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ASBURY WOODS PRESENTS FISH FIELD DAY
August 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Erie, PA (August 14, 2024)  Asbury Woods and local partners will present Fish Field Day on Saturday, August 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Local experts from organizations like the Northwest PA Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and the Pennsylvania Sea Grant will lead various demonstrations and activities throughout the day. Learn more about Asbury Woods Trout in the Classroom program, meet living creatures that are part of a trout’s diet, experience a stocking truck, explore different aquatic invasive species, and try fly tying. Families are sure to have a swimmingly good time!

“Asbury Woods is excited to organize our Fish Field Day once again. We wanted to continue to incorporate fish-related topics and bring new experiences to the public. We are grateful to have local partners join us in hosting this special day to provide hands-on experiences related to our watersheds, the need for maintaining natural resources, and the demand for water conservation in a fun and exciting way.” said Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director at Asbury Woods.

Other activities include a magnetic fishing hole hosted by the PA Steelhead Association, in-depth fly-casting instruction by local guide Jack Barr, and a Q&A station about fishing in the Erie area with local guide Ari Capotis.  Asbury Woods will also host various stations including a casting game and stream table demonstration to learn about erosion.

To learn more about the Fish Field Day visit:
https://www.asburywoods.org/events/fish-field-day/

Details
Fish Field Day

August 24, 2024
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Nature Center
FREE, open to the public

Fish Field Day Sponsors:
Angelo’s Salon Development Group, The Critter Depot, Erie Bank, Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, National Fuel, Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, and PA Steelhead Association.

Fish Field Day Partners:
Northwest PA Chapter of Trout Unlimited; PA Sea Grant; the Great Lakes Fishery Commission; Corry State Fish Hatchery;  Gem City Outdoorsmen Club Fly Tiers; Ari Capotis, Local Fishing Guide; Jack Barr, Certified Casting Instructor and Local Fishing Guide; Master Watershed Stewards; and the PA Fish and Boat Commission.

Activities and Stations:

On the Fly
Try out fly fishing with the local NWPA Trout Unlimited chapter. This station will include a fly-fishing demo. See how far you can cast your line or how many points you can get by hitting your target! Local guide and casting instructor, Jack Barr, will also be available for in-depth casting lessons.

Backyard Bass
Join Asbury Woods for a fun casting game thanks to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Learn to cast, aim for your target, and reel it in!

Fish On
Erie is known for having some of the best fishing in the country. One of those fisheries is steelhead. The PA Steelhead Association will host a magnetic fishing hole where all are encouraged to come and try reeling in one of the “monster steelheads.”

Art on a Hook
Watch some of Erie’s local fly-fishing experts tie flies and give you a chance to try one yourself! Don’t worry, even the kiddos can give it a shot thanks to the tiers from the Gem City Outdoorsmen Club Fly Tiers

What’s on the menu?
Everyone loves pizza, right? Well, not fish! They have a vastly different taste palate. Investigate the foundation of the fresh-water food chain by looking at plankton, macroinvertebrates, and other stream life that feed the trout at all stages of their life.

Trout in the Classroom
Come see live trout! Asbury Woods has been carefully raising over 100 rainbow trout in our Nature Center to release into our local waterways. Most of the time you don’t get the chance to see such small trout since our eggs only arrived a few days ago, but today you can! Make a Trout Hat and do some coloring with our trout life cycle coloring pages.

Aquatic Invasive Species Station
Join Pennsylvania Sea Grant to learn about aquatic invasive species (AIS) and their impacts on freshwater ecosystems. AIS can pack a big punch to the environment and economy. Understanding common routes of introduction is critical to their management. Participants will learn how they can play a key role in preventing the spread of AIS in the Great Lakes and French Creek Watersheds.

Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Have you ever heard of the vampire fish? Learn about the Great Lakes invader, the sea lamprey, with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Corry Hatchery Stocking Truck
Corry Hatchery, a local fish hatchery, will have its stocking truck at the Asbury Woods Nature Center to talk about its role in caring for and transporting stocked fish within our community and the surrounding area. Stop by, see some fish, and grab a fish guide and poster provided by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Water is Home
Learn about how erosion impacts a stream with our stream table and understand the importance of water quality with Asbury Woods and the Master Watershed Stewards.

ASBURY WOODS ANNOUNCES THIRD YEAR FOR NATURE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAM

Erie, PA (June 4, 2024) Asbury Woods popular Nature in Your Neighborhood program is back for its third year. This program takes science and nature on the road to various locations each Thursday June 13 through August 15. Thanks to presenting sponsor, the Erie Community Foundation, Nature in Your Neighborhood is free and offers various themes throughout the summer. The goal is to ignite a curiosity about nature through engaging themes and to provide unique learning experiences in an open and accessible format. This year families can discover underwater creatures, explore parks through scavenger hunts, examine animal pelts and skulls, and unearth why trees are terrific. In addition, a partnership with Hooked on Books allows each child to take home a nature-themed book each week.

“Research shows that environmental education helps build creative thinking, relationship skills, fosters leadership qualities, and makes school subjects rich and relevant. Nature in Your Neighborhood is a hands-on, fun way for kids to experience science concepts and real-life environmental examples to help influence the way youth think about the world and their connection to it.  We welcome families in each neighborhood to stop in for these free programs and hope to ignite their curiosity about the natural world,” says Jennifer Farrar, Asbury Woods Executive Director.

“Hooked on Books for Kids has been happy to partner with Asbury Woods for the past two years with their program Nature In Your Neighborhood. It allows us to reach out to students to encourage reading and learning during the summer months. We value this program as it fosters student’s understanding of the world around them and reinforces learning in new ways.” says Dean Baldwin, President of Hooked on Books for Kids

To learn more about Nature in Your Neighborhood and see the locations and themes for each week visit https://www.asburywoods.org/events/nature-in-your-neighborhood/

Nature In Your Neighborhood
Every Thursday, June 13 – August 15, 2024
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Various parks throughout the summer
All Ages
FREE

June 13: Perry Square, City of Erie
Insides & Outsides: Explore Animal Pelts & Skulls

June 20: Bayview Park, City of Erie
Underwater Creatures: Find Creatures Big and Small

June 27: McKinley Park, City of Erie
Trees Are Terrific

July 4: No Programming

July 11: Napier Park, Lawrence Park
Underwater Creatures: Find Creatures Big and Small

July 18: Bayview Park, City of Erie
Insides & Outsides: Explore Animal Pelts & Skulls

July 25: Perry Square, City of Erie
Underwater Creatures: Find Creatures Big and Small

August 1: Wayne Park, City of Erie
I Spy: Nature Scavenger Hunt

August 8: Napier Park, Lawrence Park
Insides & Outsides: Explore Animal Pelts & Skulls

August 15: McClelland Park, City of Erie
Trees Are Terrific

ASBURY WOODS CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAILS DAY

Erie, PA (May 28, 2024) On Saturday, June 1, 2024, Asbury Woods will celebrate National Trails Day
with a hike to enjoy our beautiful trails. Asbury Woods manages and maintains 234 acres of
preserved property which includes native species, old-growth forests, landscaped gardens, and
wetlands, which offers over five miles of breathtaking trails. On National Trails Day we are asking
people to consider giving a donation to help support Asbury Woods and our continuing efforts to
ensure the trails are well maintained, and free and open to the public 365 days a year. You can make
a donation at some of the trail heads where we will have board members and staff taking any
contributions, or you can donate online or by visiting the Nature Center.

National Trails Day is an annual spring celebration of America’s trails. Started by Rails to Trails
Conservancy in 2013, the celebration encourages people across the country to get outside and enjoy
the nation’s exceptional trails and trail systems. Celebrate Trails Day is more than a day outside. It’s
an opportunity to experience and share the joy and impact of trails. The nation’s 41,000+ miles of
multiuse trails on the ground nationwide lay the foundation for 150+ trail networks in development—
giving us all plenty of places to get outside! These spaces bring incredible value to our everyday lives,
contributing to the well-being of people, places, and the planet.

Event Details: National Trails Day Hike
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free, Open to the public
Donate: https://www.asburywoods.org/donate/ways-to-give/
Age: Adults and children ages 8 and up
Location: Brown's Farm
5774 Sterrettania Road
Fairview, PA 16415
https://www.asburywoods.org/programs/program-schedule/event/06/01/2024/national-trails-day-hike

“Asbury Woods host tens of thousands of visitors on its trails each year. We love that so many people
enjoy the trails at their leisure and reap the benefits of nature. Exposure to nature has been linked to
a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of
psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. In recognition of the importance
and positive impact our trails have on the entire Erie community, we are asking that people think
about giving a donation on National Trails Day to help support Asbury Woods and our continuing
efforts to ensure the trails are well maintained, free and open to the public year-round.” says
Executive Director, Jennifer Farrar.

ASBURY WOODS ANNOUNCES MONDAY MUSIC IN THE WOODS SCHEDULE

Erie, PA (May 20, 2024) Asbury Woods is excited to announce the schedule for Monday Music in the Woods, presented by Bock Insurance Agency, with additional support from Renewal by Andersen, MacDonald Illig Attorneys, Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, Moe’s Southwest Grille, and Pisano Family Wine Cellars. The series features local acts performing from various musical genres in the beautiful setting of the Celebration Garden at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center.

Asbury Woods will host Monday Music in the Woods on Mondays 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. starting on June 3 through July 29. Visitors are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the show. 

Enjoy a glass of wine from Pisano Family Wine Cellar, and $1 from each drink sold will be donated back to Asbury Woods. A different food truck will be available each night, check our website for a full list.

This music series is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5 to help support programming at Asbury Woods. No event registration required. Parking is limited. Overflow parking is available at Asbury Park parking lots and at Asbury Woods’ annex parking lot south of the main parking entrance. We ask that you please leave your furry friends at home during our bigger events and festivals. Click here for more details: www.asburywoods.org/mondaymusic

Monday Music in the Woods schedule of events
Mondays from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
FREE, open to the public.
Suggested donation of $5 to help support programming at Asbury Woods.

June 3 |Rankin & Schell

June 10|Matt Boland

June 17|Jesse James Weston

June 24|Jeremy Jaeger

July 1|Spades

July 8|Steve Gutting

July 15|Brooke Surgener

July 22|Key West Express Lite

July 29|Matt Texter

ASBURY WOODS HOSTS PUBLIC TROUT RELEASE
As part of Trout in the Classroom

Erie, PA (May 1, 2024) On January 10, Asbury Woods received a delivery of over 200 trout eggs as part of the national Trout in the Classroom program.  The eggs were provided to Asbury Woods by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and Trout Unlimited. They were raised in tanks in the Asbury Woods exhibit hall.

Now that the trout have reached the fingerling stage of their lifecycle, it’s time to let them go! Asbury Woods invites the public to help us release the trout into Lake Pleasant. Timed slots are available for free registration through asburywoods.org. Each participant will receive 1 -2 trout to release per registration.

“Asbury Woods raised our first batch of trout in 2023.  After successfully raising them and releasing them into Lake Pleasant last year, we’re excited to offer a chance for the public to be a part of the release this year. We are grateful to have local partners join us to support this initiative which is a wonderful intersection of our environmental education and conservation mission,” said Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director at Asbury Woods.

Trout in the Classroom has been providing classrooms with the unique experience of raising their own trout from egg to fingerling for over 30 years. This program, in partnership with Trout Unlimited, typically reaches over 100,000 students annually across the country.  The program has been in Pennsylvania since 2006, resulting in classrooms raising and releasing brown, rainbow, and brook trout.

To learn more about the Trout in the Classroom visit:
https://www.asburywoods.org/programs/trout-in-the-classroom/

Details
Trout Release, May 11, 2024
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (timed slots); Free but registration required through website
Lake Pleasant Conservation Area

Thanks to our Sponsors:  Angelo's Salon Development Group, Trout Unlimited, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, PA Steelhead Association, ErieBank, and National Fuel.

This activity is part of the national Remake Learning Days festival. #ReMakeDays

About Remake Learning Days
Remake Learning is a professional network of educators and innovators working together to shape the future of teaching and learning. Representing more than 250 organizations, including early learning centers & schools, museums & libraries, afterschool programs & community nonprofits, colleges & universities, ed-tech startups & major employers, philanthropies & civic leaders, Remake Learning is collaborative effort to inspire and empower a generation of lifelong learners.

The Remake Learning Network hosts a national event each year that is known as “Remake Learning Days.” This year the movement is drawing education and technology leaders from across the country—including representatives from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Silicon Valley Makers, and members of the League of Innovative Schools—to Pittsburgh May 9 to 13 for Remake Learning Days, a week-long celebration of the region’s ascendency as a center of future-facing learning. These leaders will share ideas with the 250+ organizations and thousands of educators and innovators in Remake Learning Network. They’ll also explore how educators regionally and nationally might replicate Pittsburgh’s technology-enhanced, hands-on learning methods and partnerships across the nation, particularly in under-resourced communities.

ASBURY WOODS PRESENTS CITY NATURE CHALLENGE
Community Members Encouraged to Document Plants & Wildlife 

Erie, PA (April 18, 2024) The Greater Erie City Nature Challenge is back for its third year, taking place from April 26 – 29, 2024 throughout Erie County.  This 4-day international community science event challenges us to explore the biodiversity around us. Everyone is welcome; all you need to do is download the free iNaturalist app on your phone or tablet, create an account and start exploring!  By making observations in the app during this four-day event, you will be contributing to a global wildlife database that scientists can use to inform their research. Scientists from around the world use the data collected during the City Nature Challenge for various research projects, such as evaluating migration patterns, seasonal fluctuations in biodiversity and more. 

Started in 2016 by the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the City Nature Challenge has grown into an international event to discover and document plants and wildlife in cities across the globe. The goal is to document and identify as many species of plants and wildlife as possible during this 4-day period. You can do observations from your backyard, explore the Bayfront, visit a park, or come to Asbury Woods!

“Asbury Woods is excited to organize our region’s third year of participation in the City Nature Challenge.  We encourage residents across Erie County to get outside, observe nature, and contribute to this massive scientific database.  It can be as simple as documenting the plants and wildlife in your own backyard, visiting a local park, or joining one of the organized walks. Last year we collected over 2,000 observations with 488 species!” said Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director at Asbury Woods.

To learn more about the Greater Erie City Nature Challenge and the related events happening in our community visit https://www.asburywoods.org/events/city-nature-challenge

Join a Hike!
Join a group to participate in the City Nature Challenge together! All hikes are free and open to the public.

