County of Bucks, Department of Parks and
Fall 2012
Volume 32, Issue 3
Inside this issue:
Member Information
2&
11
Service Projects &
Volunteers
2
Events & Calendar
3-4
Insert
September 15 Events !
9
Fun Walk,
Friends &Family Fun Day
Fall Session Teacher Natu- 7
ralist Training
Pre-School Programs
7
Dates to
Remember
 Vulture Day Activities, Sept. 1; 1:002:30 pm
 September 15
~Friends & Family
Fun Day & 2 OR 6
Mile Fun Walk
 September 29 ~
Harvest Moon Hike &
Campfire
 Naturalists Forays,
no fee—Sun at 2pm ~
Oct. 7, 21, 28, Nov 4,
11
 October 14 ~
Spider’s Tea Party
 October 26 ~
Gaggles of Ghosts &
Ghouls
Looks Like a Hummingbird, Acts
Like a Hummingbird, But Is It?
Baffling to some, this spectacular display
that many think is a hummingbird is actually a
moth. It is a hummingbird moth, one of several
species of the genus Hemaris. They do fly and move
just like hummingbirds. They even make a humming noise with their wing movement. They suspend in air as they sip nectar from the front of a
flower with their long tongues unfurled. They are
active during the day.
Pheromones! The
females produce this male
inviting chemical combination from glands at the tip
of their abdomen. When
mating is completed, the
females usually lay their
eggs on the underside of a
host plant leaf. The caterpillars have a horn at the
end of their body and are
commonly green, enabling
them to superbly camouHemaris thysbe larva
flage. When they are
fully developed they drop to the ground , spin a
cocoon and pupate, partially protected by leaf litter.
In our area these wonderful insects spend the winter well hidden. The
adult emerges in the
spring or early summer.
In the south there is
often more than one
generation each sumThey are widespread in North America.
mer.
The most familiar ones are the Snowberry ClearTo many gardeners a fall task is cleaning
wing (Hemaris diffinis) and the Hummingbird Clear- up all leaf litter in the garden. Keep in mind the
wing (Hemaris thysbe). The Hummingbird Clearwing homes that may be destroyed or taken away by
seems to be more prevalent
removing these leaves, twigs and
in the east while diffinis is
fallen plant material. Another good
more likely seen in the west.
use of the garden in fall and winter is
They are rather
leaving in place the plant skeletons as
plump and can vary somehomes for spiders and other invertewhat in coloration. Their tail
brates. Who knows there may be
opens into a fan-like appeareggs or cocoons awaiting the warmance. Like all Lepidoptera
ing days of spring hidden within
(butterflies and moths), their
these plant structures.
wings are covered with
If you have Monarda (Bee Balm),
scales. Some species lose
milkweed, Butterfly Bush(Buddelia),
many of these scales, thus
honeysuckle, Blazing Star or any
the name clearwing. Their very long tongue is car- plant with sweet nectar in long tube-like structures
ried under their chin and is used to reach into flow- you will likely see this beautiful moth.
ers whose nectar is inaccessible to many other
flower visitors.
Page 2
Dove Tales is a quarterly publication of
Peace Valley Nature Center,
a facility of the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation
COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Robert G. Loughery , Chairman
Charles H. Martin, Vice Chairman
Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW
STAFF:
Director Naturalist:
Craig Olsen
Assistant Naturalist &
Education Director
Gail Hill
Assistant Education Director/Volunteer
Coordinator
Mary Jo Lisewski
Office Coordinator:
Kathleen Everett
Asst. Bookkeeper:
Carolyn Schaupp
Store Manager:
Louise Lehman
Naturalist Aides:
Heather Mueller
Grace Gottschall
FRIENDS OF PEACE VALLEY
NATURE CENTER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
President:
Betsy Moore
Vice-President:
Cynthia Hollis
Treasurer:
Daniel Long
Corresponding Secretary:
Al Panfil
Directors
Andy Young
Robin Folkerts
Andrew Young
Kevin Cornwall
Ray Valukonis
Tim Hediger
Anna Marie Chiofolo
Newsletter Editor:
G. Hill and Staff
The Bucks County Department of Parks
and Recreation does not
discriminate on the basis of disability
in its programs, activities and facilities.
