Audubon for Homeowners

Common Nighthawk: Not So Common Anymore (Online)

8/15/24 7:00 pm

Nighthawks have declined substantially in Western Pa over the last 30 years. Learn about their ecology and amazing migration from North America to South America through new research using tracking technology.

Bird Friendly Plants for Fall (Online)

8/17/24 11:00 am

We will look at bird feeding strategies as well as landscape concepts and specific plants that will provide critical resources for birds in the months ahead

Native Pollinators (Buffalo Creek)

8/24/24 10:00 am

This program discusses our native pollinators and how to help them, including a primer on Bumble Bee Watch.

Native Pollinators (Beechwood)

8/24/24 10:00 am

This program discusses our native pollinators and how to help them, including a primer on Bumble Bee Watch.

Native Pollinators (Succop)

8/25/24 2:00 pm

This program discusses our native pollinators and how to help them, including a primer on Bumble Bee Watch.

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

7/30/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

8/6/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

8/13/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

8/20/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

8/27/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

9/10/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

9/24/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

10/1/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

10/8/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

10/15/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

10/22/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

10/29/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Dig in the Dirt! Garden and Landscaping Support

8/1/24 11:00 am

Volunteers are needed to help ASWP maintain demonstration gardens and other landscaped areas around Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Materials and training will be provided. Registration is requested.

Dig in the Dirt! Garden and Landscaping Support

8/8/24 11:00 am

Volunteers are needed to help ASWP maintain demonstration gardens and other landscaped areas around Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Materials and training will be provided. Registration is requested.

Dig in the Dirt! Garden and Landscaping Support

8/15/24 11:00 am

Volunteers are needed to help ASWP maintain demonstration gardens and other landscaped areas around Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Materials and training will be provided. Registration is requested.

Dig in the Dirt! Garden and Landscaping Support

8/22/24 11:00 am

Volunteers are needed to help ASWP maintain demonstration gardens and other landscaped areas around Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Materials and training will be provided. Registration is requested.

Dig in the Dirt! Garden and Landscaping Support

8/29/24 11:00 am

Volunteers are needed to help ASWP maintain demonstration gardens and other landscaped areas around Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Materials and training will be provided. Registration is requested.

Buffalo Creek Coalition Meeting - BCNP or Online

11/14/24 3:30 pm

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

9/3/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Native Plant Nursery Work Sessions

9/17/24 10:00 am

Choose one of two sessions each Tuesday and get your hands dirty while learning new skills and making a difference for local habitat!

Hawk Mountain Mini Eco-Tour

9/20/24 8:00 am

During this mini eco-tour, you’ll enjoy an afternoon of birding on Friday and a full day on Saturday to see the many birds flying overheard to their migration destinations.

Fall Tree and Shrub Sale all month long

10/1/24 9:00 am

Fall is a great time for planting! During the month of October, an extra 15% discount will be offered on all native trees and shrubs—that’s a total of 25% off for members and 15% off for non-members.

Cross-Pollination: Certified Backyard Habitat Show & Tell - BFNR

10/10/24 6:00 pm

Brag about your Certified Backyard Habitat and all the ways that your native plants are making your property the prettiest in the neighborhood!

Yoga in the Park - BCNP

10/13/24 4:00 pm

Give yourself the space to breathe and stretch so you’re ready for the work week during these sessions by Sol Power Yoga.

Yoga in the Park - BCNP

10/20/24 4:00 pm

Give yourself the space to breathe and stretch so you’re ready for the work week during these sessions by Sol Power Yoga.

Yoga in the Park - BCNP

10/27/24 4:00 pm

Give yourself the space to breathe and stretch so you’re ready for the work week during these sessions by Sol Power Yoga.

Yoga in the Park - BCNP

11/3/24 4:00 pm

Give yourself the space to breathe and stretch so you’re ready for the work week during these sessions by Sol Power Yoga.

Yoga in the Park - BCNP

11/10/24 4:00 pm

Give yourself the space to breathe and stretch so you’re ready for the work week during these sessions by Sol Power Yoga.

Yoga in the Park - BCNP

11/17/24 4:00 pm

Give yourself the space to breathe and stretch so you’re ready for the work week during these sessions by Sol Power Yoga.

Yoga in the Park - BCNP

11/24/24 4:00 pm

Give yourself the space to breathe and stretch so you’re ready for the work week during these sessions by Sol Power Yoga.

