Members’ Appreciation Day
May 4, 2024 | 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Land for life. Nature for all. It’s the heart of our mission.
But we can’t succeed in delivering on it—saving open space, caring for nature, and connecting people to the outdoors and each other—without our membership community.
You take care of us all year long. We want to thank you!
Mingle with friends and other Natural Lands members. Choose from a variety of activities—including guided hikes and strolls, family-friendly activities, an introduction to birding program, and more.
Member-supported Natural Lands. Together we have an impact. Today. And forever.
RSVP by Thursday, May 2nd.
Rain date: Sunday, May 5, 2024
Drop-in Activities
(registration for the event is still required, but no need to sign up for time slot.)
Sights and Sounds of Birding (Watch, listen, and learn about the birds that live at ChesLen Preserve. Grab a set of provided binoculars and get some birding 101 tips.)
- 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Family Friendly Craft Station (Young nature explorers will have an opportunity to decorate bird feeders, create insect masks, and adorn paper wings. All ages and abilities welcome!)
- 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Family Friendly Scavenger Hunt in Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround (This 30-minute assisted Owl themed scavenger hunt will encourage young explorers to learn more about Owls and enjoy free play in this natural playground.)
- 3:00 pm
- 4:00 pm
Yard Games and Sweet Treats (Enjoy the Lenfest Center courtyard with other Natural Lands Members. This space will include yard games to entertain all ages and complimentary frozen treats and lemonade will be provided by Scrape and Scoop. Picnic table seating will be available.)
- 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Timed Activities
(Pick your timeslots in the registration fields below. Space is limited for each activity.)
Specialty Hike (Hike will explore areas of habitat restoration and will traverse over uneven terrain with elevation gain. This hike is two hours and will move at a moderate to fast pace.)
- 2:15 pm
Nature Walks (Walk is approximately 45 minutes and will move at a moderate pace.)
- 2:30 pm – SOLD OUT
- 4:15 pm
Discover Stroll (30-minute stroll for people of various abilities, including those with walkers and strollers or with limited time.)
- 3:45 pm
Natural Lands Update (Hear from Natural Lands’ President, Oliver Bass as he shares the organization’s recent successes and other tidbits. This 45-minute seated presentation takes place inside of the Lenfest Center.)
- 2:45 pm
- 5:00 pm
The Birds of Natural Lands in the Lenfest Center (Learn about the birds of Natural Lands by our extraordinary Director of Volunteer Engagement, Deb Beer. This 45-minute seated presentation takes place inside of the Lenfest Center.)
- 3:45 pm
ChesLen Preserve is the largest privately owned nature preserve open to the public in Chester County. Miles of marked hiking trails lead visitors through shady woodlands, flower-filled meadows, farm fields, and stream valleys.
Visitors can also explore Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround, where young explorers can climb logs, build stick tee-pees, hunt for bugs, explore small streams, and get a little dirty, tired, and inspired. Free play is encouraged and is a great way for kids to gain an appreciation for nature.
- Event is held in light drizzle or shine.
- Please dress appropriately for the weather and for walking on uneven, and possibly, wet terrain.
- Parking may be limited—we encourage carpooling. This is an open house-style event with activities being offered throughout the afternoon.
- Please leave your four-legged friends at home.
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.
Photography policy:
Attendance at Natural Lands programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and electronic media. Images will not be identified using full names without written approval from the individual. Please notify Natural Lands staff if you would prefer that your photo not be used.
Participant Waiver:
By registering for this event, I, as the participant, and/or parent or legal guardian of a minor participant, do hereby understand and acknowledge that by participating, in this, or any, Natural Lands’ event or activity, I am agreeing to indemnify and hold harmless Natural Lands, their respective administrators, directors, agents, officers, members, volunteers, employees, other participants, any sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises on which the Activity takes place, (each considered one of the “RELEASEES” herein).
I further acknowledge, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of the Program and related Activities and my and/or the Minor’s experience and capabilities, and believe that I and/or the minor are qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions of participation.
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.
I hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to sue Natural Lands or any of their “releasees” from all liability, claims, demands, losses, injuries, damage to property, or other damages on my and/or the minor’s account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the “releasees” or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations; and I further agree that if, despite this release and waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement I, the Minor, or anyone on the Minor’s behalf makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I will indemnify, save, and hold harmless each of the releasees from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which any may incur as the result of such claim.
I have read this Agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by registering for this event, and have done so freely and without any inducement or assurance of any nature and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid, the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