Peace Valley Nature Center
170 North Chapman Road
Doylestown, PA 18901-5504
215-345-7860
Fax # 215-345-4529
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Volume 32, Issue 3
Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center
Membership
Welcome New Members
Kai & Samantha Bode
Robyn Kelemen
Jen Mahoney
Gail & Patrick Romero
Kathleen Fitzgibbon
Christine DiPilla
Yamuna Dass
Marisa Ulmer
Roberta Morano
Colleen Egan
The Aughe Family
Becky Meidt
Martin & Joan Shames
Lorraine Anton
Jeff Mercando
Brad Hundley
Renee & Chuck Lumio
Allison Barnhart
Alan & Sharon Yarrison
Joseph & Nancy Wasekanes
Ed Dixon
Ray Valukonis
Abbe Mogell
Wayne Houston
Amanda Jenkinson
Susan Casper
Renee Gerheart
William Waite
Joyce & Dave Lindorff
Lisa Sommer
Maxa Berman
Daneene Jensen
Eric Garnauf
Dawn Ford
Sam Greenhalgh
Shanthi Coleman
Donations
Matching Gifts:
Merck for William
McClements
C A, Inc. for Leroy Tabb
In Memory of:
Marion Jane Saunders:
Marty Redfield & Garry Wodock
Helen Clark
J. Kenneth Herd
Bonnie Saunders
Mary Eileen Baltes
Joan M. Wonsidler:
Sandra L. Wonsidler
Joseph G. Venditto:
Akihito Taniguchi for co-workers
Agnes Ware:
Helen Diehl
Nancy McKee
Vincent Feisel
Teresa Wight
David Shoemaker
Kang Young
Mike & Liz Fronzeo
Barbara Stollsteimer
Sarah DeBelle Bull
Kathleen Marchione
Lisa Eshelman
Cynthia Jenkins
Christine Rawlings
Al Bernabei
Gerri Dleinberg
Lessley Vitelli
Kimberly Larson & William
Neumann
Service Projects &
Volunteers
Volunteer Day was held and more than 40
volunteers attended and enjoyed the complimentary lunch provided by the staff. An
education program followed presented by
the Elmwood Park Zoo. Donations were
made to the luncheon by MaryAnne Pastry
Shoppe, Roman Delight and Chambers 19.
 Many ongoing volunteers have tremendously helped maintain and improve our
outdoor education classroom
 Eagle Scout projects are ongoing with
many requests and project proposals
 We wish to thank the volunteers at the
desk for their time and talents as ambassadors of environmental education,
membership, and of course, store sales
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Volume 32, Issue 3
Page 3
Things to Do At Peace Valley Nature Center
BIRD WALKS—EVERY SATURDAY MORINING—NO FEE ~ 8:00AM10:00
Fall Migration! What a great time to get outdoors and go birding. Join birders of the area
for an informal and informative walk. All levels of experience welcome. Hone your skills or
enjoy learning a new passion and appreciation for birds.
SINGLES WALKS; September 8, 22, Oct. 6, 20, Nov 3, 17 ~ 10:30 am, Join Director Naturalist Craig
Olsen as he leads informative walks highlighting and informing you about what is going on around the nature center in the natural world $2 donation suggested Bring Lunch for after the walk
SEPTEMBER
VULTURE AWARENESS DAY! Saturday Sept. 1—1-2:30 pm NO FEE ~ Activities and information
about these misunderstood birds. Learn why their conservation is vital to all of us.
COMPOST WORKSHOP—September 8, 11:00 am—Presented by the Bucks County Master Gardeners, you
will learn how to utilize at a minimum of work and cost what you may normally just throw in the trash.
