Fern Hollow Nature Center

Winter Explorers
2026-03-12 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-03-05 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-26 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-19 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-12 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-02-05 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-22 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-15 09:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) and 1 more date | The Ohio Township Community Park, 325 Nicholson Rd, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143, United States
The 10-week drop-off program for bathroom-independent pre-schoolers ages 3-6 starts January 8th, 2026. All sessions will take place at The Ohio Township Community Park at 325 Nicholson Rd, Sewickley, PA 15143, while we prepare for our renovation. A generous grant from the Union Aid Society is available to provide financial assistance to Quaker Valley School District residents in need.
Due to attendance, all Explorers sessions will meet on Thursdays from 9:30am-12:00pm.
Each week of Explorers is a unique blend of hikes, nature lessons, and play that also foster early learning skills using the natural world, but with content geared towards older Preschool and Kindergarten-aged children. All explorers must be fully bathroom independent.
Children should come dressed according to the weather, bring a reusable water bottle, and a nut-free snack. Different variations of this program are offered throughout the year, providing unique experiences tailored to the changing seasons.
Member Fee
$315 for all 10 sessions or $35 per session
Public Fee
$365 for all 10 sessions or $41 per session
Register Here!

Houseplant Propagation Workshop
2026-03-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Rd, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143, United States
Explore the many ways to propagate houseplants in this hands-on workshop. Make your own leaf cuttings, learn how to air layer tropical plants and graft cacti in this fun and informative program.
Member Fee; $20
Public Fee: $26
Register Here!

Fiddlehead Homeschool
2026-03-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Sewickley Heights Borough Park, Hallaway Road, Sewickley, 15143
Pennsylvania Frogs and Salamanders

Our science programs encourage kids to get outside and explore nature through hands-on, engaging activities. To cultivate a sense of community and allow for students to develop meaningful social connections, homeschool families are invited to stay and have lunch on the grounds after dismissal.Bring a picnic or snack and explore.

Maple Magic: The Sweet Science of Maple Sugaring
2026-02-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Road, sewickley, PA, 15143, United States
Join Fern Hollow staff as we learn about the history and science of maple sugaring! Discover how the process of Maple Sugaring has changed over time and has been perfected into a science. This program is intended for all ages, but youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
This program blends American history, botany, chemistry, and physics into a fun, hands-on, and tasty experience. Try Fern Hollow’s exclusive “Sugar Maker’s Sundae” and spend the morning learning the importance of maple trees in Pennsylvania.
Register Here!

Fern Hollow at the YMCA
2026-02-27 13:00 - 15:00 | The Y, 625 Blackburn Road, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143, United States
Fern Hollow is excited to announce our partnership with the Sewickley YMCA. Our educators will provide 2 hours of nature-based programming at the Y on this Quaker Valley in-service days from 1:00-3:00pm.
The program is intended for grades K–5th.
Contact the YMCA to register!
Click Here For More Information!

Quaker Valley Creekers Middle School
2026-02-18 15:00 - 16:30 | PA
Vernal Pools
Quaker Valley Middle School Room 308
3:05-4:40pm

Fiddlehead Homeschool: Fossil Mania!
2026-02-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Road, sewickley, PA, 15143, United States
Dive into a world of discovery with our lively environmental education program on fossils! Explore fascinating fossils from all over the globe, learn about ancient creatures, and uncover the secrets of our planet’s past.
This hands-on adventure is packed with interactive activities, making learning about fossils as fun as it is educational. This program is intended for children grades K-5th!
Member Fee: $16
Public Fee: $21
Register Here!

Pruning & Planting 101
2026-02-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Rd, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143, United States
Take the guesswork out of pruning and planting. When do I prune my hydrangeas? Where do I cut the branch on my dogwood? How large do I dig the planting hole? Discover how botany can help answer all these questions, and more!
Member: $7
Public: $10
Register Here!

Frosty Forest Hike — Fiddlehead Club: Adventure Series
2026-02-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Tom’s Run Nature Preserve, Toms Run Rd, Kilbuck Township, Pennsylvania, 15143, United States
Homeschoolers will enjoy a fun, frosty walk through Tom’s Run Nature Reserve, exploring gentle trails, tall trees, and the quiet beauty of the winter woods.
Register Here!

Pop-Up: Snowshoe Hike
2026-02-06 16:30 - 18:00 | Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Road, sewickley, PA, 15143, United States
In this drop-off program, kids are invited to join us for some after-school winter fun! We’ll learn a few basics about snowshoeing and then try it out ourselves in a unique chance to explore the meadow and Fern Hollow grounds on a guided hike!
No experience required. Snowshoes will be available for participants to borrow, or personal ones are welcome. Please note that children should be dressed and prepared to spend an extended period outside.
Learn More!