Members’ Sale and Holiday Shopping Kickoff at Audubon Nature Stores

11/9/24 9:00 am

On this day only, ASWP members receive 20% off* merchandise in any of our three Nature Stores, located at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Succop Nature Park, and Buffalo Creek Nature Park

Eco-Market: Holiday Edition! - BFNR

11/23/24 10:00 am

Join us for a market featuring nature-themed items from vendors whose work is made from recycled and sustainable materials. There will be an eco-friendly DIY wrapping paper station, too! Please visit aswp for more details on vendors and activities.

Fall Migratory Bird Hike - BFNR

8/31/24 9:00 am

There’s a chill in the air—fall is coming and the birds know it! During this naturalist-led hike, we’ll be looking for birds that are ready to make their way south for the winter. $6 per member, $10 per nonmember. Registration required.

Fall Migratory Bird Hike - SNP

9/7/24 9:00 am

There’s a chill in the air—fall is coming and the birds know it! During this naturalist-led hike, we’ll be looking for birds that are ready to make their way south for the winter. $6 per member, $10 per nonmember. Registration required.

Fall Migratory Bird Hike - BCNP

9/8/24 9:00 am

There’s a chill in the air—fall is coming and the birds know it! During this naturalist-led hike, we’ll be looking for birds that are ready to make their way south for the winter. $6 per member, $10 per nonmember. Registration required.

Harrison Hills Bird Walk

10/5/24 8:00 am

Join us at Harrison Hills Park, one of the region’s most popular places to bird. We will meet in the parking lot at the Environmental Learning Center and bird some of the surrounding trails.

Full Moon Hike - BCNP

9/16/24 8:00 pm

Let’s enjoy a night under a full moon. What might we hear? What can we see? Learn why hiking at night, or under a full moon, can be fun, and some tips for enjoying your time outside.

Full Moon Hike - SNP

11/15/24 6:00 pm

Let’s enjoy a night under a full moon. What might we hear? What can we see? Learn why hiking at night, or under a full moon, can be fun, and some tips for enjoying your time outside.

Owl Prowl - BFNR

11/15/24 7:00 pm

Learn about our local owls, then search for them on the trails. This event is appropriate for all ages. We will meet participants in the parking lot.

Owl Prowl - BCNP

10/26/24 7:00 pm

Learn about our local owls, then search for them on the trails. This event is appropriate for all ages. We will meet participants in the parking lot.

Owl Prowl - BCNP

11/16/24 7:00 pm

Learn about our local owls, then search for them on the trails. This event is appropriate for all ages. We will meet participants in the parking lot.

Make and Take Nature Journal - SNP

10/12/24 10:00 am

Bind high-quality paper to heirloom quality leather covers to create a unique journal in which you can record your observations. You’ll decorate the journal and add a clasp to secure it shut.

Make and Take Nature Journal - BCNP

10/12/24 1:00 pm

Bind high-quality paper to heirloom quality leather covers to create a unique journal in which you can record your observations. You’ll decorate the journal and add a clasp to secure it shut.

Make and Take Nature Journal - BFNR

10/19/24 10:00 am

Bind high-quality paper to heirloom quality leather covers to create a unique journal in which you can record your observations. You’ll decorate the journal and add a clasp to secure it shut.

Seed Collecting - SNP

10/12/24 2:00 pm

Learn to harvest native seed while you help ASWP’s native plant nursery to replenish its stocks—and you’ll be able to add to your own plant collection. Participants will gain hands-on experience collecting, cleaning, and sowing a variety of native plant seed.

Seed Collecting - BFNR

10/12/24 10:00 am

Learn to harvest native seed while you help ASWP’s native plant nursery to replenish its stocks—and you’ll be able to add to your own plant collection. Participants will gain hands-on experience collecting, cleaning, and sowing a variety of native plant seed.

Winter Seed Sowing Workshop - BFNR

11/2/24 10:00 am

Join us for a basic lesson on collecting, cleaning, and sowing some of the Pittsburgh area’s classic native landscape plants. Participants will sow eight different high-wildlife value native species to take home.

Winter Wreaths - BCNP

12/8/24 2:00 pm

We’ll provide all the supplies needed for you to create a simple evergreen wreath to adorn your home. Work with a variety of evergreens on a round wire frame and then head outside for a walk to collect natural materials for additional decoration.

Winter Firecraft - SNP

12/21/24 1:00 pm

In this program, learn how to find natural fire making materials in winter. You’ll even make ferrocerium rod fire kits to take home. The kit includes a pouch, charcloth, a ferro rod, and a striker. If the sun is out, we can use lenses to ignite our fires!