• Friday, April 26 at 1:00 pm
  Presque Isle State Park (DCNR)
  201 State Street, Erie, PA 16550, met at the Gull Point Trail
  Free
  Registration Required: https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/city-nature-challenge-on-gull-point
• Saturday, April 27 at 2:00 pm
  Erie Bayfront
  106 East Front Street, meet at the Blasco Library
  Free
• Sunday, April 28 at 10:00 am
  Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park
  1501 West 6th Street, meet in front of the LEAF building
  Free
• Monday, April 29 at 6:00 pm
  Brown's Farm
  5774 Sterrettania Road, meet at Brown's Farm Barn
  Free

Event Sponsors:
The City Nature Challenge is organized by the California Academy of Sciences/Natural History Museum and sponsored by the Grable Foundation.

About Grable Foundation (Global and National Festival Sponsor)

The Grable Foundation is guided by its mission to help children and youth become independent, caring, contributing members of society by supporting programs critical to children’s successful development. Learn more at grable.org. 

ASBURY WOODS CELEBRATES ARBOR DAY

Erie, PA (April 16, 2024) On Saturday, April 27, Asbury Woods will celebrate Arbor Day with a family-friendly event for all ages as part of our 2024 “Year of Trees.”  Come and participate in numerous hands-on activities offered throughout the Nature Center, and be inspired to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees! This event is free and open to the public thanks to our presenting sponsor J. Thomas Tree Service with additional support from Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.

Arbor Day was founded in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton, a Nebraska newspaper editor. Morton was a respected agriculturalist fascinated with trees; he planted numerous trees on his estate. By the 1920s, each state had passed laws that stipulated a certain day to be state Arbor Day. On this day, Americans are encouraged to plant trees, bushes and plants and care for their national environment.

Event Details: Arbor Day Celebration

Date: Saturday, April 27
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free, Open to the public
Location: Andrew J. Conner Nature Center
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, Pennsylvania 16506

www.asburywoods.org/events/arbor-day-celebration/

Activities include:

• Tree ID: What to look for when identifying trees.
• Measure the Impact: Measure trees and calculate the carbon they take in each year.
• Hardwood and Softwood: Examine samples of softwoods and hardwoods to learn the differences between them.
• Make a tree cookie: Decorate and take home a piece of Asbury Woods.
• Tree Hikes: Learn about the variety of trees at Asbury Woods on a 45-minute guided hike.
• Tree Giveaway: ReLEAF, an initiative of Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park, will be giving away live trees so you can be part of their project to plant 275,000 trees in Erie County

“Trees form the backdrop for most of the Asbury Woods property and are core to the establishment of Asbury Woods, that is why we chose “The Year of Trees” as our programmatic theme this year. Our goal is to provide programs, materials and experiences that engage people to learn more and deepen their appreciation for trees” says Executive Director, Jennifer Farrar.  “The value of trees in a community is well-documented, providing shade and lowering energy costs, attracting wildlife, contributing to cleaner air, controlling erosion, reducing carbon in the atmosphere, beautification of urban, shopping, and residential areas, and so much more! We hope that by highlighting this precious resource we can engage the community to think about actions they can do to protect and nurture trees.”

Asbury Woods Annual Maple Festival will take place on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods. The Maple Festival is two days of interactive tours, demonstrations, and all things maple syrup! Thanks to our sponsors Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, J. Thomas Tree Service, and Renewal by Andersen.

The Asbury Woods Maple Festival annually attracts more than 600 visitors to explore the history of maple production, to engage in family activities and to browse maple products for purchase.

Event Details:
Date: March 2 & 3, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cost: Tickets are $6, children 3 and under are free
Pre-registration is preferred, but not required.
Location: Andrew J. Conner Nature Center
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, Pennsylvania 16506
asburywoods.org/events/maple-festival/

Asbury Woods Maple Festival program details:

• Maple Walking Tour: Thirty-minute tour includes a short walk to our sugar bush with an introduction to maple syrup history, its uniqueness to the area, and a brief explanation of the sugaring process.
• Interactive Stations: Placed throughout the Nature Center. Try to identify a maple tree, see the evaporation process, and learn about photosynthesis.
• Sugar Shack: Watch the boiling process in action and delight in the sweet smell of the sap.
• Kids Activities: Enjoy some face painting, try your hand at our maple bean bag toss, or explore our toy evaporator!
• Maple Talk: A morning talk at 11 am with Laura Dengler, owner of How Sweet It Is, going over “Cooking with Maple”.
• Vendor Stations: Browse local hand-made items and taste samples from our maple vendors, How Sweet It Is, and Casbohm Maple and Honey along with the Asbury Woods Squeaky Frog gift

Sugar maple trees are a natural resource found only in our region of the world, and Asbury Woods proudly partakes in this tradition each year by tapping trees then collecting and boiling sap into pure maple syrup. “Our Maple Festival gives the public an opportunity to see the maple syrup process first-hand, by running our sugar shack when sap is flowing people get to see and smell the magic of maple. We’ve included many interactive stations located inside our Nature Center so people can visit the stations they want at their own pace, along with lectures, and kids activities.” says Executive Director, Jennifer Farrar

More details about the Asbury Woods Maple Festival can be found at www.asburywoods.org.

ASBURY WOODS HOSTS TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM
Trout Unveiled on February 3rd

Erie, PA (January 24, 2024) On January 9th, Asbury Woods received a delivery of over 200 trout eggs as part of the national Trout in the Classroom program.  The eggs were sent to Asbury Woods by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and will be raised in tanks in the Asbury Woods exhibit hall until they are large enough to be released into local waterways.

The eggs have been in darkness in hatching baskets since their arrival.  On February 3^rd, the eggs will have reached the next stage of their life cycle, trout sac fry, and they will be large enough to be released into their tank to swim freely.  The public is invited to visit Asbury Woods on February 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for the trout unveiling and for trout related activities, crafts, and giveaways.  The event is free and open to the public thanks to our sponsors:  Angelo's Salon Development Group, Trout Unlimited, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, PA Steelhead Association, ErieBank, and National Fuel.

“Asbury Woods raised our first batch of trout in 2023.  After successfully raising them and releasing them into Lake Pleasant last year, we’re excited to bring a new batch of eggs to our exhibit hall for the students and public to enjoy. We are grateful to have local partners join us to support this initiative which is a wonderful intersection of our environmental education and conservation mission,” said Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director at Asbury Woods.

Trout in the Classroom has been providing classrooms with the unique experience of raising their own trout from egg to fingerling for over 30 years. This program, in partnership with Trout Unlimited, typically reaches over 100,000 students annually across the country.  The program has been in Pennsylvania since 2006, resulting in classrooms raising and releasing brown, rainbow, and brook trout.

To learn more about the Trout in the Classroom visit our website:
https://www.asburywoods.org/programs/trout-in-the-classroom/

Details
Trout Unveiling | February 3, 2024
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Nature Center
FREE, open to the public

Thanks to our Sponsors:
Angelo's Salon Development Group, Trout Unlimited, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, PA Steelhead Association, ErieBank, and National Fuel

ASBURY WOODS PRESENTS LUMINARIA
Annual event providing a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day

scheduled for February 9, 2024

Erie, PA (January 22, 2024) - Asbury Woods presents our annual Valentine’s event, Luminaria, on Friday, February 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods.

The event provides a unique way for individuals, friends, and couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Attendees will enjoy a self-guided stroll through our meandering trails, following the flickering lights of luminaries lighting a path through the woods, then warm up by a cozy fire in our picnic shelter. Attendees will each receive a goody bag and enjoy a selection of seasonal beers from Erie Beer and hand-crafted chocolates from Frank’s Chocolates. Childcare will be available for a nominal cost.

“Valentine’s Day is an annual celebration of love, admiration, and appreciation for family, friends, and partners. Here at Asbury Woods, we feel it is appropriate to extend those same feelings to natural places such as the 234 acres of beautiful wetlands, fields, forests, streams, and historic properties which surround us,” said Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

Event Details:
Luminaria
Friday, February 9
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506

Tickets are $20 per person and childcare is available for $5. Registration is required. Must be 21 or older to attend. https://www.asburywoods.org/events/luminaria/

Luminaria is sponsored by: The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA). Special thanks to Allburn Florists, Erie Beer Company, and Frank’s Chocolates of Edinboro.

ASBURY WOODS KICKS OFF THE YEAR OF TREES

Yearlong focus on this vital natural resource Erie, PA (January 4, 2024) Asbury Woods is thrilled to have a yearlong theme once again for our programs and outreach activities, with 2024 being The Year of Trees. Yearly themes help us to dive deeper into various environmental and conservation topics as we pursue our vision for Northwestern Pennsylvania to be a place where appreciation for and protection of natural places is a deeply held personal and community value.

Trees form the backdrop for most of the Asbury Woods property and are core to the establishment of Asbury Woods by Dr. Otto Behrend, co-founder of Hammermill Paper Company in Erie. Dr. Behrend’s family had a rich history in papermaking, and from an early age he developed a deep appreciation for the power of trees, for industry, but also for health, wellbeing, and recreation. Throughout his life, Dr. Behrend was known as an avid outdoorsman, enjoying farming, walking in the woods with his dogs, golfing, planting fruit orchards and reforesting the 110-acre tract of land he purchased in 1920, then known as Asbury Farm. Dr. Behrend planted numerous trees over the years to reforest the former farmland but also to experiment with various papermaking processes. Dr. Behrend was known as an innovator in the science of papermaking and his country estate provided the perfect place to indulge his scientific curiosity and love of trees.

Upon his death, Dr. Behrend’s beloved country estate was left to become the community treasure that is Asbury Woods. His original 110 acres has grown to 234 acres today but remains true to Dr. Behrend’s wish that it be a place for education and outdoor recreation. We can’t think of a better way to honor Dr. Behrend’s gift to the community than by celebrating 2024 as The Year of Trees.

The value of trees in a community is well-documented, providing shade and lowering energy costs, attracting wildlife, contributing to cleaner air, controlling erosion, reducing carbon in the atmosphere, beautifying urban, shopping, and residential areas, and so much more! This year Asbury Woods will explore trees from all angles. Identifying, appreciating, and caring for them, as well as sometimes knowing when to cut them down. Throughout the year we will host tree related programs and projects for all ages including hikes, self-guided activities, lectures, and an Arbor Day celebration just to name a few.

We are extremely grateful to J. Thomas Tree Service for serving as the Presenting Sponsor of The Year of Trees. Their involvement and support will provide topic experts for various programs and help us offer several new programs at no cost throughout the year. Owner, Jake Thomas, commented, “Asbury Woods is a special place in our community and I’m proud that our company has supported them for many years. During 2024 it is our pleasure to expand that support and partnership to present The Year of Trees.”

This year we hope you’ll take time to look at trees, appreciate them, learn more about them and share with us your favorite tree on our social media accounts with #yearoftrees. You can get started by attending one of our many upcoming Year of Trees programs that are easily identified with a tree symbol in our newsletter.

Click Here for more information on The Year of Trees

ASBURY WOODS PRESENTS SCARY CREATURE FEATURE

The annual event is scheduled for October 12, 13, & 14

Erie, PA (October 4, 2023) - Asbury Woods presents the annual Scary Creature Feature, scheduled for Thursday, October 12; Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods.

Scary Creature Feature is a family-friendly event complete with activities, storytelling, and a guided walk through the woods where guests encounter and learn about some not-so-scary, nocturnal creatures that live in the forest.  The event is ideal for ages 3-8 as they are immersed in make-believe to meet and greet animal characters that are native to our region.

“It’s the perfect chance to explore the woods at night in a festive and family-friendly way. Highlighted creatures on the tour include the barred owl, bat, skunk, opossum, spider, and Luna moth.  This is a great event to learn about animals found in our area in hopes to inspire a connection to the outdoors with our youngest visitors,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

Scary Creature Feature is sponsored by: Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, Erie Federal Credit Union, and The Critter Depot with special thanks to Fuhrman’s Cider Mill & Bakery.

Event Details:
Scary Creature Feature
October 12, 13, and 14, 2023
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506

Highlights:

• Guided walk in the woods.
• Encounters with not-so-scary nocturnal creatures.
• Spooky stories around a campfire.
• Furhman’s Cider Mill & Bakery providing cider and donuts for purchase.
• Phot op, with decorated spot to take photos.

The event occurs regardless of the weather. No refunds.  No pets are permitted. 

The program fee is $9. Children under 3 are free.

The guided hike takes place on packed dirt trails and the boardwalk around the Nature Center.

Costumes are encouraged but not required.

https://www.asburywoods.org/events/scary-creature-feature/

Guests must preregister for their specific tour time; each tour time slot can accommodate
20 people. The tour will lead visitors through several stations.

ASBURY WOODS HOSTS CHILDREN’S WATER FESTIVAL
October 2 – 6, 2023

Erie, PA (October 2, 2023) For the second year in a row, Asbury Woods will be hosting the Children’s Water Festival, which gives fifth graders the opportunity for a day long immersion into the wonderful world of water.  The Children’s Water Festival first came to Erie in 2015 and was hosted on the campus of Penn State Behrend. 

During the week of October 2 – 6 Asbury Woods will host over 500 fifth grade students who will rotate through various stations where they learn about the importance of water, taking care of our watersheds, and conserving water. Thanks to an incredible array of people and organizations, the kids will depart with a sense of how water plays an integral part in our lives on this planet and how they have a role in taking care of our water resources.

The Erie Children’s Water Festival is modeled after the Children’s Groundwater Festival that was initiated in 1988 in Grand Island, Nebraska to educate children about water and water issues.  Since that time, it has become an international model that has been adapted and replicated throughout the world.  Festivals are annually held in more than 40 U.S. States, plus Mexico, Canada, Australia, and India.

Sarah Bennett, Director of Education & Community Programs, noted, “We are thrilled to host Children’s Water Festival for the 2^nd consecutive year with even more students attending this year. The festival fits perfectly with our 2023 Year of Water theme and we are excited to educate young people about the importance of our water resources.”

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, schools do not pay a program fee to attend the Children’s Water Festival.  “We are so grateful for the donations which enable us to offer this program to public and private schools across Erie County with no fee to attend.  Support of this program is an investment in our children, our future, and our planet so that our youth understand how important it is to protect and conserve water,” stated Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

Children’s Water Festival supporters for 2023 include: E.E. Austin & Sons, Erie Yacht Club Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Reed Manufacturing. Food for volunteers was generously donated by local food businesses: Marco’s Pizza, Chick-Fil-A and Jimmy John’s.

