February 2015

Message from the Executive Director

Thanks to You!

This year, thanks to the generosity of numerous donors and supporters of our education programs, many thousands of children will have meaningful, hands experiences in nature and science education that will help shape their values of environmental stewardship. As Riverbend enters our fifth decade we are implementing exciting plans to make important improvements to our property, additions to our educational offerings and bringing hands on nature and science programs to an ever increasing number of individuals.

Thanks to many of you we will be building our long-planned aquaponics greenhouse off the side of the Snider Barn adding an important educational resource about sustainable agriculture and why it is important to our future. As soon as the freezing weather ends we will be breaking ground and if all goes well the green house will be operational in a few short months, with educational programs beginning in force by September. Read More

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Check out what fun facts we discovered in 2014 with our

Riverbend Infographic

2nd Annual

Farm To Table Dinner

May 31st, 2015
4:30 - 7:30 pm

Featuring speaker and author, Chef Ian Knauer and food provided by Chef Alex Garfinkel

Riverbend's second annual Farm To Table Dinner will take place under a tent at the highest point on our preserve in Gladwyne.

Stay tuned for more info.

Year Round Camp Dates

Check out our 2015 dates

Upcoming camp days:

March 23rd- 27th

March 30th - April 3rd

Upcoming Public Programs

Summer Camp and Kindergarten Open House

March 14th

10:00 am- 12:00 pm

Night Hike and Campfire
March 21st

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Astronomy Night with the PSF
April 24th

7:30 - 10:30 pm

Be a Part of Our Family!

Are you looking for a unique enrichment program for your Kindergartner?

Please welcome our new Board of Director's Chair: Doris Brogan

We are so pleased to announce that Doris DelTosto Brogan has been elected as Riverbend's new Chair of the Board of Directors. Doris joined the Board in 2012, served on the Development Committee, and chaired the Aquaponics Campaign Committee. Under her leadership - shaped by her passion for the aquaponics project- the committee was able to reach their goal, allowing Riverbend to expand our education programming for the region.

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Meet Our Donors:
Steve Shreiner

Riverbend's donors are a dedicated and inspiring group of people that support bringing children closer to nature through hands-on learning. Learn more about the people who make our work possible!

Tell us a little bit about yourself, how did you start Shreiner Tree Care?

I was a senior at Radnor High School. I had a lot of energy and loved being active. My mentor saw these qualities in me and directed them towards climbing trees. I fell in love with it and began the business with a friend soon after.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy working with wood, specifically live edge woodworking. I like making organic styled furniture, cabinets or end tables. I also enjoy fly fishing.

What have you most enjoyed at Riverbend?

I got involved with Riverbend through scouting. I saw the importance of being in touch with nature, especially at a young age. It's important to understand your natural surroundings. Riverbend connects children to nature through their programming.

What inspired you to get more involved?

Read More

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It Takes A Village of Homes to Make a Habitat

In 2014 we completed an Animal Homes Project to attract and support birds, bats, butterflies and insects at Riverbend. These animals provide us with opportunities for teaching children and the wider public about nature, as well as improve the health and diversity of our ecosystem. In the meadow, open areas, and in our bird observation areas, we installed four bluebird houses, four wren houses, four woodpecker, and four butterfly houses - a village of animal homes. We also purchased a bat house which we will put up this spring.

Along the main path, we built and installed an Insect Hotel. Insects have important jobs in the ecosystem and we need them at Riverbend. Read More

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Eco Activity: Wonderful Winter Adaptations

Brrr... it has been a frigid winter! How do animals survive this extreme weather? Many animals will migrate or hibernate to avoid the winter weather and lack of food but many stay active all winter! The Polar Bear, who spends his whole life on the frigid Arctic Tundra, has developed special winter adaptations that not only allow them to survive but thrive in these very chilly temperatures. Try out this experiment at home to learn more about the Polar Bear's winter survival secret!

Find out the experiment here

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Summer Camp Registration Open

Keep up with Riverbend

Behind the 'Bend

This Red-tailed Hawk is seen often by staff and visitors of our property and believed to be part of a mating pair nesting at Riverbend.