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Explore – Bird Count on the Preserve
February 19, 2024 | 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Join people from all over the world and head outdoors to count birds. The annual Great Backyard Bird Count depends on everyone—from beginners to experts—to tally up the birds they spot, then scientists use the data to track the health of bird populations. Join Natural Lands staffer, Debbie Beer for a morning walk around Hildacy.
Connect and explore with Natural Lands. This is our ‘onsite’ program for the Great Backyard Bird Count; learn more about the Great Backyard Bird Count with our ‘online’ program. If you can’t make the online program, don’t worry; we will send you the recording before this walk.
The former farm fields at Hildacy have been converted to meadows dominated by native grasses such as big and little bluestem, Indian-grass, and switchgrass. Native grass meadows provide valuable habitat for many bird species that are in decline across their ranges. Eastern Bluebirds, American Kestrels, Indigo Buntings, and Red-shouldered Hawks have all nested at Hildacy in recent years.
Crum Creek, a tributary to the Delaware River, meanders through the preserve. The creek is the leading drinking water source for Delaware County residents and was designated a “Special Protection Stream” by the PA Department of Environmental Protection. With help from volunteers and Pennsylvania’s TreeVitalize program, we have planted hundreds of trees along the edge of Crum Creek to improve water quality. Trees and other plants in this area filter the nutrients and sediments transported by surface and groundwater flowing into the creek. Native trees also provide shade and food that benefit fish and other aquatic species.
In 2001, we completed a renovation to our headquarters, including a large addition to the original farmhouse. Throughout the design and construction process, we were careful to minimize environmental impacts. A geothermal system takes advantage of the earth’s constant temperature to heat and cool the building, while the extensive use of glass and exterior shades allow us to reduce heating costs in the winter and lighting costs year-round.
Before you go:
- Meet at the Kiosk at the parking lot.
- Birders of all backgrounds and experience levels are invited to join the walk.
- Please bring binoculars, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Dress for the season. Trails are easy to moderate and may be rocky or wet at times.
- Please leave your four-legged friends at home.
Help us all stay safe:
- If you are sick or feeling unwell, please stay home.
- Masking is optional. Participants may choose to mask at any time.
Forever depends on today.
Member support makes it possible for Natural Lands to save open space, care for nature, and connect people to the outdoors.
As the challenges we face—a changing climate, loss of species diversity, and the next wave of sprawl—continue to grow, so must our commitment to address the planet’s most pressing conservation needs.
Together we can make a difference. Today. And forever.
If you aren’t yet part of our community of members, join us!
Registration
Registration required to reserve your spot. Please complete and submit the secure, on-line registration form below, or contact Martha. Event is free for all.
To further our mission of “nature for all,” registration for this event is pay what you can. Your donation of any amount furthers our conservation efforts.
Donations of $50 and up include an event ticket and one year of membership. Purchase a “Become a Member” ticket below to join or renew. As a thanks for your member support, members are able to purchase 2 additional tickets at member price.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Cancellation:
Events may be cancelled due to inclement weather or low registration. In that case, we will make every effort to update our website and contact registrants. Note that we cannot offer refunds of paid registrations or ticket purchases, but rest assured that your donation will help us in our work to save open space, care for nature, and connect people to the outdoors.
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Photography policy:
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I fully understand that: (a) the Program and related Activities involve risks and dangers of damage to personal property and serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death (“risks”); (b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my and/or the Minor’s own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the Activity, the condition in which the Activity takes place, or the negligence of the “releasees” as aforementioned; (c) there may be other risks and social and economic losses either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I and/or the minor incur as a result of my participation or that of the Minor in the Activity.
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