Erie, PA (September 27, 2023) - Asbury Woods thrives because of volunteers who play a vital role in helping us to achieve our goals of conserving the land, connecting people to nature and inspiring environmental stewardship. We were fortunate to have 285 volunteers spend 7,747 hours of their time caring for the Woods and sustaining our educational programs this past fiscal year.

The recipients of Asbury Woods’ annual volunteer of the year awards go above and beyond in their efforts to inspire a greater sense of environmental awareness, sustainability, and stewardship to our visitors.

“It’s so exciting to be honoring these individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and are helping us connect people of all ages to the conservation and stewardship of nature. We truly appreciate all of our volunteers, and I wish to congratulate the honorees,” says Jennifer Farrar, Asbury Woods Executive Director.

We are proud to announce the distinguished recipients of our annual Volunteer of the Year awards

Appreciation Event:
Thursday, September 28
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Asbury Woods
4105 Asbury Road, Erie PA 16506

Adult Volunteer of the Year - Cindy Gathers
Cindy grew up in Millcreek not too far from Asbury Woods and always loved walking the trails, so when she retired and was looking for a place to volunteer, Asbury seemed like the perfect fit! Since 2016 Cindy has given over 741 hours (and counting!) of her time helping us in visitor services, with maple production, during festivals as an exhibit greeter, and with Monday Music I the Woods concerts. She is always willing to fill in when we put out a call! Cindy states that she, “Loves the variety of volunteer opportunities to choose from, the people I get to meet and talk with, the love of nature that is shared with others and, of course, feeding the fire in the sugar shack in winter!” Congratulations and thank you to Cindy Gathers, our 2023 Adult Volunteer of the Year!

Youth Volunteers of the Year - Alaina and Lilly Nichols
Identical twins Alaina and Lilly Nichols have been volunteering at Asbury Woods since 2020. With a combined total of 524 hours, this dynamic duo first devoted their time as Animal Care assistants and more recently as assistants with our Summer Camps.

The first memory they have of Asbury Woods is visiting during elementary school field trips. “We always looked forward to learning from Mr. Steve (Wasiesky), hiking in the woods and seeing the animals in the Nature Center.” Now they love helping with our summer camps, getting to see the campers learn about the outdoors, and getting to teach them about the animals in the Nature Center.  Congratulations Alaina and Lilly on being named our Youth Volunteers of the Year! We love seeing the younger generation come full circle and give back as you two are. Thank you for all your time and energy, and we hope you will keep it going!

Group Volunteer of the Year – Erie Homes for Children and Adults (EHCA)
Erie Homes for Children and Adults (EHCA) has been sending volunteers to Asbury Woods every week this year to help with indoor and outdoor maintenance, compiling a lifetime total of 186 hours. 

“The EHCA Move Program has been a long-time volunteer at Asbury Woods. We value going there, enjoying nature, and making connections. All the participants say that they appreciate being involved in the community and helping at a place that they love to visit!” said Cindy Olson, Program Specialist for EHCA.

We admire their commitment to Asbury Woods, their hard work in the surrounding gardens, cleaning of the facilities and wanting to make this a better place for the community to enjoy. Congratulations to EHCA for being our Group Volunteers of the Year!

(Erie, PA, September 20, 2023) – Asbury Woods is excited to welcome several new people to our board of directors who will be helping to shape and guide the organization over the next several years: George Dusckas, Aaron O’Toole, T.J. Richter, Steve Ropski, and Bridget Shames. They join us at a moment of great growth and excitement as we implement our vision for Northwestern Pennsylvania. We look forward to these new board members joining us and helping to build upon the groundwork previously laid.

George Dusckas, Jr.
Senior Vice President
RBC Wealth Management

George graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science degree and is a seasoned financial advisor who has been assisting clients with building and preserving wealth since 1982. He joined RBC Wealth Management in 2005.

Prior to joining the Board, George has been serving on Asbury Woods’ finance committee since 2018. During that time, he played an instrumental role in many major decisions affecting Asbury Woods’ future including the expansion of program staff, fiscal and investment planning and the funding of acquisition of 52 acres of property.

Aaron O’Toole
Chief Financial Officer
Millcreek Township School District

Aaron was appointed as the Millcreek Township School District representative on the board as of June 2023.  O’Toole is a 2009 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford with a bachelor’s degree in business management and accounting. He then attended Point Park University for a master’s degree in business administration and graduated in 2011.

Aaron has worked in the finance and business office of Millcreek Township School District since 2014 and currently serves as CFO for the District.

T.J. Richter
Partner
Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency

T.J. and his wife Kelly are originally from Erie and jumped at an opportunity to move back 5 years ago. They have two children, Phillip (2) – “who loves the Asbury trails” and Helen (4 months) “who will learn to love the trails!” T.J. has great childhood memories from Asbury Woods and is happy to be able to afford his kids the opportunity to create memories of their own.

Steve Ropski
Biology Professor
Gannon University

Steve is in his 40th year as a biology professor at Gannon University. He is from Erie and graduated from Gannon College and then taught high school biology for one year before going to Indiana State University for his doctorate specializing in hibernation in small mammals.  Prior to joining the Board of Asbury Woods, Steve served on the board of the Erie Playhouse, Dramashop, and Environment Erie. He also spent 10 years on the DCNR Citizens Advisory Committee and continues to serve on the Mammal Technical for Pennsylvania.

Steve has been serving on Asbury Woods’ facilities and grounds committee since September 2022 and has led several programs at Asbury Woods over the years as well. He looks forward to giving back to Asbury Woods, a place that has given him and his family so much joy over the years.

He looks forward to working with everyone to preserve the work that’s been done and do his part in enhancing the experience that people have when they visit Asbury Woods.

Bridget C. Shames
Vice President and Director of Marketing & Development
Glowacki Management

Bridget leads the efforts to successfully grow and develop customer relationships and is also responsible for the marketing activities and the direction of Glowacki Management Company.  Prior to joining the Board at Asbury Woods, Bridget served on the Erie Catholic School System Board of Directors and was past Chair on the Board of Directors for Erie DAWN. She is a Member of the Hamot Health Foundation Board of Corporators, a licensed PA Real Estate Salesperson, member of the Greater Erie Board of Realtors (GEBOR) and member of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR).

ASBURY WOODS CONGRATULATES STAFF ON BEING ELECTED NWPA REGIONAL DIRECTOR

(Erie, PA, September 6, 2023) – Asbury Woods is pleased to announce that Sarah Bennett, Director of Education and Community Programs, was elected as the NWPA Regional Director for Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators (PAEE).

PAEE’s mission is to unite, support, and empower a community of Environmental Educators throughout Pennsylvania. As the NWPA Regional Director, Sarah will bring together environmental educators in Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties through meetings and workshops. She will also serve on the state PAEE Board of Directors and act as liaison to the NWPA Environmental Literacy Committee through IU5.

Sarah commented on the position, “I am excited to promote environmental education throughout NWPA and to engage more fully with PAEE. I think this is a great opportunity to share what we do at Asbury Woods, as well as network with other organizations across the state. Environmental education is so important for people of all ages to understand and appreciate natural systems and how we need them.”

Prior to her work at Asbury Woods, Sarah was a campaign manager at PennFuture, and was sustainability officer, department chair, and senior lecturer of Biology at Mercyhurst University. She is a lifelong resident of the Great Lakes region, earning her B.S. and M.S. in Zoology at Michigan State University before moving to Erie.

Executive Director, Jennifer Farrar, says, "It’s great that Sarah is being recognized for her great education, leadership and communication skills. We are excited to have Sarah take on this role within PAEE and look forward to bringing all our organizations together and sharing what we do."

ASBURY WOODS PRESENTS FROM HIVE TO HONEY
Annual event celebrating the honey bee is scheduled for September 9, 2023

Erie, PA (August 28, 2023) - Asbury Woods presents our annual honey bee event, From Hive to Honey: The Honey Bee Story. The event is scheduled for September 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods.

The festival celebrates the wonderful honey bee and the vital role it plays in agriculture, pollination, and the food chain. From Hive to Honey provides fun, educational opportunities for all ages in an outdoor setting.

“Honey bees are a fascinating study, everything from their specialized social structure to the science behind the delicious honey we all enjoy.  Our annual festival shines a light on how this bee that we all take for granted plays such an important role for humans.  In true Asbury Woods form, we’re presenting the topic in a fun and educational way that all ages can relate to,” said Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director

Kids and adults alike will delight in the honey extractor demonstrations, learning how to harvest honey from a honeycomb, and watching our bees in action. Vendors will be onsite with local seasonally produced honey varieties, beeswax products, and gifts. There will also be kids crafts to participate in. Come learn all about the science and social life of the amazing honey bee!

Event Details:
From Hive to Honey: The Honey Bee Story
September 9
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506 

Admission is $6. Children under 3 are free. Pre-registration preferred
https://www.asburywoods.org/events/from-hive-to-honey/

Asbury Woods Hive to Honey program details:

• Interactive Stations: Placed throughout the Nature Center. See the life cycle of the honeybee, take a short hike to explore the importance of pollinators, witness a honey extraction, and taste real honey comb, visit our beehives and talk to local bee keepers.
• Kids Crafts: Kids can make their own honeycomb candle and construct their own honey bee headband with antenna to wear during the festival.
• Lecture: Taking place at 11:30 a.m. Charlie Vorisek, professional beekeeper, talks about harvesting varieties of honey with a Q & A session afterward
• Vendor Stations: Several vendors will be on-site with all manner of honey products.

From Hive to Honey is sponsored by: The Critter Depot and Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.

ASBURY WOODS PRESENTS FISH FIELD DAY
August 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Erie, PA (August 11, 2023) Join Asbury Woods and local partners Saturday, August 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for this fun-filled day exploring fish! Thanks to our sponsors, the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie and Northwest PA Chapter of Trout Unlimited, we will have local experts on hand to lead different demonstrations and activities throughout the day. Learn more about our Trout in the Classroom program, meet living creatures that are part of a trout’s diet, and try your hand at tying flies and fly fishing. Families are sure to have a swimming good time!

“Asbury Woods is excited to organize our first Fish Field Day. As part of our Year of Water, we expanded educational programming to include some new water-related themes. We are grateful to have local partners join us in hosting this special day to explore so many fish related topics and bring new experiences to the public,” said Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director at Asbury Woods.

Examples of activities include: A fishing race hosted by the PA Steelhead Association, fly fishing with our local Trout Unlimited chapter, and a Q&A station where local guides will discuss fishing for steelhead, trout, and other fish species in the Erie area.

To learn more about the Fish Field Day visit our website:
https://www.asburywoods.org/events/fish-field-day/

Details
Fish Field Day | August 26, 2023
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Nature Center
FREE, open to the public

Thanks to our partners:
Gem City Outdoorsmen Club Fly Tiers; Ari Capotis, Local Fishing Guide; Mark Signorino, Certified Casting Instructor for Fly Fishers International; Master Watershed Stewards; PA Fish and Boat Commission; PA SeaGrant; PA Steelhead Association; PA Trout Unlimited Council; and Northwest PA Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Thanks to our sponsors: S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie and Northwest PA Chapter of Trout Unlimited

ASBURY WOODS ANNOUNCES SECOND YEAR FOR PROGRAM NATURE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Erie, PA (June 14, 2023) Asbury Woods is pleased to bring back its program, Nature in Your Neighborhood, for its second year. This program takes science and nature on the road to various locations in the City of Erie each Thursday June 15 through August 17. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, the Erie Community Foundation and additional support from H. Richard Obermanns and Konzel Construction this program is provided for free and offers different hands-on activities each week. Our goal is to ignite a curiosity about nature through engaging themes and to provide unique learning experiences in an open and accessible format. This year families can discover underwater creatures, explore parks through scavenger hunts, act like busy bees, and much more. In addition, a partnership with Hooked on Books allows Asbury Woods to hand out a nature-themed book to each child attending.

A core tenet of our vision is to educate people of all ages about northwest Pennsylvania’s unique and diverse habitats and native wildlife. Research shows that environmental education helps build creative thinking and relationship skills, fosters leadership qualities, and makes school subjects rich and relevant. Nature in Your Neighborhood will apply science concepts and real-life environmental examples to help influence the way youth think about the world and their connection to it.

“Fostering diversity of our visitors and program participants is a goal of our strategic plan and taking our show on the road is one way to achieve that. Last year we reached over 200 children and adults in various parks and community spaces, with topics such as seeds, pelts and skulls, and monarch butterflies. We welcome families in each neighborhood to stop in for these hands-on, minds-on, staff-facilitated educational activities, and hope to ignite their curiosity about the natural world,” says Jennifer Farrar, Asbury Woods Executive Director.

“We support the Nature in Your Neighborhood program because it aligns with the goals of the City of Erie to create welcoming and vibrant neighborhoods that provide excellent amenities for all residents, high quality of life, and community pride. This family-friendly, free programming will offer residents educational opportunities in local public spaces within their neighborhoods during summer months,” says Chuck Zysk, Director, Department of Public Works, City of Erie.

To learn more about Nature in Your Neighborhood and see the locations and themes for each week visit https://www.asburywoods.org/events/nature-in-your-neighborhood/

Nature In Your Neighborhood
Every Thursday, June 15 – August 17, 2023
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Different city parks throughout the summer
All Ages
FREE

June 15: Bayview Park
Underwater Creatures: Find Creatures Big and Small

June 22: Rodger Young Park
I Spy! Nature Scavenger Hunt

June 29: Perry Square
Insides & Outsides: Explore Animal Pelts & Skulls

July 6: Washington Park
What’s in My Water? Testing Water Quality

July 13: McKinley Park
Bees & Butterflies: All About Pollinators

July 20: Bayview Park
I Spy! Nature Scavenger Hunt

July 27: Rodger Young Park
Underwater Creatures: Find Creatures Big and Small

August 3: Perry Square
Bees & Butterflies: All About Pollinators

August 10: McKinley Park
Insides & Outsides: Explore Animal Pelts & Skulls

August 17: Washington Park
Bees & Butterflies: All About Pollinators

ASBURY WOODS’ INTO THE WOODS 5 MILE TRAIL RUN

Erie, PA (June 1, 2023) - Asbury Woods is excited to announce their Into the Woods 5 Mile Trail Run at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center set for June 10, 2023. Presented by UPMC Health Plan, with sponsors Culligan Water and Wegmans, and additional support from Erie Beer Company and Cali’s West Catering.

The Into the Woods 5 Mile Trail Run is seeing its 6th year at Asbury Woods, and takes place on our 216 acres of preserved property. This competitive racecourse includes a mix of boardwalks, packed dirt trails and single-track loops. Enjoy the scenic wooded property through the Walnut Creek watershed as you prove your mettle in the woods. Childcare and a youth fun-run round out this family-friendly event. Activities begin at 9:00 am for kids and parents to participate in on the packed dirt trails of the Nature Center portion of the property. The 5-mile race will start at 9:30 am.

