Delaware Highlands Conservancy and the Van Scott Nature Reserve

08/31/2026

**Meet our new Executive Director at the Meadow Party!**

Join us for the Meadow Party at the Van Scott Nature Reserve on Saturday, September 19, and take a moment to meet Trey Talley, our new Executive Director, along with members of the Conservancy community. Stop by between 10 and 11 a.m. for bagels, coffee, and conversation!

The Meadow Party is free and open to the public, with fun, family-friendly activities happening from 10am to 2pm! Visit https://delawarehighlands.org/events/meadow-party/ for all the details and to RSVP.

The day will include live animals with A.N.A Critters, a monarch butterfly program, guided trail walks, wildlife and conservation-themed relay games, yoga, and water ice available for purchase from Nothing But Fruit.

08/27/2026

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy's Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Trey Talley has been named the organization’s new Executive Director. Talley has served as Acting Executive Director since June, following the departure of former Executive Director Diane Rosencrance. He is the third Executive Director in the Conservancy’s more than 30-year history.

Following a comprehensive national search that drew a strong pool of qualified candidates, the Board selected Talley based on his deep knowledge of the Conservancy and its work, his experience in land conservation and organizational planning, and his commitment to serving the communities of the Upper Delaware River region. Talley joined the Conservancy’s land protection team in 2018 and has spent the past eight years leading and supporting land conservation projects throughout the Conservancy’s service area in New York and Pennsylvania.
Visit https://delawarehighlands.org/trey-talley-named-new-executive-director/ to read more!

08/27/2026

Thank you Heather, The Botanical Hiker for leading this fascinating walk at the Reserve!

08/27/2026

Follow along as we get to know one of our ponds at the Van Scott Nature Reserve a little better!

08/26/2026

**Just a few spaces remain for our Women and Their Woods Retreat from September 11th-13th at Lukan's Farm Resort in Wayne County, PA!**
Women forest landowners and aspiring landowners from across the mid-Atlantic region are invited to learn about forest stewardship, build confidence in managing their woods, and connect with others in a friendly, peer-learning environment. Join us for a dynamic and fun retreat designed to help you navigate the challenges and rewards of forestland ownership.

Visit https://delawarehighlands.org/events/women-and-their-woods-retreat/ for details, the Retreat Agenda, and to register to attend. Visithttps://delawarehighlands.org/wp-content/uploads/WaTW-2026-Programs-and-Presenters.pdf for the list of programs and presenters.

Women forest landowners and aspiring landowners from across the mid-Atlantic region are invited to learn about forest stewardship, build confidence in managing their woods, and connect with others in a friendly, peer-learning environment. Join us for a dynamic and fun retreat designed to help you na...

08/25/2026

We're excited to offer a free weekly Nature Explorers class at Owl and Friends PA this fall!

CLASS SPOTLIGHT: Nature Explorers with Delaware Highlands Conservancy!

We’re so excited to offer this FREE nature-based class in partnership with Delaware Highlands Conservancy! Every Thursday at 10AM, little explorers will discover the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities, stories, games, crafts, and engaging exploration. Each week will bring something new to learn and discover while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

Thursdays at 10AM | FREE

08/21/2026

Join local farmer Amy Erlwein on September 19th at the Van Scott Nature Reserve where we will discuss the final stages of growing your own food—the harvest! Amy will discuss and demonstrate how to properly harvest your crops along with how to preserve and store your food through canning, dehydration, freezing and more. Amy will also explain how to collect and store your seeds properly to ensure that they will be ready for planting next spring.
Visit https://delawarehighlands.org/events/harvesting-part-3/ for details and to register!

08/20/2026

On a clear day at the Reserve, you can see all the way to the Catskill Mountains in New York State and to High Point State Park in New Jersey! Enjoy these peaceful panoramic views from the Butterfly Trail trailhead and from the Eugene and Mary Van Scott Pavilion at the highest point of the Reserve. Trail map and information available at DelawareHighlands.org/vsnr.

08/19/2026

Relax and connect with nature on a guided Sunset Wellness Walk at the Van Scott Nature Reserve on Friday, September 4th from 6:45-8:30pm. Sunset walks will last for about 1.5 hours and take different routes to finish off with the best view of the sunset. Perfect for photographers!

Visit https://delawarehighlands.org/events/sunset-wellness-walk/2026-09-04/ for details and to sign up for this FREE guided walk. Advance registration is requested.

08/18/2026

Shrubland habitat is vital for wildlife, including foxes, ruffed grouse, turtles, and more. Hear from our Reserve and Facilities Coordinator Lucas Green about how we’re creating and maintaining shrubland habitat at the Van Scott Nature Reserve with the help of volunteers!