Wednesday, January 18, 8:00am

WVWA members are welcome to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting at WVWA’s Four Mills Preserve.

• Four Mills Barn, 12 Morris Rd, Ambler

• RSVP: info@wvwa.org

Sunday, January 22, 1:00pm

Winter is a wonderful time to experience nature. Bring a friend and enjoy a winter walk along the Green Ribbon Trail beginning at WVWA’s historic Four Mills Barn. Join us for refreshments following the walk.

• FREE - Pre-registration requested but not required

Sunday, January 29, 2:00pm

• 

  Temple University Learning Center, Meeting House Road, Ambler

WVWA is pleased to partner with Temple University Ambler to present an inspirational lecture with the Director of the Ambler Arboretum, Jenny Rose Carey. In this lecture Jenny will explore what features of gardens that help to create feelings of repose and peace. Photographs from various world gardens will be featured as well as practical ideas for making your own garden a personally satisfying space.

• Free – Pre-registration requested but not required

• Follow the Loop Road to the Learning Center located at the back of the campus (Map)

• Seed must be pre-ordered. Order Deadline: Monday, February 6 by 2:00pm

• Order Pickup: Friday, February 10, 2:00pm - 5:00pm or Saturday, February 11, 9:00am - noon

Order quality birdseed that is appropriate for the birds in the Wissahickon Watershed. WVWA offers two bird seed sales per year. The second sale will be in October.

• An order form is available Here

• Phone-in orders accepted with credit card payment

Sunday, February 12, 1:00pm

Take a walk through WVWA’s Armentrout Preserve in Blue Bell. This beautiful 58-acre preserve defines the term open space.

• FREE - Pre-registration requested but not required

• Meet at the end of Beale Road off Penllyn-Blue Bell Pike (Map)

Tuesday, February 14, 7:30pm

• 

  WVWA is a sponsor of the Pennypack Farm & Education Center’s sustainable movie series at the Ambler Theater.

A profound alternative look at the global bee crisis which takes us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive. For more information visit queenofthesun.com.

• $10 per film or $24 for all three films in the series

• Tickets are available at amblertheater.org/pennypack

Saturday, February 18, 9:00am

WVWA is the co-beneficiary of the Ambler Area Running Club’s (AARC) Fireside Frostbite 5-Miler. The race begins and ends at the Wissahickon High School. It sold out in 2011, so register early to guarantee your spot. Many volunteers are needed for this race.

• Register to run or volunteer at www.aarclub.com/frostbite

• WVWA volunteers contact Carol DeLancey at carol@wvwa.org

Thursday, February 23, 7:00pm

Join Erdenheim Farm’s, Scott Bartow, as he shares his passion for beekeeping and the many benefits of honey.

• Four Mills Barn, 12 Morris Road, Ambler

• RSVP: info@wvwa.org or 215-646-8866 - space is limited

Saturday, March 3, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Learn all about maple syrup from the tree to the tap to the table! This is a fun and informative program that is ideal for families, scout groups and anyone curious about the maple sugar process. Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped trees, and then watch it being boiled into sugar. End your walk at WVWA’s Four Mills Barn with hot chocolate and a warm waffle with maple syrup.

• Visit our Registration Page or call WVWA at 215-646-8866 to register

• Pre-registration fee: $5 per person, $15 per family

• Day of registration fee: $10 per person, $20 per family

• Park in Ambler by the post office. Walk over the Butler Avenue bridge and turn left onto the Green Ribbon Trail

Tuesday, March 13, 7:30pm

• WVWA is a sponsor of the Pennypack Farm & Education Center’s sustainable movie series at the Ambler Theater.

With charm and humanity What’s “Organic” About Organic? leads viewers to examine how organic farming has evolved from a grassroots movement into a multi-billion dollar international industry. For more information visit whatsorganicmovie.com.

• $10 per film or $24 for all three films in the series

• Tickets are available at amblertheater.org/pennypack

Wednesday, March 14, 7:00pm

Learn about the benefits and use of rain barrels. WVWA will have the materials on hand and will work with you to create your own rain barrel that you will take home that evening.