Event Details:

June 10, 2023
Andrew J. Conner Nature Center
4105 Asbury Road
Erie PA 16506

“Hosting the Into the Woods trail race is the perfect way to showcase the outdoor recreation available at Asbury Woods and offer a way for families to engage in a healthy activity together.  Proceeds from the race will help support maintenance of over 5 miles of trails here that remain free and open to the public year-round,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

Registration is available on the Asbury Woods website. Runners will receive a “Hit the Trails” T shirt designed by Erie Apparel as a gift for participating.

FREE childcare available during the 5 miler. Potty-trained kids ages three and up are invited to engage with Asbury Woods award winning education staff for age-appropriate nature activities, crafts and to meet a couple of the exhibit animals that live at the Nature Center. 

ASBURY WOODS ANNOUNCES MONDAY MUSIC IN THE WOODS SCHEDULE

Erie, PA (May 22, 2023) Asbury Woods is excited to announce the schedule for Monday Music in the Woods, presented by Bock Insurance Agency, with additional support from Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, MacDonald Illig Attorneys, Marquette Savings Bank, Lavery Brewing Company, and Pisano Family Wine Cellars. The series features local acts performing from various musical genres: including folk, country, bluegrass, Americana, and more.

Asbury Woods will host Monday Music in the Woods on Mondays 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. starting on June 5 through July 31 (no program on Monday, July 3) in the Celebration Garden near the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center. Visitors are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the show. The Nature Center hours will be extended on Monday Music in the Woods concert evenings so guests can explore the Nature Center, visit the Squeaky Frog Gift Shop, and more.

Enjoy a craft beer or glass of wine from two of our locally owned businesses, Lavery Brewing Company, and Pisano Family Wine Cellar. $1 from each drink sold will be donated to Asbury Woods. There will also be a different food truck available each night.

This music series is free and open to the public. No registration required.
Click here for more details: www.asburywoods.org/mondaymusic

Monday Music in the Woods schedule of events (No program on July 3)
Mondays from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
FREE, open to the public.

June 5 | Ange & Shani Acoustics

June 12| Rankin and Schell

June 19|Mike and Marie Acoustics

June 26|Steve Gutting

July 10|Key West Express Lite

July 17|Jeremy Jaeger

July 24|Acoustics by Fudge

July 31|Jesse James Weston

“The beautiful Celebration Garden and wooded backdrop provides the perfect outdoor setting for a musical event,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director. “Visitors can sit back, relax in the great outdoors, and enjoy amazing musical performances all summer long. We’ve also expanded the Nature Center hours on concert nights, offering more flexible options for experiencing all the Nature Center has to offer.”

ASBURY WOODS CELEBRATES WORLD WATER DAY
March 22, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Erie, PA (March 7, 2023) On March 22, as part of our Year of Water, Asbury Woods will be joining organizations across the globe to celebrate World Water Day.

World Water Day is held annually on March 22 as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Water is one of the world’s most vital natural resources and our region’s strategic location adjacent to Lake Erie makes the topic of clean water and sustainable use of fresh water a matter of local and regional significance. The United Nations led campaign, Be the Change, encourages people to act in their own lives to change the way they use, consume, and manage water.  Whether we are drinking it, recreating in and on it, living on its shores, or using it for industry, Lake Erie and its watershed is an inescapable part of the fabric of our community.

In recognition of World Water Day, The Andrew J. Conner Nature Center will be open extended hours to host activities, learning and fun! Activities will include getting your hands wet in our stream table to see the effects of erosion, making a mess with water pollution and how we can prevent it, learning about the trout we are raising with our Trout in the Classroom program, and more!

Details

World Water Day
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
FREE, open to the public

“Our goal is to provide programs, materials, and experiences that engage people in conversations about the importance of water and appreciation for this precious resource.  Water is such a key part of life in our region and seemingly so abundant that it is easy to take this incredible freshwater resource for granted.  We hope that during World Water Day individuals and the community as a whole will think about actions they can take to protect water resources and Be the Change” says Asbury Woods Executive Director, Jennifer Farrar.

ASBURY WOODS MAPLE FESTIVAL SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 4 & 5, 2023

(Erie, PA, February 27, 2023) – Asbury Woods Annual Maple Festival will take place on Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods. The Maple Festival is two days of interactive tours, demonstrations, and all things maple syrup! The Maple Festival this year is sponsored by Widget Financial.

The Asbury Woods Maple Festival annually attracts more than 600 visitors to explore the history of maple production, to engage in family activities and to browse the maple products for purchase.

Asbury Woods Maple Festival program details:

• Maple Tapping Tour: Thirty-minute tour includes an introduction to maple syrup history, tapping demonstration, and explanation of the sugaring process.
• Interactive Stations: Placed throughout the Nature Center. Try to identify a maple tree, see the evaporation process in action and learn about photosynthesis.
• Kids Activities: Enjoy some face painting, try your hand at our maple bean bag toss, or explore our toy evaporator!
• Maple Talks: A morning talk at 11 am with Laura Dengler, owner of How Sweet It Is, going over “Cooking with Maple,” and an afternoon talk at 1 pm with Chris Dolanc, professor in the Biology department at Mercyhurst University, discussing “Trouble for Maples.”
• Commemorative Coaster: New this year, purchase a commemorative coaster! Take home your own piece of Asbury Woods with an original coaster made from a tree on our property and branded with our Maple Festival Design.
• Vendor Stations: Browse local hand-made items and taste samples from our maple vendors, How Sweet It Is, Casbohm Maple and Honey, and Northwestern High School- Wildcat Honey, along with the Asbury Woods Squeaky Frog gift

Sugar maple trees are a natural resource found only in our region of the world, and Asbury Woods proudly partakes in this tradition each year by tapping trees then collecting and boiling sap into pure maple syrup! “Our Maple Festival gives the public an opportunity to see the maple syrup process first-hand, by running our sugar shack when sap is flowing people get to see and smell the magic of maple. We’ve included many interactive stations located inside our Nature Center so people can visit the stations they want at their own pace, along with two lectures, and kids activities. This year we are introducing a commemorative coaster, you can take home a piece of Asbury Woods with a hand-branded design made specially for the Maple Festival. We plan to introduce these commemorative coasters at our other festivals throughout the year, so that at the end of the year you would have a complete set.” says Executive Director, Jennifer Farrar

Asbury Woods Maple Festival tickets are available online. Pre-registration is preferred.
Admission is $6 per person. Children three years old and younger are free.

More details about the Asbury Woods Maple Festival can be found at www.asburywoods.org.

ASBURY WOODS 4 MILE WINTER FUN RUN

Erie, PA (February 13, 2023) – The Asbury Woods Into the Woods Trail Run Series kicks off this season with a 4 Mile Winter Fun Run at Brown’s Farm Barn on February 19, 2023.

Asbury Woods is a place for all seasons, now we have a race for all seasons! Run your heart out at Asbury Woods all year long with the 4-, 5-, and 6-mile series, now in its third year. As an extra incentive, when participants sign up now for all three races, they will receive $5 off each race!  For each race, participants earn great Asbury Woods swag plus, an extra gift at the end of the year for completing the series. The Into the Woods Trail Run series is presented by UPMC Health Plan, with special thanks to Cali’s West Catering, Culligan Water, and Erie Beer.

Participants in the 4 Mile Winter Fun Run can run, walk, or snowshoe their way through four scenic miles, starting at Brown’s Farm. This non-timed event is all about enjoying year-round outdoor recreation and fitness on the trails of Asbury Woods. Warm-up post-race with delicious chili compliments of Cali's West Catering and get refreshed with beer provided by Erie Beer Company. For this race, runners and walkers will receive a cozy headband for your runs on the coldest of days.

Registration and more information is available on the Asbury Woods website.

Event Details:

February 19, 2023
Browns Farm Barn
5774 Sterrettania Road
Fairview, PA US 16415
Check-in starts at 12:15 p.m. and the race will kick-off at 1 p.m.

“Hosting the Into the Woods trail series is the perfect way to showcase the outdoor recreation available at Asbury Woods year-round and offer a way for families to engage in a healthy activity together. Proceeds from these races help support maintenance of over 5 miles of trails that remain free and open to the public year round,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

ASBURY WOODS KICKS OFF THE YEAR OF WATER
Yearlong focus on this vital natural resource

Erie, PA (January 4, 2023) Asbury Woods is thrilled to announce a new initiative to help achieve our vision that Northwestern Pennsylvania is a region where protection of and appreciation for natural places is a deeply held personal and community value.  As a way to delve deeper into important environmental and conservation topics, Asbury Woods will begin year-long themes that explore subjects in a robust and multi-disciplinary way.

Kicking off this new approach to programming in 2023 will be The Year of Water.  Water is the world’s most vital natural resource and our region’s connection to Lake Erie makes water conservation a matter of local, regional, national, and global significance. Lake Erie and its watershed are inescapable parts of the fabric of our community. For these reasons, and with Walnut Creek, a major tributary of Lake Erie, passing through Asbury Woods property, water was a natural choice to kick off the yearly themes.

Executive Director, Jenifer Farrar, noted, “Our goal is to provide programs, forums, materials, and experiences which engage people of all ages in a conversation about the importance of water.  Water is such a key part of life in our region and seemingly so abundant that it is easy to take this incredible freshwater resource for granted.  We hope during The Year of Water that individuals and the community as a whole will think about actions they can take to protect water resources.”  

Additionally, Asbury Woods will be featuring a new water-related exhibit in the Nature Center, starting in early January, Trout in the Classroom.  This national program will help demonstrate the everyday relevance of healthy watersheds and engage students and the community in active stewardship of a local species dependent upon healthy water ecosystems.

Later in the year Asbury Woods will be unveiling a major collaboration with renowned artist and Erie native, Kevin-John Jobczynski.  As his fine arts career has led him to work with brands such as Disney, Lucas Films, ESPN, the NFL and others, he remains inspired by his memories of visits to Asbury Woods as a student at Asbury Elementary School.  Kevin-John will be working on an original piece of art that captures the spirit of The Year of Water at Asbury Woods. 

For more information on The Year of Water, visit:  https://www.asburywoods.org/news/asbury-woods-the-year-of-water

For more information about Trout in the Classroom, visit:  https://www.asburywoods.org/programs/trout-in-the-classroom/

For a brief video introduction to The Year of Water, visit: https://youtu.be/8gA5vN1sf_0

ASBURY WOODS AND MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCE TRANSFER OF 40 ACRES

Land will be permanently conserved for public use

Erie, PA (December 20) - Asbury Woods and Mercyhurst University announce the sale of 40 acres of property from Mercyhurst to Asbury Woods.  More than two years in the making, this transfer of land to Asbury Woods ensures that these 40 acres will be placed in permanent conservation status.

The land being transferred was gifted to then Mercyhurst College by local businessman Douglas James in 1992 for the creation of a nature preserve.  Mercyhurst and Asbury Woods had a long-standing agreement that allowed for the development of a public-access trail through the James Preserve property to establish the Asbury Woods Greenway Trail which connected properties around the Nature Center on the west side of Asbury Road with Asbury Woods’ Browns Farm parcel on Sterrettania Road.  Asbury Woods staff and volunteers maintained the trails and Mercyhurst students and faculty used the property for biology classes and research projects.  This decades-long partnership allowed the James Preserve property to serve as an educational tool while providing broad public access to natural environments.

In recent years the administrations of Mercyhurst University and Asbury Woods began conversations on transferring ownership of the James Preserve to Asbury Woods.  “Mr. James had a vision of a permanent nature preserve that provided our faculty and students with a living laboratory for scientific inquiry and hands-on learning.  Asbury Woods has a mission at the intersection of education and conservation.  Their status as a land trust makes them the organization best positioned to continue to steward this land.  Mercyhurst students and faculty will continue to have access to the property for student field trips, faculty research and hands-on learning, while Asbury Woods will make sure the 40 acres is permanently protected along with their other 176 acres of property,” noted Kathleen Getz, Mercyhurst University President. 

Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director of Asbury Woods, added, “Asbury Woods is grateful to Mercyhurst University and their foresight to permanently conserve this greenspace.  Generations of Erie County residents and Mercyhurst students benefit from this land being conserved, and it will help ensure that plants and wildlife are protected.”

The transfer of the land to Asbury Woods was made possible thanks to Mercyhurst University’s generosity in donating half of the appraised value of the 40 acres, equal to a $117,000 donation.  The

acquisition was also supported by a PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources grant, Erie Insurance, the Erie Community Foundation, Bill & Sally DeWitt, the John M. & Gertrude E. Petersen Foundation, and several other private donations.

The 40 acres purchased is adjacent to 11 acres that Asbury Woods purchased in April 2021 that was supported through the same grant and funders.  This brings Asbury Woods total acreage to 216.

ASBURY WOODS TO HOST WINTER WONDERLAND DECEMBER 1 - 31

Erie, PA (November 14, 2022) - Asbury Woods presents Winter Wonderland starting December 1 through December 31 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods.

The boardwalk adjacent to the Nature Center at Asbury Woods will be lit up each night, starting December 1 through 31 (except December 24 and 25) from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. We invite the community to stroll along the boardwalk to enjoy a festive holiday light display through the woods. The Andrew J. Conner Nature Center will be open to explore the exhibit hall and shop for holiday gifts in the Squeaky Frog Gift Shop. Also, after a two year-hiatus, our delightful model train display will return, a favorite for all ages.

“Asbury Woods’ Winter Wonderland has become a part of many people’s holiday traditions for over 20 years. We are excited to invite everyone to Asbury Woods during the holiday season, whether you’ve come every year or have never been before.  We are happy to provide a way for people to connect to nature with a walk through the Woods during this special time of year. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we can once again offer Winter Wonderland as a free event for the public.  Donations are accepted and appreciated on-site but not required to ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy the beauty of the season,” said Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

The holiday lights will twinkle in the woods and wetlands along the fully accessible boardwalk, covering 1/3 of a mile, great for all ages and abilities. Access to the lighted boardwalk and Nature Center will be free and open to the public.

Winter Wonderland at Asbury Woods
December 1 – 31 (no program December 24 and 25)
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Donations will be accepted on-site but are not required.

Winter Wonderland is presented by Combined Insurance, Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, First Energy, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, J. Thomas Tree Service, National Fuel and Weiss Earley Landscape Design & Contracting, LLC.