Winter Firecraft - BCNP

12/21/24 4:00 pm

In this program, learn how to find natural fire making materials in winter. You’ll even make ferrocerium rod fire kits to take home. The kit includes a pouch, charcloth, a ferro rod, and a striker. If the sun is out, we can use lenses to ignite our fires!

Decorate a Mini Tree - BFNR

12/7/24 10:00 am

Get into the holiday spirit by decorating a mini tree using natural materials

Decorate a Mini Tree - SNP

12/7/24 10:00 am

Get into the holiday spirit by decorating a mini tree using natural materials

Decorate a Mini Tree - BCNP

12/14/24 2:00 pm

Get into the holiday spirit by decorating a mini tree using natural materials

Yule Log Hike and Craft - BCNP

12/7/24 10:00 am

Hike into the woods to gather natural materials to decorate a birch Yule log. The drill candle holes and level your log so that it will stay in proper position when you use it to decorate for the holidays.

Yule Log Hike and Craft - SNP

12/14/24 10:00 am

Hike into the woods to gather natural materials to decorate a birch Yule log. The drill candle holes and level your log so that it will stay in proper position when you use it to decorate for the holidays.

Yule Log Hike and Craft - BFNR

12/14/24 10:00 am

Hike into the woods to gather natural materials to decorate a birch Yule log. The drill candle holes and level your log so that it will stay in proper position when you use it to decorate for the holidays.

Fall Fungi Foray - TNR

9/7/24 10:00 am

Join us on one of our beginner fungi forays as we scour the trails across our natural areas looking for all sorts of fungi.

Fall Fungi Foray - BFNR

9/14/24 10:00 am

Join us on one of our beginner fungi forays as we scour the trails across our natural areas looking for all sorts of fungi.

Fall Fungi Foray - SNP

9/7/24 2:00 pm

Join us on one of our beginner fungi forays as we scour the trails across our natural areas looking for all sorts of fungi.

Forest and Field - BFNR

9/7/24 10:00 am

Take a journey through the life cycle of a western Pennsylvania meadow ecosystem. Find tips on converting large or small spaces into a thriving habitat for our local wildlife.

Forest and Field - SNP

9/7/24 2:00 pm

Take a journey through the life cycle of a western Pennsylvania meadow ecosystem. Find tips on converting large or small spaces into a thriving habitat for our local wildlife.

Forest and Field - BCNP

9/21/24 10:00 am

Take a journey through the life cycle of a western Pennsylvania meadow ecosystem. Find tips on converting large or small spaces into a thriving habitat for our local wildlife.

Autumn Changes - Renzie Park Senior Center

10/29/24 10:00 am

Plants and animals are preparing for winter. We will discuss why trees show brilliant fall colors as they prepare dormancy, compared to why birds leave their showy spring plumage behind for duller forms.

Land Use History of Moraine State Park: North Country Club Road Hike

11/9/24 9:00 am

Moraine State Park was created in the 1960s and it still bears the evidence of previous occupation. On this hike we will explore house foundations, cemeteries, old roads, and even a still-flowing springhouse. Once on site, we will use two parking areas along the same road.

Winter Tree Identification - BCNP

11/16/24 10:00 am

Leaves are not the only characteristic that defines a tree species. Bark, twigs, buds, shape, and even smell can be used to identify a tree during the winter months. Join us as we take a closer look at the diverse species of trees present along our trails.

Winter Tree Identification - SNP

11/16/24 2:00 pm

Leaves are not the only characteristic that defines a tree species. Bark, twigs, buds, shape, and even smell can be used to identify a tree during the winter months. Join us as we take a closer look at the diverse species of trees present along our trails.

Winter Tree Identification - BFNR

11/23/24 10:00 am

Leaves are not the only characteristic that defines a tree species. Bark, twigs, buds, shape, and even smell can be used to identify a tree during the winter months. Join us as we take a closer look at the diverse species of trees present along our trails.

Christmas Bird Count Warm Up w/ Coffee and Bagels - BFNR

11/30/24 10:00 am

Beginners welcome! Enjoy coffee, bagels, and a bird hike as you learn how to count birds for science. Learn or review the birds most likely to be seen for Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Counts. This program includes a classroom session and a short birding walk, conditions permitting. Appropriate for adults and interested youth.

Christmas Bird Count Warm Up w/ Coffee and Bagels - SNP

11/30/24 10:00 am

Beginners welcome! Enjoy coffee, bagels, and a bird hike as you learn how to count birds for science. Learn or review the birds most likely to be seen for Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Counts. This program includes a classroom session and a short birding walk, conditions permitting. Appropriate for adults and interested youth.

