Only in Bucks County: Silver Lake Nature Center

 

Did you ever go to a new place and it's so new to you that you feel like you might not belong, but then you keep visiting it... and visiting it... and it becomes YOURS? This happens to me a lot!

Most recently with Silver Lake Nature Center. 

While we kayaked there a couple of times this summer (lots of lily pads to navigate through- it was fun!) I hadn't actually walked the trails or visited the Nature Center itself until this past Fall. We took the dog and the grandkids hiking and exploring throughout October and November, always choosing a different trail. The lake is so peaceful (really, it will calm you within seconds), and the winding trails are so pretty.

The trail is about 4 and a half miles long. The half mile closest to the main parking lot by the lake is wheelchair accessible (or stroller accessible). The entire nature reserve is a very family friendly place, with lots of benches, overlooks along the way, and a play area for the kids. They offer fun special events for children and adult nature-lovers, and nature trips to other parks throughout the year.

                                                                              

            

  

The Earthship is a really cool building on the premises that was constructed over the past few years. It is totally self sustainable and made of 100 percent recycled materials including sea glass and used tires! It is basically a model of how humans can live with a zero carbon footprint. 

Free public tours are available! If you would like to schedule your own group’s (one-hour) tour of the Earthship & Trails, the cost is $60 for up to 10 people.

The address of Silver Lake Nature Center is:

1306 Bath Road

Bristol, PA 19007 

Make sure you end your hike at the Visitor Center and meet the resident critters!

Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, 

to climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods.

~ John Muir

Only in Bucks County: Sayonara Winter!

Spring is trying to spring here in Yardley.
The trees have few buds yet, but the grass is turning green, we've had a few nice days and I think the phrases "bitter cold; thirteen inches of snow; heavy ice cover; power failure; and slippery mess" are out of my vocabulary for a while at least.
Although it was very difficult to get out and explore while all of Bucks County was hammered with ice and repeated snowfalls, I did snap a few photos this winter that I really like; although I doubt I'll ever look back at the season fondly...

Core Creek Park, Langhorne.

Riding around with the top down again with my new best friend,

 WHAT A DIFFERENCE A FEW MONTHS  MAKES!

Only in Bucks County: Nor'wester Readers

I'm happy to announce that I'm going to be volunteering my Twitter skills to another Bucks County Non Profit!

I really enjoyed helping to bring attention to Reuseyourshoes via Twitter, and I have a ton of fun being on The United Way of Bucks County's Twitter Corps, so I decided that no matter how busy I am, I'd always like to donate my time and skills to a local cause. I am pleased to tell you that the organization I've chosen is called Nor'wester Readers.

I was first introduced to this organization in 2011 when I was asked to photograph one of their events by Northampton Patch.

I was re-introduced this past Spring, when I took Cody to their  Annual Dog Walk and Family Fair.
It was an extremely well organized, family friendly event. That evening, I sent my photos to Founder Wendi Huttner, and... well.... you already know what happened from there.
After a few meetings with Wendi and Co-Director Deborah Glessner, I hopped on board to set up an account and become their voice on Twitter. I am still learning about the program, which is not just about kids reading to dogs; Nor'wester Readers is a well-thought-out and well-researched Canine Assisted Learning Program. 

Their goal is to provide certified therapy dogs to work with area teachers to build and support student motivation; and to improve student self esteem, confidence, and focus.
 

My goal is to bring awareness to this wonderful organization and its need for more registered therapy dogs. (There is literally a waiting list of teachers in Bucks County - especially Pennsbury School District and Bensalem Township - who have requested a dog for their classroom)
 

To begin to understand more about the program, I joined Debbie at the Northampton Free Library this week to see some of the dogs in action!

 

 

Dogs make great listeners.

 

 

  

 A lot of the books the kids read to the dogs were ABOUT dogs.
                                (Dogs love this!)

 

                                    

                                       "97 Ways To Make a Dog Smile"
 

                                              Smilin'

 

 

 

 "Harry"

 

                                   

 

 

How Can You Help???

Nor'wester Readers needs more owners/handlers and their dogs to visit classrooms on a regular basis!
If you want to volunteer for a really worthwhile cause and own a great dog,
 or if you have a friend who has a great dog, all we ask is that you spread the word!

Here is a link on how to get your dog tested to become a Certified Therapy Dog:
http://www.norwesterreaders.org/therapy-dog-testing.html

When was the last time YOU curled up with a good book...
...and a good dog?

 

Please follow us on Twitter @NorwesterReader