ASBURY WOODS & ROTARY CLUB OF PRESQUEL ISLE TO UNVEIL PEACE POLE

Erie, PA (October 28, 2022) On November 1^st, Asbury Woods and the Presque Isle Rotary Club will unveil a joint project on the property of Asbury Woods, a peace pole. 

A peace pole is an internationally-reocgnized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family for peace on Earth.  Each Peace Pole bears the message May Peace Prevail on Earth in different languages on each of its four sides.  The Peace Pole at Asbury Woods shares the message in English, French, Hebrew and Spanish.  It is estimated that more than 200,000 peace poles erected across the globe since the project started in Japan over 50 years ago.

Planting a Peace Pole is a way of bringing people together to inspire, awaken and uplift the human consciousness the world over.  They remind us to think, speak and act in the spirt of peace and harmony.

Promoting peace is a core tenant of the more than 46,000 Rotary Clubs which are part of Rotary International.  The Presqule Isle Rotary Club approached Asbury Woods about installing a Peace Pole on the property in Spring 2022.  Asbury Woods Executive Director, Jennifer Farrar, noted, “A Peace Pole and the message of harmony, unity and peace is a good fit for a natural area such as Asbury Woods.  We strive to be in harmony, balance and at peace with people and nature.”

The Peace Pole at Asbury Woods will be unveiled on November 1 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at a gathering hosted by Presque Isle Rotary Club.  Media are invited to the event and representatives from Asbury Woods and Rotary Club will be available.

For more information about Peace Poles, visit peacepoleproject.org.

ASBURY WOODS CELEBRATES FOUNDER’S DAY
150^th birthday of Otto Behrend on October 17th

Erie, PA (October 10, 2022) On October 17^th, Asbury Woods will celebrate Founder’s Day, marking 150 years since the birth of Dr. Otto F. Behrend, the original patron of Asbury Woods who donated his cottage and farm upon his death.

When Dr. Behrend passed away in 1957, his will left his 110-acre farm to Millcreek Township School District for “educational and recreational purposes.”  This original gift formed the foundation for what has grown into present-day Asbury Woods, a 216-acre nature preserve that is owned and operated by Asbury Woods Partnership.  The Partnership is an independent nonprofit dedicated to a mission that reflects Dr. Behrend’s original intentions for use of his donated property.  Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director of Asbury Woods, notes, “Our present-day mission statement includes three prongs:  conservation of the land, environmental education, and outdoor recreation.  We are honored to carry forward the legacy Dr. Behrend created with his generous gift.  Over the years Asbury Woods property holdings have grown and we’ve been able to impact hundreds of thousands of students over the years with environmental education programs and offer countless community members experiences in nature.”

Dr. Behrend was a co-founder of the Hammermill Paper Company with his brother, Ernst, and father, Moritz.  He was born October 17, 1872 in Coeslin, Germany.  His father was a well-known papermaker who helped to establish a papermill in a wooded area of Germany along the Wipper River known as the Hammer.  Once the papermill was established, the area became known as Hammermuehle, which became the namesake for the company the father and sons established in Erie in June 1898.  Dr. Behrend worked alongside his father and then attended the University of Berlin where he earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1896.  He worked at various papermills across Germany before venturing to America to establish a papermill along the shores of Lake Erie.

During his lifetime Dr. Behrend was a great lover of animals and the outdoors.  Over the years thoroughbred horses were trained at his Asbury Farm, he raised many dogs, planted orchards, and experimented by planting various tree species to test in his papermill. 

In celebration of 150 years since his birth, Asbury Woods will mark Founders Day on October 17^th with several special events.  The Andrew J. Conner Nature Center will we open evening hours 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. for a birthday party.  Festivities will include various tree related activities for all ages, a tree hike to see trees still on the property that were planted by Dr. Behrend, cake and cookies!  Also, at 5:45 p.m. we will plant a tree in Dr. Behrend’s honor.  Plus, view historical photos in the Behrend Room of the Nature Center, a room in the building that was part of the original cottage on the land when Dr. Behrend donated it.

Details

Founder’s Day Celebration

Monday, October 17, 2022

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

5:45 p.m. Tree planting in honor of Dr. Behrend’s 150^th birthday and his generosity to our community

All ages; no reservations required and no fee to attend

ASBURY WOODS PRESENTS SCARY CREATURE FEATURE

The annual event is scheduled for October 13, 14, & 15

Erie, PA (March 21, 2023) - Asbury Woods presents the annual Scary Creature Feature, scheduled for Thursday, October 13; Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods.

Scary Creature Feature is a family-friendly event complete with activities, storytelling, and a guided walk through the woods where guests encounter and learn about some not-so-scary, nocturnal creatures that live in the forest.   The event is ideal for ages 3-8 as they are immersed in make-believe to meet and greet animal characters that are native to our region.

“It’s the perfect chance to explore the woods at night in a festive and family-friendly way. Highlighted creatures on the tour include the barred owl, spider, skunk, salamander, and Luna moth.  Plus, this year, we’ll introduce an opossum character.  This is a great event to learn about animals found in our area in hopes to inspire a connection to the outdoors with our youngest visitors,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

Scary Creature Feature is sponsored by: Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority

Event Details:
Scary Creature Feature
October 13, 14, and 15, 2022
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506

The program fee is $9. Children 2 and under are free.

The guided hike takes place on packed dirt trails and the boardwalk around the Nature Center.

Costumes are encouraged but not required.

http://www.asburywoods.org/events/scary-creature-feature

Guests must preregister for their specific tour time; each tour time slot can accommodate
20 people. The tour will lead visitors through several stations.

Asbury Woods Scary Creature Feature Program Details

• Guided walk in the woods
• Encounters with not-so-scary nocturnal creatures
• Spooky stories around a campfire
• Wildlife take-home treat station

The program occurs regardless of the weather. No refunds.  No pets are permitted. 

ASBURY WOODS HOSTS CHILDREN’S WATER FESTIVAL
October 3 – 7, 2022

Erie, PA (October 3, 2022) The Children’s Water Festival first came to Erie in 2015 and was hosted on the campus of Penn State Behrend.  Due to changes on campus, the volunteer committee who was the driving force behind the Children’s Water Festival was seeking a new home and found it at Asbury Woods.

During the week of October 3 – 7 Asbury Woods will host more than 500 fifth graders for a day long immersion into the wonderful world of water.  Thanks to an incredible array of people and organizations, the students will rotate through various stations where they learn about the importance of water, taking care of our watersheds, conserving water and water as a vital resource.  Kids will depart with a sense of how water plays an integral part in our lives on this planet and how they can have a role in taking care of our water resources.

The Erie Children’s Water Festival is modeled after the Children’s Groundwater Festival that was initiated in 1988 in Grand Island, Nebraska to educate children about water and water issues.  Since that time it has become an international model that has been adapted and replicated throughout the world.  Festivals are annually held in more than 40 U.S. States, plus Mexico, Canada, Australia and India.

Sarah Bennett, Director of Education & Community Programs, noted, “I was previously involved with Children’s Water Festival as a volunteer.  When I started at Asbury Woods last year, I was thrilled that we were the new stewards of this critical education program.  It’s a terrific fit with the environmental education programming we already offer and with the opportunity to get the kids outside into the landscape, it will make the day all that more engaging, meaningful, and fun.”

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, schools do not pay a program fee to attend the Children’s Water Festival.  “We are so grateful for the donations which enable us to offer this program to public and private schools across Erie County with no fee to attend.  Support of this program is an investment in our children, our future, and our planet so that our youth understand how important it is to protect and conserve water,” stated Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

Children’s Water Festival supporters for 2022 include: E.E. Austin & Sons, Erie Yacht Club Foundation, Northwest Savings Bank, Reed Manufacturing, Sheetz, Walmart and W.C. Weill Company.

ASBURY WOODS RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS
Appreciation Event Scheduled for September 27, 2022

Erie, PA (March 21, 2023) - Asbury Woods thrives because of volunteers who play a vital role in helping us achieve our goals of conserving the land, connecting people to nature, and inspiring environmental stewardship. We were fortunate to have 368 volunteers spend over 7,489 hours of their time caring for the Woods and sustaining our educational programs this past year. Asbury Woods awards an adult, youth, and group volunteer yearly.

The recipients of Asbury Woods’ annual awards go above and beyond in their efforts to inspire a greater sense of environmental awareness, sustainability, and stewardship to visitors. We are proud to announce the distinguished recipients of our annual Volunteer of the Year awards.

“It’s so exciting to be honoring these individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and are helping us connect people of all ages to nature and helping us to ensure our region is a place where respect and appreciation for natural places is a deeply held value. We truly appreciate all of our volunteers, and I wish to congratulate the honorees,” says Jennifer Farrar, Asbury Woods Executive Director.

Appreciation Event:

Tuesday, September 27
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Asbury Woods
4105 Asbury Road, Erie PA 16506

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The Adult Volunteer of the Year is awarded to David Karle.
Congrats and thank you to David Karle, 2022 Adult Volunteer of the Year!  David has already made a huge impact at Asbury Woods during the little over two years that he has been volunteering.  At this point, he’s pretty much done it all!  Whether helping with ski and snowshoe rentals, summer camp, as an education program assistant or at a festival, David brings a smile and willingness to jump in and make a difference.

When David retired from Steris in 2011, he knew he wanted to put his experience, education and passion for the outdoors to work for the good of the community.  He began volunteering with various organizations, including the SONS of Lake Erie, who strive to provide public access for fishing to our local waterways and he still volunteers at.  In June 2020, he connected with Asbury Woods as a new volunteer because of his desire to education children and young adults about the wonders of nature.  Asbury Woods was an ideal place to do this with his science and biology background combined with his love of nature.

In his time as a volunteer, David has given 310 hours (and counting!) to help Asbury Woods achieve its mission.  He’s assisted with everything from our trail runs, outdoor visitor services, program assistant, festivals, ski and snowshoe rental fittings, summer camp helper and much more!  David shares, “Asbury Woods provides an opportunity to get involved at whatever level is comfortable for you.  I started small and have grown into various roles, including leading education programs.  The dedicated staff is so much fun to work with and I’ve learned so much working alongside them.”

“As volunteers, we are welcomed by the dedicated staff of naturalists to do as much as we are willing to take on. I found that this job was perfect for me.”

David’s advice for anyone considering volunteering at Asbury Woods, “Get involved and try it. There are so many areas that need our help, from gardening to animal care to educational assistant. Nobody insists that you spend more time than you are willing to devote, and the Asbury Woods staff is so appreciative of the help that you provide.”

Thank you, David, for your dedication to Asbury Woods.  We couldn’t do it without you!

The Youth Volunteer of the Year is awarded to Susannah Poese.
Susannah Poese hasn’t been volunteering for us long, but she has made quite an impression, contributing over 45 hours since the beginning of June, 2022! She was looking for something fun to do over the Summer and heard about our volunteer opportunities through her high school guidance counselor. She feels Asbury Woods is a great resource for the community and it is one of her favorite places in Erie, so she didn’t hesitate to sign up. Since then, she has been a key volunteer for a lot of our summer programming.

Working with her mom the past couple of summers at the YMCA Camp Finch in the craft workshop, has given Susannah great experience working with little kids. She loves being outdoors and getting to interact with youth of all ages, Asbury Woods was a perfect chance for her to expand her experience and combine her two passions. Susannah has jumped right in helping out with our summer camps each week, along with volunteering for some of our pre-school programs.

She has the best time in our preschool program, Summer Sprouts, where she confesses, “I love working with the same kiddos every week and seeing them grow and come out of their shells. Their excitement and happiness inspires me to be excited and happy!” Susannah’s enthusiasm and smile is definitely infectious, you can tell how much the kids enjoy having her in the classroom. Thank you Susannah for volunteering your time and enthusiasm with Asbury Woods, we congratulate you on being Youth Volunteer of the Year, 2022.

The Group Volunteer of the Year is awarded to NeuroRestorative.
NeuroRestorative started volunteering as a group for Asbury Woods in approximately 2003 (then called Anchor Inne).  While the faces of the many volunteers have changed, one thing has remained constant, their dedication to helping Asbury Woods thrive!  NeuroRestorative, in the Fairview, PA area, provides rehabilitation services for individuals with brain injuries.  NeuroRestorative is dedicated to providing a range of community connections and activities for their residents.

Initially, their work started out as small tasks, such as filling bird feeders weekly, and in the ensuing years it has expanded to include a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, like regularly cleaning the classrooms and main building woodwork, occasionally stacking firewood, collecting sticks or acorns, filling the bird feeders, assembling bee kits, collecting sap from the maple trees and clearing the boardwalk.

Members of the group reflected that they know that even the little things can make a big difference and they enjoy helping to make Asbury Woods a great place to visit.  The individual members enjoy contributing their skills as well as learning new ones through their volunteerism.  Mary Margaret, the longtime therapist facilitating the group  shares that, “Working at a place like Asbury Woods provides our individuals an opportunity to reestablish past skills and/or gain new skills for resume building; it provides social opportunities, and gives them ways to connect personally.” Aaron, another group facilitator, added, “You never know what job or task is going to turn out to be something that is also therapeutic for a member of the group.  It’s great to see them learn and grow.”

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Besides their volunteer work, the individuals of the NeuroRestorative volunteer group appreciate the opportunity to soak in Asbury Woods while they are here.  They often walk the boardwalk and enjoy nature in all seasons.  Each one of these volunteers has a love of nature, is patient, kind and flexible. This year NeuroRestorative has reached the milestone of volunteering over 1,000 hours of their time and efforts. We appreciate their passion for Asbury Woods and wanting to make this a better place for the community to enjoy. Congratulations to NeuroRestorative for being the group volunteers of the year!

Special Thanks:
Special thanks to Hydro Flask’s Parks for All Program for generously donating a high-performance insulated mug which will be given as a thank you gift to all of our volunteers in attendance to show our gratitude for their service and to share our love for all parks and greenspaces. 

