French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust

09/03/2026

Last Saturday, an engaged and curious group of nature lovers joined us for our Bugs & Blooms Walk at the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve 🦋

There are many wildflower species that bloom in the late summer and early fall, like daisy fleabane and goldenrod. The pollination of these native plants is made possible by the katydids, wasps, spittle bugs, and more that we found amongst the flowers. Thank you to all who joined us!

Tag along for an upcoming event at one of our nature preserve! Check out our September calendar here: https://frenchandpickering.org/educational-events/

09/01/2026

After the cancellation of our first Birds & Brews due to weather, our team is looking forward to getting out there on Thursday, September 10 for our second scheduled program in the series!

Join French & Pickering's Jim Moffett and Amy Langman and Valley Forge Audubon Society's Patty Werth as they help you spot, identify, and observe the various birds that can be found at our Templin Woods Preserve. With over 500 acres of protected forest, the group will find ideal spots to see unique birds!

Following the walk, we invite you to join us at a local brewery to mingle and chat about the birds we spotted. Learn more and register here: https://forms.gle/MvS72jPtNFD5h3Yg9

08/31/2026

78.3 acres preserved FOREVER in West Vincent 🌳

In partnership with landowners Paul and Cynthia Black, West Vincent Township, and Chester County, French & Pickering recently finalized a conservation easement to permanently preserve 78.3 acres in West Vincent. This newly preserved property connects to other French & Pickering-managed easements to create 236 acres of contiguous protected land. A huge win for conservation in northern Chester County and West Vincent!

“Paul and Cynthia Black have been extraordinary partners in conservation. Their commitment has reshaped the future of this part of West Vincent—replacing development pressure with permanently protected farmland, forest, and clean water,” noted Bill Gladden, Executive Director. “This project reflects the very best of community-driven conservation, and French & Pickering is honored to help safeguard a landscape that will benefit residents for generations.”

Read the press release here: https://frenchandpickering.org/78-3-acres-preserved-forever-in-west-vincent-township/

08/28/2026

Don't forget to join us tomorrow morning at 10am for a stroll through our Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve! Register now: https://forms.gle/oujg94VFCiYjDbbm8

Buzzing bugs and colorful, wild blooms!

Join French & Pickering’s Jim Moffett and Amy Langman and environmental educator Colleen Cranney on August 29th for a nature walk through the trails of the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve. They'll highlight late-summer blooming flowers, butterflies and other insects that thrive on this protected landscape. 🌼

French & Pickering members enjoy early registration access to this program until Sunday, August 23 at 11:59pm. Learn more and register today: https://forms.gle/i4X3bycmLycTCDni8

08/25/2026

For our final "Kids in the Creek" of the summer on August 14, we had some cooler weather and a lot of curious kids (and adults)! After exploring the creek, everyone came back to the observation containers to see all the amazing macroinvertebrates and crustaceans they found.

Thank you to everyone who attended our children's programs this summer. We look forward to providing them again next year! ☀

08/24/2026

Our second "Nature at Night! Identifying Moths" program - the first one held at the Templin Woods Preserve - was another hit! We had over 70 species of moths make appearances, along with a few other friends, including a barred owl who serenaded us with its nighttime calls.

Thank you to all our curious and knowledgeable visitors who burned the midnight oil with us. Look out for more moth nights and other great summer programs returning next year!

08/22/2026

What gift do you want to leave for others? 🌼

August is Make-a-Will Month. Have you taken time to think about the gift you want to leave for others? You can create a healthier natural world for all who follow you. Consider ways you can give to French & Pickering from your estate.

1. Give through your will.
2. Name French & Pickering as a beneficiary of your IRA, DAF, or life insurance policy.
3. Make a life-income gift, like a Charitable Gift Annuity.
4. Give from your real estate assets.

You can help save more land, forever. Protect our precious land and creeks for all.

To discuss estate giving, please reach out to Mary Beth Jackson, Director of Development, at 610-933-7577, ext. 112, or [email protected].

Named in honor of our founders, Sam and Eleanor Morris, the Morris Legacy Society honors all who have included French & Pickering in their estate giving plans. By joining this generous group, you help sustain our vital work forever.

If you've already included us in your estate plans, please let us know. It will help our Board of Directors plan.

Note: We cannot offer legal or tax advice. Please consult your financial, tax, and/or legal advisor for what types of giving are appropriate for you.

Learn more by visiting our website at frenchandpickering.org/planned-giving/

08/21/2026

Buzzing bugs and colorful, wild blooms!

Join French & Pickering’s Jim Moffett and Amy Langman and environmental educator Colleen Cranney on August 29th for a nature walk through the trails of the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve. They'll highlight late-summer blooming flowers, butterflies and other insects that thrive on this protected landscape. 🌼

French & Pickering members enjoy early registration access to this program until Sunday, August 23 at 11:59pm. Learn more and register today: https://forms.gle/i4X3bycmLycTCDni8

08/17/2026

Grab your binoculars and join us for an evening of birdwatching on Thursday, August 27 🐦

French & Pickering's Jim Moffett and Amy Langman and Valley Forge Audubon Society's Patty Werth will help you spot, identify, and observe the various birds that can be found at the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve. Following the walk, we invite you to join us at a local brewery to mingle and chat about the birds we spotted.

No birdwatching experience necessary! Whether you’re looking to try something new or are an experienced birder, all are welcome. This is a great chance to connect with nature and community.

Register here: https://forms.gle/gpZxbkj9SS413jS88

08/07/2026

Catch up with us & see what events we have coming up! Read our August Creak Speak newsletter here: https://conta.cc/4bugivQ