GET BACK TO NATURE
Spreading ecological awareness, fostering environmental literacy, and inspiring action.
Through a variety of educational lectures and immersive field experiences with WCT staff and other professionals, adults will gain a holistic foundation in four major conservation topics: birds and wildlife, regenerative farming, watersheds, and habitat stewardship. Students will gain a sense of ecological awareness and feel empowered to enact change in their own lives.
Ecocentric is defined as having a serious concern for environmental issues. It is a mindset that values the entire environment and all life within rather than only what is useful to humans. In other words, it is a deliberate shift toward the balance that can be achieved when we make nature our center rather than ourselves.
The human experience is heightened when we nurture our fundamental relationship with the earth. As we navigate a rapidly changing world, fighting ecological unconsciousness will be paramount to our success and sustainability as a species. Join us in this series as we learn more about the natural world and explore the actions we can all take at home to seek harmony with nature.
See our listing of ECOcentric Experiences below.
Building a Relationship with Nature Through Your Yard
Thursday, April 16, 7:15-9:30 pm at Academy of Natural Sciences
As humans, we are built to live in connection with others. It’s what makes us feel happy, whole, and inspired while even living longer. Relationships are the roots that make us who we are and allow us to become who we’re meant to be, but how many times do we consider our relationship with the natural world as being integral to our health, growth, and wellbeing? This lecture will look at our yards as places we can curate to support the birds, butterflies, bees, and plants that ultimately enrich our world and nourish the most important relationship each of us can ever have: connection to nature. Register Here
Design a Backyard Pollinators Love (with Wild Bird Designscapes & Wild Birds Unlimited of Glen Mills)
Wednesday, April 29, 5:00-7:00 pm at Rushton Conservation Center
If you want to transform your backyard into a thriving habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies join us for this educational event with Wild Bird DesignScapes and Wild Birds Unlimited!
As part of Willistown Conservation Trust’s ECOcentric Experience, we are collaborating with local landscape design and implementation firm Wild Bird DesignScapes for an inspiring, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to design a beautiful outdoor space that supports pollinators and strengthens our local ecosystem. Register Here
Foraging Walk
Thursday, May 21, from 5:00pm - 6:30 pm at Rushton Farm
Join our knowledgeable farm staff on a nature walk during which we will learn about foraging and the power of local plants to heal and nourish our bodies. Come prepared to taste plants you’ve never tasted before! Register Here
Under the Walnut Tree: A Nocino Walk and Workshop with Nicole
Tuesday, June 30, from 5:00pm - 6:30 pm at Rushton Farm
Join us for a hands-on foraging workshop learning about walnuts and how to make a traditional Italian liqueur, Nocino! We’ll begin with a guided educational walk, learning how to identify our native walnut trees; understanding their growth cycle; and exploring their culture, culinary and ecological significance. Along the way, you’ll learn when and how walnuts are traditionally harvested and have the opportunity to collect walnuts for our workshop.
After the walk, we’ll gather for a nocino making class, where you'll be guided step by step through the traditional process of crafting this classic Italian walnut liqueur. Participants will prepare their own nocino to take with them, along with recipes and notes to continue the practice.
No prior experience is required, just curiosity and a love of plants and tasty drinks! Register Here
Buzzed with the Bees
Tuesday, July 21st, from 5:00-6:30 pm at Rushton Conservation Center
Join Director of Community Farm Program, Noah Gress, as we explore the fascinating world of honey bees! He’ll explain how bees are a super organism that have influenced humans throughout history. After learning about their bee-utiful ecology, we’ll get to taste their honey...while also enjoying some botanical cocktails. Cheers! Register Here
Lawn Alternatives and Meadow Walk with Chanticleer Gardens
Wednesday, July 22, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Inverary in Villanova
Explore lawn alternatives and meadow establishment as we tour a stunning local 20-acre wildflower meadow. Learn ecological lawn care, native plant integration, and meadow management. After touring the meadow at Inverary, we’ll end at Chanticleer Gardens next door to view their native gardens and wildlife structures while enjoying refreshments. Register Here
Get in the Dirt with Rushton Farm
Wednesday, August 19th from 11:30 am- 1:00 pm
Take a lunch break outside and get some natural light in your day as you help the friendly farm staff with their chores! From weeding to harvesting, there’s always work to be done. This time of year offers opportunities to pick juicy cherry tomatoes off the vine, pull garlic bulbs from the earth, and even dig up potatoes. As you work, you’ll experience first-hand how growing food in harmony with nature is regenerative for humans and the environment. Register Here