More about Parks For All:
Parks for All is the advocacy platform for Hydro Flask. Through Parks for All, Hydro Flask supports non-profit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring and providing more equitable access to parks. For us, parks represent a place we can all go to recreate, relax or be inspired. From urban park excursions with our family to national park adventures in the backcountry, parks of all sizes and types help make us healthier, happier and more fulfilled. Parks For All is our way of sharing the love we have for green spaces, and ensuring these special places get the attention and protection they deserve. As of January 2022, Parks for All has supported 151 non-profits, given more than $2.5 million and donated more than 68,000 bottles. For more information about Parks For All, please visit www.hydroflask.com/parks-for-all

About Hydro Flask:
 Hydro Flask® is the leader in high-performance insulated products that help people enjoy the things they love to do in the places they love to be. From the number one-selling water bottle to soft good innovations like the Day Escape™ Soft Coolers to the Outdoor Kitchen dining collection, Hydro Flask’s delightfully simple designs and go- anywhere durability always deliver the perfect temperature when you need it. Founded in 2009 in Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask inspires active outdoor lives with two simple words: Let’s Go! Its giving program, Parks For All, supports nonprofit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring and investing in public green spaces so people everywhere can live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives. To learn more about Hydro Flask, Parks for All, and to see our full lineup of award-winning products, visit www.hydroflask.com

ASBURY WOODS PRESENTS FROM HIVE TO HONEY
Annual event celebrating the honey bee is scheduled for September 17, 2022

Erie, PA (September 6, 2022) - Asbury Woods presents the annual honey bee event, From Hive to Honey: The Honey Bee Story. The event is scheduled for September 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods.

The festival celebrates the wonderful honey bee and the vital role it plays in agriculture, pollination, and the food chain. From Hive to Honey provides fun, educational opportunities for all ages in an outdoor setting.

“Honey bees are a fascinating study, everything from their specialized social structure to the science behind the delicious honey we all enjoy.  Our annual festival shines a light on how this bee that we all take for granted plays such an important role for humans.  In true Asbury Woods form, we’re presenting the topic in a fun and educational way that all ages can relate to,” said Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director

Kids and adults alike will delight in the honey extractor demonstrations, learning how to harvest honey from a honeycomb, and watching our bees in action. Vendors will be onsite with local seasonally produced honey varieties, beeswax products, beeswax skin care, and gifts. Come learn all about the science and social life of the amazing honey bee!

Event Details:
From Hive to Honey: The Honey Bee Story
September 17
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506

Admission is $6. Children under 3 are free. Pre-registration preferred
https://www.asburywoods.org/events/from-hive-to-honey/

Asbury Woods Hive to Honey program details:

• Interactive Stations: Placed throughout the Nature Center. See the life cycle of the honeybee, explore the importance of pollinators, see a honey extraction, and taste some real honey comb! There will also be a kids crafts to participate in.
• Lectures: Taking place at 11 am and 2 pm. Q & A session with a professional bee keeper
• Vendor Stations: Several vendors will be on-site with all manner of honey products.

From Hive to Honey is sponsored by: Commonwealth Charter Academy, Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority and J. Thomas Tree Service.

ASBURY WOODS UNVEILS STORYBOOK WALK IN CONJUNCTION WITH

SPECIAL PROGRAM ABOUT BIRDS

Erie, PA (September 9, 2022) – On Saturday, September 10, Asbury Woods will unveil an exciting new way to experience the trails with a storybook walk.  The storybook walk is an opportunity to read the book The Birdwatchers by Simon James as you meander a short trail loop adjacent to the Wasiesky Teaching Pavilion, near the Nature Center.   The storybook walk was developed and installed by 14-year old Kendall Laurin for her Girl Scouts Silver Award project.

The storybook walk officially opens on Saturday, September 10 and will be up through the end of October.  To further celebrate this new project, Asbury Woods will have a special Drop In and Discover Program on September 10 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. where children of all ages can learn about the fascinating world of birds.  The Drop In and Discover Program as well as the storybook walk are free and open to the public. 

Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director, shared, “We were thrilled to work with Kendall to implement her vision for this storybook walk at Asbury Woods.  On this special opening day kids can enjoy a walk in the woods reading The Birdwatchers then stop in the Nature Center to learn more about birds.  Add to your day by doing a little birdwatching from inside of the Nature Center or the front porch where you can see our birdfeeders and try to identify the species that frequent Asbury Woods.”

Storybook walk:

Open daily during daylight hours September 10 – October 31.

Bird themed Drop In and Discover Program:

September 10, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Continuing our tradition of a summer exhibit, Through Your Eyes is a photography exhibit featuring images submitted by the Erie community, showing their favorite locations, features, plants, animals, and activities at Asbury Woods. An opening reception will be held on Gallery Night, Friday, June 17, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Brown’s Farm Barn, 5774 Sterrettania Road, Fairview, PA 16415. The exhibition is sponsored by Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority with additional support provided in part by the United Arts Fund of the Erie Arts Endowment.

Local photographers of all ages have been submitting their images since December to help us show Asbury Woods through the eyes of our visitors. Art has long been used as a way to encourage people to consider new ideas, inspire appreciation, and prompt action. We hope the Through Your Eyes exhibition will provide new insights into how Asbury Woods is valued by individuals in our community and inspire others to consider the importance of protecting such places.

The community can get in on the exhibit action by sharing their Asbury Woods photos, stories, and experiences on social media using our hashtag #MyAsburyWoods. We’ll be building a dynamic engagement wall during the exhibit sharing even more views of Asbury Woods Through Your Eyes with the tagged social media posts.

Exhibition Viewing Hours:
June 18 through August 13, 2022
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Brown’s Farm Barn
5774 Sterrettania Road

Admission is free.

Through Your Eyes details can be found here:
https://www.asburywoods.org/exhibit

“We’re thrilled to continue to offer a summer exhibition in Brown’s Farm Barn for the fourth year. We hope that by showing the multitude of ways the community sees, appreciates, uses, and engages with Asbury Woods, we can inspire a continued appreciation for natural places, environmental stewardship, and conservation of public green space,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

 Learn More at Community Programs in Conjunction with the Exhibition: Deepen your experience and gain new insights and perspectives by participating in our special exhibit-related programs all summer long. Information can be found here: www.asburywoods.org/exhibit

Erie, PA (May 23, 2022) – One of the unique aspects of Asbury Woods is the diversity of ecosystems that a visitor can experience on our 216 acres of property. Visitors can travel through forest, wetland, and meadow habitats along our five miles of trails. The two distinct meadow areas include a small area along Asbury Road and eight acres of meadow at Brown’s Farm on Sterrettania Road. The eight acres at Brown’s Farm require revitalization and restoration to ensure it stays a meadow habitat.

Beginning June 6, Monarch Vegetation Services, based in Cochranton, PA, will begin rehabilitation of a portion of the meadow area at Browns Farm. Meadows provide critical habitats for pollinators and other wildlife such as bees, bats, butterflies, birds, and mammals. The meadow areas of our property are central in our educational curriculum for school children as they tell the ecological stories of interconnected ecosystems, changes to ecosystems, diversity of habitat, and human impacts on ecosystems. Careful observers would notice that at Brown’s Farm, the meadow has begun a natural succession process to revert to a forest with the establishment of larger trees and woody shrubs. In our region, some amount of human intervention is typically needed to maintain meadow habitats. Monarch Vegetation Services specializes in native and pollinator-friendly vegetation. 

The rehabilitation of the meadow areas will include mowing, removal of various woody plants, treatment of invasive species, and then over-seeding the site with a custom mix of native grasses, plants, and flowers. The project is expected to happen in several phases over the next 2-3 years, but a visible portion will commence on June 6 on plots 1 and 2, noted on the attached map. A portion of the area will be closed off to visitors during the work, with the expected closure being a few weeks. There will be public access to the trail network using adjacent trails.

Asbury Woods Executive Director, Jennifer Farrar, noted, “This is an important project in our efforts to manage and protect the property. We’re grateful to Erie Insurance for the grant funding that allows us to move forward on the first phase of the meadow rehabilitation.”  She continued, “In Spring 2020, we worked with Monarch Vegetation’s sister company, Meadville Land Services, to restore areas of our property that were impacted when we rebuilt the boardwalk near the Nature Center. Thanks to their expertise, two years later, you’d never know heavy equipment and construction had taken place. We look forward to their assistance on this important conservation initiative.”

Nature In Your Neighborhood will take Asbury Woods’ science and nature programming on the road to various locations in the City of Erie each Thursday, June 16 through August 11. This free program will encourage family participation in various hands-on activities each week. The program’s goal is to ignite a curiosity about nature through engaging themes and to provide unique learning experiences in an open and accessible format. Thanks to a sponsorship from the Erie Community Foundation, Asbury Woods can pilot this new program to connect with kids close to their homes.

A core tenet of our vision is to educate people of all ages about northwest Pennsylvania’s unique and diverse habitats and native wildlife. Research shows that environmental education helps build creative thinking and relationship skills, fosters leadership qualities, and makes school subjects rich and relevant. Nature in Your Neighborhood will take science concepts and real-life environmental examples to help influence the way youth think about the world and their connection to it.

“Fostering diversity of our visitors and program participants is a goal of our strategic plan and taking our show on the road is one way to achieve that. We look forward to welcoming families in each neighborhood to stop in for these hands-on, minds-on, staff-facilitated educational activities. Each week offers a unique experience to discover and encourages family participation,” says Jennifer Farrar, Asbury Woods Executive Director.

“We support the Nature in Your Neighborhood program because it aligns with the goals of the City of Erie to create welcoming and vibrant neighborhoods that provide excellent amenities for all residents, high quality of life, and community pride. This family-friendly, free programming will offer residents educational opportunities in local public spaces within their neighborhoods during summer months,” says Chuck Zysk, Director, Department of Public Works, City of Erie.

To learn more about Nature In Your Neighborhood and see the locations and themes for each week visit https://www.asburywoods.org/events/nature-in-your-neighborhood/

Nature In Your Neighborhood Events

June 16:  Wayne Park
Movement in Nature: The story of seeds

June 23: Perry Square
Insides and Outsides: Explore animal pelts and skulls

June 30: Gridley Park
Movement in Nature: The story of seeds

July 7: Bayview Park
Insides and Outsides: Explore animal pelts and skulls

July 14: John E. Horan Apartments
Movement in Nature: The story of seeds

July 21: Wayne Park
Taking Flight: The wonderful world of birds

July 28: Perry Square
I Spy: Nature scavenger hunt

August 4: Gridley Park
Taking Flight: The wonderful world of birds

August 11: Bayview Park
I Spy: Nature scavenger hunt

ASBURY WOODS HOSTS CITY NATURE CHALLENGE

Erie, PA (April 21, 2022) Asbury Woods will host the Greater Erie City Nature Challenge April 29 through May 2. This international community science event, which the Erie region is joining for the first time this year, challenges us to explore the biodiversity around us.

The City Nature Challenge was started in 2016 by the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and has grown into a global event. This is an international community science effort to discover and document plants and wildlife in cities across the globe. The goal is to promote use of the iNaturalist app to document and identify as many species of wildlife as possible during this 4-day period.

To participate in the City Nature Challenge in Erie, download the free iNaturalist app then just snap a picture or record a sound of wildlife anywhere north of interstate 90.  Free iNaturalist training clinics and hikes will be offered at Asbury Woods prior to the City Nature Challenge event. Observations made during City Nature Challenge also provide valuable data for scientists, land managers, non-profits and governments about the areas that they help to protect.

“We are excited to bring the City Nature Challenge to Erie to get more people outside to observe nature and to contribute to this global citizen science effort. There are many ways to look for nature right in your own backyard. Discover the plants that are growing on their own and the insects and pollinators that live in and around our homes and yards. You never know what you mind find,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

To learn more about the Greater Erie City Nature Challenge and the events happening in our community visit https://www.asburywoods.org/events/city-nature-challenge

Community City Nature Challenge Events

Asbury Woods hikes
Join us for a hike at Asbury Woods and contribute to the Greater Erie City Nature Challenge
Dates: Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1
Times: 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Location: Nature Center
FREE, no registration required

Erie County Department of Health Walk
Dates: Friday, April 29
Times: 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 pm.
Location: Erie County Department of Health & Bayview Park
FREE, Registration required. Email Leann Sestak

Join the Erie County Department of Health and Penn State Extension for a walk-in Bayview Park to participate in the Greater Erie City Nature Challenge! We’ll start at the Health Department and walk along the Bayview Walkway and back. Local features will include Bayview Park and the Health Department Pollinator Garden. There will be two waves of walks, one at 4:45 and one at 5:15. Each walk will proceed with a short iNaturalist training.

Friends of Wintergreen Gorge Walk
Date: Sunday, May 1
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Penn State Behrend Science Building parking lot trailhead
Please sign up at the Friends of Wintergreen Gorge group page https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofwintergreengorge

North East Walk
Date: Saturday, April 30
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: McCord Memorial Library
FREE, No registration required
Bring a web-accessible device to install the iNaturalist app. After a short introduction to the iNaturalist app, we will walk around town to make observations, weather permitting.

Presque Isle Audubon at Shade’s Beach
Date: Friday, April 29
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Shade’s Beach, 7000 E. Lake Rd, Harborcreek, PA
FREE, No registration is required. Meet in the parking lot, wear boots, and bring kids!
Contact president@presqueisleaudubon.org with questions.

Tom Ridge Environmental Center Walk
Dates: Saturday, April 30
Times: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Tom Ridge Environmental Center
FREE, Registration is required.
Register each individual separately by April 27th by going to http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/presque_isle_state_park 
Presque Isle State Park will lead a group on the property adjacent to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center to log photos on April 30th from 1-3 pm. You can download the iNaturalist app for free on your phone or limited iPads will be available for use during the program. For more information, please contact the Presque Isle State Park office, located on the second floor of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, at 814-833-7424.

ASBURY WOODS MAPLE FESTIVAL SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 2 and 3, 2022

(Erie, PA, March 1, 2022) – Asbury Woods Annual Maple Festival will take place on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods. The Maple Festival is two days of interactive tours demonstrations and all things maple syrup!

The Asbury Woods Maple Festival annually attracts more than 600 visitors to explore the history of maple production, family activities and to check out the maple products for purchase.

Asbury Woods Maple Festival program details:

• Maple Tour: Guided 30-minute tour led by a staff Interpretive Naturalist.

Tour includes an introduction to the maple syrup history, tapping demonstration, and explanation of the sugaring process.

• Interactive Stations: Placed throughout the Nature Center. See an evaporation demonstration, learn about identifying maple trees, and try your hand at our maple bucket toss!
• Vendor Station: Several vendors will be on-site with all manner of maple products.

Sugar maple trees are a natural resource found only in our region of the world, and Asbury Woods proudly partakes in this tradition each year by tapping trees then collecting and boiling sap into pure maple syrup! “People often notice tapped trees, buckets and sap lines strung on trees as they travel throughout our region in late winter, but not everyone has trees on their property to experience maple syrup production for home and family use first-hand.  We’re thrilled to share our trees and knowledge so people can understand and experience all our region has to offer.” Says Executive Director, Jennifer Farrar

Asbury Woods Maple Festival tickets are available online. Admission is $6 per person. Children three years and younger are free.

More details about the Asbury Woods Maple Festival can be found at www.asburywoods.org

Erie, PA (February 24, 2022) – Asbury Woods is pleased to announce that three of our employees have completed training to further their professional development. Melissa Goodwill and Jessica Stefano completed training to become Certified Interpretive Guides through the National Association of Interpretation. Mike Grandinetti recently completed an online course, Introduction to Facility Management, through International Facility Management Association. 

Executive Director, Jennifer Farrar, says, "It's exciting to see so many employees pursuing professional development opportunities across the organization. We appreciate our employees putting in the time to continue to hone their skills."

Melissa Goodwill and Jessica Stefano, recently completed training to become Certified Interpretive Guides through the National Association of Interpretation (NAI). Since 1998, NAI has been offering certifications for interpreters to demonstrate their skills in areas that range from an entry-level to an accomplished professional. Participants must complete a 32-hour course and a presentation to become a Certified Interpretive Guide™

Jessica loves learning new things and diving deeper into her passions. "Like many certification courses, this one was intense and full of valuable information. It isn't often in our adult lives that we really get to dive into the deep end of a subject that lights us up. I'm grateful for this course, as it did just that for me."

Interpretation is an approach to communicating that inspires guests and visitors to think in new ways, connect their own experiences to the world around them, and provoke further curiosity. Sarah Bennett, Director of Education and Community Programs at Asbury Woods states that, "Having two certified interpretive guides on our staff will help us better engage our visitors and raise the level of our already great programs."

Melissa already had some background education on the art of interpretation from her graduate school experience but valued the fresh take this course offered, "I'm looking forward to sparking further curiosity about the natural world through creative interpretive programs.

When visitors leave with more questions and a curiosity about new topics, it leads to engagement beyond the initial program."

Both Jessica and Melissa found it interesting to connect with educators, interpreters, and naturalists from around the country during this training. Jessica said, "It was inspiring to have a glimpse into the many amazing inspirational programs happening across the United States." They look forward to learning from their interpretational styles and bringing that to our community.

Grounds and Facility Manager, Mike Grandinetti, recently completed an online course, Introduction to Facility Management, through International Facility Management Association (IFMA). The IFMA was founded in 1980 and is the world's largest and most widely recognized association for facility management professionals, supporting over 20,000 members in more than 100 countries. Mike completed 12 hours of online training and an evaluation for this course. The course focused on key concepts of facility management that range from the role they play in the organization to the skill sets and competencies required to perform their work effectively. The course examines the importance of well-organized and thought-out safety and policy procedures, working and communicating with the whole team, the array of responsibilities a facility manager has, and how to improve on those responsibilities and their completion.

Mike has already started to implement some of the skills he has picked up in his training, "I'm writing a fire and alarm safety procedure for all of the employees and am looking forward to fire extinguisher training soon." He is also working on organizing a master equipment list with serial numbers, pictures, and the quality and condition of all the equipment.

Bob Howden, Chair of the Facilities and Grounds Committee for Asbury Woods, states, "Managing the Asbury Woods facilities is no easy task, but Mike stays on top of all the projects while at the same time, handling the unexpected 'surprises.'  Completing this course further enhances Mike's existing professionalism. By enhancing his skill sets, he continues to contribute to the future of Asbury Woods."

ASBURY WOODS 4 MILE WINTER FUN RUN

Erie, PA (February 10, 2022) – The Asbury Woods Into the Woods Trail Run Series kicks off this season with the 4 Mile Winter Fun Run at Brown’s Farm Barn on February 20, 2022.

Asbury Woods is a place for all seasons, now we have a race for all seasons!  Run your heart out at Asbury Woods all year long with the 4, 5, and 6 Into the Woods Trail Run series, now in its second year. New this year, when participants join all three runs they’ll receive an extra special premium in October.  Runners will earn a host of great Asbury Woods swag all year long. The Into the Woods Trail Run series is presented by UPMC Health Plan.

Participants in the 4 Mile Winter Fun Run can run, walk, or snowshoe their way through four scenic miles, starting at Brown’s Farm. This non-timed event is all about enjoying year-round outdoor recreation and fitness on the trails of Asbury Woods.  Warm-up post-race with delicious chili compliments of Cali's West Catering and get refreshed with beer provided by Erie Beer Company. Runners and walkers will receive a cozy knit hat for your runs on the coldest of days.

Registration and more information is available here.

Event Details:
February 20, 2022
Browns Farm Barn
5774 Sterrettania Road
Fairview, PA US 16415
Check-in starts at 12:15 p.m. and the race will kick-off at 1 p.m.

“Hosting the Into the Woods trail series is the perfect way to showcase the outdoor recreation available at Asbury Woods year-round and offer a way for families to engage in a healthy activity together.  Proceeds from these races help support maintenance of over 5 miles of trails that remain free and open to the public year round,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

Asbury Woods is pleased to host over 16 local makers and artisans at Nature’s Noel. Asbury Woods’ Squeaky Frog Gift Shop will extend into the lobby of the Nature Center, showcasing holiday and nature-themed gifts from local artisans. Meet the artisans and get a first look at the items at the Nature’s Noel Opening Reception, scheduled for November 19. Visitors can shop the holiday gift shop when the Nature Center is open and during Winter Wonderland hours.

Opening Reception:
November 19, 2021
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Andrew J.  Conner Nature Center
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506
FREE, Open to the public

Nature’s Noel expanded gift shop is the perfect way to purchase gifts from local makers with proceeds to support the mission of Asbury Woods. Nature’s Noel extends into the lobby of the Nature Center, with gifts for all ages. From November 19 through December 31, shop Nature’s Noel Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Beginning December 1, Nature’s Noel will also be open during Winter Wonderland, with additional hours of 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. More information and details on featured artisans can be found here: https://www.asburywoods.org/events/natures-noel/

(Erie, PA, October 29, 2021) – Asbury Woods is preparing to cut 82 dead and dying ash trees along the boardwalk on the west side of Asbury Road.  There are hundreds of ash trees across Asbury Woods 205 acres that have been infected with the Emerald ash borer, an invasive bark beetle that was first introduced to the U.S. in 2002 and made its way to Pennsylvania by 2007.  The Emerald ash borer causes mortality in nearly 100% of large, overstory ash trees that it infects.  Over the past several years, Asbury Woods has been monitoring ash trees as they have been losing limbs and dying, but there is a significant concentration of them at the end of their life near the boardwalk that goes through the James Preserve along the Greenway trail on the west side of the property. 

Dr. Chris Dolanc, Professor of Biology at Mercyhurst University and an Asbury Woods board member, notes, "Scientists are unsure of what the long-term impacts will be on our native forests as a result of this massive die-off of ash trees.  My research plots at Asbury Woods monitor the yearly impacts of this pest.  The wetland forest adjacent to the boardwalk is dominated by the endangered pumpkin ash, which is just as susceptible to emerald ash borer as other ash species.  Most of the medium to large-sized trees in the area are now dead or dying.  As they die, they become a hazard to passing trail users and must be cut down to minimize danger.  The cutting process is designed to mimic natural processes as the trees will be left on-site so their nutrients can be returned to the forest ecosystem.  Leaving trees on-site also reduces the transmission to other locations as living larvae and eggs are still present on those trees."

Dolanc continued, "Our research so far has shown that the smaller trees are more resistant to Emerald ash borer invasion. The forest is still full of healthy ash seedlings and saplings, so perhaps they can help the ash forest regenerate once the initial wave of invasion has passed."

In conjunction with Mark Spitulski of MKS Arborist Services, Dolanc and Asbury Woods grounds crews identified ash trees in the boardwalk's vicinity that were potential threats to trail users and marked them for cutting.  Jennifer Farrar, Asbury Woods Executive Director, noted, "Active management of this threat to the forest and trail users is an essential part of what we do to balance our desire to nurture healthy forest ecosystems with the need to keep the property a safe place for visitors."

The tree work is expected to start the week of November 1.  A section of the Greenway Trail will be closed to the public for several days to allow the work to take place and for any clean-up and repair that needs to happen before it can be safely reopened to the public.  Visitors who wish to access Walnut Creek will need to enter the trail system via the Browns Farm trailhead on Sterrettania Road.  Trails on the east side of Asbury Road surrounding the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center will remain open.  

Asbury Woods is pleased to welcome local author Gene Ware and local illustrator Randy Austin for a special book signing of their book, Tucker, Ripley, and Friends, on Sunday, October 3 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. This book features highlights from Asbury Woods and the animals you may find along the trails and inside the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center.

This book features Tucker Turtle and Ripley Rabbit as they take their friends on an adventure to Asbury Woods! This is the second book in the Tucker Turtle and Ripley Rabbit series. Each page comes to life with vibrant illustrations and a story that is not only heartwarming and fun but includes science and nature-based facts about the adventures.

Event Details:
October 3, 2021
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506
FREE, Open to the public

The book will be available at the Squeaky Frog Gift Shop at Asbury Woods and local bookstores in the Erie, PA area, in addition to Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com. Each book has a retail price of $27.95. Purchasing the book directly from Asbury Woods supports our mission of environmental education, outdoor recreation, and conservation.

Gene Ware is a published author of eight books and is on the board of Presque Isle Light Station, and formerly Board Chairmen of the Tom Ridge Center Foundation and the Presque Isle Partnership. He is also a goerie.com contributing writer.

Randy Austin is a local self-taught artist who specializes in ultra-realistic pencil portraits of pets and people.  He has had his work published in Angels on Earth Magazine.

Erie, PA (October 1, 2021) - Asbury Woods thrives because of volunteers who play a vital role in helping us achieve our goals of conserving the land, connecting people to nature, and inspiring environmental stewardship. We were fortunate to have 392 volunteers spend over 8,200 hours of their time caring for the Woods and sustaining our educational programs this past year. Asbury Woods awards an adult, youth, and group volunteer yearly.

The recipients of Asbury Woods’ annual awards go above and beyond in their efforts to inspire a greater sense of environmental awareness, sustainability, and stewardship to visitors. We are proud to announce the distinguished recipients of our annual Volunteer of the Year awards.

“It’s so exciting to be honoring these individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and are helping us connect people of all ages to nature and helping us to ensure our region is a place where respect and appreciation for natural places is a deeply held value. We truly appreciate all of our volunteers, and I wish to congratulate the honorees,” says Jennifer Farrar, Asbury Woods Executive Director.

Appreciation Event:

Tuesday, September 28
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Asbury Woods
4105 Asbury Road, Erie PA 16506

The Adult Volunteer of the Year is awarded to Beth Kopay.
Fond memories of being outside and exploring nature as a child and visits through school field trips led Beth Kopay back into the Woods as a volunteer to help inspire others to experience the outdoors in fun and engaging ways.

Beth is a teacher at East Middle School within the Erie City School District. She teaches English Language Learners in the Newcomer Academy, which helps students who have only been in the country for three years or less who don’t have complete command of the English language. Beth’s focus in the classroom is on math. Beth loves teaching, especially traveling to teach.  Beth also loves learning.  She feels that there is always something to learn and to be better at.  She is enrolled in Edinboro University’s M.Ed Reading program, with the hopes of achieving her Reading Certification.  She also has plans to enroll in a doctorate program as well.

Beth’s love for volunteering and giving back to the community was instilled in her at an early age.  She remembers her mom telling her that she needs to give back to the community that gave so much to her.  Her first volunteer experience was at a nursing home when she was 13 years old.  And it only grew from there.  At the moment, Beth likes to volunteer at the Second Harvest Food Bank of NWPA and she is the Secretary on the Board of Trustees for her church, The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie.

Beth’s love of teaching and the outdoors, and her dedication to helping others, led her to volunteer at Asbury Woods for over five years. Volunteers like Beth are essential to all of us at Asbury Woods to inspire others to appreciate and respect for the outdoors. Her help is instrumental in assisting the education staff with multiple events and programs.

“Asbury Woods has a magical feel to it. It’s a warming and welcoming atmosphere every time I walk the trails or volunteer for a program. I love teaching and inspiring others, so this volunteer role is perfect!” says Beth.

“Receiving this award is a huge honor, and I am extremely grateful for the recognition.  This is a great organization, and I am proud to be a part of the volunteer legacy here.”

The Youth Volunteer of the Year is awarded to Elias Herrera-Hernandez.
Elias Herrera-Hernandez.  Elias is a tenth-grade student at McDowell Intermediate High School. Elias attended Scary Creature Feature in 2019 with his mom Gaby, dad Elias and two little brothers, Alonso and Damian. His interaction with the tour guide, a high school senior at the time, prompted him to look into volunteer opportunities at Asbury Woods. “I signed up for the next festival, Winter Wonderland. It was at this festival that some of my favorite memories of my volunteer time occurred, like talking to some of the visitors about their favorite Christmas memories,” said Herrera.

His after-school schedule is full. He is a member of the German Club and Student Council, plays the bass in the school orchestra and the Erie Jr Philharmonic, runs for the cross country and track and field team, and participates in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.

In addition to the after-school activities, he also finds time to volunteer, “I’ve volunteered for several different organizations, like the Westlake PTA, the McDowell PTSA, the Erie Airport, but mostly with Asbury Woods. I like to take any volunteering opportunities that come my way,” said Herrera.

Nature is something that is grounding for Herrera and reminds him to appreciate the small things. “I love nature because, outside of our busy and bustling lives, it reminds me of how beautiful the small moments are, like a beautiful autumn leaf hanging from a tree branch or a small but life-sustaining creek running through the woods,” said Herrera.

He has big plans for after high school. Once he graduates, Herrera plans to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, serve as a Reservist while in college, and transfer to Active Duty as an officer after college. He enjoys reading (especially classic novels), playing guitar, bass, and bagpipes, listening to music, and running at Brown’s Farm in his spare time.

Herrera volunteers to give back to his community noting, “...the more I volunteer my service to my community, the more I feel like I am a part of it, and the better I feel with myself because my philosophy is that if the community gives to you, you should also give to the community”.

The Group Volunteer of the Year is awarded to John Cockerill.
For John Cockerill, responding to the needs of our time also means Social Responsibility. We at John Cockerill feel it is vital to make an impact on our community.

Like so many people and companies around the world and our community, the pandemic proved to be very taxing on our people, and we seemed disconnected.  John Cockerill needed to reconnect safely again as a team and with the community.  Asbury Woods was a perfect organization to volunteer and touches so many people in the community.  We were thrilled to ask Asbury Woods if we could join their volunteer program. Since May, our team has had the pleasure of gardening at Brown’s Farm. 

