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Study winter skeletons, seedheads, and fruit with naturalist Mary Anne Borge at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve. This three-hour walk teaches plant ID by form and offers practical takeaways for gardeners and nature educators.
Study winter skeletons, seedheads, and fruit with naturalist Mary Anne Borge at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve. This three-hour walk teaches plant ID by form and offers practical takeaways for gardeners and nature educators.
Book with Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve
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Operated by Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve · New Hope, Pennsylvania
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, just outside New Hope, Pennsylvania, becomes a close-up classroom in winter with Knowing Native Plants: Wildflowers In Winter, a three-hour field session led by naturalist Mary Anne Borge. The program walks the Preserve’s trails to study the “standing skeletons” of native plants—dried stems, seedheads, and winter fruit—revealing identification cues that are invisible in summer. You’ll learn to recognize structural features, seed and fruit types, and how some native species exploit clear winter light to photosynthesize. The experience is equal parts science and story. Under Borge’s guidance you’ll examine dried umbels, persistent follicles, and berry clusters, learning which species feed winter birds and which provide the stem architecture that shelters overwintering insects. The Preserve’s mix of meadow, woodland edge, and thicket offers a compact survey of regional plant communities. That diversity makes this class useful for gardeners, teachers, and field naturalists who want to understand how native plants function through the dormant season. Practically speaking, the program meets at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope and lasts about three hours. Mary Anne Borge — a photographer, author, and editor of Butterfly Gardener Magazine — guides close observation, hands-on examination, and plain-language explanations. The session is part of a yearlong Knowing Native Plants series, a repeating curriculum designed for anyone who wants seasonal fluency with local flora. Why book this outing? Winter is the best time to learn plant form. Without leaves, stems and fruit read like field notes: branching patterns, bud arrangement, and seed type become your identification toolkit. The Preserve’s compact trails mean you’ll see a variety of species in a short walk, and the instructor’s experience translates botanical terms into everyday language with immediate takeaways for backyard habitat or classroom use. It’s an accessible, low-impact outdoor class that strengthens observation skills and deepens appreciation for native-plant ecology. Expect slow, close-paced walking across natural trails; footwear with good traction is recommended. Bring a field guide, a hand lens or macro camera if you have one, and warm layers. The session is ideal for curious adults and older children who can manage a three-hour nature walk. Whether you’re learning to identify seedheads for winter bird plantings or seeking a practical introduction to seasonal plant ecology, this program sharpens your understanding of how native plants sustain wildlife year-round. Participants can use what they learn immediately: recommend planting species with winter fruit to support birds and selecting stems that provide insect habitat. The series connects to the Preserve’s Native Plant Advocate Program and community projects such as Lambertville Goes Wild, illustrating how small choices in yards and public spaces rebuild local ecosystems. Spaces fill fast; register through the Preserve’s booking portal to guarantee a spot. Bring curiosity, too.
easy.
3 hours.
Able to stand and walk on uneven natural trails for up to three hours; pace is slow and observation-focused.
Yes. Spaces are limited; register through the Preserve’s booking portal using the provided referral link to secure a spot.
Meet at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope; the program description lists the Preserve as the meeting location.
The program is family-friendly, but it involves slow, focused observation over three hours; parents should assess whether their child can remain engaged for that duration.
Bring layered clothing, waterproof boots, a hand lens or camera if you have one, a field guide, water, and snacks for the three-hour session.
Trails are natural and may be uneven; contact the Preserve directly to discuss specific accessibility needs or accommodations.
Cancellation policies are managed by Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve; check the Preserve’s booking page for current terms and refund rules.
This class is part of the annual Knowing Native Plants series and ties into local community efforts like Lambertville Goes Wild and the Preserve’s Native Plant Advocate Program.
Emphasizes planting native species with winter value; small habitat choices help sustain birds and overwintering insects and reduce the need for inputs.
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, Pennsylvania, is a native-plant preserve offering seasonal programs and guided walks focused on wildflowers and native plant communities. The preserve presents a rotating schedule of educational experiences including a Preserve Admission option and the Knowing Native Plants series led by naturalist Mary Anne Borge. Series topics cover winter and spring identification, trees and ferns, flowering shrubs, spring ephemerals, invasive species identification, and plant classification to support seasonal learning. Programs emphasize hands-on observation, seasonal plant recognition, and practical management techniques relevant to gardens and local habitats. Participants receive interpretive guidance from experienced naturalists and benefit from sessions designed for a range of skill levels. Visitors include gardeners, educators, families, and naturalists seeking focused study of Pennsylvania native flora near New Hope. Sessions provide identification techniques, ecological context, and practical tips for managing invasive species and enhancing native-plant habitat. As a named wildflower preserve, Bowman's Hill documents seasonal highlights and posts program details to help visitors plan hikes, classes, and guided walks. For those seeking informed, naturalist-led exploration of native plants and seasonal wildflower displays, Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve offers specialized classes and thematic walks throughout the year. Program descriptions list topics such as 'Wildflowers in Winter,' 'Trees in Winter,' 'Spring Ephemerals,' and invasive species management so visitors can choose sessions that match their interests and seasonal timing. Program leaders encourage observation, respectful access, and learning about plant identification and habitat support for local wildlife. Advance registration is recommended when available. Check official program listings.
Book with Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve