7 Unique Events At Norristown Farm Park This Summer

Norristown Farm Park will host seven events this July and August that provide the local community an opportunity to experience and learn more about Montgomery County ecology.

1. Ladybugs and Lots More

Thursday, July 9th at 10:00 am

Take a closer look at ladybug beetles and other insects at this fun and informative program. We’ll use magnifiers to see the tiny features and adaptations of these amazing creatures. Make an insect craft to take home. Ages: 3 and up with an adult; $5.00 per child; pre-registration required. Meet at the pavilions.

2. Knee Deep in the Creek

Sunday, July 12th at 1:00 pm

Note: This event takes place at Lorimer Park.

We’re going to explore two steams to see what is living in them. There should be a great variety of aquatic insects (usually in a larval or nymph stage), as well as fish and some amphibian species. All will be released unharmed. Wear water shoes or old sneakers. You will be getting wet! Ages: adults and children 5 and up; free; pre-registration required. Meet at the bridge over Harper’s Run.

3. Natural History Walk

Sunday, July 26th at 6:00 pm
Join Ranger Mike on a nature walk in the early evening. Learn about the animals that live in the park, especially the ones that are rarely seen. The topic of forest ecology will be covered as well. Bring binoculars if you have them and wear your walking shoes. The walk will be about two miles. Ages: adults and children ages 7 and up; free; pre-registration required. Meet at the park office.

4. Milkweed and Monarchs

Sunday, August 2nd at 2:00 pm

Get a close-up look at the life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly. We’ll search for eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult butterflies in our fields. Learn about their host plant and discover some of the other popular insects in the milkweed community. Ages: adults and children 5 and up; free; pre-registration required. Meet in parking lot 3.

5. Dragons and Damsels

Sunday, August 16th at 2:00 pm

No, it’s not story book time. Dragonflies and damselflies represent an ancient order of insects that have been on earth since before the dinosaurs. We’ll learn about their life history, territorial behavior, and how to recognize individual species. If you have an insect net and a large bug jar, bring them along. Ages: adults and children 6 and up; free; pre-registration required. Meet in parking lot 3.

6. Butterflies and Bugs

Sunday, August 23rd at 2:00 pm
Note: this event is at Lorimer Park.

Come and explore the fascinating world of insects. After an introductory lesson, we’ll use clear bug boxes with magnifying lenses and field guides as we collect and identify insects in our butterfly garden. Learn the names and special adaptations of these amazing creatures. Ages: adults and children 3 and up; free; pre-registration required. Meet by the ranger hut.

7. Fins, Wings, and Other Creek Things

Sunday, August 30th at 2:00 pm

Explore Kepner Creek for aquatic wildlife. We should find insects, fish, and frogs. Learn to evaluate water quality using a biotic index. Wear water shoes or old sneakers & expect to get wet Ages: adults and children 5 and up; free; pre-registration required. Meet near the kiosk in parking lot #3.