Van Scott Nature Reserve
Events at this venue
Restoring Balance: A Hands-On Forest Habitat Project
Join Trevor Tochydlowski of the Wayne Conservation District and Michael Antonishak of the PA DCNR for the next chapter in our Bugs, Balance, and Biodiversity series with a hands-on volunteer opportunity focused on restoring vital shrubland habitat at the Van Scott Nature Reserve. Dense shrub thickets, such as those made of highbush blueberry and cinnamon…
Bat-tacular Program with Optional Bat Walk
*Please note, this event is full and registration is now closed.* Join us for an engaging, hour-long talk about the world’s only flying mammal—the bat! Discover the different types of bats found in this area, learn about their fascinating behaviors, and find out what to do if you have bats in your home. We'll also…
CANCELLED: HOO Done It?
**Please note, this program has been cancelled.** Join us for an exciting exploration into the world of owls! In this program, we will solve the mystery of whoo is responsible for the disappearance of Mrs. Hen. Was it one of the owls, or is another creature to blame? We need YOUR help to crack the…
RAISE Your Hearts Costumed Creature Crawl Trail Run/Walk
This fall, lace up your running shoes and put on your most creative costume for the Costumed Creature Crawl 5K Trail Run/Walk, hosted by RAISE Your Hearts, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting wellness in grief through connection, compassion, and community. The event will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the…
Walk in Penn’s Woods: Woods Walk with a Bird Talk
Join Service Forester Michael Antonishak from PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry for a woods walk at the Reserve. On this causal 1.5-mile walk over moderate terrain, Michael will discuss what we are seeing by touching upon forest health, wildlife habitat, and tree ID. We will also have a special guest who will identify and talk…
Volunteer Days: Shrub Thicket Management at the Reserve
Shrub thickets are a type of successional forest that provide important habitats for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Their density and lowness to the ground offer shelter for small- to medium-sized birds and mammals. Over time, taller trees can encroach upon a shrub thicket, creating shade that causes the thicket to disappear along with…
Boundin’ Furbearers
Ever wonder about the difference between a red fox and a grey fox? Did you know that grey fox are the only member of the canine family that can climb trees? Do opossums really play dead? What is a fisher? Join us to learn about many of the various furry animals that live in the…
Meadow Party: MOVED TO RAIN DATE
Join us for our annual free Meadow Party at the Van Scott Nature Reserve on the RAIN DATE of Sunday, September 7th! Schedule: 11am-4pm: Crafts in the craft tent 11am-12pm: Guided quiet walk through the Reserve 12pm-1pm: Puppet Show with Adam Swartz Puppets (Pavilion) or Guided hike (meet at kiosk) 12pm-1:30pm and 2pm-3pm: Live Music with Little Sparrow (Hillside behind…
Discovery Walk
Join us for an open-ended adventure as we hike through the beautiful Van Scott Nature Reserve. This relaxed program is all about exploring the outdoors and discovering the wonders of the ecosystem together. From the birds soaring overhead to the trees towering around us, we’ll chat about anything and everything nature has to offer. Bring…
The Pollinator Pathway: Bee On It!
Thousands of people across the country have joined forces to create the Pollinator Pathway, a grassroots movement focused on protecting and restoring habitat for bees, birds, butterflies, moths, and other pollinating insects. Join us to learn how you can be part of this important effort to help reverse declines in bird and pollinator populations. We…
Boundin’ Furbearers
Ever wonder about the difference between a red fox and a grey fox? Did you know that grey fox are the only member of the canine family that can climb trees? Do opossums really play dead? What is a fisher? Join us to learn about many of the various furry animals that live in the…
Biology of the Bald Eagle
Join the Conservancy’s Education and Volunteer Coordinator Rachel Morrow for a Biology of the Eagle presentation at the Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake, PA. Learn all about bald eagle behavior, how to identify eagles at different ages, how to tell the difference between bald eagles and other similar birds, and their conservation history…