RSVP to Bucks County Extension Agency 215-345-3283 or PVNC 215-345-7860
STAR WATCH—Friday
September 14 ~ 8 pm
Join the Bux-Mont Astronomical Association to look at what’s happening in the night sky. Star Watch
will be held in the field off Chapman Road. From the parking lot walk towards the bridge and the entrance to the field is on the left before the bridge. Cloudy or rainy weather cancels the event. NO FEE
FRIENDS & FAMILY FUN DAY —Saturday September 15—10am-4pm
All kinds of fun things for everyone to do , including silent auction and children’s ticket auction, Too Good to Toss
Sale, and more. Join us!
FAMILY FUN WALK -2 or 6 MILES Saturday September 15 ~ 10 am (rain or shine)- details available on
our website. Bring the children, the dog and your friends to this fun new event! Registration & walk begin and end at the Nature
Center
TEACHER NATURALIST TRAINING Tuesday-Thursday; September 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
1:00-3:00 pm—NO FEE
(details available in text of newsletter page 7)
BABES IN THE WOODS– 8 months– 2 years –10-11
am—Sept 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, rain date Oct. 17
KIT CREW & GOSLING GANG—Preschool classes—
10:00 –11:30 am
Begin Sept. 18 & 19, these programs run for 4 consecutive Tuesdays or Wednesdays, a rain date follows the 4th week. (details in text of newsletter Page 7)
HARVEST MOON WALK & CAMPFIRE ~ September 29,
8:30 pm—Inclement weather cancels the event (cloudy or rain—if unsure if event happening—call) - Experience one of
the brightest and most spectacular full moons of the year and take a walk in the moonlight, discovering what’s going on. We will
return to join together for a warm pleasing campfire.
Limited use of flashlights! (Please) $5 ($2
members) - Pre-registration required
Page 4
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Volume 32, Issue 3
Things to Do At Peace Valley Nature Center
Calendar of Events
FAMILY CAMP-OVER– 7:00 pm Friday September 28-
9:00 am Saturday September 29– Sleep out in your own tent and experience Peace Valley at night. We shall have activities and a guided
walk. Breakfast is provided! Pack up the family and come camping with
us! FEE $25 ($15 members), children $8 ($5 members)
OCTOBER
SUNDAY NATURALIST FORAYS –
OCTOBER—2PM
NO FEE, Outdoor Adventure for explorers of all ages
October 7 ~ Bountiful Bugs Grab the bug boxes and we will explore the fascinating
lives of insects, where they are, who they are and what do they do?
 October 21 ~ Fruits, Pods, and Packages: SEEDS We depend on the bounty of
plants for our food. Let’s go look for seeds and fruits that the animals of Peace Valley need
 October 28 ~ Tree’s Colors and Gifts The beauty and majesty of fall foliage.
We shall discover the diversity of this seasonal wonder

SPIDER’S TEA PARTY
Sunday October 14 ~ 1:30 pm ~ NO FEE Bring along your favorite
stuffed pal and join us for tea (juice) and crumpets (snack food). We will listen to some creepy stories and tales read by Mrs.
Spider. We will then go out and search for some real spiders and their relatives
GAGGLES OF GHOSTS AND GHOULS Friday
October 26, 6:30-9:00
FEE: $5 (members $2)
Led by our somewhat Ghoulish teacher naturalists, you will embark on an eerie walk through the trails of PVNC. Along the
way you may meet some “creatures” that will expose some of the myths about the
creepy and frightening nature of cats, rats, bats, snakes, ghosts and other things
that go bump in the night. After the walk, relax at our warming fire.
Walks are ongoing throughout the evening. No pre-registration necessary
Groups are welcome!
NOVEMBER
SUNDAY NATURALIST FORAYS –NOVEMBER—2PM
Outdoor Adventure for explorers of all ages
Nov 4 ~ Birds in Autumn-
Where Are They? Who is staying around for the winter? Where are they going?
Nov 11 ~ What’s That? - Who goes there?
We shall hike the trails looking for autumn changes. What is happening as the
season changes?
Star Watch~ Nov 15
7:30 pm– Join the Bux-Mont Astronomical Assoc.,
questions answered about the stars and great heavenly sights. Star Watch will be held in
the field off Chapman Road. From the parking lot walk towards the bridge and the entrance to the field is on the left before the bridge. Cloudy or rainy weather cancels the
event.
