Events

City Nature Challenge – CANCELLED

When

Where

Laurel Hill West
225 Belmont Avenue

CANCELED
Due to heavy thunderstorms called for Saturday afternoon, the April 26th City Nature Challenge event at Laurel Hill has been cancelled. While we were hoping to gather as a community, you can still take part independetly throughout the City Nature Challenge OBSERVE period (April 25-28) and contribute your findings to the Philadelphia Area City Nature Challenge project page on iNaturalist!
We hope to see you at Laurel Hill’s next City Nature Challenge IDENTIFY event next Saturday, May 3 from 1-3pm!
Helpful Tips:
  • Observation is even more accessible during CNC week! Simply mark your observation as a plant, insect, animal, fungus, etc., and you or someone else on the App can identify it later!
  • Photo tips:
    • Try to get clear and close up photos from various angles with solid color backgrounds if possible. Consider bringing a sheet of paper to use as a backdrop.
    • Take multiple photos of different parts of whatever organism you have chosen for observation. For plants: leaf, flower, fruit, bark and full view. For wildlife like insects, try to capture them from multiple angles.
    • Extra challenge: BEES AND FLYING POLLINATORS! It is very tricky to photograph the same bee multiple times with high clarity but VERY rewarding.

City Nature Challenge is an annual initiative that invites people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities.

On April 26, join Laurel Hill community members, nature enthusiasts, iNaturalist app-o-philes and other curious individuals as we contribute to the City Nature Challenge by observing and documenting plants and animals in our green burial native plant garden, Nature’s Sanctuary. This event is for anyone who loves observing nature, with opportunities for participation for all ages and abilities.

On May 3, join naturalists, hobbyists and professionals as we learn how to identify species observed during the City Nature Challenge observation period. Bring the whole family for ID app tutorials, interactive games, basic exploration of taxonomy and classification, snacks, and conversation about the importance of biodiversity and environmental literacy. 

 

Observation Day– CANCELLED
Saturday, April 26, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Identification Day
Saturday, May 3, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Learn more and register for the May 3 session here!

This event will begin at

Laurel Hill West Funeral Home
340 Belmont Avenue

 

What to Expect:
Getting Here and Checking In
  • This event starts from the funeral home at Laurel Hill West, the second building on the left when you enter the main gates.
  • For best GPS directions to the main entrance of Laurel Hill West, please use the address 340 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
  • Free parking is available at the funeral home, and participants can join a walking group or they will be permitted to drive their vehicles directly to Nature’s Sanctuary – a short distance away from the parking.
ACCESSIBILITY:
  • Accessible parking spots are available in the parking lot on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • This tour will go off paved roads and into grassy-uneven terrain. 
  • Please email programs@laurelhillphl.com if you have specific accessibility questions or needs.
Event Details
  • Save time, and download the iNaturalist app. You can download here – https://www.inaturalist.org/
  • Binoculars are encouraged, but not required to participate.
  • Please dress appropriately with sturdy walking shoes, and weather appropriate clothing – including rain gear!
  • Bring water.
  • Restrooms will be available inside the funeral home.

 

RSVP