Parks & Recreation Board
- Richard Bashore – Chairperson
- William Herbine – Vice Chairperson
- Keith Stamm – Secretary Treasurer
- William Aukamp
- Sarah Herchelroth
- Michael Kocher
- Janice Varone
Family Nature Series
These programs are open to adults and families with and without children. Pre-registration is required for all programs and each person planning to attend these programs MUST be individually pre-registered. All participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian pre-registered to attend with them.
Join Naturalist Kathy Grim to listen and look for those mysterious birds of the night on the trails of Shiloh Hills Park. We’ll discover other nature-at-night mysteries and nighttime adventures along the way! Bring a flashlight or headlamp and be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces in dark conditions.
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Shiloh Hills Park
Cost: FREE
Ages: 5+
Register by February 25
Rescheduled from February 6, 2026
Why does wildlife need fur? Animals need fur for survival. There is a lot more to learn about the furry creatures that live in our fields, forests and backyards. Join a Berks Nature educator for some fun fur facts by the fire – stay to make a yummy s’more!
Date: Friday, March 6, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Nature Place at Berks Nature
Cost: FREE
Ages: 4+
Register by March 4
Winter is an excellent time for birding! Birds busily flit through bare trees or sit on the limbs just to sing. Join Naturalists Peter and Jane Wolfe for a delightful stroll at Blue Marsh Lake beach to look for and listen to resident winter birds and visiting gulls. Bring binoculars.
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Location: Blue Marsh Lake – Dry Brook Day Use Area
Cost: FREE
Ages: 5+
Register by March 5
Join us for an amphibious safari in search of frogs, toads and more! Naturalist Kathy Grim will lead this expedition to look for the variety of amphibians found at Blue Marsh Lake Stilling Basin. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Be prepared for extremely muddy conditions and uneven walking surfaces. Register for one session only.
.Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Blue Marsh Lake Stilling Basin
Cost: FREE
Ages: 3+
Register by March 18
Join us for an amphibious safari in search of frogs, toads and more! Naturalist Kathy Grim will lead this expedition to look for the variety of amphibians found at Blue Marsh Lake Stilling Basin. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Be prepared for extremely muddy conditions and uneven walking surfaces. Register for one session only.
Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Marsh Lake Stilling Basin
Cost: FREE
Ages: 3+
Register by April 8
Wildlife in spring – what can we discover? Join us for this nature walk and egg hunt to learn about busy wildlife in spring. There will be Discovery Eggs to collect, puppets to find, prizes to win, a craft to make and fun for everyone!
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Shiloh Hills Park
Cost: FREE
Ages: 3+
Register by March 26
Spring is here and salamanders and other amphibians are on the move! Join Naturalist Kathy Grim to celebrate salamanders, find out why they are on the move and where they are going. Be prepared for a muddy expedition to learn about salamanders, frogs and toads.
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Shiloh Hills Park
Cost: FREE
Ages: 3+
Register by April 14
Spring is here and wildlife, birds and insects are as busy as can be! Join Naturalist Kathy Grim to discover spring through fun activities, clever craft and of course, wildlife puppets! There will be something to do and see around every corner!
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Shiloh Hills Park
Cost: FREE
Ages: 3+
Register by April 16
Discover all things spring – wildflowers, wildlife, birds, trees, salamanders, newts, insects and everything in between on the trails of Nolde Forest! Naturalist Kathy Grim will lead us in our search for the sights, sounds and scents of spring! Moderately difficult hiking trail that includes hills and rocky trail surfaces. This hike is not for beginners.
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center
Cost: FREE
Ages: 4+
Register by April 16
Join us for a lovely morning stroll along the Union Canal Connector Trail to look and listen for the lively birds of spring. Join Naturalists Peter and Jane Wolfe on this fascinating birding adventure. Perfect for beginner and experienced bird watchers. Bring binoculars.
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Berks County Park Red Bridge Recreation Area
Cost: FREE
Ages: 5+
Register by April 20
Rescheduled from January 25, 2026
Explore the remarkable power of flowers in this highly interactive and hands-on program. Penn State Master Gardeners will be here with activities and crafts to engage children in wonderful flower power discoveries. Wildflower seed packet included.
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Administration Building
Cost: FREE
Ages: 4+
Register by February 22