NO FEE
NO FEE
Volume 32, Issue 3
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Volunteer Day 2012
Page 5
Many Volunteers and Eagle Scouts were
recognized for their accomplishments and
contributions to the Nature Center
Paddy Kiley is thanked by Volunteer Coordinator M. J. Lisewski for his Eagle
Scout project
Program presented by Laurie WoodSmith; Elmwood Park Zoo
Page 6
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Volume 32, Issue 3
What’s On Your Plate?
How Your Choice of Food Contributes to Global Climate Change
One of the most interesting phenomenon's our world faces today is “climate change.” Over the past
century, our Earth’s average temperature has increased by 1.4°F and is expected to rise between another 2 to
11.5°F over the next hundred years. But, why is global climate change a problem? Doesn’t it just help us have
warmer winters? Unfortunately, global climate change is becoming a huge problem. Increases in the Earth’s
average temperatures, no matter how big or small, can lead to potentially dangerous shifts in climate and
weather patterns. Some of these negative impacts include: more frequent intense storms and hurricanes, more
frequent heavy rainfall, rises in sea level resulting in severe floods, etc.
Human activities are largely responsible for accelerating global climate change. From our daily activities, such as driving, watching television, and industrial manufacturing, humans have released large amounts of
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases are the source of the problem and in order to
improve the climate change conditions, we must all work together to reduce their emissions. Yet, what does
global climate change have to do with the food on your plate? The relationship between this phenomenon and
what you eat actually have a greater connection than you may think.
In order to sustain a community of people, they all must eat food – and a good amount of it. Food
takes a significant amount of time, water, and energy to grow, to transport, and to prepare to eat. The best way
to try to make our food more environmentally friendly is to make better and more informed food choices.
Here are a few ideas for how you and your family can become more sustainable.
Eat locally grown foods and eat seasonally. When we walk into the grocery store in the middle of winter
we can still enjoy all kinds of fruits and vegetables that we would not find growing naturally outdoors. For
many years, stores have their produce and other foods shipped from all across the world which causes a
large amount of greenhouse gas emissions to occur during their long transport. By eating locally grown
foods and eating seasonally, we can help to cut out the majority of transportation needed.
Grow your own garden. Forget going to the grocery store all
together – grow fruits and veggies in your own backyard.
Not only will it save you some gas in your car, but you can
also get the benefits from having fresh produce whenever
you want. Find a nice open area and try out your new green
thumb.
Continued on page 10
Volume 32, Issue 3
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Preschool Programs
Page 7
Ages 2-6 years ~ Fun & Educational Outdoor Walk &
Activities
ADVANCE REGISTRATION & PAYMENT ARE REQUIRED: To register, send title of program, child’s name, age, parent or accompanying adult’s name, phone number and fee to:
Peace Valley Nature Center ~ 170 N. Chapman Road Doylestown, PA 18901
The fee is not refundable one week prior to the start of the program. Please make checks payable to Friends of PVNC.
10:00-11:30 am
Tuesdays ~ September 18, 25, October 2, 9, Foul Weather Date Oct. 16
Wednesdays ~ September 19, 26, October 3, 10, Foul Weather Date Oct. 17
FEE $55 (members $45)
Limit 2 children per adult
KIT CREW
GOSLING GANG
Ages 2-3 with caregiver
Class size: 5 Kits; Under 2 years, no fee
Snack and a great story!
Then we venture outside for a discovery walk focusing on the theme of the story. We then return to the
nature center to make an age-appropriate craft to
take home.
Search for animals’ homes and hideaways. Discover
the fascinating world of worms, learn about a mouse and it’s habitat.
Who does live in that tall, tall grass?
BABES IN
Ages 4-6 with caregiver
Class size: 8 Goslings; Under 2 years, no
fee
A story, snack and walk on the wild side!
We will investigate the world of insects, spiders
and such, trees and their leaves. We will explore
pond life by dipping into the pond to discover
who lives there.
Great Outdoor Adventures!