Christmas Bird Count Warm Up w/ Coffee and Bagels - McKeesport

11/30/24 2:00 pm

Meet at the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center. Beginners welcome! Enjoy coffee, bagels, and a bird hike as you learn how to count birds for science. Learn or review the birds most likely to be seen for Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Counts. This program includes a classroom session and a short birding walk, conditions permitting. Appropriate for adults and interested youth.

Christmas Bird Count Warm Up w/ Coffee and Bagels - BCNP

12/7/24 2:00 pm

Meet at the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center. Beginners welcome! Enjoy coffee, bagels, and a bird hike as you learn how to count birds for science. Learn or review the birds most likely to be seen for Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Counts. This program includes a classroom session and a short birding walk, conditions permitting. Appropriate for adults and interested youth.

Lunch and Learn & Native Plants: Lasagna Gardening - Online

9/18/24 12:00 pm

Lasagna gardening, also known as sheet mulching, is a fantastic way to prepare a new garden bed for more native plants. Whether you want to convert a section of grass lawn or start from scratch on a garden bed gone awry, lasagna gardening can help you achieve your goals.

Mushrooms 101 - Online

9/11/24 7:00 pm

What’s so fun about fungi? Join us online for a program where will discuss exactly what fungi are—from their life history to physical features.

Pennsyvlania's Ice Age Past - Online

10/15/24 7:00 pm

Just a geologic instant ago, portions of Pennsylvania were covered in massive glaciers. There are still many signs of this violent age written into our landscape. In this program, you will learn how to identify weathering patterns and rock types that are indicative of glacial activity.

Carolina Parakeet: Ecology, Extinction, and Resurrection? - Online

9/25/24 7:00 pm

The Carolina Parakeet was eastern North America’s only endemic parrot species and was even found in Western Pennsylvania. Learn more about this species’ unique ecology, what drove it to extinction, and the controversy surrounding bringing them back through cloning.

The Corvids: Blue Jays, Crows, and Ravens - Online

10/29/24 7:00 pm

Corvids display remarkable intelligence and are among the most intelligent birds on Earth. Members of the family have demonstrated self-awareness in mirror tests, possess tool-making ability, and passing information through generations.

What Gall! - Online

11/6/24 7:00 pm

Just what is that spotty, lumpy, bumpy or otherwise weird growth on leaves, twigs or stems? Plant galls are often seen, but what causes them can remain a mystery. Are they good? Bad? Useful? Let's take a look at these fascinating little bits of plant real estate.

Lunch and Learn & Native Plants: Winter Sowing Native Plant Seeds - Online

11/13/24 12:00 pm

Plants native to southwestern Pennsylvania have many adaptations that help them to survive harsh winters. Seeds fall to the ground, get covered by leaf litter, and generally go dormant. However, the cold temperatures and moist conditions later in winter break this dormancy just before the seeds germinate in spring.

Winter Plants for Berries and Birds - Online

11/16/24 10:00 am

We will discuss how to help sustain birds during the harsh winter months using bird-friendly native woody plants. We’ll also talk about ways to prepare your landscape at the end of the season to support resident birds through the winter.

Bats of Western Pennsylvania - Online

12/3/24 7:00 pm

This program focuses on the different bat species found here, the bats’ ecologies and life histories, as well as updates on White-nose Syndrome. We will also discuss ways to help bats by creating bat boxes and bat-friendly habitats in your own backyard.

Natural Meadows of Pennsylvania - Online

11/20/24 7:00 pm

In Pennsylvania, we have three types of naturally occurring meadow ecosystems. These distinct meadows developed due to unique geologic conditions. This program will cover natural history of these ecosystems and how they operate today.

Owl Ecology in Winter - Online

12/17/24 7:00 pm

Did you a local owl starts breeding in January? How do they hunt and survive the cold, dark, winter months? This program will look at several of our local owl species and their ecology. We’ll also talk about the irruptive Snowy Owl.

Backyard Stream Repair - BCNP

10/5/24 9:00 am

Is your stream getting deeper or wider? Are you losing some of your land every time it rains? Have you wondered why your streambanks are changing so rapidly? Join Audubon and Penn State Extension to learn more about backyard stream repair solutions.

Winter Wreaths - BCNP

12/8/24 2:00 pm

Make a new wreath for the winter season! We’ll provide all the supplies needed for you to create a simple evergreen wreath to adorn your home.