Community programs listed at Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake

Community programs at the Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake have been scheduled by the Delaware Highlands Conservancy during July.

The Conservancy advises that space is limited for each program; advance registration is required.

For program details and to register, please visit DelawareHighlands.org/events or call Education and Volunteer Coordinator Rachel Morrow at 570-226-3164 ext. 2.

Nature's Colors

Saturday, July 1, 2 to 4 p.m.: Finding the Rainbow. Have you ever observed how many colors there are in the natural world around you? Do you think you can find all the colors of the rainbow in the woods? For this family event, take a walk on the trails to see if you have the eye to spy all the colors. The event fee is $5 for Conservancy members or $10 for non-members. Children must be accompanied by an adult to attend the program.

Wildflower Women's Healing

Saturday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Wildflower Women’s Healing Circle with Marlaina Donato. Connect with your inner Source and the sacred feminine in a safe circle of loving souls. Spend two hours of joyful, meditative ceremony with Marlaina, beginning with a "medicine walk" before settling into a comfortable spot overlooking one of the Van Scott Nature Reserve ponds. The event fee is $10 for Conservancy members and $15 for non-members.

Mini-Macros

Saturday, July 8, 2 to 4 p.m.: Mini-Macros. Explore the life of the insects known as macroinvertebrates. These insects play a huge role in the aquatic ecosystem. This program will discuss the importance of these insects and how their variation can be an indicator of water quality. Participants will be going on a short walk down to a pond and stream to take a closer look at these aquatic macros. Please wear proper footwear and clothing that you are willing to get wet. Closed-toed shoes are required for this event as you may be walking in water and mud. The event fee is $5 for Conservancy members or $10 for non-members. Children must be accompanied by an adult to attend the program.

Edible, Medicinal Plant Walk

Saturday, July 15, 1 to 4 p.m.: Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk with The Botanical Hiker. Join certified herbalist Heather Houskeeper, aka the Botanical Hiker, in exploring the array of edible and medicinal plants at the Van Scott Nature Reserve. Heather will provide methods for correct identification, harvest and preparation. Many of these plants are easy to recognize and may be found in your own backyard or on other favorite trails. Learn how to transform our regional plants into delicious snacks and valuable home remedies. The walk will be easy to moderate in nature with many stops along the way to meet the plants. The event fee is $5 for Conservancy members and $10 for non-members.

Tranquility Circle

Saturday, July 29, 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Tranquility Circle with Tibetan Singing Bowls with Marlaina Donato. Bring a chair, pillow or blanket and join Marlaina for an hour and a half of easy, guided relaxation meditations, breathwork, and segments of sound healing while soaking up the beauty of the meadows at the Van Scott Nature Reserve. All adults are welcome. The event fee is $10 for Conservancy members and $15 for non-members.

Cyanotype Art

Saturday, July 29, 2 to 3 p.m.: Cyanotype Art. Join the Delaware Highlands Conservancy to learn about Cyanotype fabric and how to use it. Enjoy some outdoor exploration and create your own nature imprints to take home with you. The event fee is $10 for Conservancy members or $15 for non-members. Children must be accompanied by an adult to attend the program.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy works in partnership with landowners and communities to protect the natural heritage and quality of life of the Upper Delaware River region. For more information, call 570-226-3164/845-583-1010 or visit DelawareHighlands.org.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Explore meditation, insects, plants, more at Conservancy events