What we’re about
The Valley Forge Audubon Society (VFAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society serving those residing in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Delaware and Chester Counties, and parts of Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. Our mission is to preserve birds, other wildlife, and their habitats by promoting appreciation and stewardship of the local natural environment through education and active participation. VFAS offers regular bird walks, hikes, events, and educational programs. Valley Forge Audubon Society is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the birding community and beyond. We are excited to bring the joys of birding – the fun of seeing or hearing birds, the social benefits of being part of a like-minded community, and the health and wellness benefits humans receive from spending time in nature – to “everyone and every body”, regardless of someone’s physical, mental, emotional, or societal challenges. Long-time birders, ‘fledgling’ birders, able-bodied birders, and those with disabilities and health concerns are all welcome at VFAS’s programs.
We offer a number of outings that are accessible for those with various access challenges and/or health concerns.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Harlequin Ducks and More at the Jersey Shore: Another EncoreBarnegat Lighthouse State Park, Barnegat Light, NJ
It is reliably cold…it is reliably blustery…but if you are a birder or bird photographer, a winter trip to Barnegat Light SP on the NJ shore is a must-do.
On last January's VFAS field trip we found plenty of the undisputed stars of the show: Harlequin Ducks - stunningly beautiful ducks that look like feathered paint-by-number projects. We also spotted Long-tailed Ducks, Surf and Black Scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers, Common Eiders, Red-throated and Common Loons, Great Cormorants, Bufflehead, and even two amazing Dovekies - pelagic birds rarely seen from shore. On the mile-long stone jetty and beach we encountered Purple and Least Sandpipers, Sanderlings, Dunlin, Black-bellied Plovers, Ruddy Turnstones, and a Willet - a shorebird very rarely observed here in the winter. In the dunes we found Snow Buntings, Brant, Bonaparte's Gulls, and Ipswich Sparrows. Once again, it was an amazing day.
What will this winter's trip bring? All we can guarantee is a cold day, great company, unique birds, and a good time. Even in winter, Barnegat Light is a fascinating place to experience and definitely worth the trip.
A restroom is available at the state park parking lot where we will meet. Bring binoculars; the guides will have spotting scopes available to share, but if you have one you may want to bring it. DRESS WARMLY – the wind can often be biting. (And that’s an understatement.)
After our walk we will head to a nearby eatery for warm food and camaraderie before venturing out again to a few other birding locations on the bay side of Long Beach Island. Please join us for any part of the day, or all of it.
NJDEP | Barnegat Lighthouse State Park | New Jersey State Park Service
Guides: multiple leaders
Organizer: Patty Werth
Photo credit: Jaime Thomas - taken at Barnegat in 2024 - Building For The Birds: An Event For YouthMedia Borough Community Center, Media, PA
We are thrilled to invite all youth ages 9 and up (and their adults) to join us for a fun-filled and educational event: Building For The Birds! This hands-on activity is designed to spark creativity, foster a love for nature, and provide valuable insights into the world of our feathered friends. Bird populations are declining due to habitat loss and other factors, but everyone can help - including youth - by making sure birds have safe places to nest each spring.
During this workshop, participants will work together to build nest boxes for several different bird species that will be installed in Newlin Grist Mill Park, including in the newly built wetland habitat. Participants will also have a chance to learn about bird identification, binocular use, bird biology and conservation, and explore bird-inspired art.
Kids, bring your adults and let's get building! Together, we can create a welcoming environment where birds can thrive.
Event location:
Media Borough Community Center
301 N. Jackson St.
Media, PA 19063Free program. Open to youth aged 9+ and accompanying adults. Pre-registration is required!
To register, please email Jessica Shahan at jshahan@newlingristmill.org
Please provide the number of youths, number of adults, and participant ages.Co-sponsored by:
Valley Forge Audubon Society
Bird Town Pennsylvania
Newlin Grist Mill
Garnet Valley High School Bird Club
