The Spring, Summer and Fall of 2016 includes one-day field trips as well as a multiday field trip to sites of botanical interest. Please contact Karen Mohn if you have a suggestion for a trip.
2016 Field Trips
We have a wonderful slate of field trips this year, some local, and some very interesting ones at a distance. Descriptions and directions follow, but here is the list. Take out your calendars and mark them as priorities now !
April 30-May 1: Hemlock Haven and more, Biglerville, PA Terry and Bernie Cabana leaders
May 7: Jenkins Arboretum, Devon, PA, George Makovetz leader and contact.
May 14: Monocacy Hill, Berks County, PA, Susan Munch leader, Karen Mohn, contact.
June 16-18: Native Plants in the Landscape Conference, Millersville, PA (see article page 4)
June 19: Barnes Arboretum, Merion, PA, John Scott leader, Karen Mohn contact.
July 16: Summer Meeting at John Bartram’s Gardens, Philadelphia, Karen Mohn contact
July 24: Valmont Bog and more, Poconos, PA, Bob Sprague leader, Karen Mohn contact.
August 20: Whittingham Wildlife Management Area, Sussex County, NJ, David Lauer leader.
September 3: Lancaster County, PA, fern canyons along the Susquehanna River, Chris Hoess leader, David Lauer contact.
Saturday, April 30, 2016, 10 am with option to continue through Sunday May 1, 10 am: Hemlock Haven, Conewago Creek, Michaux State Forest, Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Members Bernie and Terry Cabana welcome all members of DVFWS to visit their property "Hemlock Haven." Since their home is in Biglerville, about 2 1/2 hours from most of our members in the Delaware Valley, they have offered to make this a multiday trip for all those wishing to add to their pleasure and not have so much driving in one day. You may participate in all or any portion of the trip.
Native wild flowers abound. You will see a great variety of trillium, rue anemone, round leaf hepatica, bleeding heart, polygala, shooting star, iris versicolor, trout lily, wild geranium, showy orchid including alba, columbine, gay-wing, crested dwarf iris, teaberry, and many more depending on the weather.
Most of the property is easy walking, but depending on the weather, it may be wet and slippery near the creek. They recommend that members wear sturdy shoes or boots. Bring a lunch. Plan your arrival at 10 am. Terry and Bernie will provide beverage and dessert on their covered porch following the morning walk.
After lunch and on Sunday, we will be exploring other areas in the vicinity. Anyone who has ever gone on one of DVFWS multiday trips will agree that they are lots of fun and a great way to get to know other members. The Cabanas recommend lodging in Gettysburg at Days Inn or Econo Lodge, both under $100. A place to eat dinner together will be recommended to the group who stays.
Directions:
If using a GPS, the address is: 260 Boyds Hollow Road, Biglerville, PA 17307
OR, take PA Turnpike west to Gettysburg (Exit 236)
Take Route 15 south to Route 234
Turn right onto Route 234 west towards Biglerville
Stay on Route 234 approximately 13 miles.
Just past Coles Campground bear right onto Shippensburg Road, leaving Route 234.
Drive 0.5 miles to Boyds Hollow Road on right (near a red barn)
Drive 0.5 miles to 260 Boyds Hollow Rd. on left. Park in the field unless raining.
Please call or e-mail Cabanas by April 28th so they know how many to expect for dessert and let them know if you intend to continue the weekend to the other portions of the trip. 717-677-9344 NDSI@aol.com
Saturday, May 7, 2016: Jenkins Arboretum, Devon, PA, 10 am:
Jenkins should be at the height of the magnificent azalea and rhododendron bloom. The wildflower walk will also be at peak. Hilly, but good tread for easy walking. Meet in the parking lot at 10 am.
Directions
If using GPS the address is: 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA 19333
Jenkins Arboretum is 1 mile from the Devon exit on Route 202, (Route 252 North/Valley Forge Road.
Turn toward Devon at the end of the ramp.
Go straight through the traffic light, crossing Swedesford Road.
Continue over the new railroad bridge and bear right on Devon State Road.
Turn right onto Berwyn Baptist Road.
Jenkins Arboretum is up the hill on the left. An iron gate and stone pillars mark the entrance.
Contact person: George Makovetz 610-539-0985 gmakovetz@msn.com
Saturday, May 14, 2016: Monocacy Hill, Berks County, PA, 10 am:
Monocacy Hill Recreation Area is a 428 acre forest located in Amity Township, Douglassville, PA. It fea-tures about 6 miles of forest trails. Susan Munch, a botany teacher at Albright College will lead us. This trip was enjoyed so much last year that we are repeating it. A real gem, and close by for most members. It is not far from the end of the 422 expressway in eastern Berks County. Don’t miss it!
Sunday, June 19th, 1:00 PM Laura L. Barnes Fern Dell
Member John Scott, who has volunteered countless hours to restore the Fern Dell at The Barnes Arboretum in Merion, will be leading our tour there on Sunday, June 19, 1 pm. Please note the time is 1pm.
During its recent restoration, John Scott grouped European, Asian, and American ferns based on their geo-graphic origins; European ferns now grow along the main footpath in the southeast corner, Asian ferns are planted around the pond and the teahouse, and the American ferns grow around a bog and stone wall. Barnes also has a wonderful hosta collection which we will explore as well.
Directions:
If using a GPS the address is: 300 N. Latches Lane, Merion Station, PA 19066.
From the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) take exit 339 to US Route 1 South (City Line)
Go 1.8 miles. Turn right onto Old Lancaster Road for 0.3 miles.
Turn left onto N Latches Lane for 0.2 miles.
The last intersection is Lapsley Lane.
When entering, let the ticket agent know you are going on the fern walk and the $5 fee will be waived.
Please call or e-mail Karen Mohn with your plans to come by June 18th. 610-562-1790 papatrees@aol.com
John Scott, who has volunteered countless hours to restore the Fern Dell at The Barnes Arboretum in Merion, will be leading a tour there in June 19, 1PM. Barnes also has a wonderful hosta collection which we will explore as well. http://www.barnesfoundation.org/collections/ plant-collections-i/laura-barnes-fern-dell
Sunday July 24, 2016, 9 am: Valmont Bog and George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary
Pocono’s Globally Rare Orchid walk with Bob Sprague of the Native Orchid Conference. There will be a $5.00 fee charged to each member participating. Easy walking. Bring a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we will be traveling to George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary located near Nescopeck State Park. A wonderful Pocono woodland area.
Details and directions will be published in the July Newsletter Reservations by July 22nd: Karen Mohn 610-562-1790 papatrees@aol.com
Details of the August and September field trips will be published in the July Newsletter. Please save the dates.
August 20: Whittingham Wildlife Management Area, Sussex County, NJ, David Lauer leader.
September 3: Lancaster County, PA, fern canyons along the Susquehanna River, Chris Hoess leader, David Lauer contact.
