Silver Lake Nature Center, 1306 Bath Road in Bristol, announced the following upcoming events:
124th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count takes place Saturday, Dec. 16, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Join birder/naturalist Robert Mercer and a team of birders for this educational, free citizen science event. All levels of experience, including no experience, are welcome to participate in this citizen science national bird census. Come out for the whole day or part(s) of the day. Meet at Neshaminy State Park or SLNC. Times/meeting locations will be confirmed upon registration, prior to the event. Bring your binoculars. Pre-registration is required if planning to participate. Be prepared to be outside in any kind of weather, and to be trekking through varying terrain, including “rugged.” Register online or by phone.
“IPR Team” Volunteer Project Day takes place Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. The Invasive Plants Removal Team meets once a month to help clear invasive plants from specific areas on the SLNC grounds/trails. Each season brings new plants in various degrees of difficulty. These project days involve planting native plants and trees, and also serve as learning opportunities. Register online or by phone. Volunteers under age 18 must have an accompanying parent/legal guardian with them for the duration of the event; no exceptions.
SLNC Earthship Tours take place Saturday, Dec. 16, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Stop by to visit and learn about these interesting, sustainable structures. Tours are free, but donations to the nonprofit Friends of SLNC are appreciated. Register online or by phone.
“The Wonder of it All” Holiday Concert by Christopher Westfall takes place Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. SLNC is excited to welcome back singer, songwriter, musician and Nashville recording artist Chris Westfall to celebrate the holiday season in song. Tickets are $15/person in advance (by 4 p.m. on Dec. 16) or $20/person at the door (if available). Tickets and more information are available online or by phone.
“Gifts of Nature” Free Guided Walk takes place Sunday, Dec. 17, from 1 to 2 p.m. Families and individuals are invited to join for a free nature discovery hike on the SLNC trails. PA Master Naturalist Patricia Merkel is leading this event. The theme for the day is “Gifts of Nature.” Tickets and more information are available online or by phone.
Winter Solstice Celebration in Song takes place Monday, Dec. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. Join for an evening of spirited live music from an array of musicians. The evening includes music by the West Chester University Harp Ensemble with director Professor Gloria Galante, as well as Suzzette Ortiz, Vivien Hoke, Heidi Stemetzki, Mia Diaz and Natalia Sosa. The event also features guest musician Karen Smith. In addition, the evening includes holiday and big band music by the Red Garter Orchestra with director Fred Hall. Admission is $10/person. Advance registration is recommended. Prices are the same for all ages. No refunds/exchanges unless the event is canceled by SLNC. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Friends of SLNC organization. Register online or by phone. Payment is due at time of registration.
Day-off from School Camp Days take place Friday, Dec. 22, and Jan. 15, Feb. 19, March 28 and 29, April 23 and May 14. These camp days are scheduled for days when most schools are off. Each day provides seasonal adventures for children ages 5 to 14 years old. Staff and campers spend the day exploring the forest, swamps and marsh in all weather. More information, pricing and registration is available online.
Bird Seed Sales take place Feb. 17 and April 20. Bird watching is more fun when you can attract them to your own yard, so fill your feeders with one of SLNC’s special mixes. Friends of SLNC Members receive a 10 percent discount on all orders. Orders can be placed online.
Volunteer Work Days take place on the first Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. to noon, to help keep the SLNC trails and grounds beautiful. Be prepared to get wet and dirty. Bring a refillable water bottle. Rain or shine. Register online or by phone. Volunteers under age 18 must have an accompanying parent/legal guardian with them for the duration of the event.
Visit SilverLakeNatureCenter.org or call 215-785-1177 to register for events and for more information.
