Katie Says: Celebrate with Briar Bush!

April is a busy month here at Briar Bush! Not only do we see an increase in visitors as the spring weather arrives, but there are two big environmental celebrations in April: Earth Day and Arbor Day. This Thursday, April 22, is the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day! In celebration, keep your eyes open for Briar Bush Nature Center to be making appearances all over the area, from the Philadelphia Zoo, to Whole Foods in Jenkintown, and Earth Day and other outdoor festivals all over Montgomery County.

Not too far behind, April 30 is Arbor Day, a day established to encourage everyone to plant and care for trees. Earth Day may be celebrating its 40^th anniversary, but Arbor Day is celebrating its 138^th! To celebrate Arbor Day, come and take a walk on the trails at Briar Bush. Many trees can now be identified by their fresh, green leaves and some, like the dogwood and redbud, are covered in magnificent flowers. If you’d like to learn more about trees, then be sure to register for my next family program, “Dendrologist for a Day” this Sunday, April 25! As you’ve probably guessed, dendrologists are scientists who study trees and in this Sunday’s program we’ll be getting up close and hands-on with the trees of Briar Bush. We’ll be taking the same kinds of measurements using the same kind of equipment dendrologists do! This is a great program to attend if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at environmental science or if you’d like to learn how to identify some of the common trees of Pennsylvania.

In “It’s Arbor Day, Charlie Brown!” Sally was asked by her teacher what Arbor Day was. Having not done her homework, Sally replied; “That’s the day that all the ships come into the ‘arbor!” Whether you spend it on a ship in the ‘arbor or on the trails at Briar Bush, be sure to celebrate the outdoors this month! Have a question or a story of your own to share? Post a comment below; it’s free and you don’t have to create an account!