2025 Events Preview

Events at ChicoryLane in 2025 will highlight connections between people and wildlife. All events are free and held on Saturdays unless otherwise noted. Rain or shine unless a deluge, so dress accordingly. Restrooms and parking on site.

• Spring and fall walks to observe and to photograph a variety of birds
• A talk on native shrubs as beneficial bird habitat and a walk to observe bird-friendly landscaping
• A hands-on demonstration of dyeing yarn and fabric using native walnuts
• A hands-on workshop in poetry and descriptive writing to sharpen observation of a place
• NEW this year -- Summer and fall open days to observe the ecological diversity of ChicoryLane’s grasslands, woodlands, marshes, wetlands and waterways.

Full details forthcoming in event announcements throughout the season

Spring Bird Walk

with Joe Gyekis, Guide

April 19, 8:00 - 10:00 AM

Our annual Bird Walks launch in April when some early migratory birds are arriving in Penns Valley, including Tree Swallows, Cedar Waxwings, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Broad-winged Hawks, and Ospreys. We’ll expect to see early returning resident birds too. Though some Robins choose to winter in Pennsylvania, many return in large numbers during the spring. We will also watch for signs of breeding activity of species that start nesting in April, including Mourning Doves, Red-tailed Hawks, Woodpeckers, Chickadees, and Titmice. American Woodcocks nest on the property, but they're extremely difficult to see. We can check the mud along the stream for footprints. (Photo Credit: ChicoryLane Collection - Joe Gyekis identifies a Mourning Warbler in Alder)

Summer and Fall Open Days

June 7, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

October 18, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

ChicoryLane is opening its paths for exploration in spring and fall. With an unstructured schedule and much to discover – from woodlands to orchards; grasslands to meadows; waterways to wetlands, and diverse wildlife ecosystems—visitors can explore on their own or with a guide. Optional talks will explain the ecology that has emerged in 50 years of regeneration, as natural systems returned after centuries of agriculture. Bring your favorite method for enjoying the beauties, sights, views, and sounds – a camera/phone, binoculars, sketch/notebook, or just take it all in with your senses. (Photo Credit: ChicoryLane Collection - Simone Roy watercolor sketch of the calamus marsh)

Writing in Place

with Travis Wingard, PSU Extension Educator

Wednesday July 23, 9:00AM - Noon

Join us for a three-hour journaling workshop to explore place as a living character. Through loosely guided prompts and quiet observation, we'll capture in words the rhythms and detail of a landscape as illustrated by haiku poetry and journal entries. This workshop emphasizes writing as an act of presence. Reflection and discovery are the focus. Sharing is optional. There is a small fee and registration process which will be detailed closer to the event. (Photo Credit: ChicoryLane Collection - view from the field up top.)

Berries and Birds

with John Smith, James Lesher, Sam Stoltzfus

August 9, 9:00 AM - Noon

ChicoryLane’s third in a series of ecological enhancement workshops will explain a practical method for assessing and improving small areas such as a 2-3 acre site. Participants will practice identifying species in the field, then observe demonstration of ways to manage invasive species and introduce natives. This year’s event will emphasize large, native shrubs—viburnums, dogwoods, and shrubby willows—that provide essential food and habitat for birds and other wildlife. This event is scheduled in time for fall shrub berrying so we can observe birds’ feeding habits in the wild. (Photo Credit: Jim Cassidy - Cedar Waxwing feeding her young)

Black Walnut Natural Dye Workshop

with Cathryn Pugh, PSU Extension Educator

August 16, 9:00 AM - Noon

Learn about black walnut's historical and contemporary uses for food, timber, and a variety of natural dyes. Participants will learn how to forage for native plants and get hands-on experience with the dyeing process and beautiful hues the black walnut offers. There is a small registration fee and process which will be detailed closer to the event. (Photo Credit: ChicoryLane Collection, walnuts stored in walking willow by squirrels)

Fall Bird Walk

with Joe Gyekis, Guide

September 13, 8:00 - 10:00 AM

In this season we have a chance to see a wide variety of warbler species. Over the years, 22 different species of warblers have been found at ChicoryLane, and 20 of those were seen in the fall (compared to 9 species in spring). We will be especially looking to see which food sources they use while here. Our walks often venture to the top large open sky field, where we will likely spot Raptors passing over, and sightings at this vantage point often include Falcons, Bald Eagles, and a Cooper's Hawk. (Photo Credit: Chad Kuny - Nuthatch moves headfirst down willow bark foraging for food)

Welcoming Dana Reed to the Board

We are pleased to welcome Dana Reed to the Board of Directors of the ChicoryLane Foundation. Dana brings a strong background in conservation, environmental advocacy, and technical expertise. After a career as a systems engineer in the aerospace industry, she moved to Maui, where she co-founded a volunteer water quality monitoring program that has collected and analyzed thousands of ocean samples to support coral reef preservation. Since relocating to Pennsylvania, she has deepened her commitment to ecological work, completing the PA Master Naturalist program in 2024. Her experience bridging science, data, and environmental stewardship will be an asset to ChicoryLane as we continue our efforts in ecological preservation and enhancement. We look forward to her contributions and insights in the years ahead.

ChicoryLane is an ecological reserve near Spring Mills, protected by a Conservation Easement held by Clearwater Conservancy. It is 68 acres of very diverse lands that we are actively enhancing ecologically. We hold outdoor events throughout the year.

The landscape is natural and scenic. It includes wetlands and meadows, several streams, remnant and successional forests, and a grassland. This diversity of habitats is especially inviting to birds and butterflies. A system of mowed trails makes most of it accessible to walkers.

If you wish to visit ChicoryLane, email us a request including the time, date, and number in your group.

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