UPPER DELAWARE RIVER REGION, PA AND NY – The Delaware Highlands Conservancy announces community programs and workshops hosted in December 2026 at the Van Scott Nature Reserve (571 Perkins Pond Rd, Beach Lake, PA) and in the region. Most events require advance registration. For program details and to register, please visit delawarehighlands.org/events or call Education and Volunteer Coordinator Jen Campbell at 570-226-3164 ext. 2.

Saturday, December 5 – 1:30pm-3:30pm – Owl Pellet Dissection Lab, Van Scott Nature Reserve

Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy to explore the fascinating world of owls through one of their most unique clues: owl pellets! Attendees will work individually, in pairs, or in groups to dissect owl pellets and discover what’s hidden inside. By identifying and piecing together bones, fur, feathers, and other remains, participants will learn about owls’ diets, hunting habits, and behavior while learning about the important role these birds play in the ecosystem. This program is $5 for Conservancy members or $10 for non-members; kids 12 and under are free. Advance registration is requested and children must be accompanied by an adult to attend.

Friday, December 11 – 3pm-4:30pm – Winter Sow Jug Workshop

Location: Western Sullivan Public Library, 198 Bridge Street, Narrowsburg, NY

Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy for an educational program about how to support the monarch butterfly and its habitat within our community. In the last two decades, the monarch’s population has decreased by over 80%, but by learning more about their species and what helps them thrive, we can do our part to bring them back. This workshop will begin with an educational presentation on the monarch butterfly, continue into the science behind winter sow jugs, and wrap-up with a step-by-step guidance on how to build your very own sow jug. Tools, soil, and milkweed seeds will be provided, but please bring your own recyclables. The best recyclables for this project include clean, empty gallons of milk, two-liter soda bottles, or gallon-sized water jugs with caps removed. This program is geared towards adults and is free of charge, but prior registration is required.

Saturday, December 19 – 10am-11:30am – Winter Tracks Discovery Walk, Van Scott Nature Reserve

Bundle up and join a Conservancy staff member on a walk to search for clues as to who is living in the meadows throughout winter. Many mammals including eastern cottontails, foxes, coyotes, and deer call our meadows home, but sometimes we can go for days without seeing any! With less growth and potential snow cover, winter is a great time to search for footprints, scat, and other signs of life. This program is designed for children ages 5 and up who are interested in searching for wildlife clues. Program is $5 for Conservancy members or $10 for non-members; kids 12 and under are free. Advance registration is requested and children must be accompanied by an adult to attend.