Asbury Woods Recognizes Volunteers of the Year During Annual Award Ceremony
Asbury Woods is proud to announce the distinguished recipients of its annual volunteer of the year awards at the annual volunteer luncheon on Sunday, February 10 at 12:30 p.m. at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods.
Nature comes alive on Saturdays at Asbury Woods.
Asbury Woods is excited to once again offer the community a chance to rent and take charge of sap collection from specific sugar maple trees on their property. Individuals and families who participate in the program will be assigned a group of four trees tapped for sap collection. Trees will be tapped, buckets hung and labeled by Asbury Woods staff, then the renters take charge of collecting sap from their trees and have the opportunity to take the sap home to boil it down into maple syrup.
Super Blood Wolf Moon Total Eclipse
by Melissa Martin, Education and Program Coordinator
Let Them Grow - Nature Play and Reasonable Risk
By Kelley Lang, Director of Education and Community Programs
Nature Tots & Preschool Nature Discovery
The littlest explorers will have big adventures at Asbury Woods.
Interested in starting your own backyard hive? Join us for one of two programs to learn all the aspects necessary to be a successful backyard beekeeper.
Our Annual Report highlights the impact we had during the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Thanks to community support, we were able to positively impact more than 71,000 people of all ages.
Finnegan's First Birthday Party
Asbury Woods is excited to celebrate Finnegan’s first birthday at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center on January 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. during the free Drop-In and Discover program.
Asbury Woods Presents 22nd Annual Winter Wonderland
Asbury Woods presents the 22nd annual Winter Wonderland event, scheduled for December 14 through 16 and December 27 through 30 at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center.
Asbury Woods' Longtime Volunteer Fundraiser Recognized at National Philanthropy Day
Congratulations to Attorney Mark Shaw for his award at the Association of Fundraising Professional's National Philanthropy Day!
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.
Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.
We're Batty for Bats this Halloween!
BatWeek is an annual celebration of bats that takes place October 24 – 31. No matter where you live, chances are high that you have bats as neighbors. These unique mammals are eat insects, pollinate plants, and spread seeds. Thanks, bats!
Why Are The Leaves Late To Change Color?
By: Mark Spitulski, Asbury Woods Certified Arborist and Director of Facilities and Grounds
Mystery Science at Asbury Woods | A Program for Tweens
Do you know a kid who loves science, experiments, and mystery? During this program kids get to be the ones to do the detective work to collect the data, run the experiments and solve the mystery. Each Saturday will have a new mystery to solve. Kids 8 and up are welcome to attend independently. Adults are always welcome and are free at this program.
Asbury Woods Announces Completion of Capital Campaign and Nature Center Rededication
Asbury Woods is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Preserving a Legacy Capital Campaign. The campaign was launched in 2015 and raised $5.2 million, surpassing the goal of raising $4.5 million to protect Asbury Woods now and into the future.
Nature Tots & Preschool Nature Discovery
Children are never too young to start exploring and learning from nature, especially with the support of a caring adult to guide them. At Asbury Woods, parents, grandparents, or other care providers attend classes with their child. Asbury Woods offers exciting and fun preschool classes throughout the year.
Campfire Hikes - A Members Appreciation Event
Member Appreciation Event! We love and appreciate our members and donors who support Asbury Woods every year. Our campfire nights are a small way to say thank you! Cozy up by the fire in our pavilion to make s’mores and sing along to favorite campfire songs. Weather permitting, each campfire night will also include a short walk in the woods to sing a song to the Grandfather Tree.
Nordic Walking at Brown's Farm Barn
Nordic walking is a fun aerobic workout that burns more calories than walking or hiking alone. Our instructor will teach participants the proper techniques of Nordic walking and lead the group on walks.
Experience the trails of Asbury Woods at night during a guided night hike.
Welcome to Autumn in the Woods
As the leaves change and the weather cools down, thoughts turn to the holidays and the many traditions with family and friends that this time of year brings. We know that Asbury Woods and its seasonal festivals are part of many families’ traditions and we welcome you back each year.
Asbury Woods Certified Arborist Mark Spitulski shows a Mercyhurst College Forest Ecology lab led by Professor Chris Dolanc how to inject a Pumpkin Ash tree.
Donations Drive Asbury Woods Mission
Each year approximately 51% of Asbury Woods annual budget is supported by charitable gifts. Charitable gifts come in many forms: contributions from individuals, grants, corporate sponsorships, special events, memorial gifts and bequests. Gifts of all amounts combine to help us accomplish our mission to provide all members of the community with meaningful environmental, educational and recreational experiences.
By: Mark Spitulski, International Society of Arborculture Certified Arborist and Director of Facilities and Grounds at Asbury Woods.
There are many reasons why pruning your trees is important, but pruning should only occur with a purpose in mind. Most common reasons to prune would be aesthetics, structure and reducing risk.
