Photo from Woodlandsphila.org.

A near total (for us in Philly) solar eclipse is coming on Monday, April 8. Philly is not on the “path of totality,” but we will get a very respectable 89 percent coverage of the sun, according to NASA, which should be enough to plunge the city into mid-day darkness for a few minutes.

The moon will start moving in front of the sun at about 2:08 p.m. and peak eclipse will begin at 3:23 p.m. Hopefully it will be a clear day for maximum eclipse awesomeness. If so, you definitely want to check this one out because the next solar eclipse this good won’t be for another 20 years.

So where to go for peak eclipse viewing and astronomical camaraderie in West Philly? A good place to start is at The Woodlands, which is hosting an eclipse viewing get together on April 8 from 2-4:30 p.m. The Woodlands offers a lot of open sky to get a good look. Plus a librarian from the Walnut West Library will be organizing an eclipse-themed storytime complete with music and dancing.

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The historic Woodlands cemetery is home to dozens of trees of various species, some of which are very old dating back to the early 20th century. This Thursday, March 14, The Woodlands gates will be closed to the public to accommodate some necessary sitewide tree work.

The work will be conducted by Arader Tree Service. Because the tree work is taking place in several high-traffic areas, the site will be closed to the public to ensure visitor and worker safety. The gates will reopen for visitors in the late afternoon (around 4 p.m.).

The Woodlands visitors are invited to learn more about the trees growing on the site by using The Woodlands Tree Finder. There are also tree-focused digital tours of the grounds. Click here for more details. Finally, if you would like to support The Woodlands’ work of growing and nurturing their tree and shrub collection, consider donating to The Woodlands Tree Fund. In spring of 2022, contributions to The Woodlands Tree Fund helped set up a mobile water tank so that maintenance workers can water more trees in less time.

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From November 16 – 19, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and over 90 of its PHS Tree Tenders groups, community organizations, and neighborhood volunteers will come together to plant 1,770 trees throughout the Greater Philadelphia region, including in West Philly neighborhoods.

Through this semi-annual initiative, PHS creates and enhances tree canopy in neighborhoods across the Philadelphia region to promote healthier, greener communities. These trees will help develop vital tree canopy in the region, where tree canopy averages only 20 percent, with some neighborhoods having as little as 2.5 percent tree canopy coverage.

Volunteers are still needed to help plant trees in their neighborhoods, and no prior experience is necessary to participate in a planting event. All interested participants can sign up to get involved with a planting event near them at https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/get-involved.

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Bartram’s Garden.

September is almost here, and while the weather is still very warm, it’s nice to spend time under the tree canopy at two beautiful historic green spaces in West Philadelphia – The Woodlands and Bartram’s Garden. Both places are hosting some great, free events for all ages next month, including nature nights and walks, craft and food fests, meditations workshops, biking classes, and more! Here are more details:

Events at The Woodlands (40th and Woodland):

Nature Nights: Bat Night
Fri., Sept. 8, 6 – 8 p.m.

Explore The Woodlands after dark (during a full moon!), look for bats, and learn how to become a Citizen Scientist. You can also learn about birding and maybe even spot an owl! This family-friendly event includes a storytime from the Walnut Street West Library, a bat walk, and an opportunity to visit the Philadelphia Orchard Project Learning Orchard at The Woodlands. Pre-registration is recommended (click here).

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Some exciting things are happening at The Woodlands this spring but first, here’s an important message from the staff: The Woodlands Cemetery grounds will be closed to all visitors on Monday, April 10 for tree maintenance. More than 1,000 trees are growing at The Woodlands, and it’s time for a much-needed refresh of the aging tree canopy. The mature trees at the cemetery make this place very special. If you would like to contribute to The Woodlands Tree Fund to help care for them, please click here.

Here’s a list of events happening this and next month. Please note that the Spring edition of the West Craft Fest will not be held this year due to some scheduling conflicts. The Fest will be back in September. Continue Reading

Here’s a great chance to spend some time after dark at The Woodlands and learn more about one of nature’s magnificent creatures – the firefly! A popular summer event, Firefly Night, will return this Wednesday, June 29, from 6 – 9 p.m. to 40th and Woodland as part of the Nature Nights series.

At the event, guests can watch for fireflies in The Woodlands after dark, all while enjoying a sweet treat from the Popalong Truck. You can also learn about The Discovery Center and have fun with a nature activity. Tangle Movement Arts will present a firefly-inspired aerial performance. After the aerial performance, there will be a chance to explore the Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) learning orchard located near Woodland Avenue.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic and a flashlight! Continue Reading