GET OUT!

With the resurgence of free time nearing school’s end, here are some of the coolest local places with great trails, people, and activities you might not have known about. This is not the definitive list of all nature programs nearby, but it will hopefully provide the opportunity to start you on an exploratory journey outside. Get that Vitamin D and consider volunteering your time or enjoying a nice day outdoors learning something new.

Open daily until dusk. Volunteer monthly second Saturdays, seasonally with Friends of Little Crum Creek Park.

CJ Chen ‘24 | Reporter

Open daily until dusk. Visitor’s Center open Wed.-Sat.

9-4. Volunteer during Stewardship Saturdays on the second Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

925 Providence Road, Newtown Square

Daily sunrise to sunset. Volunteer Wednesdays on the farm anytime between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The largest park in Swarthmore contains a gazebo and relaxing benches with a small creek cutting through its landscape. Although much smaller than the other locations mentioned, its quaint and secluded spot away from traffic provides a peaceful afternoon walk or picnic spot. This local park contains picnic tables, a bridge, and a lawn area for all to enjoy. The non-profit Friends organization associated with the park will continue tackling invasive plants and replacing them with native species this summer. The park is open from dawn to dusk.

I cannot recommend spending your time in this park enough. There is so much to see in this enormous park, (almost) too many birds, and historical landmarks scattered throughout. Trails are open from dawn till dusk.

Upcoming events include but are not limited to:

• Saturday, June 10 (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) Swarthmore farmers market table with free native plants, second Saturday park cleanup

This wildlife refuge protects the 1,200-acre Tinicum Marsh and has 10 miles of trails to explore from dawn to dusk. John Heinz is associated with the U.S fish and Wildlife services.

.Upcoming events include but are not limited to:

• Saturday, June 24 (9 a.m. - 11 a.m.) Beginner Bird Walk

• Thursday, July 6 (8:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.) Bat Walk with the Bio Team (kid-friendly)

• Saturday, July 22 (8 a.m. - 10 a.m.) Annual Heinz Butterfly Count

• Thursday, Aug 3 (4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.) Try Archery with USA Archery certified instructors (equipment provided)

This land trust consists of 7,500 acres of land, including the Ashbridge Preserve, Kirkwood Preserve, and Rushton Woods Preserve, home to Rushton Conservation Center and Rushton Farm.

The Rushton farm contains a bird conservation program, which makes it a perfect spot to see rarities that aren’t seen in the Wallingford-Swarthmore area. The impressive vegetable beds also demonstrate the farm’s dedication to involving the surrounding community. Fifteen percent of the annual harvest is donated to the West Chester food bank, whose staff works hard to keep sustainable practices on the farm.

Trails wind around various streams, and the secluded nature of the preserve means that the water quality and trails are healthy and clean. Upcoming events include but are not limited to:

• Saturday, June 24 (9 a.m. - 11 a.m.) Watershed Volunteer Day

• Saturday, July 1 (7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.) Avian Adventures with Aaron

• July 18-24 (all day) Wildflower Week