Weaving Traditions and Philanthropy Into The Fabric of Family
Brent and Janet Sesler, along with their two sons; Morgan and Ryan, have been volunteering at Asbury Woods as a family since 2004. A lifelong tradition of giving back was introduced to Brent by his father at a young age, stemming from his father’s involvement in the Sertoma Club. Brent followed suit, starting to volunteer at Asbury Woods when he was a boyscout. He worked on several Eagle Scout projects with his troop doing trail maintenance and improvements, including the creation of the Eagle Trail, which is heavily used to this day.
Did You Know | Discovery Classroom
Did you know that when the Discovery Classroom is filled with bins full of educational experiments, observations, touch-and-feel items and more? It's a place where families can explore and learn about science and nature together.
Enjoy an informational program exploring the natural history of honey bees, their role in pollination, and the environmental threats they face. We’ll have a diverse panel of experts from seasoned beekeeping professionals. Join us for a lively discussion with a light reception following.
Asbury Woods Seeks Marketing & Communications Intern
Asbury Woods seeks a dynamic, self-starter to assist marketing and communications efforts. This internship is an excellent opportunity to experience various aspects of marketing while working for well-known community-based nonprofit organization. Review of applications is ongoing and the positions remain open until filled.
Join us on August 14, 2018 from 8am - 8pm for Erie Gives Day! Your donation on Erie Gives Day Day enables Asbury Woods to build a strong and sustainable future.
Adventures From a Bluebird Hike
By: Katelyn Meyer, Asbury Woods Summer Naturalist Intern
My first experience on a bluebird hike was an adventure. What should you expect when you go on a bluebird hike?
By: Alyson Munson, Asbury Woods Marketing and Communications Intern
In their larval stage, Monarch butterflies feed exclusively on milkweed, these plants are full of toxins which make the butterflies taste unappealing to their predators. Our Field Garden located on the right side of the nature center was created as a station for birds and butterflies of all kinds. Filled with many different native species, this gardens most popular feature is the milkweed plants which attract these beautiful butterflies who are looking to lay their eggs!
Interested in learning our trails? Join us for one of two weekly walking group hikes to get your heart rate up, meet friends and learn out trails. Meet outside at the Nature Center.
Each year more than 100,000 people experience Asbury Woods. The long, warm days of summer make it easy to spend time outdoors and in nature. We love being part of your summer memories using our trails, visiting the Nature Center and exploring all we have to offer. This summer, we’re launching several new programs to engage even more members of our community in the magic of Asbury Woods.
Get a mid-week boost with this moderately-paced guided hike as you learn the trail system on Asbury Woods 205 acres.
Start your Fridays with a relaxed hike through the woods.
A fossil exhibition in partnership with Mercyhurst University
Tax Credit Donations Extend Asbury Woods Impact
During the past year, Asbury Woods educators traveled throughout Erie County to bring hands-on experiences that use nature, the environment and outdoor exploration as powerful and meaningful ways to connect kids to nature while delivering standards-based content outlined in school curriculums.
Asbury Woods Announces Summer Music Series - Monday Music in the Woods
Asbury Woods is excited to announce a new music series, Monday Music in the Woods. The series features local acts performing from various musical genres: including folk, country, bluegrass, Americana and more. Monday Music in the Woods is proudly sponsored by Bock Insurance Agency.
Asbury Woods is thrilled to announce the addition of a new male European ferret. Asbury Woods held a naming contest in March and over 200 entries were submitted to name the ferret. The top four names were on display during the Maple Festival on April 14 - 15 where guests were encouraged to vote for their favorite name with their donations.
Greetings From The Woods! Executive Director, Jennifer Farrar, CFRE.
Erie WILD! at Asbury Woods | Animal Open Houses
Join us for an animal open house the second Saturday of each month for this FREE family program! Read on for schedule and more details.
Spring is a favorite time of year for many people due to trees coming out of dormancy and once again exhibiting innumerable benefits to our environment. Read on for simple steps that can be done in the spring to assure your trees will continue to thrive.
The Animal Corner | Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
Oliver is a Netherland dwarf rabbit that resides at Asbury Woods and helps to represent the eastern cottontail rabbit, which is native to our region and can be found in the fields of Asbury Woods.
Nature Center Animals Play Key Role in Delivering Our Mission
Our animals play an integral part in helping us fulfill our mission to inspire a greater sense of environmental awareness, sustainability and stewardship.
You will find all the information you need to attend events, register for programs and stay up to date on happenings at the Woods.
By Kelley Lang, Education Manager
Here at the Woods winter brings unique changes to our surroundings that can be scenic and refreshing.
You will find all the information you need to attend events, register for programs and stay up to date on happenings at the Woods.
By Kelley Lang, Education and Visitor Services Manager
Our mission to connect all people in our community to nature extends beyond the edge of the Woods and is flourishing all around Erie County.
By now you may know that I have left Asbury Woods for a new opportunity, having accepted the position of Executive Director of Montana Audubon. Although I am excited for this new challenge, it is with a heavy heart that I leave behind the“Woods”.
Accepting applications for internships
Asbury Woods is currently accepting applications from recent grads for our internship program.