THE WOODS
10:00-11:00 am
Ages 8 months to 2 years
FEE: $40 (members $30)
Class Size: 5
Babes and their caregiver—Wednesdays ~ Sept 19, 26, October 3,
10, Foul
Weather Date Oct. 17
Awaken the
awareness
Peace Valley
senses of your babe with a great outdoor experience. These nature
classes focus on age appropriate walks. Experience the wonders of
Nature Center.
Teacher Naturalist Training
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
September 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
1:00-3:00 pm
NO FEE—pre-registration required
Do you enjoy the outdoors?
Do you enjoy children and learning?
Join us for 6 sessions that will bring environmental education to life.
You will learn techniques and programs for pre-school and elementary students.
Completion of this training and subsequent program observations could lead to a
part-time paid teacher-naturalist position.
Information or to Register contact Gail Hill 215.345.7860 ext. 103 or ghill@co.bucks.pa.us
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Page 8
Volume 32, Issue 3
Trilobites
A hit with Paleontologists and amateur fossil hunters alike, trilobites never cease to fascinate. These pre-historic life forms are extinct in
today’s world, but can be found as fossils, imprinted in the rocks of
every continent. They tell a tall tale about how life survived all those
millions of years ago. But what are trilobites?
Trilobites are hard-shelled, segmented creatures that lived 52
million years ago in a time period called the Paleozoic Era. Belonging to
the Arthropod
group (includes present day animals such as crabs, scorpions, and spiders), they had multiple body parts, jointed
legs, and antennae in addition to their hard shells (though
their legs and antennae are rarely preserved). They varied
in sizes from anywhere to the smallest being known at
under a millimeter long to the largest being known at two
feet. Their shape too varied, adding to the long list of trilobite species.
Trilobite fossils also tell us that they had great, big
eyes. To date Trilobites are the earliest known creatures to
have eyes. Like the eyes of insects, they were compound,
meaning they were made up of many lenses. Scientists use
this information to piece together the pieces of eye evolution in other arthropods.
Cambrian Period
Such a small and boring creature you might say; whatever
could their purpose be? Well, trilobites, based on their
size and shape, were mostly either predators (feeding on
invertebrates such as worms), scavengers (feeding on dead
organisms), or detritivores (feeding on decaying plant
matter). They were also a major source of prey for bigger
ancient creatures. This means that they were a key ingredient in the food chain of this time.
Why should you, as a Pennsylvanian, care about trilobites and
their fossils? Well, they are our state fossil! They can be found
throughout Pennsylvania, embedded in the rocks under our feet. Swatara State Park for example, located in Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties between Second and Blue Mountains, is a very popular public
place for fossil hunting. You can even look for them yourself and take
them home! Sounds like fun to me!
(For more information, visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/
topogeo/parkguides/pg16.pdf)
Alexandra Baty—2012 Summer Intern
Phacops rana—PA state fossil
Volume 32, Issue 3
Page 9
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Friends & Family Fun Day &
2 or 6 Mile Fun Walk
September 15
10am –4 pm (walk 10-noon)
Fun Stuff for everyone in your family to do !
Check out our auction items and “stuff ” inside for sale, then take the family and
your dog(s) on a 2 or 6 mile walk. The first 50 participants receive a drawstring
backpack and water bottle.
Registration for the walk will be held at the nature
center (just a mere $5 per adult, groups or families
with more than 4 children $25 (no fee for dogs) All
children under the age of 18 must be accompanied
an adult.
by
Upon returning, join the canine fun in our “cake
walk”, when the music stops the dog at the chowinner spot gets to choose a prize. The walk will
continue from 10 am– noon or until we run out of
prizes.
sen
2 Good 2 Toss Sale
inside the Solar Building—stuff just too good to throw out that you may find
mighty useful and at bargain prices
Silent Auction and Children’s Ticket Auction: a great selection of
items and services, bidding ends at 4 pm
Alien Discovery Area: Take a close peek and attempt to discover what does
not
belong and write down your observations
Bounty of Bubbles: Try your skill at making some fantastic bubbles float
through the air
Face Painting (donations accepted): a great selection of fun and
somewhat scary critters are available to adorn your face or arm
Venture Quest:
Stroll down the designated trail, clip board and questions in hand– discover the answers and return with your answer sheet for a
chance at the prize (a basket of great nature stuff). Drawing at 4 pm (must
have at least 60% correct answers to win). You do not have to be present to
win, legibly write your name and phone number and we shall contact you.