I am thankful that John Cockerill provides me the opportunity to volunteer in the community that I live in – as a full-time working single mother of a 4th grader, I don’t have the time to seek out volunteer opportunities on my own. - Jaimi Flick

I enjoy the opportunity to spend a few hours outdoors with some of my coworkers.  The more relaxed environment is a nice change of pace.  As I’ve grown busier and busier, John Cockerill has enabled me to keep volunteering by offering some of my time with them to the task.  I am grateful for that.  - Anthony Pytlarz

I believe community involvement is an integral part of who John Cockerill is. - Tammy Johnson

Work is work; volunteering is fun! - Fred Ebert

Gardening at Brown’s Farm inspired me to revamp my garden! -  Christine Raygor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carissa Snarski
Development & Marketing Director
Phone Work: (814) 836-6179
Email: csnarski@asburywoods.org

ASBURY WOODS PRESENTS SCARY CREATURE FEATURE
The annual event is scheduled for October 7, 8, & 9

Erie, PA (September 16, 2021) - Asbury Woods presents the annual Scary Creature Feature, scheduled for Thursday, October 7; Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Nature Center at Asbury Woods.

Scary Creature Feature is a fall, family event complete with activities, storytelling, and a guided walk through the woods where guests encounter and learn about some not-so-scary, nocturnal creatures that live in the forest.

“It’s the perfect chance to explore the woods at night in a fun, family-friendly way. Highlighted creatures on tour include the barred owl, spider, skunk, salamander, Luna moth, and bat. This is a great event to learn about animals found in our region in hopes to inspire a connection to the outdoors with our youngest visitors, ” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

Scary Creature Feature is presented by: Country Fair Cares and Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.

Event Details:
Scary Creature Feature
October 7, 8, and 9, 2021
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506

The program fee is $9. Children 2 and under are free.

http://www.asburywoods.org/events/scary-creature-feature

Guests must preregister for their specific tour time; each tour time slot can accommodate
18 people. The tour will lead visitors through several stations.

Asbury Woods Scary Creature Feature Program Details

• Guided walk in the woods
• Encounters with not-so-scary nocturnal creatures
• Science experiment demonstration
• Spooky stories around a campfire
• Wildlife take-home treat station

The program occurs regardless of the weather. No refunds.  No pets are permitted. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carissa Snarski
Development & Marketing Director
Phone: (814) 836-6179
Email: csnarski@asburywoods.org

ASBURY WOODS’ INTO THE WOODS 6 MILER RACE

Erie, PA (Sept. 10, 2021) - Asbury Woods is excited to announce the Into the Woods 6 Miler Trail Run at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center on October 16, 2021. The race takes place on our 205 acres of preserved property; the race course will include a mix of boardwalks, packed dirt trails, and single-track loops.  The 6 Mile Trail race is the final race of the Asbury Woods Into the Woods Trail Run Series.

Event Details:

October 16, 2021
Andrew J. Conner Nature Center
4105 Asbury Road
Erie PA 16506

“Hosting the Into the Woods trail race is the perfect way to showcase the outdoor recreation available at Asbury Woods and offer a way for families to engage in a healthy activity together.  Proceeds from the race will help support the maintenance of over 5 miles of trails that remain free and open to the public year-round,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

Registration is available on the Asbury Woods website. Race registrants will each receive a campfire mug, perfect for a warm beverage as the cooler temps of the fall season set in. 
Post-race awards, music, snacks, and beverages will round out the day.

FREE childcare is available from 8:30 – 11:00 a.m..  Potty-trained kids ages three and up are invited to engage with Asbury Woods award-winning education staff for age-appropriate nature activities, crafts and to meet a couple of the exhibit animals that live at the Nature Center. 

The 6-mile race will start at 9:00 a.m. and chip-timed by Runners High. All safety protocols required at the time of the race will be observed. The Into the Woods 6 Mile Trail Race is presented by Erie Beer Company and Country Fair.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carissa Snarski
Director of Development & Marketing
Phone: (814) 836-6179
Email: csnarski@asburywoods.org

Erie, PA (August 27, 2021) - Asbury Woods presents the annual honey bee event, From Hive to Honey: The Honey Bee Story. The event is scheduled for September 18 and 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods.

The festival celebrates the wonderful honey bee and the vital role it plays in agriculture, pollination, and the food chain. From Hive to Honey provides fun, educational opportunities for all ages in an outdoor setting.

“Honey bees are a fascinating study, everything from their specialized social structure to the science behind the delicious honey we all enjoy.  Our annual festival shines a light on how this bee that we all take for granted plays such an important role for humans.  In true Asbury Woods form, we’re presenting the topic in a fun and educational way that all ages can relate to,” said Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director

Kids and adults alike will delight in the honey extractor demonstrations, learning how to harvest honey from a honeycomb, and watching our bees in action. Vendors will be onsite with local seasonally produced honey varieties, beeswax products, beeswax skincare, and gifts. Come learn all about the science and social life of the amazing honey bee!

Event Details:
From Hive to Honey: The Honey Bee Story
September 18 and 19
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. both days
4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506

Admission is $5. Children under 3 are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

https://www.asburywoods.org/events/from-hive-to-honey/

Guests must preregister for a specific tour time, each tour time slot can accommodate 18 people. The tour will lead visitors through several outdoor stations and optional indoor vendor area. The event is held rain or shine, with no refunds.

From Hive to Honey is presented by: Commonwealth Charter Academy, Country Fair Cares, Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority and J. Thomas Tree Service.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carissa Snarski
Development & Marketing Director
Phone: (814) 836-6179
Email: csnarski@asburywoods.org

ASBURY WOODS PRESENTS  INSIDE|OUT:  A Pennsylvania Wildlife Experience

Erie, PA (June 24, 2021) – Step into the pages of a Pennsylvania wildlife field guide and get up close and personal with the animals native to our region. The Inside|Out exhibition will be on-view at Brown’s Farm Barn July 1 through August 7.  This immersive experience provides visitors with the sights, scents, and sounds of Pennsylvania wildlife. 

Visitors will travel through this field guide-inspired exhibit to explore native animals in a new way with an inside look at their skeletal structure and an outside view of taxidermy specimens. Each display will include full-sized taxidermy pieces, skeletons, fur or feathers, action photography, and a hands-on learning experience. Adults and children alike will enjoy a glimpse at the inside of a turtle shell, the bone structure of a deer, the fur of familiar mammals, and more.

The opening reception is scheduled for July 1 at 5:00 p.m. The press is invited at 4:15 p.m. for a personal behind-the-scenes tour and opportunity for quotes from Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director, Asbury Woods, and Dr. Dennis Dirkmaat, Chair, Department of Applied Forensic Sciences at Mercyhurst University.

Exhibition Viewing Hours:
July 3 – August 7
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Brown’s Farm Barn
5774 Sterrettania Road

Admission is free.

Inside|Out details can be found here: https://www.asburywoods.org/events/insideout/

 “We’re thrilled to continue to offer a summer exhibition in Brown’s Farm Barn for the third year, and another with the assistance of Mercyhurst University.  The opportunity to share this exhibit with the community is exciting because it speaks to our mission of fostering an appreciation of the natural world, with special attention to animals native to our region.  Often children and adults have a deeper knowledge of species native to far-flung corners of the world or long-extinct species than they do about the mammals, reptiles, and birds found in our local forests and wetlands.  Our goal with this exhibit is to inspire an appreciation for the animals that are native to our area so that people can be informed environmental stewards of our region as well as the wider world,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

Inside/Out is presented in assistance from the Forensic Science Department of Mercyhurst University with the loaning of the animal bones featured in the exhibit. The exhibition is sponsored by Country Fair. Taxidermy specimens on display were donated to Asbury Woods by DICK’S Sporting Goods to support land conservation, provide access to the outdoors, and educate communities about nature.

Learn More at Community Programs in Conjunction with the Exhibition:

• Skeleton Keys: Unlocking the Mysteries of What Remains - Thursday, July 29 at 7:00 p.m.
  Scientists can use skeletal remains to understand the events an individual experienced during life; the evidence of their past is often recorded in their bones. Join Dr. Dennis Dirkmaat, Chair, Department of Applied Forensic Sciences at Mercyhurst University, for an interactive talk to discover how scientists use forensics, bioarchaeology, and chemistry to understand the lives of the deceased. From what they ate to where they lived and what diseases and physical challenges they encountered, bones can unlock mysteries of the past—an adult lecture-style program. Free admission.
• Wildlife Detective: Skulls, Pelts, and Tracks - Saturday, July 10 at 1:00 p.m.
  Become a wildlife detective as we take a closer look at some Pennsylvania wildlife and investigate the signs they leave behind. Feel their fur, see their bones, and then head outside to scout for signs in the wild. Hands-on program for children ages 4-10, accompanied by an adult. Program Fee: $8; Supporting Donor Discounted Program Fee: $6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Carissa Snarski
Development & Marketing Director
Phone: (814) 836-6179
Email: csnarski@asburywoods.org

 ASBURY WOODS ANNOUNCES MONDAY MUSIC IN THE WOODS SCHEDULE

 Erie, PA (May 13, 2021) - Asbury Woods is excited to announce the schedule for Monday Music in the Woods, presented by Bock Insurance Agency, Country Fair, and National Fuel, with additional support from Lavery Brewing Company. The series features local acts performing from various musical genres: including folk, country, bluegrass, Americana, and more.

 Your favorite outdoor music series is back and better than ever! Asbury Woods will host Monday Music in the Woods on Mondays 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. starting on June 14 through July 26 in the Celebration Garden near the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center. Visitors are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the show. The Nature Center hours will be extended on Monday Music in the Woods concert evenings. Guests can enjoy the show and explore the Nature Center, the animal exhibit, and more from 10:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. on music nights.

Lavery Brewing Company beer garden will be on-site. Enjoy a locally brewed craft beer and $1 from each pint sold will be donated to Asbury Woods.

Guests must pre-register, and links for pre-registration will be posted one week before each event. More details can be found here.

 
Monday Music in the Woods schedule of events:

June 14 | Jesse James Weston

June 21 | Buttermilk Falls Gang

June 28 | Rankin and Schell

July 5 | Matt “Broke” Boland

July 12 | Bass/Drum/Bass Trio

July 19 | Riffriders Lite

July 26 | The Maillets

“The beautiful Celebration garden and wooded backdrop provide the perfect outdoor musical experience,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director. “Soak in the fresh air, cool breezes, and musical notes. Visitors can also enjoy evening Nature Center hours on concert nights, offering more flexible options for experiencing what the Nature Center has to offer.”

 COVID-19 safety precautions: Attendance will be limited to 200  pre-registered guests and everyone must register in advance. We encourage guests to follow local guidelines on safe social distancing and mask-wearing.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Carissa Snarski
Development & Marketing Director
Phone: (814) 836-6179
Email: csnarski@asburywoods.org

Erie, PA (May 10, 2021) - Asbury Woods is excited to announce their Into the Woods 5 Miler Trail Run at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center on June 12, 2021.  All safety protocols required at time of race will be observed. Presented by Erie Beer Company and Country Fair.

 This trail race will Kick Your Asbury! Taking place on our 205 acres of preserved property, the race course will include a mix of boardwalks, packed dirt trails and single track loops. Enjoy the scenic wooded property through the Walnut Creek watershed as you prove your mettle in the woods.  

The Into the Woods 5 Miler is seeing its 4th year at Asbury Woods. This race includes a kid’s half mile fun run, a 2 mile non-competitive walk, and the 5 mile race. Activities begin at 9:30 am for kids and parents to participate in at the packed dirt trails on the Nature Center portion of the property. The 5 mile race will start at 10:00 am, and the 2 mile non-competitive walk begins at 10:05.

Event Details:
June 12, 2021
Andrew J. Conner Nature Center
4105 Asbury Road
Erie PA 16506

“Hosting the Into the Woods trail race is the perfect way to showcase the outdoor recreation available at Asbury Woods and offer a way for families to engage in a healthy activity together.  Proceeds from the race will help support maintenance of over 5 miles of trails that remain free and open to the public year round,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director.

Registration is available on the Asbury Woods website. Runners and walkers will receive a goodie bag that includes a sweet sample of maple syrup that was produced in our sugar shack from the sap of our sugar maple trees and other treats.

FREE childcare available during the 5 miler and 2 mile walk.  Potty-trained kids ages three and up are invited to engage with Asbury Woods award winning education staff for age appropriate nature activities, crafts and to meet a couple of the exhibit animals that live at the Nature Center. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Carissa Snarski
Development & Marketing Director
Phone: (814) 836-6179 
Email: csnarski@asburywoods.org

 ASBURY WOODS MAPLE FESTIVAL SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 10 - 11, 2021

(Erie, PA, March 9, 2021) – Asbury Woods will host the annual Maple Festival on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11, 2021. The Maple Festival is two days of maple-infused, family fun from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods.

The Asbury Woods Maple Festival is a celebration of a heritage unique to our region. Sugar maple trees are a natural resource found only in the Great Lakes area and Asbury Woods proudly partakes in this tradition each year by tapping trees to collect and boil sap into pure maple syrup. The capstone of the tour is a visit to our working Sugar Shack where each year Asbury Woods produces maple syrup from sap collected from trees on our property. The Maple Festival is a chance to pass on those traditions to visitors with tours, demonstrations and living history activities while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for how nature has a practical application and impact on our lives.

Asbury Woods Maple Festival safety details:

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on indoor gatherings and food preparation, we will not be offering pancakes this year but will offer visitors a sample of sweet maple candy. Several vendors will be on-site to tempt your taste buds with all manner of maple products.

We are restricting attendance numbers by requiring pre-registration for each tour. Tours are approximately 75 minutes long and are geared towards all age levels. Tours are limited to 20 people per tour and will start every 15 minutes between the hours of 11:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

“Sugar maple trees are a natural resource unique to the Great Lakes region.  This event is a way Asbury Woods can share our natural resources with the community,” says Jennifer Farrar, Executive Director. “People often notice tapped trees, buckets, and sap lines strung on trees as they travel throughout our region in late winter, but not everyone has trees on their property to experience maple syrup production for home and family use first-hand.  We’re thrilled to share our trees, sap, and knowledge so people can understand and experience all our region has to offer.”

Asbury Woods Maple Festival tickets are available online at www.asburywoods.org.
Admission is $5 per person. Children three years and younger are free.

More details about the Asbury Woods Maple Festival can be found at www.asburywoods.org.

The Asbury Woods Maple Festival is proudly sponsored by: J. Thomas Tree Service