Message from the President/CEO
Preserving a Legacy Capital Campaign
Message from the President/CEO
What an extraordinary year it has been for us. We successfully navigated a number of challenges and completed the purchase of Asbury Woods by the June 30, 2016 deadline.
October 13 & 14, 2017
AmeriCorps Service Opportunities at Asbury Woods
Asbury Woods is currently accepting applications from individuals who would like to serve with AmeriCorps at Asbury Woods.
Asbury Woods Partnership officially takes ownership of the Asbury Woods Nature Center.
Message from the President CEO
I recently read Natural Connections, the Award Winning Outdoor Recreation Plan for Pennsylvania, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a lot of parallels between what it suggests and what we already offer at Asbury Woods.
SOLD OUT! The Wine and Dine in the Woods event 2016 is currently Sold Out! Please check back next year for tickets. Thank you for your support.
Message from the President/CEO
As we go about our daily lives here in Erie,it’s easy to lose sight of what makes our area so special. Some say there are five seasons in Erie – spring, summer, fall, winter, and sugaring season!
"Childhood Unplugged" by Kelley Lang
Digging for bugs. Looking for turtles in the pond. Turning over rocks. Rolling down a grassy hill. Floating boats in a creek. These activities are the hallmarks of a childhood spent outdoors and the ways by which children become friends with the natural world.
Message from the President/CEO
Back in 1957, Otto Behrend established one of Erie’s most treasured spaces by bequeathing to the Millcreek Township School District his beloved 100-acre farm.
"Tracks in the Snow" by Kelley Lang
December, January and February are interesting and busy months at the Nature Center. It may seem that the Woods would be silent, with many of the native animals sleeping under a blanket of snow and dreaming of warmer days.
“College Internship Completed at Asbury Woods”
John Follador
Thank you to everyone who donated to Asbury Woods Partnership on Erie Gives Day!
We appreciate your donations and thanks to you we received $15,368 to support our mission of providing quality educational programs and recreational experiences.
Thanks again and we hope you can visit soon!
Message from the President/CEO
I’m sure many of you have heard the news by now that the Asbury Woods Partnership has agreed to purchase Asbury Woods from the Millcreek Township School District to ensure the preservation of this greenspace in perpetuity.
By Kelley Lang
Most adults who are inspired by nature and who regard Asbury Woods as a special place in our community can usually tell a story about a time in their childhood when they first discovered their love of the outdoors.
Asbury Woods Partnership Reaches Deal to Purchase Asbury Woods Nature Center Property
(Erie, Pa.) — After several months of working diligently together, Asbury Woods Partnership and the Millcreek Township School District are pleased to announce they have reached an agreement for the purchase of two Asbury Woods properties. The agreement enables the Partnership to purchase the Brown's Farm property and the Asbury Woods Nature Center property at a purchase price of $1.5 million.
By Leslie Marsden
This is a very exciting time for Asbury Woods Partnership. We are entering 2015 well positioned to achieve our strategic objectives and fulfill our mission of preserving Asbury Woods and providing all members of the community with meaningful environmental, educational and recreational experiences that inspire a greater sense of environmental awareness, sustainability and stewardship. To lead this effort, I am pleased to introduce Larry Berrin as the Partnership’s new President/ CEO.
By Larry Berrin
Children joyfully tromping through the woods and the concentration on their faces as they stop to hear an educator describe the animal tracks in the snow; thousands of families enjoying the musical holiday light show at Winter Wonderland; or a class of high school students spending their PE period skiing and snowshoeing in the woods are all scenes that have played out in my first few months here at Asbury Woods.
As we look to the future, Asbury Woods Partnership has never been better positioned to achieve our mission and fulfill our vision of ensuring the long term sustainability of Asbury Woods and its legacy.
Every Thursday afternoon this past fall ten students left Wayne Middle School and arrived at Asbury Woods to have outdoor adventures.
Through the generosity within our community, the Asbury Woods Partnership received $10,224 during Erie Gives 2014!
Congratulations to the competitors of the 5th Annual Asbury Woods Ridge Run!
A Beautiful Evening in the Woods
On Friday, July 11th, Asbury Woods hosted its signature fundraising event, Wine & Dine in the Woods, to a sold out crowd.
About 100 way-finding signs have recently been installed or are planned for this fall around Asbury Woods’
expansive property.
It is harvest time in Erie County, and we are fortunate to be surrounded by a diversity of local produce.
Turning tax dollars into donations: It’s as easy as E-I-T-C
If your business pays Pennsylvania taxes, Asbury Woods can now reap the benefits.
Mark your calendars for Wine and Dine in the Woods!
On Friday, July 11, 2014, join us for a fun-filled night of entertainment and delectable fare artfully paired with delightful wines and beers.
There’s just something about this time of year. The birds are chirping, the frogs are croaking and the thermometer is headed in the right direction after so many cold months!
Love Your Dog – Leash Your Dog
Many of you are blessed to own a dog, and know the unconditional love of your precious pet and four legged family member.
The Summer Newsletter is Available!