students learn how native species support biodiversity, provide critical habitat, and protect local waterways. Lessons can include planting native species on school grounds or in community restoration areas, depending on available funding and season. These activities connect ecology, and stewardship of the land in a memorable and interactive way.

Artist-In-Residence

The Conservancy’s Artist-in-Residence is Deirdre Murphy, a friend and partner whose art ties in well with our mission at the Conservancy. Deirdre shares space with us in Rolling Hill Park, using the second floor of the cottage as her studio. Deirdre has created a range of work at the cottage, including pieces auctioned at our gala and the Birdsong Mural in Schauffele Plaza in Ardmore.

Read Deirdre’s bio below and learn more about her work on her website.

Deirdre Murphy is a contemporary visual artist whose work delves into the intricate connections between art and ecology. Through the mediums of painting, printmaking, and collaborative sculpture, she explores the effects of the climate crisis on avian migration, nesting structures, and ecosystems. Murphy’s artistic journey has been deeply intertwined with scientific inquiry, leading to collaborations with a diverse array of experts including ornithologists, biologists, neuroscientists, molecular scientists, and climatologist from esteemed institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Lehigh University, Washington College and Integral Molecular Laboratory.

Her artistic exploration has been enriched by residencies at renowned institutions including Penn State University’s Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Winterthur Museum, Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary, Powdermill Nature Reserve, and Drexel University’s Academy of Natural Sciences.  Throughout her career, Murphy has received recognition for her innovative work, earning grants and awards from prestigious organizations such as the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts, Percent for the Arts, CORE and Humanities Lab at Lehigh University, and the Leeway Grant. Murphy’s art has been showcased in prominent museums and galleries, including Winterthur Museum, Zillman Art Museum, Palm Springs Museum, Biggs Museum of American Art, New Bedford Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, and the Philadelphia International Airport.

Deirdre Murphy holds an MFA degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a BFA degree from the Kansas City Art Institute. She serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor at Lehigh University in the Art, Architecture and Design department.  Her artwork is represented by Chimaera Gallery (Philadelphia) and Susanna Gold Gallery and can be viewed at www.deirdremurphyart.com.

Astronomy Night – A Guided Tour of the Evening Sky

New Date

Thursday, December 4th

5pm – 7pm

Rolling Hill Park (at the top of the park near the bathrooms)

Join us for an evening under the stars as the Conservancy welcomes back our friends from Rittenhouse Observatory. They will lead us on a guided tour of the night sky, including a laser-guided star talk and binocular tour, with telescopes provided for up-close views of Saturn and other celestial wonders. A star map will be projected to help you follow along.

Registration is required so we can keep you updated about any weather-related changes (this event can only run under clear skies). A $5 parking fee per vehicle will be collected during registration, please carpool if you can.

Register

Birding with Bobo

Sunday, October 26

8 am – 10 am

The Conservancy Cottage in Rolling Hill Park

Free

Join the Conservancy and our guest, birder Andrew “Bobo” Grunwald, for a guided bird walk through Rolling Hill Park!

With over fifteen years of birding experience, Bobo brings skill and enthusiasm to the trail as he tunes in to the sights and sounds of our feathered friends. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

Meet at the yellow Conservancy Cottage in Rolling Hill Park, located left down the drive just before the main parking lot. Some binoculars are available, but please bring your own if you have them.

Register

Schauffele Plaza Grand Opening

Saturday, October 4th

11am – 2pm

Schauffele Plaza

Free

Downtown Ardmore’s Schauffele Plaza is set for a transformation thanks to a community-led demonstration project. The Friends of Schauffele Plaza, in partnership with Ardmore Initiative and the Conservancy, with technical guidance and funding from Better Block, and additional support from Tired Hands and community volunteers, will be transforming Schauffele Plaza into a vibrant, welcoming, and comfortable public space.

The project will add mural art, native plants, seating, and community programming to provide residents and visitors with a much-needed third place in Downtown Ardmore. These changes will remain in place until construction begins on the planned permanent redesign of Schauffele Plaza, Lot 6, and Cricket Terrace.

The Conservancy provided the native plants, paid for with a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant, and a compiled a StoryMap with Ardmore Initiative about the history of the space. The Birdsong Mural was created by Deirdre Murphy, the Conservancy’s artist-in-residence.

The goals of the project are to demonstrate community desire for high-quality shared public spaces and imagine what’s possible for the future of Downtown Ardmore.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer or learn more can contact Craig Timberlake at [email protected].

Newsletter

Place your cursor on the image below to scroll through the newsletter or click here to read a pdf version. The Conservancy relies on member support, please consider making a donation to help continue our work.

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