• Four Mills Barn, 12 Morris Road, Ambler

• $30 for materials and workshop

• Registration required - Limited to the first 18 participants

Saturday, March 17, 1:00pm

Enjoy a walk on the loop trail through WVWA’s Briar Hill Preserve. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome.

• FREE - Pre-registration requested but not required

• Meet at the parking lot at Prophecy Creek Park off Skippack Pike (Map)

Saturday, March 31, 9:00am

Spend a rewarding morning at Willow Lake Farm that includes planting trees and invasive removal. Ideal for scouts, service projects and anyone who wants to make a difference in the Wissahickon Watershed. Bring gloves, a hat and a shovel, if possible. Snacks and tools will be provided. Busy that day? Purchase a tree/s through WVWA’s on-going Adopt-a-Tree program.

• Contact Bob Adams at bob@wvwa.org

• Groups welcome - please include name, estimated size and ages of group in your email

Tuesday, April 10, 7:30pm

• WVWA is a sponsor of the Pennypack Farm & Education Center’s sustainable movie series at the Ambler Theater.

The story of three men’s life-long search for a diet which is good for our health, the environment and the future of the planet. For more information visit planeat.tv.

• $10 per film or $24 for all three films in the series

• Tickets are available at amblertheater.org/pennypack

Sunday, April 15, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

This will be the opening day of the 2012 Mill season. Visitors of all ages are welcome to experience the operations of this 19th century gristmill. A tour with costumed guides and a DVD program about the history of milling in the Wissahickon Valley provides a thorough understanding about the operation and the role that mills played in our local history.

• Swedesford and Township Line Roads, Upper Gwynedd (Map)

• Free of charge but donations accepted

Friday, April 20, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Suzanne Smith-Oscilowski will present a dynamic talk about sustainable gardening practices and the importance of using native plants in your home landscape. She will focus on hands-on techniques and how to pick the right plant for the correct spot in an effort to have an environmentally friendly garden. You will also have an opportunity to purchase plants and talk with WVWA’s staff. Refreshments will be served.

• Four Mills Barn, 12 Morris Road, Ambler

• RSVP: info@wvwa.org or 215-646-8866 - space is limited

• Friday, April 20 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm - WVWA Members Only Afternoon

• Saturday, April 21 from 9:00am to noon - Open to the public

By popular demand, WVWA is bringing back the Native Plant Sale. High quality native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Knowledgeable gardeners will be on-hand to assist you with your selection. More information here.

• Four Mills Barn, 12 Morris Road, Ambler

Saturday, April 28, 9:00am

WVWA and the Friends of the Wissahickon volunteers will clean the entire Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom! Hundreds of volunteers clean sections of the Creek and its tributaries, and then enjoy the Talkin’ Trash Picnic in Fort Washington State Park.

• Registration required for a section of the creek

• Contact Bob Adams at bob@wvwa.org

• Groups welcome - please include name, estimated size and ages of group in your email

Sunday, April 29, 8:00am

WVWA experienced birders, Jamie Stewart and Amy Johns, will lead this popular early morning bird walk along the banks of the Wissahickon.

• Bring binoculars, if available, and wear suitable shoes. All ages welcome.

• Four Mills Barn, 12 Morris Road, Ambler

• RSVP: info@wvwa.org or 215-646-8866 - space is limited

Support WVWA’s efforts to eradicate invasive plants and reforest the Wissahickon Watershed with native trees. Honor a mother, wife or friend, make a memorial donation, or purchase a native tree/s to be planted at the Willow Lake Farm on Serve the Preserve Day, March 31. You can plant the tree or let WVWA volunteers plant it for you. You can also join WVWA on Mother’s Day, May 13, for a walk of this preserve.

• $30 donation per tree

• Mail a check or call WVWA with a credit card

• Thursdays from May through October, weather permitting

WVWA volunteer archeologists will continue 2011’s excavation of the blacksmith’s shop, located behind the Mill on the banks of the Wissahickon Creek. Volunteers will be taught on-site how to dig, sift, clean and sort the artifacts. Dress to get dirty and bring your hat, gloves and sun block. You can work all or part of the day. Bring your own lunch and beverages.

• 9:30am to 3:00pm - come for all or part of the day

• Children must be 8 years or older; the site is very close to the edge of the creek

• Swedesford and Township Line Roads, Upper Gwynedd (Map)