Fiddlehead Homeschool
2026-02-06 10:00 - 12:00 | The Ohio Township Community Park, 325 Nicholson Rd, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143, United States
Winter Sowing

Our science programs encourage kids to get outside and explore nature through hands-on, engaging activities. To cultivate a sense of community and allow for students to develop meaningful social connections, homeschool families are invited to stay and have lunch on the grounds after dismissal.Bring a picnic or snack and explore.

Park Play & Bonfire Warm-Up — Fiddlehead Club: Adventure Series
2026-02-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Mary Roberts Rinehart Nature Park, 1400 Beaver St, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143
Have fun playing in Mary Roberts Rinehart Park, exploring the open spaces, and enjoying outdoor activities. Afterward, gather around the cozy bonfire to warm up, relax, and share time with friends.
Register Here!

Quaker Valley Community Seed Swap
2026-01-31 10:00 - 13:00 | Sewickley Public Library, 500 Thorn St, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143
Quaker Valley Community Seed Swap
January 31, 2026 | 10am-1pm | Sewickley Public Library

Fern Hollow Nature Center and Sewickley Public Library are excited to invite the Quaker Valley community to celebrate National Seed Swap Day with us! Bring your extra seeds, to swap or trade, and discover some new varieties for your garden.
Learn more from representatives of local organizations such as Big Sewickley Creek Watershed Association, Little Sewickley Creek Watershed Association, PA Master Gardeners, PA Master Naturalists, PA Master Watershed Stewards and others!
This event is FREE to all attendees participating in the swap. Just getting started? No problem- those without items to contribute can still take part with a donation in the amount of their choosing. (Proceeds to benefit local non-profits)
What can be swapped?
Seeds: ideally in pre-portioned envelopes or bags; please include any important info such as crop type, variety, year grown, etc.
Plants: extra plants, cuttings, or bulbs
Tools or Books: hand tools and pots, or other smaller gardening supplies; garden-related guides or books

Register Here!

Winter Explorers - CANCELLED
2026-01-29 09:30 - 12:00 | The Ohio Township Community Park, 325 Nicholson Rd, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143, United States
This session of Explorers has been cancelled due to inclement weather and poor conditions. This event will be rescheduled to March 19th.

Winter Wonderland Hike — Fiddlehead Club: Adventure Series
2026-01-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Audubon Greenway Conservation Area of Allegheny Land Trust, Magee Rd, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143, United States
Enjoy a calm winter walk through quiet woods and open meadows. Children will explore easy trails, listen for birds, and spot signs of wildlife while noticing how nature changes in winter.
Register Here!

Winter Birding Hike — Fiddlehead Club: Adventure Series
2026-01-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Rd, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143, United States
Bundle up and join us for a winter birding adventure in Sewickley Heights Borough Park! We’ll take an easy hike along peaceful forest trails as we listen for chirps and calls and try to spot bright red cardinals, fluffy chickadees, and other cold-weather birds.
Register Here!

Winter Birding for Kids
2026-01-19 10:00 - 12:00 | The Ohio Township Community Park, 325 Nicholson Rd, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143, United States
Join the Fiddlehead Club for a day off from school to learn about winter birds in Pennsylvania. During this program, we will explore the different bird species that visit our area in winter, including dark-eyed juncos. Participants will create their own winter bird feeders using suet, go bird watching, and take a hike on the trail to look for signs of birds.

Member Fee
$20

Public Fee
$26

Register Here!

Gardening for Birds, Bees and Butterflies
2026-01-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Road, sewickley, PA, 15143, United States
Learn how to incorporate native plants into your garden to attract birds, bees & butterflies! Wildlife depends on plants for food, habitat and protection. Choosing the right plants and increasing biodiversity is key to your success. Join us for an interactive presentation.
Janel Morrison is Fern Hollow Nature Center’s Naturalist and has been instructing adult horticulture students at Bidwell Training Center for 14 years including topics such as plant propagation, greenhouse production, specialty crops and plant industry operations.
Member Fee: $7
Public Fee: $10
Register Here!

Quaker Valley Creekers Middle School
2026-01-14 15:00 - 16:30 | PA
Winter Bird Count
Quaker Valley Middle School Room 308
3:05-4:40pm

Fiddlehead Homeschool
2026-01-09 10:00 - 12:00 | The Ohio Township Community Park, 325 Nicholson Rd, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, 15143, United States
Winter Birds of Pennsylvania

Our science programs encourage kids to get outside and explore nature through hands-on, engaging activities. To cultivate a sense of community and allow for students to develop meaningful social connections, homeschool families are invited to stay and have lunch on the grounds after dismissal.Bring a picnic or snack and explore.

Fern Hollow Office Closed
2025-12-24 - 2026-01-01 | Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Road, sewickley, PA, 15143, United States
We will be closed for the holiday season! Please call us or email us with any questions!
Phone: 412-741-6136
Email: info@fhnc.org

Quaker Valley Creekers High School
2025-12-16 15:00 - 16:30 | CVHS Libraru
Microplastics and Ripples of Plastic viewing at Quaker Valley High School Library (mandatory)
