Delaware Highlands Conservancy Announces
October Community Programs

Upper Delaware River Region, PA and NY – The Delaware Highlands Conservancy announces community programs and workshops hosted in October 2026 at the Van Scott Nature Reserve (571 Perkins Pond Rd, Beach Lake, PA) and in the region. Most events require advance registration. For program details and to register, please visit www.DelawareHighlands.org/events or call Education and Volunteer Coordinator Jen Campbell at 570-226-3164 ext. 2.

Friday, October 2 – 6pm-7:30pm – Sunset Wellness Walk

Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy staff on a guided wellness walk at the Van Scott Nature Reserve to enjoy the beautiful late summer sunset! Relax and connect with nature on the scenic trails at the Reserve. Sunset walks will last for 1.5 hours and take different routes to finish off with the best view of the sunset. Perfect for photographers! Please be prepared to walk on sloped terrain, wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that are comfortable for the weather. A water bottle and light snack are recommended. The program is free, but advance registration is requested.

Saturday, October 3 – 1pm-2:30pm – Elderberry Syrup Workshop

Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy and discover how to make one of the most beloved herbal preparations for the colder months! Herbalist Jeanine Davis will host a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to prepare delicious elderberry syrup using dried elderberries, warming spices, and simple kitchen ingredients. Whether you’re new to herbs or looking to expand your herbal skills, this workshop is a fun and practical way to bring a time-honored tradition into your home. No experience necessary and you do not need to have attended part 1 to join us for this workshop. All materials provided. Program fee is $10 for members and $15 for non-members; advance registration is requested.

Wednesday, October 7 – 5:30pm-6:30pm – Conservation Conversations *Zoom Event*

Join the Conservancy’s Senior Land Protection Coordinator Kaylan Hubbard for a virtual Zoom gathering to learn about the Delaware Highlands Conservancy and how we can help you protect your land. What is a conservation easement and what property characteristics do we look for? What are the steps and costs associated with placing a conservation easement on your property? Are there any financial benefits for the landowner? Following a brief presentation, you will be invited to join the conversation and get your questions answered.

Friday, October 9 – 8am-10am – Morning Bird Walk

Want to learn more about the birds that stick around through fall and winter? Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at the Van Scott Nature Reserve for a morning bird walk! Participants will walk the trails of the Reserve with a staff member and make occasional stops to locate birds and learn their calls. Please be prepared to walk on sloped terrain, wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that are comfortable for the weather. A water bottle and light snack are recommended. It is encouraged that participants bring a pair of binoculars, but limited supply will be available to borrow. This program is free, but advance registration is requested. Appropriate for all ages.

Saturday, October 17 – 9am-10:30am – Morning Wellness Walk

Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy staff on a guided morning wellness walk at the Van Scott Nature Reserve! Relax and connect with nature on the scenic trails at the Reserve. The morning walks will last for approximately 1.5-2 hours and take different routes of the Bluebird, Butterfly, Explorer, Wildflower and Woodland Trails. Please be prepared to walk on sloped terrain, wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that are comfortable for the weather. A water bottle and light snack are recommended. The guided wellness walks are free, and advance registration is not required—just drop in and meet the group at 9am to join!

Saturday, October 17 – 1pm-2:30pm – Pond Investigation: Exploring Water Quality Indicators

In this hand-on program, you will venture to one of the ponds at the Van Scott Nature Reserve to search for macroinvertebrates – small aquatic beings that tell us a lot about the health of our water and ecosystem. October is a great time to look for macroinvertebrates because populations reach high seasonal diversity, and the growing larvae are large enough to easily see and identify. This program is perfect for curious learners between the ages of 6-12 who appreciate environmental exploration. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and footwear that can potentially get messy. Program fee is $5 for Conservancy members or $10 for non-members; kids 12 and under are free. Advance registration is required and children must be accompanied by an adult to attend.

Friday, October 23 – 5pm-7pm – Seed Saving 101: A Beginner’s Guide

Discover the benefits of seed saving for your garden, the environment, and you! Participants will learn techniques for saving seeds from a variety of crops and flowers and will go home with an educational handout breaking down the seed-saving process for these plants to reference later. This program is designed for adults who are passionate about expanding their gardening knowledge. Program fee is $5 for Conservancy members or $10 for non-members. Advance registration is required.

Saturday, October 24 – 10am-12pm – Amazing Animal Adaptations with Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation

Discover the fascinating creatures that call our local ecosystems home! Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center will bring an engaging presentation featuring live animals. Learn about Pennsylvania’s native wildlife, explore their unique physical and behavioral adaptations, and discover how we can peacefully coexist with our wild neighbors. To get into the Halloween spirit, participants are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite animal! This program is designed for participants of all ages that love to learn about local wildlife and how to coexist with wildlife. Program fee is $10 for Conservancy members or $15 for non-members; kids 12 and under free. Advance registration is required.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s mission is to conserve the forests, farmland, clean waters, and wildlife habitat of the Upper Delaware River region for present and future generations and to foster environmental stewardship through community engagement. For more information, call 570-226-3164/845-583-1010 or visit www.DelawareHighlands.org.