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT AND SUPPORT OUR
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Lunch
Available
11:30-2:30
Page 10
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Volume 32, Issue 3
What’s On Your Plate
(continued from page 2)
Eat less red meat and more veggies. What
takes more energy to grow – a head of
broccoli or a cow? If you said the cow, you
guessed right. Meat takes more energy to
produce because they must eat other plants
in order to grow. So, remember when your
mother used to try to get you to eat your
veggies? Well, now you have a great reason
for doing so!
Use reusable containers to store food. We
live in a society that likes to throw things
away. But did you know that it takes more
energy to make a product with raw materials than it does to make a product using recycled materials? By using
reusable containers to store leftovers or to pack your lunch you can cut down the amount of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and plastic bags that are thrown away each day. This environmentally friendly strategy will also help you
to save money in the long-run too!
By incorporating some or all of these ideas, you can help our planet win the fight against global climate
change. The food we put on our plates today will affect the amount of greenhouse gases we release into our atmosphere. Your choices can help make a difference. Every small action matters because every small action can add up
and make a big impact.
Katherine Bradley, 2012 Summer Intern
Did You Know?
RACOONS—What is mistaken for washing its food is in reality
just another way of seeing for the raccoon. A raccoons sensitive hands
and finger act as a second pair of eyes. When raccoons are at the edge
of a pond or stream searching for crayfish, frogs, minnows and other
aquatic treats they use their hands and fingers to probe under rocks
and in the mud. When they do this they are feeling their way around
more than they are looking for things.
So what's going on here? It seems that water actually increases the
sensitivity in the fingers. By taking whatever they find and holding it
under water and then turning it all around and feeling it they appear to
get a better idea of what it is they are going to eat.
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Page 11
Membership
Please consider membership in our worthwhile organization. We
teach more than 14,000 people a year in a non-formal setting about the
wonders and how we are connected to nature in all that we do and are.
If you are currently a member, please consider sharing this form with
a neighbor or friend that shares your values of a sustainable and educated world concerning the intricacies of our relationship to it the
world around us.
Membership in the Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center enables us
to continue our more than 34 year tradition of excellence in
environmental education
MEMBERSHIP FORM
Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center
170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA 18901-5504
(215) 345-7860—
(Incorporated 1978 )
peacevalleynaturecenter.org
Name ______________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________ Zip_________ - _______
Phone __________________________ Email _________________________________
Please send my newsletter via e-mail
 Individual - $20
 Family - $25
 Contributor - $50
 Partner - $100
 Conservationist - $250
 Benefactor - $500
 Additional Contribution $ _____
Membership dues and contributions are tax deductible.
 New Member
 Renewal
Thank you for supporting our environmental education programs!
Your membership includes our quarterly newsletter, a 10% discount at the Sunflower Gift Shop, and program
discounts.
Would you like to volunteer to help?
 Receptionist/Storekeeper  Teacher/Naturalist Trainee
 Trail Work
A copy of the official registration and financial information of the Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center, Inc., may be obtained from the PA
Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Summer Nature Adventures
2012
We provided expertly guided nature and scientific adventure for children ages 2-13. Times for programs varied from one week 9am –noon; one day at a time 9am—noon. Two hours for the preschool crowd that included a story, snack and craft as well as an outdoor hands-on experience. And
for the first year a full day camp experience at Tohickon Valley County Park. We utilized the Tohickon Creek, the refreshing pool, hiked the trails, ventured to High Rocks and explored the world
of geocaching.. Tree ID, new games, new friends, times fondly to be remembered.
One-day camps for Tuesday– Friday were a positive and great addition to our summer
camp offerings.
We are very fortunate to have met some great children and enthusiastic and supportive parents. Thank you for a great summer!